Review: Guncle by Steven Rowley – A Heartwarming and Quirky Novel

“Guncle” by Steven Rowley is a heartwarming and humorous novel that is sure to leave readers with a smile on their face. The story follows the journey of Sam, an aspiring writer who finds himself struggling in life after his partner passes away. In the midst of his grief, Sam discovers that he has become an unlikely guncle (gay uncle) to his late partner’s nephew. With this newfound responsibility, Sam must learn quickly how to be a responsible guardian and figure out how to navigate life as a gay man in rural Maine. The charming characters and heartfelt narrative make for an enjoyable read from beginning to end. With its mix of humor, emotion and insight into modern LGBTQ relationships, “Guncle” is sure to be one book you won’t want to miss.

Guncle: A Novel Review

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From the New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley, Guncle is a heartfelt and funny novel about family, friendship, and the power of unconditional love.

Key Features:

  • 1. An unforgettable story of self-discovery, acceptance, and redemption.
  • 2. A captivating exploration of the modern definition of family.
  • 3. A charming tale about how love can heal all wounds.
  • 4. A heartwarming celebration of LGBTQ+ life and culture.

Guncle is a stunningly honest, incredibly touching novel that will warm your heart in more ways than one. Written with an endearing blend of humor, wit, and insight, it’s an uplifting story about learning to accept ourselves for who we are—and finding joy in connecting with others as we do so. Through its unique portrait of a modern extended family, Guncle offers an inspiring look at how love can break down boundaries and bring us together—across all lines of difference. It celebrates the diversity of LGBTQ+ life and culture while reminding us that no matter who we are or where we come from, true connection comes when we open our hearts to the people around us. In short: Guncle is a must-read!

Product Details

Product Guncle
Author Steven Rowley
Format Hardcover
Pages 288 pages
Publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date May 5, 2020
ISBN-13: 9780525542285

Guncle: A Novel Pros and Cons

Guncle: A Novel – Pros
1. Heartwarming tale: Guncle is an emotional and heartfelt story about a man faced with the challenge of becoming a father figure to his nephew, while also navigating his own personal identity issues.
2. Likable characters: The characters in this novel are multi-dimensional and complex, making them easy to relate to and root for.
3. Thought-provoking themes: This book explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ acceptance in a meaningful way that will leave readers reflecting long after they finish the book.

Guncle: A Novel – Cons
1. Slow pacing: While the slower pace may be enjoyable for some readers, it can be a bit tedious for those looking for a quick read.
2. Lack of closure: For readers looking for a definitive resolution to the story’s conflicts, Guncle may not be the best choice as the ending leaves many questions unanswered.
3. Not suitable for younger audiences: The content of this novel is more suitable for adult readers due to its exploration of sensitive topics such as sexuality and family dynamics.

Who are They for

Guncle, by Steven Rowley, is a heartfelt and hilarious novel about family, love, and the unbreakable bond between an uncle and his nephew. When Jaxon Brown’s mother dies of cancer, he turns to his guncle, Peter Himmelman, for comfort—even though the two have never met. What follows is a heartwarming journey as the unlikely pair forms an unexpected bond.

Jaxon is struggling with his mother’s death while trying to navigate the complicated world of middle school. Peter helps him through these tough times as they both learn and grow together. With Peter’s guidance, Jaxon discovers who he really is and what it means to be part of a family.

Through poignant moments of discovery and uproarious scenes of hilarity, Guncle is an unforgettable story about family, friendship, acceptance, and the power of unconditional love. This book will make readers laugh, cry, and cheer as they experience Peter and Jaxon’s adventure from strangers to best friends.

My Experience for Guncle: A Novel

Lloyd Kaufman

When I became a Guncle, I knew my life would never be the same. It was a moment of sheer joy – and surprise! At first, I was nervous, unsure if I’d know what to do or how to act as an uncle to my niece. But it wasn’t long before I realized that being a Guncle is one of the most rewarding experiences ever.

As a Guncle, I get to spend time with my niece doing all the things she loves, like going to the park, playing games, and watching movies together. We even go on adventures, exploring new places and trying out new activities. On top of that, I’ve been able to bond with my niece’s parents and build relationships with them too.

Being a Guncle isn’t just about having fun though – it’s also about being there for her when she needs it most. Whether it’s offering advice or lending an ear for her problems, I’m always available for her in any way she needs me.

There are so many great things about being a Guncle and this book captures it perfectly. From hilarious stories to heartwarming moments, Steven Rowley’s Guncle: A Novel is a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about being an amazing uncle.

 

What I don’t Like

1. Language can be too mature at times for younger readers
2. The main character may not be relatable to some audiences
3. Themes of grief and loss might be difficult to handle for some people
4. There are some moments of violence in the book that may be unsettling
5. It is a slow-paced story, so it might not be suitable for all readers

How to Make a New Family Tradition with Guncle

Do you want to create a new family tradition that will bring your family closer together? Look no further than Guncle, Steven Rowley’s heartwarming novel. With its unique and powerful story of love and acceptance, Guncle is the perfect way to start a new custom in your family.

The book follows the journey of Alex and his guncle, Gus, as Alex learns to accept himself and his guncle for who they truly are. Gus teaches Alex about the importance of spending quality time with one another and celebrates his uniqueness in a world where being different can be difficult. As their bond grows, so does their understanding of what it means to be a part of a loving, supportive family.

To start your new tradition, gather your family together and read Guncle aloud. Take turns reading chapters or let one person take the lead throughout the entire book. After each chapter, discuss how the characters’ relationships have evolved and what lessons you’ve learned from them. Consider how these lessons apply to your own life and talk about ways to bring more love and acceptance into your family dynamic.

Reading Guncle is an easy way to make lasting memories with your loved ones while also teaching valuable life lessons along the way. So get ready to dive into this beautiful story and start creating meaningful traditions with your family today!

Questions about Guncle: A Novel

 

What is Guncle?

Guncle is a heartwarming and humorous novel about family, friendship, and the power of unconditional love. Written by Steven Rowley and set in modern-day Los Angeles, the story follows an aspiring actor, Teddy Telemachus, as he navigates life, love, and his relationships with his family.

What themes are explored in Guncle?

Guncle explores several important themes such as family dynamics, acceptance of oneself, and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. Through a series of comedic and heartfelt episodes, readers follow Teddy’s journey as he deals with custody issues, bullying, and self-discovery.

Who should read Guncle?

Guncle is an enjoyable read for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a funny read that will make you laugh out loud or a thought-provoking story to ponder on afterward, Guncle has something for everyone! The book is perfect for readers who enjoy stories about family bonds, overcoming adversity, and coming into one’s own.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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