by Steven Rowley
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2021. 326 pages. Realistic Fiction
When tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and their father has a health crisis of his own, their gay uncle Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian, despite the fact that he's been hiding out for years, dealing with his own personal grief. 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.
It can be difficult to address grief in fiction, particularly without being morose and heavy. Yet Rowley manages to do just that, tackling this serious subject with humor and warmth. The main focus of the book is on moving forward and making new relationships and friendships. Patrick and the children slowly realize that they need one another (I don't even think that's a spoiler), and that it's only through their shared bond that they can overcome the hardships in their lives.