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
I bought The Guncle last month and hope to find time to read it soon. I’m so glad that you loved it. I’ve heard really good things. Yay for finishing one book! Any reading is good, in my book (yes, pun intended LOL)
Lauren
It’s funny because I expected the book to light and funny but it had more depth than I expected and I really needed/appreciated it. Any reading is good and book/reading puns are always welcome here! 🙂
Yay, glad to see a book post from you Tanya 🙂
Sounds like you read an interesting book and I hope your reading mojo comes back soon!
Thanks, Mackeznie! I think more about blogging than I blog, unfortunately. I’m trying to change this because it’s not even so much that I lack the time but just need to sit down and write! I’m hoping my reading mojo comes back too. I miss reading so much It sucks because there are so many books that I’d like to read but really my anxiety gets in the way and I can’t sit still. 🙁
I am anxiously awaiting this book through our library! I am next on the list to get it too and I have such high hopes for it.
Oh, I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did Joanne. It really struck a chord with me. I laughed and cried more than I expected. 🙂
It’s so good to see you again. I was legit thinking about you the other day.
Awwww … I miss being a regular part of the link-up and connecting with everyone. Hope you are doing well, my friend!
The Guncle is on my to read list! Glad you enjoyed it….I’ve heard good things!
I enjoyed it quite a bit. I picked it because it felt “light” enough that I could enjoy it since my thrillers have not been working for me lately. It definitely made me LOL and also cry too. I hope you enjoy it!
Good to “see” you on this linkup again. I haven’t read The Guncle yet, but want to.
Thanks Jill! It feels really good to be back, even if it’s only with one book to share!
Hi (again!) Tanya!!! 😉 I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book and I enjoyed one of his others so definitely on my radar!!