Say Uncle

Rating:
Summary: Well-intentioned and often funny, but spotty
Review: A well-balanced child is raised by an eccentric, gay uncle in the wake of controversy and tragedy: Who but the most intolerant could argue with that storyline? But good intentions don't always make for good writing, unfortunately, and this book tends toward flat, unrealistically presented stereotypes and too-convenient plot devices. But the title "uncle" is indeed a character -- if not likable, a clearly drawn funny, outspoken CHARACTER. A cute read if you don't take it too seriously and expect more than is there.

Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried, and I laughed again.
Review: Eric Shaw Quinn is an excellent writer! Loved the book. Highly recommend this. Central character is independent, loving, pure as is the author's writing.

Rating:
Summary: excellent read
Review: I absolutely loved this book. Being a book cynic, it's rare for a modern work of fiction to move me - but this one made me laugh and cry and come away feeling good that there are still some writers out there that can touch me. Uncle Michael was a hoot!

Rating:
Summary: excellent read
Review: I absolutely loved this book. Being a book cynic, it's rare for a modern work of fiction to move me - but this one made me laugh and cry and come away feeling good that there are still some writers out there that can touch me. Uncle Michael was a hoot!

Rating:
Summary: I DISSENT! (FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY)
Review: I disagree with the review (above) in Publishers Weekly.

Of course, liking or disliking a writer's work is mostly subjective...and, more often than not, affected by the mood the reader is experiencing at the time.

I liked this book. I was moved by it. I laughed until the tears came. I like the author. He has a wonderful sense of what is valuable and fine in family relationships. His perspective on things that are important and things that are foolish or plain stupid is obvious -- as is the care he exercise not to put people down in a way that is mean.

This book is not perfect. It starts slowly, and ends too quickly. But somewhere between the first few pages and last few pages it becomes impossible to put it down.

Yes, the comparison with Patrick Dennis ("Auntie Mame")is obvious (it also reminds me of "Breakfast with Scot" by Michael Downing -- another of my favorite novels). Except for one incident (the elevator sequence), I think Quinn succeeds hilariously. But he also brings more to this story than Dennis -- great warmth and humanity.

All in all, a marvelous first novel. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Rating:
Summary: Very Good!!!
Review: I have read the other remarks and was taken back by some of the anger towards the author that he did not "explore" the homosexuality of the character more. I am on the other extreme. I found the book refreshing and funny. It draws on the reader to see what is happening and to become a part of this non-conventional family. I like the fact that it is not conventional in any sense of the word. To expect every book about a gay man to be a work of political rubbish or to make a "gay statement" takes away from what the book is about. This book is about a man, who is gay, who lives, and breathes in a normal world. He has come to terms with who he is and he asks you to do the same.

Rating:
Summary: you'll laugh, you'll cry
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried, I read it again
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried, I read it again
Review: 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.