June Selection: “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley

Here’s a few thoughts I have right now as I ponder what to read next:

  1. Once in a while I need to escape the reality of the world and lose myself in a feel-good story and I’m feeling that now.
  2. The weather this weekend has me feeling summer vibes – in my opinion, reading by the pool, lake or ocean calls for light reads and bubbly drinks.
  3. June is pride month! Think rainbows, hearts and being your true self.  And of course, pick up a book that supports all these things.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley checks off all the boxes for a perfect June book selection!  Pick up your copy (I mean – the cover itself is enough to make you smile) and read with us this month!

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. 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.

Steven Rowley’s wit and charm are off the charts and on full display in his third novel, The Guncle.  It is mostly light and funny but there is also a thought provoking side of the book about grief and second chances. The characters are all well developed and will stay with you after you put the book down.  Patrick O’Hara, a former gay TV star, lives as a recluse in Palm Springs until tragedy strikes and his niece and nephew (ages 9 and 6) move in for the summer. Unique wisdom, technicolor joy and tender healing ensue. Read this when you are in the mood for an exuberant, clever and heartwarming story that co-mingles humor and grief. Our book reviewer, Tara, loved this book so much that she bought a purple caftan to match the title character. If you liked The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, Give this one a try. Best paired with bottomless mimosas with just a whisper of juice.

We hope you will read with us this month!  The Guncle will be 10% off at Aesop’s Fable during the month of June. https://aesopsfable.com/products/the-guncle?_pos=1&_sid=5dc04b7f7&_ss=r