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The Guncle

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About this listen

 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. Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Comedy Heartfelt Tearjerking Witty Funny

Continue the series
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The Guncle Abroad Written by: Steven Rowley
Our Guncle cover art
Our Guncle Written by: Steven Rowley
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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.

Great listen

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I loved the all the characters, but my favourite were Patrick and Grant. I could just hug that little boy..

The performance was wonderful!!

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A nice change of pace from recent “heavier” reads. Adore the characters who are relatable and not simply over used stereotypes. A nice approach to the many sides of grief, healing and the power of humour, wit, bite - all mixed in with genuine compassion. Some pleasant surprises and lighter life lessons. Looking forward to more “Guncle” adventures.

Sweet mix of giggles and heart.

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

Just a delight

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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!

Leaves your heart full

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