Books from the Backlog #222

Posted July 14, 2022 by Carole in Books from the Backlog / 8 Comments

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link, link back to this post, and then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.

This week’s neglected book

Books from the Backlog #222The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on May 25, 2021
Genres: Fiction / LGBTQ+ / General
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo | Libro.fm

From the author of Lily and the Octopus comes a moving and deeply funny novel about a once-famous sitcom star who is left to care for his niece and nephew after an unexpected family tragedy.
 
Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them … in small doses, with their parents there to handle the tears and tricky questions. So when tragedy strikes and Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian, he is, honestly, overwhelmed.

Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a stalled acting career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to young children. But when he realises that parenting isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility and the realisation that, sometimes, being vulnerable is the only way to heal from grief.
 
Tender, charming and laugh-out-loud funny, The Guncle is a testament to finding happiness and peace in the most trying of times.
 
‘Steven Rowley’s The Guncle is a gift. At once funny, charming and heartbreaking, it’s that rare novel that will have you laughing out loud, even through tears. I have yet to meet a person who did not love this book.’ Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of The Good Sister and The Younger Wife

‘A joyous Auntie Mame spritz! A reading pleasure; pour yourself a tall glass and enjoy, preferably poolside. You deserve it!’ Andrew Sean Greer, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Less

Why did I add The Guncle to my bookshelf?

I bought a copy of this book because I am convinced that I will love it. I have put it on my monthly TBR a few times but have always run out of time after review obligations. I still think that it sounds amazing and I loved Steven Rowley’s Lily and the Octopus. I hope that I can find a break in my review schedule to squeeze it in soon.

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

8 responses to “Books from the Backlog #222

  1. I’ve also got this one on my TBR. It’s recently arrived at my local library, so I’m hoping to read it soonish.

  2. I thought that one looked fun when I saw it as a review option, but couldn’t quite fit it in at the time. I’ll look forward to your thoughts on it when you get the chance.

  3. Several of my blogger friends have raved about this one (like Sam @ WLABB) so I added it to my TBR. I’ve even requested it at the library twice but returned it unread both times. Hopefully we’ll both get around to it soon and love it!

  4. This is on my TBR though I don’t actually own it. I’ve heard fantastic things about it and it sounds wonderful. I hope you love it!