Say Uncle: A Novel

by Eric Shaw Quinn

Book Overview

What makes a family? New York Times bestselling novelist Eric Shaw Quinn asks and answers that question in this touching and hilarious romp through the trials -- literal and personal -- of a gay man... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525937803
• ISBN13: 9780525937807
• Release Date: August 1994
• Publisher: Dutton
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Two separate stories, no real resolution

There are two distinct stories represented in "Say Uncle," neither having any real connection to each other, except that the characters are the same. The first half of the book is about a gay man who suddenly finds himself guardian of his toddler nephew when his sister and her husband are killed in a car crash. A custody battle ensues with the paternal grandfather. The second half deals with the now grown nephew and his love affair with a southern belle and dealing with her ultra-rich, Texas mogul of a father. So, in reality this was two novellas smashed together. But this is hardly the worst thing about this book. The characters were rather two-dimensional. The uncle is your typical aging Queen, his partner is only a shadow of a figure popping in every so often to add a snarky quip to the dialogue. The nephew is a blank slate. Just a kid, no real personality of his own, nothing outstanding about him. And all the other characters were about as predictable is you can get. No nuance at all. At the basic level, the plot is intriguing. Well, the first plot, not the second. But a gay uncle fighting for his custody rights for his nephew? That makes for good drama. Too bad that Eric Shaw Quinn stumbled over well-worn and outright ridiculous tropes to give the story flavor. And what's worse, he didn't even close out the first plot line to any satisfaction. He simply found a way to brush it off and pretend it didn't matter. Is "Say Uncle" the worst book I've ever read? Well, no, because I have read both "Twilight" and "The Art of the Deal," both which could burn in hell for eternity for all I care. But I do feel I wasted an afternoon with this doorstop. My advice to anyone who is considering this for the summer reader... perhaps stick to the instruction manual that came with your Ikea furniture. It has a better plot.

Ignite Inspiration

I first read this book 1996. i am a truly cosmopolitan person and, at the time, i was studying in England. a dear, trusted, fun and inspirational friend gave me this book for my birthday. he signed it with: Don't start reading it before you go to bed, otherwise you won't sleep! [obviously i did!] This book is going to make you laugh and cry at the same time [hmmhmm]... ... how could i put it better?!? ... this is a truly good real, with a human touch, much common sense and insight - and yet quirky and different ... as for myself - 'Say Uncle' has been the MUST of a present for the people i hold dear. i live in 3 different countries at present and have a copy at each residence! read it, lend it, gift it! ... just get your hands on a copy!!! PS: warning to the conventionally hearted - stay way clear, cause this is a book about curiosity and passion to live life!

you'll laugh, you'll cry

I loved this book. it is well written, and includes very moving plot themes. i laughed outloud at several points, and at others was left wishing for some fast acting prozac. i just wish i could find other books by this talented writer. in the meantime, i suggest christian mclaughlin.

I laughed, I cried, and I laughed again.

This is a book I could not put down. It touched me on so many levels. As a gay parent myself, it was wonderful to read the story of another gay man who became an accidental parent.The author was quite clever in using three different points of view in the story. The book started out third person, describing the life of Michael and his legal battle to adopt his nephew. The second part of the book was told from the nephew Scott, and it was wonderful to see the world through his eyes. The third part was in Michael's voice, and that is where I cried again.

I laughed, I cried, I read it again

This book was one that I just grabbed while wandering through a bookstore, and I fell in love with it as I read it. The characters are charming, well developed, and engaging. I laughed out loud, I cried real tears, I wanted the story to keep going. Each character was somehow flawed, and yet each had at least one redeeming quality. I have lent my copy to a number of my "bookish" friends, and every one of them has enjoyed it. It's a fantastic read.

Charming and Hysterical

Shaw did a wonderful job in this book. After reading it, I gave copies to all my gay friends, who love it. It carries a wide range of emotions and is highly entertaining. I think anyone who knows anyone who is gay should read this book. The characters are warm and the story line is full of surprizes. A thoroughly enjoyable read.