The Guncle

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis (from Amazon):  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, overwhelmed. 

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 acting 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. 

With the humor and heart we've come to expect from bestselling author Steven Rowley, The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  The Guncle is another book I wish I had put on the "What's in Your Beach Bag?" summer reading list.  I loved it. First book I have ever read by Steven Rowley and it will not be last.  This was another book I kept seeing on must read lists and in top 20 books of the summer articles. Now I know why!

Patrick or GUP as he is know is an amazing man going through his own set of problems and anxiety when his sister-in-law dies and his brother checks himself into rehab. Maisie and Grant, Patrick's niece and nephew all of sudden are in his care.  He doesn't even know how to take care of dog. The lessons they all learn are amazing.

The Guncle will have in tears for two reasons - it is hilarious and gut-wrenching sad. I absolutely loved this book (and would have loved to have had a GUP in my life). A must read - no doubt about it.

Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, The Editor and The Guncle. His fiction has been translated in twenty languages. He lives in Palm Springs.

Amazon