The Guncle

Author: Steven Rowley
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group, 2021
Pages: 336
Rating: Highly Recommend 

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 week long 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 do, 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 la
rger than life means you're unfailingly human.

Review: I expected this to be over-the-top and silly, but it surprised me by being heart felt and with some depth. Really a cute novel. This author knows kids, and I'm sure anecdotes he's picked up from the children in his life were woven into this story.