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A review by lilbanne
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
5.0
Update: I re-read the Guncle a few months after my first read. I love this book so much.
I loved the Guncle. I don't know where to start with this book. There aren't enough words of affirmation that I can give for this beautiful book. The Guncle was the first book I read by Steven Rowley, and I am hooked. There is a brilliance behind his writing that is gentle, warm, and inviting but also funny and quirky. I will re-read this book again and again because it has quickly become one of my favourite books.
The Guncle is about Patrick, a gay actor in his 40s living alone in Palm Springs. Patrick's best friend and sister-in-law passes away after a long battle with cancer, and Patrick takes his young niece and nephew in for the summer while his brother, who is deep in grief, also is battling an addiction and needs to seek treatment.
The relationship between Patrick and his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant, is heartwarming. The two affectionately call Patrick 'GUP' (Gay Uncle Patrick). Patrick's introduction of the 'Guncle Rules' adds a delightful humour to the story, making it a joy to read.
"Guncle Rule five, if a gay man hands you his phone, look only at what he's showing you. If it is a photo, don't swipe. And for god's sake, don't open any unfamiliar apps."
"Guncle Rule number seven: In this house, we wear what we want; it doesn't matter if it's for boys or girls. Anything goes, anything you want, so long as it doesn't have mean words printed on it and it's not making fun of anyone else. We don't worry about what others think. Deal?"
While the story is filled with love, it also delves deep into grief. I love how Rowley manages to handle the death of Sarah, Maisie and Grant's mother, as well as the loss of his partner, Joe, with such beauty and authenticity.
"Guncle Rule number eight: Live your life to the fullest every single day because every day is a gift. That's why people die. To teach us the importance of living."
The Guncle feels like a warm hug wrapping its arms around you when you need it most. Reading this book made me cry and smile and feel true love come through on the pages. I've read the book twice and can't wait to reread it.
I loved the Guncle. I don't know where to start with this book. There aren't enough words of affirmation that I can give for this beautiful book. The Guncle was the first book I read by Steven Rowley, and I am hooked. There is a brilliance behind his writing that is gentle, warm, and inviting but also funny and quirky. I will re-read this book again and again because it has quickly become one of my favourite books.
The Guncle is about Patrick, a gay actor in his 40s living alone in Palm Springs. Patrick's best friend and sister-in-law passes away after a long battle with cancer, and Patrick takes his young niece and nephew in for the summer while his brother, who is deep in grief, also is battling an addiction and needs to seek treatment.
The relationship between Patrick and his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant, is heartwarming. The two affectionately call Patrick 'GUP' (Gay Uncle Patrick). Patrick's introduction of the 'Guncle Rules' adds a delightful humour to the story, making it a joy to read.
"Guncle Rule five, if a gay man hands you his phone, look only at what he's showing you. If it is a photo, don't swipe. And for god's sake, don't open any unfamiliar apps."
"Guncle Rule number seven: In this house, we wear what we want; it doesn't matter if it's for boys or girls. Anything goes, anything you want, so long as it doesn't have mean words printed on it and it's not making fun of anyone else. We don't worry about what others think. Deal?"
While the story is filled with love, it also delves deep into grief. I love how Rowley manages to handle the death of Sarah, Maisie and Grant's mother, as well as the loss of his partner, Joe, with such beauty and authenticity.
"Guncle Rule number eight: Live your life to the fullest every single day because every day is a gift. That's why people die. To teach us the importance of living."
The Guncle feels like a warm hug wrapping its arms around you when you need it most. Reading this book made me cry and smile and feel true love come through on the pages. I've read the book twice and can't wait to reread it.