It’s breezy and fun-Patrick really does serve as that cool uncle everyone wants. I loved the dynamic between Patrick and his niece and nephew. While he expected to teach the kids all kinds of lessons, he learns about what is really important and also how to move forward. And he also hasn’t processed all the losses in his life, including that of his great love several years back. While daunted, he has a handy list of jokes and Guncle rules to try and keep it lighthearted and hopefully distract them from their grief.īut he soon learns he’s in over his head with taking care of children. Patrick is then asked to take in his niece and nephew for the summer. But tragedy strikes his family-his sister-in-law passes away from cancer and his brother is dealing with a health crisis. He’s been somewhat hiding out in Palm Springs where he lives an easy life. Patrick, also known as Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP), is a famous actor who stepped away from the spotlight. I was actually about to start a heavy book when I decided this was the right time for The Guncle. But I have also found myself quite disappointed as many books are very heavy with little payoff. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some wonderful books. I also read The Guncle at just the right time-I haven’t loved a lot of books I’ve read this year. Just like I did with his previous novel, The Editor. It sounds so cliche but I truly laughed and got teary eyed at many parts of The Guncle. But seriously, there is just something about his writing-the way he crafts humor and heart all on the same page. That was an easy and quick review, right? Haha. So you should just go ahead and buy all his books now. He regrets his decision to take them in, until he starts to recognize that his outsize lifestyle and unusual life wisdom could bring about a season of healing that redefines their understanding of family, and finally lead Patrick back to himself.Steven Rowley is one of my favorite authors! I just absolutely adore all his stories. Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his own great love and managing a stalled career. But when tragedy strikes, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian.

His Palm Springs home and reclusive lifestyle aren’t exactly welcoming to children. Patrick O’Hara has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant - from a safe distance. From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley