The Guncle by Steven Rowley

☆☆☆☆☆
.ePUB, 305 pages
Expected Publication: May 25th 2021 by PENGUIN GROUP/G.P. Putnam's Sons

About the Book:
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.

My Review:

It was a release, a ray of sunshine bursting through the dark cloud they’d been under.

That quote is exactly how this book made me feel. ♥️

This book was illuminating, compassionate, warm and wonderful. It felt so real and the situation it described, was written with intelligence and insight. But it did it with humour, love and honesty. The kids in this book were a delight and the Guncle's (Gay Uncle or GUP Gay Uncle Patrick) responses were hilarious. The best part was that not only did Patrick help the kids, I think the kids helped Patrick just as much.

What surprised me most was how this book was also heartbreaking and touching. Losing a parent is hard, losing a parent and having to move across the country to stay with your Uncle (while your dad is in rehab) is unimaginable. But Patrick handles it in the best way he can. I sure could have used an Uncle Patrick growing up. Brilliantly written, heartfelt, funny and challenging this book is getting All. The. Stars.

That’s Guncle with a “G” not Uncle with a “U,”

’cause Uncle with a “U” goes UUH not GUH . 

It’s “GUN” instead of “UN,” “‘CLE” instead of “CLEE.” 

It’s as simple as can be . . . GUNCLE.

Disclosure:
Thank you NetGalley, Steven Rowley and PENGUIN GROUP/G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

#TheGuncle #NetGalley