The Guncle by Steven Rowley

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Synopsis: When gay former sitcom star Patrick O’Hara takes on the role of caregiver to his niece and nephew following a family tragedy, he finds himself in over his head with parenting two young children.

“GUP” (Gay Uncle Patrick) dispenses clever advice (“Guncle Rules”) to help the trio navigate their sadness (and really, life in general), finding himself increasingly comfortable and joyful being with and caring for young Maisie and Grant. Between celebrating an early Christmas, filming YouTube videos together, embarking on early-morning bike rides, and lazily lounging in the pool together, as the family bond strengthens readers root harder and harder for this family to land on their feet.

Why You Should Read It: Against the backdrop of sun-soaked Palm Springs, The Guncle cleverly and expertly explores the importance of family, love, and healing together. The tone is perfectly sweet without crossing into saccharine territory. This is what I would consider a perfect summer read: it’s witty and heartwarming, and as you turn pages you fall more in love with each character.

Bottom Line: An absolute delight of a read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.