'The Guncle' Book Review: A Perfect Feel-Good Book Club Pick

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THE GUNCLE BOOK SUMMARY & STATS

THE GUNCLE SUMMARY

When former sitcom star Patrick O’Hara—affectionately known as GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick)—is asked to take in his young niece and nephew after a family tragedy, he reluctantly agrees, despite his very un-parent-like lifestyle. Set against the backdrop of sunny Palm Springs, The Guncle follows Patrick as he navigates grief, responsibility, and healing, all while trying to keep the kids entertained and emotionally supported.

Filled with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of pop culture references, this story is about the unlikely ways we grow into the roles life hands us, the families we’re born into, and the ones we create.

THE GUNCLE STATS

Title	The Guncle
Author	Steven Rowley
Book Club(s)	N/A
Publication Date/Year	May 25, 2021
Page Count	326
Genre(s)	Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary, Humor, Adult
Setting	Palm Springs, CA; Connecticut; California
Goodreads Rating	4.12
Audience	Adult
Series	Yes
Translator	N/A
Awards	0; multiple nominations

THE GUNCLE BOOK RATING & REVIEW

THE GUNCLE RATING

BCR Rating	4
Availability	4
Format	5
Diversity	4
Bechdel Test	Fail
Page Turner	No

THE GUNCLE REVIEW

A light read that manages to say something meaningful, The Guncle charmed my book club. It’s not a sweeping literary epic or a buzzed-about bestseller (at least not that I recall at the time), but it hits just the right notes for a delightful book club read.

While The Guncle hasn’t been a major book club pick in the wider world (yet), it certainly held its own in our club. Everyone in our group enjoyed it. It’s an easy, engaging read—ideal for book clubs who want something warm, funny, and touching without veering too heavily into emotional territory.

Rowley strikes a nice balance here. While the story explores grief, family loss, and parenting, it never feels weighed down. Instead, it’s full of wit and sparkle. Patrick, the “Guncle” (gay uncle), steps in to care for his niece and nephew under heartbreaking circumstances, and watching him fumble, flourish, and ultimately find purpose is incredibly heartwarming. There’s a real joy in watching him grow into his unexpected role with love and humor.

And just so you know: I devoured the follow-up, The Guncle Abroad, the moment it was released. It was a joy to revisit Patrick’s story and see where his journey took him next.

THE GUNCLE BOOK CLUB RESOURCES

BCR RECOMMENDATION

If your book club is in the mood for something warm, funny, and refreshingly light, The Guncle is a perfect pick. My book club read it, and as I recall, everyone genuinely enjoyed it. It’s an easy, breezy read—lighthearted and often laugh-out-loud funny while also touching on deeper topics like grief, family loss, and personal growth.

What makes The Guncle such a good choice is its balance: it delivers heartfelt moments without ever feeling too heavy. It’s a great option if your group needs a break from more intense or emotionally demanding books but still wants a story with substance and characters worth discussing.

If your club prefers not to read book series, don’t let that deter you. The Guncle stands perfectly well on its own. We read it before the second book (The Guncle Abroad) was even announced, and it felt like a complete, satisfying story.

Even better? The Guncle is being turned into a movie, so your club will get to revisit the story at a future book club movie night. That’s always a fun way to bring the story full circle.

If your club is looking for a feel-good story with just enough depth to spark meaningful conversation, I absolutely recommend The Guncle. It’s heartfelt, funny, and an easy win for your next meeting.

BOOK DISCUSSION

There’s quite a bit out there for book discussion when it comes to The Guncle. Steven Rowley provides readers with plenty to explore—from themes of family and loss to identity, healing, and the concept of unconventional caregiving. Patrick isn’t your typical parental figure, but his journey into that role brings up rich questions about what it means to show up for the people we love.

You can also explore how the book blends humor and heartache. How do Patrick’s sharp wit and pop culture flair serve as both a coping mechanism and a source of connection? What does the story say about chosen family and the way we build support systems outside of traditional molds?

And if your club enjoys the lighter side of things, The Guncle delivers there, too. Cue up Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas”, Liza with a Z, or Let’s Go by Wang Chung and raise a glass of Aperol spritz. These references aren’t just fun—they give the story its vibrant, theatrical pulse and offer a chance to talk about how nostalgia, camp, and culture can shape a character’s voice.

Whether you go deep, use the BCR General Book Discussion Guide or just enjoy the ride, The Guncle offers both heart and humor—plenty to keep your book club chatting well into the evening.