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hrh_victoria's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cancer, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death and Medical content
rhiannon814r's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Alcohol
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
shenelle_h's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Car accident
fkshg8465's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, and Death of parent
thisbookisbananas's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug abuse and Terminal illness
whiskeywoman79's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Car accident
pazfauxster's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
Minor: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
kateywaldhart's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction and Terminal illness
katewhite77's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the sweetest book I have read in a while.
Gay Uncle Patrick takes in his young neice and nephew for the summer after their mum dies and their father admits himself to rehab.
Although Patrick and Grant are brothers, Greg met his wife Sarah through Patrick as they were college buddies.
The loss of his boyfriend Joe, a few years before the book opens forces actor Patrick into early retirement to Palm Springs. So after the funeral in Coneticuit, Patrick,and the kids Masie and Grant head back there.
What follows is a very sweet life affirming and queer possive tale about learning to live alongside grief and what it takes to be a good parent. Oh, and did I mention it is also very funny and perfect for when you are feeling under the weather.
My only slight criticism is I would have liked to hear more from Jed, and if you want to know who Jed is well, then you'll just have to read the book.
The audiobook is a paticularly good way to go with this one as it is read by the author who rebrings out the humour.
Gay Uncle Patrick takes in his young neice and nephew for the summer after their mum dies and their father admits himself to rehab.
Although Patrick and Grant are brothers, Greg met his wife Sarah through Patrick as they were college buddies.
The loss of his boyfriend Joe, a few years before the book opens forces actor Patrick into early retirement to Palm Springs. So after the funeral in Coneticuit, Patrick,and the kids Masie and Grant head back there.
What follows is a very sweet life affirming and queer possive tale about learning to live alongside grief and what it takes to be a good parent. Oh, and did I mention it is also very funny and perfect for when you are feeling under the weather.
My only slight criticism is I would have liked to hear more from Jed, and if you want to know who Jed is well, then you'll just have to read the book.
The audiobook is a paticularly good way to go with this one as it is read by the author who rebrings out the humour.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Terminal illness, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
This book was exceptional! After the death of his best friend/sister in law, Patrick takes in his niece and nephew while their dad goes to rehab. Patrick doesn’t know how to be a parent, but he can be a guncle! So he sets forth to teach the kids how to live fabulously while being truly yourself and hopefully work through some grief. This book was so funny and snarky and deep and emotional. Everyone needs to read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Grief
Moderate: Terminal illness, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug abuse and Homophobia