Author: Steven Rowley and narrated by the author
Year published: 2022
Category: Adult fiction
Pages: 368 pages
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Location: (my 2025 Google Reading map): USA (CA, CT)
Summary: 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.
Review: My virtual book group chose this one and I was really looking forward to reading it. I could do with a little lightness.
The tone of this book is fun and light, even though it deals with a tough subject: the death of a parent who leaves behind small children and who will take care of them. Patrick is certainly not ready to be a parent or guardian: he doesn't know how to talk to young children, what they like or want to do, or how to have them impact (or not) his life. There is, in fact, quite a bit of discussion about grief, grieving, and how to help those in your life through tough times. The subject is dealt with well.
There is also a theme of happiness: are we happy? What makes us happy? Does the pursuit of happiness take us in directions that don't really satisfy? Sometimes, we find happiness in places and with people we do not expect. I laughed out loud and got teary while reading this book.
Challenges for which this counts: none
- Alphabet (Author)--R
- Alphabet (Title)--G
- Cover Love--Summary scene
- Diversity--LGBTQ
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