Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Title: The Guncle
Author: Steven Rowley
Genre: LGBT Fiction
Author Info: He / Him
Setting: Connecticut / Palm Springs, California
Month Read: June 2021
Book Type: Hardcover
Publication: 2021
Pages: 336
TRIGGER WARNING-
Grief / Cancer / Sexual Themes / Substance Abuse
"Grief orbits the heart. Some days the circle is greater. Those are the good days. You have room to move and dance and breathe. Some days the circle is tighter. Those are the hard ones."
No Spoiler Summary:
The Guncle is a novel about Patrick (aka Gay Uncle Patrick aka GUP) who reluctantly takes in his niece and nephew after their mother's death and father's admittance to rehab for substance abuse. Spirited away from Connecticut to sunny Palm Springs, California life changes for the siblings, and for recluse Patrick. All 3 spend a summer working their way through grief, and having a summer filled with love, fun, and pink Christmas Trees.
Patrick has a list of 'Guncle Rules' for the kids to follow, and realizes that even the best improv-ed plans can't fix everything. While taking care of the kids, Patrick realizes it's time to get back to real life, and get himself out of the grief he's been experiencing since losing his partner, and now losing his best friend.
Review:
I'm obsessed with this book, and am SO glad I picked it up on my trip to RJ Julia's in Madison, Connecticut. I adored every character in this book, even the ones I wanted to hate so badly. I thought the way Steven Rowley talked about grief was beautiful, and funny, and poignant.
I always squeal when a book is set in Connecticut, as I'm sure most people do with their home state - but also have to laugh when facts are so, so wrong. The Hartford Airport made me giggle (Bradley is in Windsor Locks), but I liked the brief nod to UCONN, and a few other little fun tidbits (like our THRIVING coastal theater community!)
I wish we got more of some of the minor characters, but also understand that this book was about Patrick, Maisie, and Grant before it was about anyone else. (Justice for Emory!!!!) I was surprised by how much I laughed at this book, and very surprised the couple times it brought me to tears. It's such a beautiful novel, and I HIGHLY recommend everyone grab a copy and strap in for the emotional rollercoaster.
Recommendation:
"He never wanted other people to see the sadness. He was so afraid people wouldn’t laugh if everyone knew how twisted he looked on the inside."
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