Steven Rowley reads dramatically from his latest novel, The Guncle, and talks about its Auntie Mame genesis on this week’s Out in the Bay. It’s a heart-warming, humorous work of fiction about a once-famous sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Gay Uncle Patrick, or “GUP” as his family calls him, helps his young charges work through their grief with lots of love and non-stop wit. And for himself – tho he offers them to the kids too – plenty of mimosas. Amidst the summer pool parties, bike rides and sleep-overs, Patrick finds himself gaining insights into his own grief and life, too.

The Guncle was named one of O, The Oprah Magazine‘s “32 LGBTQ Books That Will Change the Literary Landscape in 2021” and topped summer reading lists, including Travel & Leisure‘s “Most Anticipated Books of the Summer.”

Steven Rowley is also the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, which was named a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016 and is currently being developed into a feature film, and of The Editor, named by NPR and Esquire as one of the Best Books of 2019 and also in movie development. Rowley has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist and screenwriter. He lives in Palm Springs with his husband, author, screenwriter and playwright Byron Lane.

This episode was produced by Kendra Klang and edited by Porfirio Rangel.