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The Guncle #2
The Guncle Abroad
Patrick O'Hara is called back to his guncle duties . . . This time for a big family wedding in Italy.
Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?
Gracing the work with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.
Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?
Gracing the work with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2024
About the author
Steven Rowley
6 books4,424 followersSteven Rowley is the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR and Esquire Magazine as one of the Best Books of 2019, and The Guncle, a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for 2021 Novel of the Year and semi-finalist for The Thurber Prize in American Humor. His fiction has been published in twenty languages. Rowley lives in Palm Springs, CA with his husband, the writer Byron Lane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,670 reviews
July 11, 2024
Team Guncle is back for good! As soon as I finished, I couldn't help but scream for another sequel! It felt like reconnecting with long-time friends, and I must emphasize one thing: Witty banter and catchy dialogues are my guilty pleasures. Steven Rowley delivered more of them, as good as the banter from some of my favorite sitcoms, making me laugh so hard that my stomach hurt (I was so close to having an accident, thankfully I was a fast runner to reach the toilet on time).
The perfect emotional resonance of the series easily warms my heart each time I dive into another Guncle Patrick, his niece Maisie, and his nephew Grant’s adventures, making me want to hug them and being a big fan of their unique connection.
In this book, we move years forward from where the first book left off: after his sitcom Guncle becomes a four-season hit, Patrick finally takes a leading role. While his career relaunches with new achievements, his personal life is in crisis after breaking up with Emory.
As soon as he hears the news that his brother Greg decides to tie the knot with his new girlfriend Livia, who is also a rich Italian client’s daughter, in a romantic gathering in Grand Hotel Tremezzo/Lake Como, then heading for his honeymoon in Greece, he's clever enough to anticipate that Maisie and Grant won’t congratulate the couple with open arms without his brother's mentioning. Maisie is now a 14-year-old rebellious girl, and Grant is a regular eleven-year-old with his hands glued to the game console.
Patrick has to deal with the tantrums of his niece and nephew as they connect with Palmina, the lesbian aunt, sister of the bride, which sparks jealousy as well.
Let’s not forget his nemesis sister, who is adamant to flirt with any male species she sets her eye on during the ceremonial events. On top of that, the groom seems to be getting cold feet. Dear Patrick has to do something Patrick-style to save the day as he approaches his bloody 50th birthday, which might be a reminder to grow up and take responsibility for his loved ones.
Oh boy, I loved this book with all my heart, and I don’t want to say goodbye to this amazing, one-of-a-kind family that gave me so much fun. I hope I meet them again in future sequels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this amazing book’s digital reviewer copy with me. And many thanks to Steven Rowley for bringing back one of my favorite fictional characters with your brilliant writing and extraordinary sarcastic mind.
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The perfect emotional resonance of the series easily warms my heart each time I dive into another Guncle Patrick, his niece Maisie, and his nephew Grant’s adventures, making me want to hug them and being a big fan of their unique connection.
In this book, we move years forward from where the first book left off: after his sitcom Guncle becomes a four-season hit, Patrick finally takes a leading role. While his career relaunches with new achievements, his personal life is in crisis after breaking up with Emory.
As soon as he hears the news that his brother Greg decides to tie the knot with his new girlfriend Livia, who is also a rich Italian client’s daughter, in a romantic gathering in Grand Hotel Tremezzo/Lake Como, then heading for his honeymoon in Greece, he's clever enough to anticipate that Maisie and Grant won’t congratulate the couple with open arms without his brother's mentioning. Maisie is now a 14-year-old rebellious girl, and Grant is a regular eleven-year-old with his hands glued to the game console.
Patrick has to deal with the tantrums of his niece and nephew as they connect with Palmina, the lesbian aunt, sister of the bride, which sparks jealousy as well.
Let’s not forget his nemesis sister, who is adamant to flirt with any male species she sets her eye on during the ceremonial events. On top of that, the groom seems to be getting cold feet. Dear Patrick has to do something Patrick-style to save the day as he approaches his bloody 50th birthday, which might be a reminder to grow up and take responsibility for his loved ones.
Oh boy, I loved this book with all my heart, and I don’t want to say goodbye to this amazing, one-of-a-kind family that gave me so much fun. I hope I meet them again in future sequels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this amazing book’s digital reviewer copy with me. And many thanks to Steven Rowley for bringing back one of my favorite fictional characters with your brilliant writing and extraordinary sarcastic mind.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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December 16, 2023
I don’t want to feel this way. I imagined being delighted and laughing out loud and so happy after reading this sequel. But even though I liked the story to a certain extent, it was not the fantastic blast I was expecting.
The Guncle was one of my favorite 2021 reads. I loved Patrick, Maisie, and especially ‘being mythelf’ Grant, who helped each other deal with their grief. I loved what a lighthearted read it was despite all the sadness. But while reading The Guncle Abroad, I missed Patrick’s caftans, his skin-rejuvenating masks, his Mimosa’s, the trouple living next to him, and Grant’s lisp (I know I shouldn’t miss it, but I really did …).
I also didn’t care much about the traveling part. It might be because I’m European and have seen all the places Patrick visited with Maisie and Grant. Those places felt too one dimensional, even cartoonish sometimes: The Sacre Coeur in Paris, Family von Trap in Salzburg, the gondolas in Venice, George Clooney living at Lake Como.
This doesn’t mean I didn’t like the story at all. I loved the first chapter, I adored the ending, and Emory is, this time, my favorite. I treasured the way Patrick taught the kids about love and how Maisie and Grant stood up for Emory. And there’s a Launt!!!!
The last third of the book was actually really good and I felt like I was reading The Guncle again. But that’s not enough to gush about a book, right?
Maybe I was just in the wrong headspace to read this one. I don’t know. What I do know is that I long for a third book with Emory in the lead. Not just a few pages but a full story. I imagine Maisie being a twenty-one-year-old college student who just beats her uncle in their conversations because she actually always knows better and Grant being a moody sixteen-year-old because of the hormones running through his body. So, Steven, could you please give me that book? One that I could rate five stars again?
Thank you so much, Penguin Group, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for one of my most anticipated 2024 ARCs!
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The Guncle was one of my favorite 2021 reads. I loved Patrick, Maisie, and especially ‘being mythelf’ Grant, who helped each other deal with their grief. I loved what a lighthearted read it was despite all the sadness. But while reading The Guncle Abroad, I missed Patrick’s caftans, his skin-rejuvenating masks, his Mimosa’s, the trouple living next to him, and Grant’s lisp (I know I shouldn’t miss it, but I really did …).
I also didn’t care much about the traveling part. It might be because I’m European and have seen all the places Patrick visited with Maisie and Grant. Those places felt too one dimensional, even cartoonish sometimes: The Sacre Coeur in Paris, Family von Trap in Salzburg, the gondolas in Venice, George Clooney living at Lake Como.
This doesn’t mean I didn’t like the story at all. I loved the first chapter, I adored the ending, and Emory is, this time, my favorite. I treasured the way Patrick taught the kids about love and how Maisie and Grant stood up for Emory. And there’s a Launt!!!!
The last third of the book was actually really good and I felt like I was reading The Guncle again. But that’s not enough to gush about a book, right?
Maybe I was just in the wrong headspace to read this one. I don’t know. What I do know is that I long for a third book with Emory in the lead. Not just a few pages but a full story. I imagine Maisie being a twenty-one-year-old college student who just beats her uncle in their conversations because she actually always knows better and Grant being a moody sixteen-year-old because of the hormones running through his body. So, Steven, could you please give me that book? One that I could rate five stars again?
Thank you so much, Penguin Group, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for one of my most anticipated 2024 ARCs!
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June 3, 2024
Our lovable GUP, Patrick O’Hara, returns with his trademark sarcastic humor intact! He truly is the heart and soul of this book, and Rowley has outdone himself in crafting such an intriguing character. This follow-up book provides a delightful peek into the lives of our favorite characters from the past five years. Though I must confess, "The Guncle" tugged at my heartstrings even more, leaving me a sobbing mess. Rowley's talent shines through, and I eagerly anticipate more of his works!
So, what's Patrick been up to? It's been five years since his unforgettable summer caring for his niece Maisie and nephew Grant after their mother's passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, while Patrick has moved to New York to revive his acting career. Riding high on the success of his second sitcom, Patrick feels on top of the world professionally. But as he approaches fifty, his personal life is a different story. After breaking up with Emory, he's single again, but at least he has his family—until they need him once more.
So, what's Patrick been up to? It's been five years since his unforgettable summer caring for his niece Maisie and nephew Grant after their mother's passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, while Patrick has moved to New York to revive his acting career. Riding high on the success of his second sitcom, Patrick feels on top of the world professionally. But as he approaches fifty, his personal life is a different story. After breaking up with Emory, he's single again, but at least he has his family—until they need him once more.
June 7, 2024
4 stars for the sequel, maybe not quite as good as the first, but still fun & original. Very heart-warming, especially the ending. Really enjoyed the travel escapades & they felt authentic. I'd be down for a third installment in a few years, when the kids are more mature, so we can see the further adventures of this crazy family. Pride month read!
May 21, 2024
Update 5/21/24: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Group for sending me an ARC of The Guncle Abroad in exchange for an honest review.
The Guncle Abroad picks up five years after The Guncle. Patrick’s in the second act of his again-ascendant career, wrapping up filming a movie in London. Patrick’s niece Maisie and nephew Grant are upset because their Dad/Patrick’s brother Greg is getting remarried, and they’ve asked Patrick to try to stop the wedding. Patrick reluctantly agrees for their sake, but only if they travel to the wedding with him and let him try to show them why they should instead chose to accept their father’s new love and their second chance at having maternal love in their lives. However, the kids are 11 and 14 now, and much more immune to Patrick’s charms and persuasion, and who is he to tell anyone about love and family and happiness given that he’s about to turn 50 and recently ended his nearly five-year relationship with Emory?
The quotation above is from a meta scene in The Guncle Abroad where Patrick and his agent bicker about the value of sequels. It’s funny, but it does draw attention to the question of whether this sequel and its story were necessary to Patrick’s story. The Guncle was about a gay man who had turned his back on the world ten years earlier when his partner died learning to renter the world by spending a summer helping his niece and nephew begin to heal from the death of their mother. It was charming, funny, and sweet. By the end, you knew the kids were going to be ok and Patrick had reentered the world and found love to boot. The Guncle Abroad is similarly charming, funny, and sweet, and by the end, you once again know the kids are going to be ok. As for Patrick, he’s in a much better place from the start, so his story is a bit more of a standard midlife crisis tale. Still, by the end, you once again know Patrick is going to be ok too.
So does The Guncle Abroad pass its own sequel test? Maybe. It’s not bloated or stuffed with B-team actors or characters—his sister Clara comes off much better here, and Livia’s sister Palmina is no one’s Ewok 😄. I’d probably lean towards saying that The Guncle had given everyone their happy ending that this book had to (briefly) undo. But Patrick’s sequel test overlooks another important consideration: is the story fun? Are these characters you want to spend more time with? And the answer here is an easy yes. I’m still not sure this book was necessary, but it was entertaining to dip back into the lives of Patrick and his family. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
“Sequels are either too bloated, too stuffed with B-team actors or characters or Ewoks—things that weren’t good enough for the original. A cash grab to profit off something that was probably a fluke in the first place.”
Cassie glanced at the surrounding patrons, perhaps wishing she could dine with one of them.
“The only time it maybe works—and I mean the only time—is when there wasn’t an ending that was entirely happy, when not everything was tied up in a neat little bow. Otherwise you have to undo someone’s happy ending to create more drama for your characters, and no one likes a happy ending undone. And what stories these days don’t have happy endings?“
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Group for sending me an ARC of The Guncle Abroad in exchange for an honest review.
The Guncle Abroad picks up five years after The Guncle. Patrick’s in the second act of his again-ascendant career, wrapping up filming a movie in London. Patrick’s niece Maisie and nephew Grant are upset because their Dad/Patrick’s brother Greg is getting remarried, and they’ve asked Patrick to try to stop the wedding. Patrick reluctantly agrees for their sake, but only if they travel to the wedding with him and let him try to show them why they should instead chose to accept their father’s new love and their second chance at having maternal love in their lives. However, the kids are 11 and 14 now, and much more immune to Patrick’s charms and persuasion, and who is he to tell anyone about love and family and happiness given that he’s about to turn 50 and recently ended his nearly five-year relationship with Emory?
The quotation above is from a meta scene in The Guncle Abroad where Patrick and his agent bicker about the value of sequels. It’s funny, but it does draw attention to the question of whether this sequel and its story were necessary to Patrick’s story. The Guncle was about a gay man who had turned his back on the world ten years earlier when his partner died learning to renter the world by spending a summer helping his niece and nephew begin to heal from the death of their mother. It was charming, funny, and sweet. By the end, you knew the kids were going to be ok and Patrick had reentered the world and found love to boot. The Guncle Abroad is similarly charming, funny, and sweet, and by the end, you once again know the kids are going to be ok. As for Patrick, he’s in a much better place from the start, so his story is a bit more of a standard midlife crisis tale. Still, by the end, you once again know Patrick is going to be ok too.
So does The Guncle Abroad pass its own sequel test? Maybe. It’s not bloated or stuffed with B-team actors or characters—his sister Clara comes off much better here, and Livia’s sister Palmina is no one’s Ewok 😄. I’d probably lean towards saying that The Guncle had given everyone their happy ending that this book had to (briefly) undo. But Patrick’s sequel test overlooks another important consideration: is the story fun? Are these characters you want to spend more time with? And the answer here is an easy yes. I’m still not sure this book was necessary, but it was entertaining to dip back into the lives of Patrick and his family. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
June 26, 2024
2024 Pride Month
"I just think if I had kids, I would want them to be happy. At all costs. I'd want them to find their happiness.
I was delighted to be thrown back into Patrick's world. He teaches his niece and nephew about love and grief with grace. Sometimes he goes too far, but remember, he's only human.
We leave the last book with Patrick taking care of the kids, because his brother Greg is in rehab. Greg's wife, Patrick's best friend, has passed, and emotions are flying high.
This book takes place several years later. Greg is getting married to Italian nobility. Grant doesn't mind so much. It's all too much for Maisie.
(From watching Game of Thrones, I learned Maisie was short for Margaret. So is Daisy, e.g. Little Women. I won't even get into the strange diminutives for Elizabeth/Isabel. Or should I?)
I love this cast of characters, from old to new. The play on classism and misogyny was handled well, and with a certain amount of humor. I highlighted many, many things, but I won't bore you with them here.
Justice for stepmoms. Justice for Meredith Blake. Aperol spritzes are life.
📚 Buddy read with Christina
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons
"I just think if I had kids, I would want them to be happy. At all costs. I'd want them to find their happiness.
I was delighted to be thrown back into Patrick's world. He teaches his niece and nephew about love and grief with grace. Sometimes he goes too far, but remember, he's only human.
We leave the last book with Patrick taking care of the kids, because his brother Greg is in rehab. Greg's wife, Patrick's best friend, has passed, and emotions are flying high.
This book takes place several years later. Greg is getting married to Italian nobility. Grant doesn't mind so much. It's all too much for Maisie.
(From watching Game of Thrones, I learned Maisie was short for Margaret. So is Daisy, e.g. Little Women. I won't even get into the strange diminutives for Elizabeth/Isabel. Or should I?)
I love this cast of characters, from old to new. The play on classism and misogyny was handled well, and with a certain amount of humor. I highlighted many, many things, but I won't bore you with them here.
Justice for stepmoms. Justice for Meredith Blake. Aperol spritzes are life.
📚 Buddy read with Christina
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons
May 28, 2024
i DEVOURED this book on audio! this is the perfect summer audiobook to add to your TBR. the author narrates, the setting is great and you’ll laugh every 5 minutes. truly!
this is a follow up to THE GUNCLE so i recommend that you listen/read that first or there will be spoilers. it had been 3 years since i read that and was hazy on the details, but the author did a great job reminding you of the details and getting you up to speed. a re-read isn’t necessary :)
my fave parts—the setting, the comedy and the vibes. travelling Europe in the summer? a beautiful Italian resort on Lake Como? YUP.
the author did such a great job narrating and i was truly laughing every 5 minutes. it was SO fun. the content is light but touches on good life lessons and still deals with grief and moving on from events in Book 1.
the ending was also adorable and sets up nicely for a third book. in case you’re listening, Rowley 👀👀👀
thank you to PRH Audio for the #gifted ALC!
this is a follow up to THE GUNCLE so i recommend that you listen/read that first or there will be spoilers. it had been 3 years since i read that and was hazy on the details, but the author did a great job reminding you of the details and getting you up to speed. a re-read isn’t necessary :)
my fave parts—the setting, the comedy and the vibes. travelling Europe in the summer? a beautiful Italian resort on Lake Como? YUP.
the author did such a great job narrating and i was truly laughing every 5 minutes. it was SO fun. the content is light but touches on good life lessons and still deals with grief and moving on from events in Book 1.
the ending was also adorable and sets up nicely for a third book. in case you’re listening, Rowley 👀👀👀
thank you to PRH Audio for the #gifted ALC!
January 4, 2024
Was this book even remotely as charming and wonderful as the first? Absolutely not. Would I still read 8,000 versions of whatever The Guncle might be up to next?
You betcha!
This is a prime example of why I rarely read sequels. It’s hard to capture that lightning in a bottle twice – ESPECIALLY when the story features children. In round two of Patrick and the kids, said kids are getting to be in that not-quite-so-lovable stage of pre-teenery and, let’s just be honest, as a mom I’m telling you it’s not a cute time. Gunc is once again in charge of Maisie and Grant while their (now twice) absentee father is preparing for his nuptials – which Maisie especially has no intention of letting happen. The trio spend a few weeks gallivanting around the most tourist guide-book types of European hotspots as they count down to the big day and The Guncle finds himself battling to be the favorite with the introduction of a new “Launt” (lesbian aunt). The dad jokes still abound, but somehow the quips aren’t quite as quippy. The good news is, if Rowley is going to keep up with this series there’s a good chance #3 could redeem itself with Patrick back on his side of the pond and in love. Until then I will anxiously await the film version of the original.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
You betcha!
This is a prime example of why I rarely read sequels. It’s hard to capture that lightning in a bottle twice – ESPECIALLY when the story features children. In round two of Patrick and the kids, said kids are getting to be in that not-quite-so-lovable stage of pre-teenery and, let’s just be honest, as a mom I’m telling you it’s not a cute time. Gunc is once again in charge of Maisie and Grant while their (now twice) absentee father is preparing for his nuptials – which Maisie especially has no intention of letting happen. The trio spend a few weeks gallivanting around the most tourist guide-book types of European hotspots as they count down to the big day and The Guncle finds himself battling to be the favorite with the introduction of a new “Launt” (lesbian aunt). The dad jokes still abound, but somehow the quips aren’t quite as quippy. The good news is, if Rowley is going to keep up with this series there’s a good chance #3 could redeem itself with Patrick back on his side of the pond and in love. Until then I will anxiously await the film version of the original.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
June 3, 2024
3 stars is not how I wanted to start off pride month but alas I persevere
May 20, 2024
Patrick O’Hara is back with more misadventures and new guncle rules! Guncle Abroad is full of humorous and heartwarming moments. Following Patrick, Maisy, and Grant's travel across Europe was truly a delight.
I’m not the biggest reader of feel-good stories but Steven Rowley’s books hold a special place in my heart. I love how he turns tough topics like grief, aging, and loneliness and makes them inspiring.
The audiobook was read by the author Steven Rowley. Guncle Abroad is my fifth audiobook listen that was both read and written by the author. Steven Rowley always does a spectacular job narrating his works and if you do decide to read this one, I highly recommend this format!
The Guncle Abroad will be available on May 21. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
I’m not the biggest reader of feel-good stories but Steven Rowley’s books hold a special place in my heart. I love how he turns tough topics like grief, aging, and loneliness and makes them inspiring.
The audiobook was read by the author Steven Rowley. Guncle Abroad is my fifth audiobook listen that was both read and written by the author. Steven Rowley always does a spectacular job narrating his works and if you do decide to read this one, I highly recommend this format!
The Guncle Abroad will be available on May 21. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
June 28, 2024
Did you read “The Guncle?” Because if you did, you will have a better sense of the characters. If you didn’t, you can still read this one, but you will feel better starting with ‘The Guncle’ so you will understand their past history better.
The book takes place about 5 years after Guncle Patrick spent the summer taking care of his niece Maisie and nephew Grant after their mother’s passing. Now, he is single, his sitcom has ended, and his family appears to need him.
His widowed brother, Greg wants to remarry in Italy, and Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. So, Patrick with his special closeness with the kids, takes them with him through Europe as they head towards his brother’s wedding. His intention is to help the kids understand love.
Will Patrick teach the kids about love and help him through his own losses and lifestyle changes? Will the change in scenery help Patrick finally grow up?
Rowley has a way with his writing that showcases humor and hope in his series that makes this a charming read, especially when family and finding self can sometimes be complicated.
“The Guncle” review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The book takes place about 5 years after Guncle Patrick spent the summer taking care of his niece Maisie and nephew Grant after their mother’s passing. Now, he is single, his sitcom has ended, and his family appears to need him.
His widowed brother, Greg wants to remarry in Italy, and Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. So, Patrick with his special closeness with the kids, takes them with him through Europe as they head towards his brother’s wedding. His intention is to help the kids understand love.
Will Patrick teach the kids about love and help him through his own losses and lifestyle changes? Will the change in scenery help Patrick finally grow up?
Rowley has a way with his writing that showcases humor and hope in his series that makes this a charming read, especially when family and finding self can sometimes be complicated.
“The Guncle” review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 28, 2024
Available now! 📚🎊🥂
I was already a huge fan of The Guncle and the Guncle Rule number one: Brunch is awesome 🤩.
But The Guncle Abroad took my breath away! I mean I was on a fantastic trip throughout Europe, arriving with the whole Guncle crew at one of my favourite spots on the planet: Lake Como, Italy! 🇮🇹
Patrick‘s brother Greg is about to get married to Livia, a wealthy Italian lady who happens to have a sister Palmina, an unflappable cool lesbian.
Now, get your snacks and drink and watch the hilarious rivalry between GUP (gay uncle Patrick) and Launt (Lesbian aunt).
🤣
Most distinctly, I loved how Patrick taught his niece and nephew about love, how to love others and how to be loved in return. But wait? Is Patrick himself following his rules?
Guncle‘s Love Language Rules conquered my heart, so have all characters, the locations and the brilliant story wrapping some exquisite details of European culture and history. The culture clash is the cherry on top.
Easy 5 stars! Absolutely recommended!!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review 🤩🤩🤩.
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I was already a huge fan of The Guncle and the Guncle Rule number one: Brunch is awesome 🤩.
But The Guncle Abroad took my breath away! I mean I was on a fantastic trip throughout Europe, arriving with the whole Guncle crew at one of my favourite spots on the planet: Lake Como, Italy! 🇮🇹
Patrick‘s brother Greg is about to get married to Livia, a wealthy Italian lady who happens to have a sister Palmina, an unflappable cool lesbian.
Now, get your snacks and drink and watch the hilarious rivalry between GUP (gay uncle Patrick) and Launt (Lesbian aunt).
🤣
Most distinctly, I loved how Patrick taught his niece and nephew about love, how to love others and how to be loved in return. But wait? Is Patrick himself following his rules?
Guncle‘s Love Language Rules conquered my heart, so have all characters, the locations and the brilliant story wrapping some exquisite details of European culture and history. The culture clash is the cherry on top.
Easy 5 stars! Absolutely recommended!!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review 🤩🤩🤩.
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April 24, 2024
I didn’t realize how much I needed to be reunited with these characters until I actually was, I missed them so much 🥹 If you somehow haven’t read The Guncle yet, first off what are you waiting for?! Secondly, these really do need to be read in order to get the full picture. Patrick just really speaks my language, he’s so witty and sarcastic and I can’t get enough of his humor. Maisie and Grant are five years older than they were in the first book so that was both delightful to see and also sad because they’re SO grown. Patrick having a rivalry with the kids new Launt was hysterical and it was Patrick at his petty best. The setting takes you on a journey as Patrick and the kids do their own jaunt before settling in Italy for Greg’s wedding and nothing says summer read louder than an idyllic setting. I was just as charmed with this one as I was with the previous book, the characters are entertaining and endearing, the plot was cute and the entire thing was a blast from start to finish.
May 23, 2024
(4.5 stars) I adored The Guncle and was particularly excited to hear about a sequel and here it is! The Guncle Abroad brings us some of our old favorite characters: Patrick (obviously!), Maisie and Grant, and their dad. And we get a whole slew of terrific new characters! The story takes place five years after the first book, so everyone is five years older - and Patrick is obsessing about his age. He has broken up with Emory, who is much younger than he is, because he feels Emory won’t want to be with someone his age, as he gets older (he’ll be turning 50 soon). Maisie and Grant’s dad, Greg, is planning to remarry - and the kids are none too happy about this. Patrick takes the kids on a European trip to both distract them and get them used to the idea. Greg’s fiancee, Livia, happens to be the daughter of a super-wealthy Italian family (a titled one!) and the wedding is scheduled to take place in Lake Como in Italy.
I laughed a lot while reading The Guncle Abroad - but I also found myself weeping at times. Without it being a spoiler, my favorite part might be their experiences in Salzburg, Austria, on a Sound Of Music tour! I finished this on a long flight and I’m sure the passengers around me were wondering what I was reading on my Kindle - because I was either smiling or crying!
Two tiny things I didn’t love - Patrick’s animosity toward Palmina, Livia’s lesbian sister. I thought it was a bit uncalled for. I guess he was worried that she would supplant him in the kids’ affection. The other thing is that the book is structured as Now; Four Weeks Earlier; and Now. I think it would have had more impact if the story was just chronological, if the first Now section was incorporated with the second Now section. But that’s a tiny thing. Overall, I loved The Guncle Abroad.
While you could technically read this as a standalone, you’d miss an awful lot of character development and background.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I laughed a lot while reading The Guncle Abroad - but I also found myself weeping at times. Without it being a spoiler, my favorite part might be their experiences in Salzburg, Austria, on a Sound Of Music tour! I finished this on a long flight and I’m sure the passengers around me were wondering what I was reading on my Kindle - because I was either smiling or crying!
Two tiny things I didn’t love - Patrick’s animosity toward Palmina, Livia’s lesbian sister. I thought it was a bit uncalled for. I guess he was worried that she would supplant him in the kids’ affection. The other thing is that the book is structured as Now; Four Weeks Earlier; and Now. I think it would have had more impact if the story was just chronological, if the first Now section was incorporated with the second Now section. But that’s a tiny thing. Overall, I loved The Guncle Abroad.
While you could technically read this as a standalone, you’d miss an awful lot of character development and background.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2024
I loved the Guncle, it was one of the more painful books I’ve ever read, but I read it at the perfect time in my life when I was dealing with my own major grief. So I will admit I was excited and a little nervous about this one. I knew I would love it (and I did), but I worried what feelings it would stir up for me. This one wasn’t quite the same emotional gut punch as the first, but it had the same emotional humor and it was a good story. Patrick is in England filming a movie and moping a bit after breaking up with his boyfriend when he gets a wedding invitation from his brother. He offers to take the kids on a trip around Europe and meet Greg at the wedding and so much adorable bonding happens. But Maise is determined there should be no wedding and wants Patricks help with it. Patrick focuses on teaching Maise and Grant about love and lovely hilarious gay humor occurs. As much as I liked revisiting this world I think I’d be ok if this series was done now. A perfect ending for Maise, Grant and their Guncle.
June 23, 2024
PATRICK IS BACK & BETTER THAN E V E R!
Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons and Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copies of "The Guncle Abroad." Steven Rowley's latest is out now!
Did we need a sequel to "The Guncle?" Absolutely not but I am not going to refuse when Steven Rowley says "Hey everyone! Have a whole new book where your favorite characters go on another adventure that will fill your heart with joy." Yes, you saw that right. Everyone is back and we're all going to explore Europe together.
This was truly a delight. I don't know how you could not love Patrick, Grant and Maisy just living life together again. My favorite part about this book is the big lessons we learn are all surrounding love. We obviously continue to get nods of "The Guncle Rules" which we know Patrick loves to throw into the world but this time the kiddos learn all about "Guncle Love Languages." Dare I say they might be better than Patrick's rules? All the love languages are filled with Patrickisms and will make you swoon or giggle.
Your heart strings will be pulled. You will cry happy tears (I did. The letter (IFYKYK)). You will snort with laughter. It is the emotional ride that I love taking. So if you loved "The Guncle" why not take a staycation with you're favorite gang of three and go to Europe?
To sum up all my thoughts on this book... why is Grant such a mood? The best literary goofball ever. His comedic timing and his innocence just makes me the happiest ever.
🎧 This is a PSA that Steven Rowley needs to do more audiobook narration. He is perfect at it. So obviously, I have no complaints about this audio rendition of "The Guncle Abroad" because Steven Rowley himself narrates. He NAILS performing this book and it made my whole life that Grant's lisp continues to appear even in his preteen years.
🥐 Everyone from "The Guncle" Returns
🥐 Europe
🥐 Weddings
🥐 Hilarious
🥐 Emotional
🥐 Navigating Getting Older
🥐 Highly Recommend the Audiobook
Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons and Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copies of "The Guncle Abroad." Steven Rowley's latest is out now!
Did we need a sequel to "The Guncle?" Absolutely not but I am not going to refuse when Steven Rowley says "Hey everyone! Have a whole new book where your favorite characters go on another adventure that will fill your heart with joy." Yes, you saw that right. Everyone is back and we're all going to explore Europe together.
This was truly a delight. I don't know how you could not love Patrick, Grant and Maisy just living life together again. My favorite part about this book is the big lessons we learn are all surrounding love. We obviously continue to get nods of "The Guncle Rules" which we know Patrick loves to throw into the world but this time the kiddos learn all about "Guncle Love Languages." Dare I say they might be better than Patrick's rules? All the love languages are filled with Patrickisms and will make you swoon or giggle.
Your heart strings will be pulled. You will cry happy tears (I did. The letter (IFYKYK)). You will snort with laughter. It is the emotional ride that I love taking. So if you loved "The Guncle" why not take a staycation with you're favorite gang of three and go to Europe?
To sum up all my thoughts on this book... why is Grant such a mood? The best literary goofball ever. His comedic timing and his innocence just makes me the happiest ever.
🎧 This is a PSA that Steven Rowley needs to do more audiobook narration. He is perfect at it. So obviously, I have no complaints about this audio rendition of "The Guncle Abroad" because Steven Rowley himself narrates. He NAILS performing this book and it made my whole life that Grant's lisp continues to appear even in his preteen years.
🥐 Everyone from "The Guncle" Returns
🥐 Europe
🥐 Weddings
🥐 Hilarious
🥐 Emotional
🥐 Navigating Getting Older
🥐 Highly Recommend the Audiobook
Want to read
September 30, 2023need this now
June 24, 2024
Enjoyed this so much.. all the stars.. just lovely and heartwarming. Patrick my my my WHAT A FUN personality - - I LOVED his sarcasm and wit! Also enjoyed a firsthand experience of traveling through Europe.. but most of all this had substance to it as I never expected all the emotions I would feel. A shout out to my book friend for putting this on my summer reading radar! 🩵 5 stars — Pub. 5/21/24
March 13, 2024
Thank you Penguin Group Putnam for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
The Guncle will forever be a favorite book of mine. It’s one of those stories that was so visceral of an experience when I read it, I can’t help but recommend it to everyone I know. It was a personal book for me and when I learned there was a sequel, I was thrilled to revisit these characters. I thought this was very well done for a sequel. It opened up a lot of feelings for me, some of them anger that the characters were being put through these things! I felt indignant and defensive of Sara’s memory. But then I realized that a writer’s job isn’t to craft perfect characters; it’s to craft real characters.
While the language is witty and the banter is fun, at it’s heart, this is a story of moving forward with grief. Grief isn’t something we leave behind, it walks with us every moment of our lives. So while I was sad and frustrated by parts, I also know it was necessary. By the end I was grinning ear to ear.
Synopsis:
“Patrick O’Hara is back.It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
Returning to These Characters—The Guncle is one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the characters so much and the story. It left an indelible mark on me so I was THRILLED when this arrived in my inbox.
The Tone, Writing—I love Steven Rowley’s writing. It’s sharp and witty but full of little wisdoms that borrow into your heart.
The Expressions of Grief—One of the things I love about the books is this series is how it explores grief from so many different angles. Children losing a parent, a spouse losing their parent, a best friend losing their other half. It’s quiet in it’s complexity and makes you laugh out loud while also tear up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
2nd Act Pacing—Things in the 2nd Act got a little funny for me. It felt a little choppy as we got to the “main events.”
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
brief ention of Harry Potter/JK Rowling, grief, ableist language
The Guncle will forever be a favorite book of mine. It’s one of those stories that was so visceral of an experience when I read it, I can’t help but recommend it to everyone I know. It was a personal book for me and when I learned there was a sequel, I was thrilled to revisit these characters. I thought this was very well done for a sequel. It opened up a lot of feelings for me, some of them anger that the characters were being put through these things! I felt indignant and defensive of Sara’s memory. But then I realized that a writer’s job isn’t to craft perfect characters; it’s to craft real characters.
While the language is witty and the banter is fun, at it’s heart, this is a story of moving forward with grief. Grief isn’t something we leave behind, it walks with us every moment of our lives. So while I was sad and frustrated by parts, I also know it was necessary. By the end I was grinning ear to ear.
Synopsis:
“Patrick O’Hara is back.It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up?Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
Returning to These Characters—The Guncle is one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the characters so much and the story. It left an indelible mark on me so I was THRILLED when this arrived in my inbox.
The Tone, Writing—I love Steven Rowley’s writing. It’s sharp and witty but full of little wisdoms that borrow into your heart.
The Expressions of Grief—One of the things I love about the books is this series is how it explores grief from so many different angles. Children losing a parent, a spouse losing their parent, a best friend losing their other half. It’s quiet in it’s complexity and makes you laugh out loud while also tear up.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
2nd Act Pacing—Things in the 2nd Act got a little funny for me. It felt a little choppy as we got to the “main events.”
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
brief ention of Harry Potter/JK Rowling, grief, ableist language
May 26, 2024
After falling head over heels for The Guncle, The Guncle Abroad was on my list of my most-anticipated reads for 2024. I so badly wanted to love it and fall under its charm. Unfortunately, this wasn't my experience. I just didn't find it as endearing as the first book in the series; the character growth was certainly far less satisfying. I found myself having very little patience with Patrick, whose self-centered thinking and angst over his aging battled and often eclipsed his concern for the children. It felt, to me, like most of his personal growth from the first book had been completely undone. Add to that a heavy dose of teenage antics from the now-older Maisie (and even Grant, to a certain degree) and I was pretty over this one by at best halfway through. I'm thrilled to see that this book has found its place with other readers because I so badly wanted it to be a win. It's a win for some, and that's good enough for me — but sadly that wasn't the case for me.
May 21, 2024
A moving, heartfelt sequel to The Guncle that sees Patrick taking his niece and nephew across Europe as they gear up for their father's wedding to a new woman. Full of humor, heart and everything that made The Guncle so special, this was great on audio narrated by the author himself. Highly recommended if you're looking for a feel-good read/listen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2024
Adorable! Once again a fun foray with the Guncle and his family!
July 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my heart. Simply put, I was just so happy to be back with my old friends again. Patrick is just the funniest character ever and I am so convinced we would be fantastic besties. I adore how the kids have grown. I loved the journeys ALL of the characters took. I cried at sneak attack moments that I’m not even sure were meant to be crying parts. It was just so freaking delightful. Ummm, there is going to be a third book right?!? A Palmina spin-off mayhaps??? Love. Her. Throw in The Sound of Music and Tori Amos mentions and I was DONE. 🙌🏼
Oh my heart. Simply put, I was just so happy to be back with my old friends again. Patrick is just the funniest character ever and I am so convinced we would be fantastic besties. I adore how the kids have grown. I loved the journeys ALL of the characters took. I cried at sneak attack moments that I’m not even sure were meant to be crying parts. It was just so freaking delightful. Ummm, there is going to be a third book right?!? A Palmina spin-off mayhaps??? Love. Her. Throw in The Sound of Music and Tori Amos mentions and I was DONE. 🙌🏼
May 21, 2024
Many thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC.
THE GUNCLE ABROAD is one of those rare cases of the sequel exceeding the expectations set forth by the original.
I immediately had the nostalgic sense of coming home. You know how you can send your kids off to camp for just a summer and they come back just so — different? This is like that. 5 years have gone by and time has stood still for no one, as time has the tendency to (not) do. Of course Maisie and Grant have are growing and changing but our beloved Patrick is facing growing (aka aging) pangs of his own.
The upcoming nuptials of Greg and Livia (an Italian Marquesa!) necessitate the introduction of another cast of characters in the form of the bride’s family, my favorite of which is Palmina, Livia’s chic lesbian sister (it is as yet undetermined if “launt” is a thing) who develops an endearing rivalry with Patrick.
In only the way Steven Rowley could make me, I laughed and cried —frequently simultaneously — at the circumstances, the characters, and the realistic and poignant ways in which grief and joy so frequently intersect.
Steven Rowley’s narration is perfect and I’m convinced no other narrator would do.
I hope we have more Guncle in our future.
THE GUNCLE ABROAD is one of those rare cases of the sequel exceeding the expectations set forth by the original.
I immediately had the nostalgic sense of coming home. You know how you can send your kids off to camp for just a summer and they come back just so — different? This is like that. 5 years have gone by and time has stood still for no one, as time has the tendency to (not) do. Of course Maisie and Grant have are growing and changing but our beloved Patrick is facing growing (aka aging) pangs of his own.
The upcoming nuptials of Greg and Livia (an Italian Marquesa!) necessitate the introduction of another cast of characters in the form of the bride’s family, my favorite of which is Palmina, Livia’s chic lesbian sister (it is as yet undetermined if “launt” is a thing) who develops an endearing rivalry with Patrick.
In only the way Steven Rowley could make me, I laughed and cried —frequently simultaneously — at the circumstances, the characters, and the realistic and poignant ways in which grief and joy so frequently intersect.
Steven Rowley’s narration is perfect and I’m convinced no other narrator would do.
I hope we have more Guncle in our future.
February 24, 2024
I’ve loved Steven Rowley’s writing since his first book, Lily and the Octopus. I knew he was going to be an exceptional author.
The GUNCLE was a blockbuster book loved by many worldwide. To write a sequel took courage and of course, Steven hit it out of the park again.
Patrick, the Guncle, takes Maisy, now 14, and Grant, now 11, to Europe for some sightseeing before they’re all due in Italy for their Dad’s wedding. The kids aren’t very happy about their dad marrying again after their mom’s death five years ago. Maisy is definitely not comfortable with it, and Patrick wants to help.
His brother Greg is marrying the daughter of a wealthy client who he loves. The lavish wedding will be at a gorgeous hotel at Lake Como. No expense has been spared to Patrick’s delight.
It’s a fun, heartwarming story with all the humor and wit only Steven can supply.
My only qualm is the dialogue with the kids in the first half of the book. It’s just a little too adult for kids that seems a bit unrealistic. Patrick is also a bit annoying, more than usual, with his constant quips and film references no one gets. None of this spoils a fabulous book.
Thank you Edelweiss and GP Putnam for DRC!
The GUNCLE was a blockbuster book loved by many worldwide. To write a sequel took courage and of course, Steven hit it out of the park again.
Patrick, the Guncle, takes Maisy, now 14, and Grant, now 11, to Europe for some sightseeing before they’re all due in Italy for their Dad’s wedding. The kids aren’t very happy about their dad marrying again after their mom’s death five years ago. Maisy is definitely not comfortable with it, and Patrick wants to help.
His brother Greg is marrying the daughter of a wealthy client who he loves. The lavish wedding will be at a gorgeous hotel at Lake Como. No expense has been spared to Patrick’s delight.
It’s a fun, heartwarming story with all the humor and wit only Steven can supply.
My only qualm is the dialogue with the kids in the first half of the book. It’s just a little too adult for kids that seems a bit unrealistic. Patrick is also a bit annoying, more than usual, with his constant quips and film references no one gets. None of this spoils a fabulous book.
Thank you Edelweiss and GP Putnam for DRC!
July 8, 2024
This was fun! It was a great road trip audiobook. I liked the overseas setting and I laughed a few times. I liked the first book a bit better, but this was fun.
June 28, 2024
After some heavier books I was looking forward to another feel-good Guncle book and it delivered! Listened to it as I always love Rowley’s narration of his books. I recommend reading (listening) to The Guncle first, although not required. This story picks up with Patrick, Grant and Maisy five years after the first one. There are again, tough emotions in this one as well but the same love between the characters always comes through.
June 23, 2024
I dropped everything when the library notified me The Guncle Abroad was ready to borrow. I had fallen head over heels with The Guncle and couldn’t wait for Rowley’s sequel.
This book starts 5 years later when Patrick’s brother, Greg, the father of Maisie and Grant, is about to remarry. It’s a bittersweet story that examines how to move forward from the loss of a loved one.
The quote from my original review still applies, “It was warm-hearted, humorous, touching, philosophical, and optimistic with an array of huggable characters.”
Right from the beginning two lines welcomed me back to the Guncle ‘verse:
😍 pg 6. "The connection between two people is not always something others are meant to see"..."Like fireworks in the daytime..."
😍 pg 12. It was the sad truth about losing someone--your certainty about who they were faded with memory.
That’s not to say snarky humor and pop culture references, current and past, weren’t on display. They were, but they resembled a cloud of frolicking fireflies, too numerous and delicate to pin down to a review.
Why four stars? This time I was more attuned to a couple of quirks and an unwelcome plot device:
🤔 Slight, fleeting POV shifts. This also happened in book 1.
🤔 Food played a big role in the story. Patrick wanted Maisie and Grant to sample different foods in each country they visited—hot chocolate in Paris, pizza in Venice, and so on. There were descriptive visuals, but never anything about the taste. It felt eerily similar to flipping through a foodie magazine while on a diet.
🤔 The first two were minor and might have been given a pass except around 70% a thought occurred to me about where the story was headed. I nearly prayed out loud to the book gods, "Tell me it's not going to happen?" Oh, but it did. It went Hollywood.
So, while the plot wasn’t the best, the cast of characters and the insights into human nature made it worthwhile.
This book starts 5 years later when Patrick’s brother, Greg, the father of Maisie and Grant, is about to remarry. It’s a bittersweet story that examines how to move forward from the loss of a loved one.
The quote from my original review still applies, “It was warm-hearted, humorous, touching, philosophical, and optimistic with an array of huggable characters.”
Right from the beginning two lines welcomed me back to the Guncle ‘verse:
😍 pg 6. "The connection between two people is not always something others are meant to see"..."Like fireworks in the daytime..."
😍 pg 12. It was the sad truth about losing someone--your certainty about who they were faded with memory.
That’s not to say snarky humor and pop culture references, current and past, weren’t on display. They were, but they resembled a cloud of frolicking fireflies, too numerous and delicate to pin down to a review.
Why four stars? This time I was more attuned to a couple of quirks and an unwelcome plot device:
🤔 Slight, fleeting POV shifts. This also happened in book 1.
🤔 Food played a big role in the story. Patrick wanted Maisie and Grant to sample different foods in each country they visited—hot chocolate in Paris, pizza in Venice, and so on. There were descriptive visuals, but never anything about the taste. It felt eerily similar to flipping through a foodie magazine while on a diet.
🤔 The first two were minor and might have been given a pass except around 70% a thought occurred to me about where the story was headed. I nearly prayed out loud to the book gods, "Tell me it's not going to happen?" Oh, but it did. It went Hollywood.
So, while the plot wasn’t the best, the cast of characters and the insights into human nature made it worthwhile.
May 19, 2024
Although we're back 5 years after the events of The Guncle, we're back with Patrick and his family and it's a reunion that you're going to love (especially if you're a huge fan of The Guncle!). Reconnecting with these characters gives us the familiarity we crave, yet the new storyline and situations provide a fresh take on the plot. Steven still manages to make them lovable, whilst introducing a small set of new ones, and keep the story humorous, endearing, and poignant at the same time. Absolutely loved this book!
May 28, 2024
This book was like sunshine in a bottle. Pure happiness, funny moments, touching ending. We love it! The perfect summer read.
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