Reviews tagging 'Terminal illness'

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

66 reviews

caitlinteresa's review

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Ahh, I loved seeing Patrick grow. My heart was so warmed by this novel. There were so many laugh out loud moments, but also some of immense sorrow and grief. Rowley did a great job of portraying both. 
I don't think I have much criticism for this book. If anything, the issue that Clara makes seemed a little pointless to me. It lasted all of a chapter... but I can see how it ties into the ending.
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serialsnark's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Short and sweet little novel on grief and love. Steve’s narration is so fun- I just love the way he does Grant’s voice. 
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swimmingwolf59's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this book!! It would've been a 5 star for me if I didn't sometimes feel like I was reading a long stream of consciousness (I felt like Maisie at Patrick sometimes: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!) and understood more of the movie/TV references haha. But the characters are so great, I love all of them, and their journey together is really beautiful and real. I felt like the author did a great job of balancing funny and grief, and I really became attached to all of them. Patrick and Emily Emory also had great chemistry!! And of course the kids and Patrick 🥺💞
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hrh_victoria's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A charming family story that deftly navigates a path through grief
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rhiannon814r's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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shenelle_h's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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fkshg8465's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really disliked The Celebrants. So I had no desire to read this book, but I’m so glad I did. A lot of my friends kept going on about it, so I gave the author a second chance. This is possibly the most charming book I’ve ever read, and I’ll be reading the sequel as soon as I can. Loved every single character and the all the journeys they all had to traverse. Loved the kids and the dog and the agent. Loved GUP, his friends, his siblings (even the sister), and Joe. Even loved the tiny role his parents played. Only character I disliked was his original agent, but I’m happy to overlook him since he had only a blip in the book and served his purpose of getting GUP a better agent. Also had to laugh and wonder if the author was nodding at Neil Patrick Harris with his choice of names and love of portmanteaus giving the GUP and the loathsome first agent both these names.
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thisbookisbananas's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I’m not usually a lit/fic girlie. However, The Guncle was such a beautiful book full of humor, realistic ways people deal with grief, and love.  I cried twice. This author is truly talented.
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whiskeywoman79's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
Fiction / Family Drama / lgbtqia / grief 

TW: loss of apparent, addiction, loss of a spouse, loss of a partner, (a flashback to a homophobic family situation)

This is a book about love and loss. I am emotionally wrecked from it. I caution you to go into this read with eyes open, your heart will break and be put back together a few times and you will come out a different person than when you went in. If that is not one of the greatest compliments I can give a book, I don't know what is. 

This book was a ride. Overall it was fantastic, however, there were parts where I questioned if I should DNF, I pushed myself through them and for that I am grateful. 

This book is not for everybody. I don't think some readers would understand many of the references if they don't have a love for film and stage, or don't come from a family who loves old movies, Broadway, or just overall entertainment. I feel even an audience under 30 might be lost at times within his references. But man, if you get them you won't be able to contain your laughter. 
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pazfauxster's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The reason I took up The Guncle was that I needed something light to read, something funny and positive as a palate cleanser between the weird shit I usually get myself into. Did it live up to my expectations? Partly, yes, and here's why.

The Guncle is, indeed, a light read. It's written in a language that's accessible but never really plain. Steven Rowley portrays the characters with unending empathy and an attentive eye: they're all quirky, somewhat complicated, flawed, human. I especially adored the kids—Maisie and Grant. They have distinct personalities and feel very authentic. Maisie, my gender-defying science-loving queen, I shall always be your fan.

What I did not expect when starting the book was just how teary-eyed I would get at times. It does not shy away from heavier themes. There's addiction, suicidal ideation, depression, and the most attention is given to loss and grieving. At times, it was all rather visceral, and I found myself with a lump in my throat.

That being said, it is in no way a bleak book. It's filled with kindness and hope, it's genuinely funny, and it's comforting like a cup of hot tea for the soul. 
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