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A review by bandysbooks
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Guncle is a bittersweet story about a man named Patrick who is thrust headfirst into caring for his niece and nephew after tragedy strikes their family. Due to his own personal experience with tragedy, he seems to be just the right person to help the children through their experience. There’s only one problem. He doesn’t know how to care for children long term.
Patrick, or GUP (Gay Uncle Pat) as the kids call him, is initially a bit out of his depths, but quickly starts to figure out how to be a good fill-in parent. The relationship he builds with them is so sweet and at times sassy. I loved reading his interactions with his niece and nephew. There were moments that were light, like when he teaches them about brunch and moments that are heavier, when he is helping them through their grief. Either way, genuine love comes through.
I also appreciated that there was depth in Patrick’s story. While he’s a relatively famous actor and well-off, he has experienced some hard things that affect where he’s at in life. I love that as he helps the kids heal, he starts to recognize things within himself as well.
My only real critique is just that at points I wish the story had gone just a tiny bit deeper. But I think the goal was for this to be more of a feel-good story, which it definitely was.
All in all, if you want a sweet, easy read about family learning to love and accept each other, this is the book for you.
Patrick, or GUP (Gay Uncle Pat) as the kids call him, is initially a bit out of his depths, but quickly starts to figure out how to be a good fill-in parent. The relationship he builds with them is so sweet and at times sassy. I loved reading his interactions with his niece and nephew. There were moments that were light, like when he teaches them about brunch and moments that are heavier, when he is helping them through their grief. Either way, genuine love comes through.
I also appreciated that there was depth in Patrick’s story. While he’s a relatively famous actor and well-off, he has experienced some hard things that affect where he’s at in life. I love that as he helps the kids heal, he starts to recognize things within himself as well.
My only real critique is just that at points I wish the story had gone just a tiny bit deeper. But I think the goal was for this to be more of a feel-good story, which it definitely was.
All in all, if you want a sweet, easy read about family learning to love and accept each other, this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia