Dennis's Reviews > The Guncle

The Guncle by Steven  Rowley
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really liked it
bookshelves: lgbt, drama, family-drama, coming-of-age, comedy, humor, gay

Can a book be a coming of age story if the main character is already grown up? Steven Rowley's upcoming dramedy novel, The Guncle is infectiously adorable. The story is centered around Patrick, a famous actor from a long running television show. He is able to live his private life in Palm Springs, living off the show's residuals and success. Living freely and doing whatever he wants, Patrick suddenly gets thrown into temporary guardianship when his brother's wife (and his best friend) dies of cancer. Patrick's life immediately changes when he brings his niece Maisie and his nephew Grant home with him for the summer.

Patrick's self indulgent, Peter Pan like mentality must immediately pivot for the sake of the kids, and what we get is a roller coaster of hilarity. At times cringeworthy cute, this book will warm even the coldest of hearts. I can literally picture a friend or two of mine having the same internal dilemma that Patrick faces in this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the laughs. This book is not all comedy, we are navigated a new frontier for someone who is ill-equipped to handle children. This book does dive into serious subjects, and isn't afraid to talk about grief, sexuality, romance, marriage, and family. I had a fun time with this one and really can picture it being a television series or movie.
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Reading Progress

December 16, 2020 – Shelved
December 16, 2020 – Shelved as: to-read
April 7, 2021 – Started Reading
April 8, 2021 – Shelved as: lgbt
April 8, 2021 – Shelved as: drama
April 8, 2021 – Shelved as: family-drama
April 8, 2021 – Shelved as: coming-of-age
April 8, 2021 – Shelved as: comedy
April 8, 2021 – Shelved as: humor
April 8, 2021 – Finished Reading
May 26, 2021 – Shelved as: gay

Comments Showing 1-4 of 4 (4 new)

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Corina Glad you loved it Dennis :D


Michelle Excellent review, Dennis! 💛 I can't wait to read this one!


Mara Gold Infectiously adorable is the perfect description! I’m listing to the audio version and was ready to write it off as not for me after the first few minutes. After giving it another chance, it really started to grow on me. Light and fluffy with a serious back story. I’m enjoying it a lot!


Margaux B Great point! It was a coming of age story of an adult (Patrick). Loved your review!


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