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. 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 somewhat-stalled acting career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. But when his waggish set of Guncle Rules no longer appease Maisie and Grant’s parental void, 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.
by Sophie
Gay Uncle Patrick, or GUP, is a has-been TV sitcom star, who lives a comfortable and secluded life in Palm Springs when suddenly he must take care of his little niece and nephew when his sister-in-law (and best friend) dies, and his brother checks himself into rehab.
Patrick is larger than life, flamboyant, and unwilling to talk down to the children or change his life. But he is also vulnerable, intuitive to the kids’ needs, and willing to grow into his role. The kids, Maisie and Grant, are beautifully drawn, full of grief, love for their uncle, and confused by his unorthodox adulting. The side characters are also warm, funny, and true to life.
For all that, this is Patrick’s story, though, and I loved the way he took a very difficult situation by the horns and made the best of it as he knew how. He makes mistakes but he’s willing to learn. His grief is tremendous, both over the old loss of his partner and the new loss of his best friend. Together with the kids he must find a way through.
