Introduction

National Bestseller â?¢ Wall Street Journal Bestseller â?¢ USA Today Bestseller
An NPR Book of the Year
Semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor
Finalist for the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards

From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

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 when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits, or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is, honestly, overwhelmed.

So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick's brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of "Guncle Rules" ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled acting career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting--even if temporary--isn't solved with treats and jokes, Patrick's eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you're unfailingly human.

With the humor and heart we've come to expect from bestselling author Steven Rowley, The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why did Greg ask Patrick to serve as the children’s caregiver for the summer?
2. Through flashbacks, we learn how close Patrick and Sara were. What did you think about their friendship?
3. What was behind the tension and friction between Clara and Patrick?
4. Which ‘Guncle Rule’ is your favorite?
5. Let’s talk about how Patrick shut himself off from the outside world after Joe died.
6. Why did he give up acting?
7. While there is a lot of humor in the book, there are plenty of poignant scenes as well. Which heartfelt scenes stuck out to you the most?
8. How did this experience taking care of Maisie and Grant help him process his own grief and also be accepting of love?
9. What did you think about the ending and Patrick’s return to acting? Will the kids spend every summer with Patrick going forward?
10. What do you feel are some of the lessons from the book?
The book will be updated for film – so exciting! Who do you think should play Patrick and other key roles?

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