Here’s the thing about fiction… you don’t know what you’re going to get. Fiction without a qualifier (like romance, fantasy, mystery etc.) is basically leaping without a net. Are you going to cry? Laugh? Scream? who knows? That was the case with me and The Guncle.
This story follows along GUP, aka Gay Uncle Patrick, to Maisie and Grant as they live together the summer after tragedy hits the family. Patrick never expected to take on the role of guardian for his niece and nephew but after his sister-in-law/ best friend (Maisie and Grant’s mother) passes away and his brother (Maisie and Grant’s father) checks into rehab… here the kids were. And they didn’t even know what brunch was!
This book is well loved online and I can definitely see why people recommend it so whole-heartedly. The writing is fantastic, navigating the ins and outs of grief, and I could totally see myself chilling my the pool with the main characters laughing at the sassy quips (including the kids!). For me, while the story was heartwarming, it was a bit slow. There’s not a lot of action and mostly deals with relationships which I like but get bored with. Maybe I’m not intellectual enough for this type of entertainment? (Thanks a lot instant gratification!). This said, I would still recommend this book to friends.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars
Format: Audiobook
Themes: Grief, LGBTQ+ 🏳️🌈
Read this if you like: A martini, sarcasm and old Hollywood references! Also, if you need some grief catharsis ❤️🩹
My Rating System
⭐️ – I did not like this book and generally would not recommend it.
⭐️⭐️ – This book was oook, but I felt pretty meh about it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – This book was average. Didn’t love some parts but I still liked it overall.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I really liked this book and will definitely recommend it to friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I’m shouting this book’s praises from the rooftops! I loved it!
💫 – Half star
📖 One More Page Book Club pick of the month!
