A review by sfbookgirl
The Guncle by Steven Rowley

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-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

5.0

This book is an absolute delight! I picked up The Guncle at a Little Free Library while walking around Oakland last week and was beside myself that I managed to score the book everyone has been talking about this summer. Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP) is a semi-retired sit-com artist who resides in the very warm, but beautiful Palm Springs. When Patrick’s sister-in-law tragically dies of cancer, Patrick is asked to take care of her children, Maisie and Grant, for a couple of months while Grant’s brother deals with some health issues of his own. 
 
GUP, while unfamiliar with all-things children, easily falls into of a pattern with Maisie and Grant that involves  slathering on sunscreen, answering obscure questions, and taking the two kids to see the sights of the desert. Through this experience, Patrick learns to grapple with his own grief while helping Maisie and Grant understand the grief and loss of their mother. This sweet, touching novel is one I will cherish and is perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea.
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