The Guncle by Steven Rowley

 

Title: The Guncle

Series: The Guncle

Author: Steven Rowley

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Genre: Contemporary, Humor

Source: audio, Chirp

Length: 11 hours and 23 minutes

Narrator: Steven Rowley

Synopsis

Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits, or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is honestly a bit out of his league.

So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting—even if temporary—isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.

Thoughts

"The Guncle" by Steven Rowley is a book that I found to be heartwarming, filled to the brim with pure happiness and genuine emotions. I was immediately drawn to the protagonist, Patrick, who is both sarcastic and smart. His unique sense of humor had me smiling throughout, and his strength and optimism in the face of his own grief were truly inspirational.

What resonated with me the most is the central theme of moving forward from grief, not by forgetting but by forming new relationships and creating fresh memories. This theme is beautifully woven into the narrative, making it a touching read that stirs the heart and soul.

The book is as humorous as it is heartfelt. I found myself laughing out loud at the witty banter and hilarious references. The humor, however, doesn't detract from the emotional depth of the story. Instead, it adds a layer of authenticity, making the characters and their experiences feel all the more real.

Speaking of the characters, they are fantastically well-developed. Each character feels distinct and real, with their own personalities and quirks. I particularly adored the relationship between Uncle Patrick and his niece Maisie and nephew Grant. The dynamics of their relationship are wonderfully fleshed out, making their interactions a joy to read.

The depiction of grief in this book is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It was profoundly moving to see Patrick, Maisie, and Grant navigate through their grief at losing Sarah, who was not only Patrick's best friend and sister-in-law but also Maisie and Grant's mother. The portrayal of their grief is honest and raw, making it incredibly relatable. As someone who has experienced the loss of loved ones myself, I found this depiction to be a poignant, sweet, and endearing touch that hit close to home.

I adored listening the narration as read by the author. He really brought Patrick’s personality to life, making him an even more endearing character. I feel that there’s no better way to experience the humor and emotion of this story than by listening to the author read their story.

In conclusion, "The Guncle" is a deeply touching and humorous book that beautifully explores themes of grief, family, and love. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, it will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.