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The Guncle cover art

The Guncle

Written by: Steven Rowley
Narrated by: Steven Rowley
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Publisher's Summary

Winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor

National Bestseller • Wall Street Journal Bestseller • USA Today Bestseller

An NPR Book of the Year

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.

©2020 Steven Rowley (P)2020 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

One of:

Oprah Daily's Best Beach Reads to Help You Escape

Washington Post’s Feel-Good Books to Brighten Your Summer

CBS' 12 Perfect Summer Beach Reads for 2021

Vogue's 12 Beach Reads to Get Lost in This Summer

Real Simple’s Blockbuster Beach Reads

Country Living’s 32 Can’t-Miss Beach Reads for This Summer

Southern Living’s Beach Reads Perfect for Summer 2021

Bustle's 40 Best New Books to Read This May

E! News' 18 Best Books to Check Out in May

PopSugar’s 45 Best Summer Reads of 2021

USA Today’s 5 Books Not to Miss

CNN’s 20 Books That Are Essential Reading This Pride Month

Reader's Digest's 75 Best Summer Reads of All Time

Parade’s 15 New LGBTQ+ Books to Pick Up This Summer

New York Post’s 30 Best Books on Our Summer Reading List

iHeart Radio’s 15 Best Beach Reads for Summer 2021

Christian Science Monitor's Best Books of May

PureWow’s 10 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in May

Travel & Leisure's Most Anticipated Books of Summer

Women.com's Most Anticipated Summer Beach Reads

SheKnows’ 20 New Books You Need to Add to Your Summer Reading List

Scary Mommy’s Most Anticipated Books of Summer

Frolic's 25 Best Books of Spring 2021

Brit + Co’s 17 Beach Reads That Make the Perfect Summer Escape

NewNowNext's 17 Exciting Queer Books to Savor This Summer

Bibliolifestyle's Quintessential Summer 2021 Beach Reads

LAMBDA Literary's Most Anticipated LGBTQ Literature of May

Washington Post’s 12 Titles to Get You to the End of Summer

CNN.com’s Essential Reading for Pride Month

“Rowley delivers the perfect summer read: The Guncle is relentlessly witty, sweet and heartbreaking.” (Elin Hilderbrand)

“Patrick is a memorable character, and it’s genuinely thrilling to read screenwriter-turned-novelist Rowley’s take on the mechanics of stardom.... There’s true insight here into the psychology of gay men, Hollywood, and parenting. A novel with some real depth beneath all its witty froth.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“In his heartwarming, humorous new novel, Steven Rowley shows readers the true meaning of family, reminding us that everyone—even parents—is only human.” (Travel & Leisure)

What listeners say about The Guncle

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fabulous

fabulous in every single way
such a joy to read in uncertain times
likely made better by having it read by the author!

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Just a delight

What a great book! Tears, laughs, more tears and laughs! Very good book and great writing!

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Leaves your heart full

Perfect perfect perfect! Such a lovely story filled with beautiful character development and touching moments. The perfect amount of emotion. The narration was fantastic! I want to read this for the first time again, and will be recommending it to anyone I can!

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Great listen

Really enjoyed this both, and always love when the author narrates. I find it really helps to bring the characters alive. I’m recommending this to friends for their next read/listen.

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Wholesome

This book was really great. Stevens expression in his voice was captivating however sometimes imitating his nephew’s lisp was excessive but accurate none the less. The book captures the impact children can have on lives while also bringing in representation of the lgbtq+ community and touching on crucial tabooed topics such as grief, suicidal thoughts, addiction, isolation and somehow manages to still keep the topics light hearted and hopeful.

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Amazing.

Many moments of tears and laughter throughout the book while listening. Camp, family drama, taking care of others and learning about oneself, with tears and jokes a plenty, make it a worthwhile listen.

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loved it

I'm in love with this story. it was beautiful, touching, refreshing. I loved every character even Clara ( she grows on you). really loved it. I recommend

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A captivating listen!

I joyfully was able to paint 3 bedrooms in my house while listening to this funny but touching story. And I HATE painting!

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  • Jes
  • 2023-08-15

Heartwarming and sweet, genuine and laughs

I loved this story so much. I laughed, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend.

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Love it!

I totally enjoyed this book. Feel in love with the main characters. The narrating was excellent.

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