In 'The Guncle', Steven Rowley introduces us to Patrick, a gay former TV star whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the guardian of his late best friend's children. As he navigates the chaos of parenting while grappling with his own grief and insecurities, Patrick discovers the transformative power of love and connection. The story is a heartfelt blend of humor and poignancy, showcasing the importance of family in all its forms. Through witty dialogue and relatable struggles, Rowley invites readers to laugh and cry alongside his unique characters. Will Patrick rise to the challenge of being both a glamorous uncle and a nurturing guardian?
By Steven Rowley
Published: 2021
""Sometimes, you don’t choose the family you need, but the family you end up with is the one that can love you in all your messy, imperfect glory.""
National Bestseller • Wall Street Journal Bestseller • USA Today Bestseller An NPR Book of the Year Finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor Finalist for the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer. 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.
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“"Sometimes, you don’t choose the family you need, but the family you end up with is the one that can love you in all your messy, imperfect glory."”
The Guncle
By Steven Rowley
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Steven Rowley is an accomplished author known for his poignant and heartfelt storytelling. His notable works include the bestselling novel "Lily and the Octopus," which received widespread acclaim for its blend of humor and emotion, as well as "The Editor," praised for its exploration of the relationship between an author and their editor. Rowley’s writing often highlights themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for creating relatable characters, he crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
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