July Bookshelf – I Read Something!

Hello, I’d like to introduce myself or perhaps reintroduce myself is more accurate. My name is Tanya and I read books. Once upon a time, I read a lot. One might even say voraciously. Now, I dream about reading and getting lost in a world of make-believe. While in reality, I struggle to actually open a book and read most (all) days. But Praise the Reading Gods, I read 1 book. Yes, we are celebrating the reading of ONE book because it is better than NONE.

Even though I haven’t been reading much (one still counts though!), I have maintained a relatively up-to-date TBR list — thanks to Show Us Your Books participants — because someday my reading mojo will return. Right now, though, I tend to be cautious about what I attempt to read because a bad, dull, stupid or annoying book makes reading even harder. I used to struggle with DNFing books but not any more!

The Book I Loved Last Month

Technically I read it in August but what matters is that I loved it.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

Book Description: Patrick, Gay Uncle Patrick, suddenly finds himself taking care of his young niece and nephew after a tragic loss in the family.

Book Review: I had a teeny bit of trepidation when I started this book because I was afraid it might be dumb or stereotypical or super duper annoying. Fortunately, it was not. There were, I suppose, some stereotypes presented but not because the author was projecting what he assumed it meant to be gay (the author is himself a Guncle) but in a way that also made me understand that depending on intent, some stereotypes can actually be celebratory versus demeaning or mocking. I certainly laughed many times throughout the book because Patrick is a hoot. He is a somewhat reclusive former TV star, still grieving over a personal loss himself, who is suddenly responsible for two young children and he’s not really equipped to handle it. The book also made me cry. A lot. We all have grief locked inside of us, whether we’re grieving a person, pet or even something less tangible – like lost opportunities or dreams. It was a good (and personally needed) reminder to live and celebrate every day.

To Read or Not To Read: Absolutely. It’s both frothy and serious and overall a fast read.

Gay people have a sad history, but most of us, we overcome it. We’re kicked out of our small-town families and make new families and build brilliant lives. We were beaten, and so we become strong, and now our bodies are envied. A generation wiped out by a virus, but our lives are still a celebration—we made frose a thing, for god’s sake. We’re discriminated against, we became a political power. That sort of thing, We thrive, all of us.

To More Great Books

I have a crap ton of books on my kindle that I checked out eons ago but remain available because I haven’t synced my kindle in ages. I’m hoping to get through another book for next month’s link-up. Or maybe even two! As always, I’m joining the Show Us Your Books Link-Up hosted by Jana and Steph. Be sure to see what everyone else read last month!

What book do recommend I attempt to read next month? Or what was a great book that you recently read?

Tanya

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