Reviews tagging 'Terminal illness'

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

66 reviews

sannesbooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

3.0

Cute story about a somewhat famous gay uncle (Guncle) taking care of his niece and nephew after their mother passed away, besides their mother was also the Guncle's best friend. So, grief is a big part of the story. 
There are also a lot of celebrity and pop culture references, so that's nice if you are into that. I am into that as well, but did not understand all of the references. A big part of this book is set in LA / California, because of this setting, this book is especially nice to read in the summer. 

It was nice to see how the Guncle warms up slowely to these kids. I also liked that the Guncle talked to the kids like an adult insteaf of baby talk. Grief is something they all three have in common and it was beautifully handled in the story. Even though grief is a big part of the books it is still a lighthearted, funny, easy read. 'Nothing' really happens in this books, it's just vibes. Maybe because of this I found it a bit hard to read fast. I even took a long break from reading it. There is nothing particularly wrong with the book, so I don't know why this took me quite long. I think I personally just was not captivated enough by the characters, but that doesn't mean you won't fall in love with the characters (as many did).

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nitar8's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75


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jasminechocklettslee's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective 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


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sareidle's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring fast-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

4.0


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diana_raquel's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

“Grief orbits the heart. Some days the circle is greater. Those are the good days. You have room to move and dance and breathe. Some days the circle is tighter. Those are the hard ones.”

The Guncle
follows the story of Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick, when he has to take care of Maisie and Grant, his niece and nephew, after tragedy strikes. And despite having a set of “Guncle Rules”, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old.

I really loved this story! Its a story about grief and loss, but its also about hope and recovery. I loved every bit of it and couldn't put it down! Truly recommend it!


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kickitupanotch7's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.75

It took a couple of chapters for me to get into it but I’m glad I stuck with it. This book was funny and unique and had such tremendous character growth throughout the course of the summer. 

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avisreadsandreads's review against another edition

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

4.5


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slprincess's review against another edition

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

5.0


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lynxpardinus's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective

4.0


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marpaige's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective 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

5.0


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