A review by megatza
The Guncle by Steven Rowley

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Patrick’s dear friend and sister-in-law, Sara, has just passed away and in the wake of her death, his brother Greg admits to a drug problem and asks if he can take their kids for the three months while he is in rehab. Grief stricken Maisie and Grant are reluctant to leave what they know in Connecticut to live with GUP - Gay Uncle Patrick - in Palm Springs for the summer. Patrick is wholly unprepared to deal with his niece and nephew. Or his sister. Or his brother. Or his semi-retirement. Or his lingering grief over his own lost lover. And yet, human resilience shines through in this delightful novel, as we spend our summer with Guncle Patrick. 

I knew very little about this book other than that it was getting rave reviews and has had some of the best cover recreations. Laugh out loud funny, this lovely novel is a lighthearted and yet still serious approach to confronting grief. Steven Rowley captures the glamorous yet lonely ex-Hollywood world Patrick inhabits with a light touch - from the agent to the neighbors to the ridiculous house and the unused Tesla. This book provides warmth, sadness, strength, and support. I absolutely recommend it.

 
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