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368
Novel • Fiction
Palm Springs, California • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
In Steven Rowley's The Guncle, former sitcom star Patrick O’Hara takes in his niece Maisie and nephew Grant after their mother dies and their father enters rehab. Set in Palm Springs, the trio navigates grief and healing through humor and heartwarming connections, with Patrick stepping up as their caregiver and finding a new purpose in life.
Heartwarming
Humorous
Bittersweet
Emotional
Nostalgic
176,471 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Guncle by Steven Rowley is praised for its humor, warmth, and heartfelt portrayal of grief, as an ex-sitcom star becomes guardian to his niece and nephew. Readers appreciate the blend of witty dialogues and emotional depth. However, some find the plot predictable and the handling of serious themes occasionally superficial. Overall, it is a charming, feel-good read.
Fans of heartfelt, humorous, and touching stories will cherish Steven Rowley’s The Guncle. Readers who enjoyed the wit and warmth of Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove or the endearing family dynamics in Maria Semple’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette will find this novel equally captivating.
176,471 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Maisie
A nine-year-old girl who grapples with her mother's death with a fierce and resilient spirit, forming a deep bond with her uncle while exploring new digital territories.
Grant
A six-year-old boy who experiences each day as an adventure, preferring immediate joys like the pool and dinosaurs to dwelling on long-term sadness.
Greg
Patrick's brother and the father of Maisie and Grant, who sends them to live with Patrick for the summer while he goes to rehab, sharing unresolved tensions with Patrick.
Clara
Patrick's older sister, who values structure and stability but struggles to see beyond conventional norms to accommodate her grieving niece and nephew's needs.
JED
Three men in a loving, stable, long-term relationship who live near Patrick, offering him a different perspective on family and companionship.
Cassie Everest
An ambitious assistant who becomes Patrick’s agent, helping him find new professional opportunities through her insightful understanding of his career potential.
Emory
A young actor with an interest in Patrick, who offers a fresh perspective on Patrick's seclusion and encourages him to face his past with renewed hope.
Sara
Patrick’s close friend and sister-in-law, whose adventurous spirit and enduring presence influence the narrative, fostering Patrick's bond with her children.
368
Novel • Fiction
Palm Springs, California • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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