This is THE book I share with single person who asks for recommendations. You’re going on vacation? Read The Guncle. You haven’t read a book in ten years and want somewhere to start? The Guncle. You just had a baby and need something to read while nursing 27 hours a day? Obviously, The Guncle.
It’s my book club’s pick for April, so I’m re-reading it for the third time, and it is just as good as the first time. Plus, Rowley’s follow up The Guncle Abroad releases next month, so now seems like the right time.
If you’re new here, book pairings are meant to invite all your senses into your reading life. Each title is paired with a variety of music, recipes, movies, quotes, and sometimes other books to enhance your reading experience.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Smells like: sunscreen, chlorine, frangipani, an ice cream shop, hospital rooms, chicken grilling, childhood, stale, stagnant air and microwave frozen dinners.
Looks like: giant pool floats, colorful caftans, mid century modern architecture, the stark, drab interior of a rehab center.
Tastes like: cotton candy, vodka on the rocks with a twist, fresh corn pancakes, lemon pie, vanilla birthday cake, a freshly picked grapefruit still warm from the sun and sprinkled with sugar.
Feels like: cool mist on a hot day, a dog resting its head on your leg, loneliness and its opposite, nostalgia.
Favorite Quotes:
“‘You’re forty-three!’ Maisie bellowed.
‘Who are you, the DMV? Lower your voice.’
‘That’s almost fifty!’ Grant’s eyes grew big. Patrick took the jab, then closed his eyes and bit his lower lip; the observation was just shy of a hate crime. Do not punch a child, do not punch a child. ‘Can we please focus?'”
“Guncle Rule number five: If a gay man hands you his phone, look only at what he’s showing you. If it’s a photo, don’t swipe. And for god’s sake, don’t open any unfamiliar apps.”
“I need you to remember something. We’ll call it Guncle Rule sweet sixteen: I want you to really live. To live is the rarest of things. Most people merely exist.”
“There are two tragedies in life: one is not getting what you want, the other is getting it. Patrick had lived both; the second was preferable.”
“Grief orbits the heart. Some days the circle is greater. Those are the good days. You have room to move and dance and breathe. Some days the circle is tighter. Those are the hard ones.”
Ok I read your first paragraph, went to place a hold on it, and went back tonight finish your article. How did you know I needed a book for next week?