This blog post is brought to you by Pride team member Toby W., Joel D. Valdez Main Library. Toby recently hosted Rainbow Reads, in which participants discussed Steven Rowley's award-winning The Guncle.
About the book
Patrick O’Hara has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant—from a safe distance. His Palm Springs home and reclusive lifestyle aren’t exactly welcoming to children. But when tragedy strikes, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his own great love and managing a stalled career. He regrets his decision to take them in, until he starts to recognize that his outsize lifestyle and unusual life wisdom could bring about a season of healing that redefines their understanding of family, and finally lead Patrick back to himself.
Why we recommend it
We enjoyed the whimsical characters and the witty and funny dialogue. We also appreciated the theme of grief, showing how people struggle to grieve, to help others grieve, and to let themselves be helped by others in their time of grief.
Fun fact
Author Byron Lane proposed to Steven Rowley in the acknowledgements of his book A Star is Bored, and Steven accepted in the acknowledgements of The Guncle!
