The Guncle

Steven Rowley

When a family tragedy leaves Patrick, a charming but emotionally adrift former actor, responsible for his young niece and nephew, his carefully curated Palm Springs life is turned upside down. Armed with humor, indulgence, and a set of self-invented “Guncle Rules,” Patrick soon discovers that caring for children demands more than keeping them entertained—and forces him to confront the grief and disappointments he has long avoided. Warm, funny, and deeply moving, this story explores family, resilience, unexpected parenthood, and the transformative power of love.