The Guncle

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does the author contrast initial reactions to loss with the long-term impact of grief? 
• What was your favorite “breakthrough moment” from the narrative? In what ways, if any, do you relate to said moment?
• In your opinion, what is the novel’s most important message?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Many of the characters in the novel are undergoing stressful challenges or are struggling to recover from traumatic emotional experiences. Which character do you most closely identify with, and why?
• As Patrick navigates the tricky challenges of being a parental figure, his wry narration reveals his unique approach to life. Which of his many aphorisms strikes you as the most profound? Why does this particular statement resonate?
• Patrick and the children find an unlikely form of connection in the creation of YouTube videos. In your own life, how do real-world relationships collide with technology? Do these collisions detract from or enhance the relationships in question?
• Consider the many different parental roles modeled in the narrative.  Which version(s) do you find to be the most effective, and why?

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.