Read It Or List It: Interview with Steven Rowley & Review of The Guncle
I am so excited for today’s episode of Read It Or List It! One of my most anticipated books of the year was The Guncle by Steven Rowley and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with him on the podcast! This is definitely going to be one of my favorite books of the year.
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, 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.
What I Liked:
The Balance Between Heart & Humor—This book has laugh out loud moments and moments that made me tear up instantly. I just loved how smart and soft this story was and I think it could resonate with so many people.
The Characters—Patrick is a delight with his quick wit and openness. Maisie and Grant could only bring a smile to my face and really reminded me of how magical childhood is. We’re lucky to have a village of friends that I know will make our future family feel that magic.
The Commentary on Grief—There are so many different versions of grief represented in this story but they are all validated. Whether you’ve lost a friend, parent, marriage, partner, or dream, I think you’ll find something in this book to anchor your feelings.
What Didn’t Work:
There are brief moments of callous language, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book!
TW/CW: grief; loss of a parent; loss of a spouse; car accident; death; cancer; addiction
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Steam Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 5/5