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My Favorite Uncle
Martin Dixon's carefully-constructed, peaceful life is turned upside down when his super Christian eighteen-year-old nephew Carter shows up unexpectedly on his doorstep and announces he's gay. Martin's first impulse is to send him back to his parents. But when he discovers that Carter has been in a mental hospital to cure his gayness he realizes he's stuck with the boy. Unfortunately, the two get on each other's nerves, each driving the other to distraction. Independently, however, they each arrive at the same conclusion. The other would be much less annoying if he only had... a boyfriend.
2014 Rainbow Award Runner Up Gay Contemporary Fiction
2014 Rainbow Award Runner Up Gay Contemporary Fiction
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2014
29 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Thornton
56 books629 followersThree-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 1, 2015
4,3 stars!
I want to start with the cover. Isn't it ADORABLE?!
Yes, it is! And made personally from Marshall Thornton!
Dear readers, how often have you been browsing through different books with the same half naked males? The same covers, the different titles.
I HATE THESE COVERS that keep constantly appearing in my update field.
Dear authors, ask Marshall Thornton for a favour next time.
Maybe he'll agree to design a cover for your new book.
Most of you know Marshall Thornton from Boystown series but he is not only a very talented mystery writer. I am a big fan of his comedy's skills.
A nice easy going comedy. It was what I'd expected from the book with this title, this blurb and this cover. And I was not totally wrong - I laughed enough reading it. BUT. It was like laughing with one eye and tearing with another. It was not ONLY hilarious and funny. There were a lot of very serious thoughts about the world, the God, about acceptance, about love, hate, duties, friendship, about being young and silly and being old and silly, about coming to an age, about a lot of nice and sad things. Simply about life. Excellent written. As always.
I highlighted half of the book - you can see it in my updates- but I didn't upload all of my favourite quotes.
It took me almost a half of the book to understand that this book was not in the first place about Carter, though about Martin. And how Carter changed Martin's world, broke down his daily routine and helped him to find HIMSELF.
Wonderful book brilliantly written!
I have to warn you:
IT IS NOT A MM-ROMANCE.
IT IS NOT AN ABUSE STORY.
IT IS NOT ONLY A HILARIOUS COMEDY.
It is a brilliant mixture out of everything though the comedy is outweighing. It is serious and funny at the same time. Melancholic and poignant. If you prefer the strictly separation of the genres you'll be probably confused. Normally I'm not a fan of a genre's mixture. But if an author can - and Marshall Thornton CAN-it is a great reading experience. And I'm grateful for it.
Some things were meaner if you said them calmly.
Some serious things are more impressive if they are told not with an iron face.
P.SThank you for reading together, girls! - Otila, Rosa, Sofia, Irina - ;))
September 15, 2014
It comes as no shock to me that I enjoyed this book. Marshall Thornton is a great writer and has a shrewd sense of humor that I relate to and find relaxing. Reading one of his books is like talking to an old friend. I loved the idea of this novel – a funny but closed-off man is forced back to life by his teenage nephew (but, you know, less clichéd than that description). However, I found I couldn't really get into it. I felt like an observer and not a participant. I liked both main characters, Martin and his nephew Carter - they're total opposites but both are full of wry, thoughtful observations. But they felt distant and I didn’t feel fully engaged by either of them. I waited for about 80% of the book for something to happen, some event that would tie it all together (I have no idea what exactly), only to realize during the last part that, well…that was it. A series of humorous, thoughtful scenes, that never really coalesced.
Take Carter, for instance. Carter grew up with born again Christian parents, knowing from a young age that he was gay and that his parents would not approve of his orientation. When they do find out, there's one short scene where his mother happily informs him there's a "cure" and then we're told Carter is shipped off to a "Renewal Center,” a mental hospital for those with “gender dysphoria.” (Barf.) Sounds really shitty doesn't it? Terrifying for anyone, especially a 17 year old kid.
But when Carter arrives at his Uncle Martin's doorstep shortly later, having left the "Center" after turning 18, he seems totally unaffected by it. We have no idea what went on at the Renewal Center and for the majority of the novel it seems like Carter couldn’t care less about it. The only strong emotion he expresses is an extremely negative reaction to talking to or seeing his parents, which is completely understandable. We read about Carter’s reactions to sex, picking up men, his job, his uncle, his new love interest, even what strapping his penis back feels like as well as the typical selfish teenage stunts he pulls (I totally wanted to slap him upside the head a few times), but we're never given any insight into Carter's experiences at the "Renewal Center" or even his feelings toward it. There are a few brief mentions that he doesn’t wish to return but other than that we're almost left with the impression that - hey! Maybe it didn't suck too hard! The fact that thought crossed my mind even for an instant left me feeling like an insensitive douchebag. But I just couldn't see where it had any effect on Carter at all. Or at least, the profound sort of effect I was expecting from the blurb.
Towards the end of the novel, Carter finally tells his uncle, Martin, one of his experiences at the “Renewal Center.” It's truly scary in its malicious subtlety and excellently portrayed by Thornton. It doesn't come until nearly the end of the book and it's only then that I felt like I could empathize with Carter. But what takes away from this scene is that although it's being related to Martin through Carter’s flashback, the scene never returns to Carter & Martin. Any reaction Martin may have had is completely skipped over. A scene where Martin expresses sympathy or just pats Carter consolingly, nothing too dramatic but something, would’ve have said a lot about any familial bond growing between uncle and nephew.
In the end I would've responded to the book more if Thornton had either left out some of the darker elements, like the "Renewal Center," and added more humor, or left out some of the humor (I don't think Thornton could entirely skip it nor would I want him to) and written an even deeper novel about an emotionally orphaned teenager and his reluctant uncle. As it is, it feels a bit uneven.
Two things saved this novel for me. First, like in The Perils of Praline and The Ghost Slept Over, I loved the humor & sly observations about Christianity, love, relationships, family, sex and life in general. Second, the ending. It was happy without being unrealistic. I really felt like Martin & Carter were growing to love each other and learning to depend on each other as family does. I also felt hopeful about their respective futures. And though this is NOT, repeat NOT, a romance, there is a very minor romantic subplot in the last half of the book. It’s probably not enough to satisfy a dedicated romance reader, but it satisfied my romantic heart. I closed the book feeling slightly ambivalent about the journey, but with a warm glow that while all was not perfect, everything turned out alright in the end.
Thanks for the BR Otila, Sofia, Lena & Irina!
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August 13, 2015DNF @ 40%
This is maybe the second book this year I DNF; it's rare for me to drop a book, but at over 4,000 locations, this one's quite a beast, too long to bear when the story wasn't keeping my interest. I didn't like the characters or complete lack of romance, and the humour didn't work for me. If you liked the author's other books, this one might well suit. It's well written, just not my cuppa.
This is maybe the second book this year I DNF; it's rare for me to drop a book, but at over 4,000 locations, this one's quite a beast, too long to bear when the story wasn't keeping my interest. I didn't like the characters or complete lack of romance, and the humour didn't work for me. If you liked the author's other books, this one might well suit. It's well written, just not my cuppa.
June 30, 2014
Throughout his short life, Carter had always considered his Uncle Martin to be his safety net, the person he could turn to in times of trouble. So when trouble came to Carter, Carter went to his Uncle Martin. There he found that his real Uncle Martin was somewhat different to live with than the Uncle Martin of his imagination.
His Uncle Martin on the other hand was safely in the rut he had deposited himself in after his great disappointment. So for him too, the advent of Carter in his life was, let us say, disruptive. Both of them had no clue how to deal with each other and often ended up at cross purposes. Martin’s age, did not prevent this from being a case of the blind leading the blind, as in life matters, blindness seems to be endemic.
Martin’s, somewhat witty often sarcastic commentary accompany us through the story. I say somewhat because underneath the funny, light-hearted veneer there runs an underlay of loneliness, separation, bigotry, fundamentalism and abuse. Plus questions like should we live by a credo, the search for happiness, our right to happiness, family and how to live with or without them.
I found the narration to meander a bit and would have preferred it to be tighter and more focused. Some horrible events are dealt with too blithely. It might be that the author tried to balance out the seriousness of the subject matter with wit and humour. But this is a delicate balance to acheive and in this case did not work for me, as when it was funny, I kept thinking that this was serious and awful. Carter's seeming naivety and nonchalance did not ring true whilst his missing his family and the phonecall from his sister did.
BR with Lena, Rosa, Otila and Irina - thank you for the company :D
August 12, 2016
***3.5***
Martin’s ten year relationship ended badly…fifteen years ago. Since then he has very carefully managed to keep his life quite and drama free, if somewhat lonely. That all changes when his nephew, Carter, shows up at his door and announces he’s gay.
Carter was raised in a very Christian family and has been taught that being gay is wrong. When his father catches him having sex with a boy he is sent to a psychiatric hospital to “cure his gayness”. As soon as he turns 18, Carter leaves the hospital and turns to the only person who he thinks will help him, his gay Uncle Martin. They have only met once or twice at funerals, but Carter is sure that after everything he’s heard about being gay from his family and church, living with Uncle Martin will be tons of fun. Unfortunately, Martin doesn’t live up to the gay stereotype Carter has of him. Martin doesn’t want to have the drama of living with a teenager but can’t find an easy way to get rid of him without sending him back to his parents.
Finding a way to live with each other turns out to be rough. Carter is young, naïve and irresponsible. Martin is bitter and has built so many walls around himself he doesn’t know how to let anyone in. This book is about Martin and Carter learning about life and love from each other. It’s funny and heartwarming but I did find it to be a bit slow at times, especially in the middle. Still I really like Thornton’s writing and it was an enjoyable read.
BR with Lena, Sofia and Rosa.
Martin’s ten year relationship ended badly…fifteen years ago. Since then he has very carefully managed to keep his life quite and drama free, if somewhat lonely. That all changes when his nephew, Carter, shows up at his door and announces he’s gay.
Carter was raised in a very Christian family and has been taught that being gay is wrong. When his father catches him having sex with a boy he is sent to a psychiatric hospital to “cure his gayness”. As soon as he turns 18, Carter leaves the hospital and turns to the only person who he thinks will help him, his gay Uncle Martin. They have only met once or twice at funerals, but Carter is sure that after everything he’s heard about being gay from his family and church, living with Uncle Martin will be tons of fun. Unfortunately, Martin doesn’t live up to the gay stereotype Carter has of him. Martin doesn’t want to have the drama of living with a teenager but can’t find an easy way to get rid of him without sending him back to his parents.
Finding a way to live with each other turns out to be rough. Carter is young, naïve and irresponsible. Martin is bitter and has built so many walls around himself he doesn’t know how to let anyone in. This book is about Martin and Carter learning about life and love from each other. It’s funny and heartwarming but I did find it to be a bit slow at times, especially in the middle. Still I really like Thornton’s writing and it was an enjoyable read.
BR with Lena, Sofia and Rosa.
July 29, 2014
My favorite Uncle
by Marshall Thornton
5 stars
Marshall Thornton’s latest departure from the “Boystown” series is an understated masterpiece, tiptoeing into young adult territory without ever losing sight of its very grown-up personality and audience.
From the cartoon-like drawings on the cover of “My Favorite Uncle” to the light-hearted sit-comic tone of the writing, Thornton’s book disguises a complex, sober story under the droll banter and teenaged eye-rolling of “Modern Family” (one, I hasten to add, that would never make it on national TV).
Martin may not be happy, but having his gay teenaged nephew appear on his doorstep isn’t going to help. Carter, newly eighteen and out, has fled his born-again family on the assumption that his gay uncle in Los Angeles will welcome him with open arms.
Oops.
Truth is, Martin is sort of a prig. He is so wrapped in layers of self-protection that his naturally generous heart has almost forgotten how to care. Thornton doesn’t make it easy to like Martin, or indeed many of the gay characters in this book. This is not a fantasy of gay perfection; this is study in human flaws and forgiveness.
Carter, at eighteen, is as self-centered and cluelessly arrogant as any man his age (I have two kids, eighteen and nineteen, I know what I’m talking about). Certainly exacerbated by his strict fundamentalist upbringing, Carter has a distinct fantasy of how life with his gay uncle should be, and when it doesn’t turn out that way, he sulks.
Thornton has managed to create two strong, beautifully-crafted characters, each representing a specific aspect of what it is to be a gay man today. This is not a book that paints a rosy picture of being gay, Both Martin and Carter are damaged, for very different reasons; some of which, as it happens, are their own damn fault.
The miracle of this book is that Thornton’s almost farcical narrative gradually peels away layers of pain and confusion to reveal the two men’s big hearts. It is not a straightforward path, and this book, at times, was not an easy read for me. There is pain here, some of it caused by stupid choices, more of it caused by the thoughtless cruelty of others. And while there is no horrific tragedy, we get to see the many sorrows of ordinary life amplified by being gay in a world that teaches too many bad lessons about what that means.
Just because Martin has been out and proud since Stonewall doesn’t mean he hasn’t internalized bad information. His self-defeating attitudes are frustrating. Carter’s misinformed upbringing is not treated too darkly, but misses being humorous because his problems can’t be solved with smart remarks and easy answers. As annoyingly eighteen as he is, we see a boy so desperate for love that he’ll grasp at anything while shying away from what he really needs.
Oh, and I’d like to mention how grateful I am for characters who are almost fifty. It’s nice to have some affirmation that we don’t all disappear in late middle age.
It is the miracle of “My Favorite Uncle” that we get to watch these two men fumble toward something good even as they make every possible mistake along the way. There is really nothing very romantic in this book; I’d even say it’s almost anti-romantic. Because love is not, in the end, romantic. Love is, it seems, doing what you have to do to survive. And that was the novel’s biggest surprise of all.
by Marshall Thornton
5 stars
Marshall Thornton’s latest departure from the “Boystown” series is an understated masterpiece, tiptoeing into young adult territory without ever losing sight of its very grown-up personality and audience.
From the cartoon-like drawings on the cover of “My Favorite Uncle” to the light-hearted sit-comic tone of the writing, Thornton’s book disguises a complex, sober story under the droll banter and teenaged eye-rolling of “Modern Family” (one, I hasten to add, that would never make it on national TV).
Martin may not be happy, but having his gay teenaged nephew appear on his doorstep isn’t going to help. Carter, newly eighteen and out, has fled his born-again family on the assumption that his gay uncle in Los Angeles will welcome him with open arms.
Oops.
Truth is, Martin is sort of a prig. He is so wrapped in layers of self-protection that his naturally generous heart has almost forgotten how to care. Thornton doesn’t make it easy to like Martin, or indeed many of the gay characters in this book. This is not a fantasy of gay perfection; this is study in human flaws and forgiveness.
Carter, at eighteen, is as self-centered and cluelessly arrogant as any man his age (I have two kids, eighteen and nineteen, I know what I’m talking about). Certainly exacerbated by his strict fundamentalist upbringing, Carter has a distinct fantasy of how life with his gay uncle should be, and when it doesn’t turn out that way, he sulks.
Thornton has managed to create two strong, beautifully-crafted characters, each representing a specific aspect of what it is to be a gay man today. This is not a book that paints a rosy picture of being gay, Both Martin and Carter are damaged, for very different reasons; some of which, as it happens, are their own damn fault.
The miracle of this book is that Thornton’s almost farcical narrative gradually peels away layers of pain and confusion to reveal the two men’s big hearts. It is not a straightforward path, and this book, at times, was not an easy read for me. There is pain here, some of it caused by stupid choices, more of it caused by the thoughtless cruelty of others. And while there is no horrific tragedy, we get to see the many sorrows of ordinary life amplified by being gay in a world that teaches too many bad lessons about what that means.
Just because Martin has been out and proud since Stonewall doesn’t mean he hasn’t internalized bad information. His self-defeating attitudes are frustrating. Carter’s misinformed upbringing is not treated too darkly, but misses being humorous because his problems can’t be solved with smart remarks and easy answers. As annoyingly eighteen as he is, we see a boy so desperate for love that he’ll grasp at anything while shying away from what he really needs.
Oh, and I’d like to mention how grateful I am for characters who are almost fifty. It’s nice to have some affirmation that we don’t all disappear in late middle age.
It is the miracle of “My Favorite Uncle” that we get to watch these two men fumble toward something good even as they make every possible mistake along the way. There is really nothing very romantic in this book; I’d even say it’s almost anti-romantic. Because love is not, in the end, romantic. Love is, it seems, doing what you have to do to survive. And that was the novel’s biggest surprise of all.
October 30, 2014
BR with Lena, Sofia and Rosa
3.8 stars
No, actually, Martin wasn't that malicious. For all his talk of giving up on Carter, he was protective, caring and supportive (well, most of the times anyway) and he'd become a better uncle to Carter than Paul had ever been.
My Favorite Uncle started as a comedy, but then turned out more serious than I expected. Which is not a bad thing because I enjoy MT's philosophical thoughts as much as his sense of humor. I really felt sorry for a young, naive and full of life Carter for what his family has put him through. The lonely life Martin lived was sad, too. But despite their differences, constant 'fighting' and occasional mischiefs, the uncle and his nephew had managed to become close and improved each other's lives considerably. And the ending was endearing.
Reading Marshall Thornton is always a pleasure. He is an author I trust to never disappoint. And he hasn't. Not once. I might have liked some of his books better than the others, but that's just my personal preference and the fact remains - he is a very talented writer, and I highly recommend him to everyone.
P.S.: Even though I jumped into this BR late, I'd like to thank my girls for their company ♥
3.8 stars
“It’s different. Carter is homeless.”
“You’ve never slept with a homeless person? You do need to get out more.”
“I’m not throwing him out.”
“Well, congratulations, you’re a parent.”
“Oh my God, what am I going to do?”
“Do what any red-blooded American woman does. Call his father and ask for child support.”
No, actually, Martin wasn't that malicious. For all his talk of giving up on Carter, he was protective, caring and supportive (well, most of the times anyway) and he'd become a better uncle to Carter than Paul had ever been.
My Favorite Uncle started as a comedy, but then turned out more serious than I expected. Which is not a bad thing because I enjoy MT's philosophical thoughts as much as his sense of humor. I really felt sorry for a young, naive and full of life Carter for what his family has put him through. The lonely life Martin lived was sad, too. But despite their differences, constant 'fighting' and occasional mischiefs, the uncle and his nephew had managed to become close and improved each other's lives considerably. And the ending was endearing.
“You know,” Martin said, “one of the hardest things to accept in life is that people love you as much as they can. It’s almost never enough, but it’s all there is.”
Reading Marshall Thornton is always a pleasure. He is an author I trust to never disappoint. And he hasn't. Not once. I might have liked some of his books better than the others, but that's just my personal preference and the fact remains - he is a very talented writer, and I highly recommend him to everyone.
P.S.: Even though I jumped into this BR late, I'd like to thank my girls for their company ♥
September 23, 2016
One of my favourite books of the year. Funny yet sad, it is a coming-of-age story, where both Carter and his uncle showed character growth and actually started living. Loved it, want to read more from this author
June 24, 2014
I seem to be finding myself reading a male male romance that is not a romance this week. Which I have to say is a bit weird. Carter is the college aged gay boy hot mess that I love to read. He is a complete and total train wreck looking for another derailment. He does so many things that he deserves severe punishment over. Yet as a reader you find yourself feeling sorry for him. He was raised by parents that had some very interesting religious beliefs when it comes to Carter and the choice he made to be gay. *snort* Carter does something brilliant. He leaves the psychiatric hospital that his parents send him to to get the whole gay thing fixed and goes to his Uncle Martin.
Martin is gay and lives the glamorous life that all gay men in Hollywood live. Carter knows this is a win win. What Carter assumes about Martin and the reality of Martin are two completely different things. Marshall Thornton proceeds to treat readers to two completely different men trying to live together while they each try to help the other be happy. Martin overthinks everything while Carter thinks very little about the choices he makes. Martin tries to steer Carter into a good life by relating his own life stories. Carter sees Martin as a man who would be happier if he had a man. Carter has no other explanation as to why Martin is noseying into his sex life. Carter is the typical all-knowing teen. Martin is the older experienced uncle who wants only the best for his nephew, preferably a nephew with his own residence.
Oh this is a funny read. Carter and Martin do not understand each other or the choices the other makes or the reasons the other is making these seemingly ridiculous choices. They proceed to unintentionally (well mostly unintentionally) give each other hell. While the book is centered on some sad things that should never happen to anyone, especially someone as young and impressionable as Carter I still found My Favorite Uncle to be a light enjoyable read.
Favorite quote, Martin to Carter: “Well, if we’re done insulting each other I guess we can leave.”
Martin is gay and lives the glamorous life that all gay men in Hollywood live. Carter knows this is a win win. What Carter assumes about Martin and the reality of Martin are two completely different things. Marshall Thornton proceeds to treat readers to two completely different men trying to live together while they each try to help the other be happy. Martin overthinks everything while Carter thinks very little about the choices he makes. Martin tries to steer Carter into a good life by relating his own life stories. Carter sees Martin as a man who would be happier if he had a man. Carter has no other explanation as to why Martin is noseying into his sex life. Carter is the typical all-knowing teen. Martin is the older experienced uncle who wants only the best for his nephew, preferably a nephew with his own residence.
Oh this is a funny read. Carter and Martin do not understand each other or the choices the other makes or the reasons the other is making these seemingly ridiculous choices. They proceed to unintentionally (well mostly unintentionally) give each other hell. While the book is centered on some sad things that should never happen to anyone, especially someone as young and impressionable as Carter I still found My Favorite Uncle to be a light enjoyable read.
Favorite quote, Martin to Carter: “Well, if we’re done insulting each other I guess we can leave.”
July 21, 2014
My Favorite Uncle is a terrific read on so many levels - it's funny and witty and very wise, with a lot of heart on top of that. I laughed and i teared up and i was amazed by the understanding permeating this novel, understanding of life and of love and of things that scare us. Marshall writing is wonderful and the book captures perfectly the thoughts and emotions of both Carter and his uncle Martin.
Carter just turned 18; he's gay; he's managed to escaped his born again family and the institution where he was sent to be "cured". He's young, and free, and still very naive and trusting, but what i loved best about him and about the character, is that he's so real. The way he internally analyzes the world while pretending to listen to an adult "lecturing" him, the way he keeps making his own mistakes, even when he knows they're mistakes, the hurt and fear towards his parents, that retreat into an inner safe place, and then learning to trust again, learning that he doesn't have to compromise and accept bad behavior, that there are people he can really count on and who really care if he's happy.
In Martin's character we find someone who's been hurt in love and has also retreated into his shell and is afraid to trust again.
And so they both undergo this wonderful journey of discovery, of healing, of being tentatively happy again.
Carter just turned 18; he's gay; he's managed to escaped his born again family and the institution where he was sent to be "cured". He's young, and free, and still very naive and trusting, but what i loved best about him and about the character, is that he's so real. The way he internally analyzes the world while pretending to listen to an adult "lecturing" him, the way he keeps making his own mistakes, even when he knows they're mistakes, the hurt and fear towards his parents, that retreat into an inner safe place, and then learning to trust again, learning that he doesn't have to compromise and accept bad behavior, that there are people he can really count on and who really care if he's happy.
In Martin's character we find someone who's been hurt in love and has also retreated into his shell and is afraid to trust again.
And so they both undergo this wonderful journey of discovery, of healing, of being tentatively happy again.
August 2, 2016
This was another book that I had on my wish list for the longest and only recently bought thanks to some money I got from Amazon :-) Well it was not money well spent :-(
Martin was interesting in the beginning and I faithfully read up until 27% when I felt like the story wasn't going any where good. I didn't like Carter. I thought he took a lot of unnecessary risks. I just got bored and started to skim. I just didn't care and wanted this to end ASAP.
Martin was interesting in the beginning and I faithfully read up until 27% when I felt like the story wasn't going any where good. I didn't like Carter. I thought he took a lot of unnecessary risks. I just got bored and started to skim. I just didn't care and wanted this to end ASAP.
December 13, 2017
I find I don't really have the right words (as so often happens with the really good stories) - this was funny and poignant and so painfully real.
This review by Ulysses says it far better than I ever could.
Loved it.
This review by Ulysses says it far better than I ever could.
Loved it.
July 27, 2014
Originally reviewed at Impressions of a Reader
My Favorite Uncle by Marshall Thornton is a combination of gay comedic romantic fiction, instead of a straight up gay fiction story. It has a happy ending.
Take a single gay uncle used to privacy with little to no social life or contact with his closest family, throw in the unexpected arrival of a runaway nephew who on his 18th birthday signed himself out of a "gay rehabilitation" clinic where his religious parents sent him after finding him having gay sex, and there are going to be problems. Martin Dixon doesn't know anything about teenagers, he just wants peace and privacy, but going against his better judgment attempts to provide the kid with guidance. Carter wanted his uncle to be a buddy, not some old guy lecturing him about safety and a code of conduct. After feeling repressed by parents and environment, Carter ignores Martin's advice and goes wild on cruising escapades. They butt heads until each comes to the conclusion that if only the other had a boyfriend, all would be resolved. That's when the fun begins and real conflicts arise.
I first wrote some quick impressions for My Favorite Uncle immediately after finishing the book:
I would like to add that Thornton has a knack for reeling the reader in with his characters' narrative, which becomes evident in this book soon after beginning the first chapter. Thornton utilizes two points of view that of the uncle and nephew, so the reader gains a full picture of events from both perspectives. Humorous scenes are driven by misunderstandings due to the generation gap between Uncle Martin and Carter as well as by the different lifestyles they've lead. However with the deeper, sensitive issues and resulting heartbreaking moments Thornton weaves with the humor, this novel becomes more than a cute comedic read. As Martin helps Carter navigate new waters, his own personal lifestyle comes into question and character growth (and I don’t just mean for the young nephew) becomes key to this novel’s successful conclusion. A B+ read for me, My Favorite Uncle by Marshall Thornton is a recommended read.
My Favorite Uncle by Marshall Thornton is a combination of gay comedic romantic fiction, instead of a straight up gay fiction story. It has a happy ending.
Take a single gay uncle used to privacy with little to no social life or contact with his closest family, throw in the unexpected arrival of a runaway nephew who on his 18th birthday signed himself out of a "gay rehabilitation" clinic where his religious parents sent him after finding him having gay sex, and there are going to be problems. Martin Dixon doesn't know anything about teenagers, he just wants peace and privacy, but going against his better judgment attempts to provide the kid with guidance. Carter wanted his uncle to be a buddy, not some old guy lecturing him about safety and a code of conduct. After feeling repressed by parents and environment, Carter ignores Martin's advice and goes wild on cruising escapades. They butt heads until each comes to the conclusion that if only the other had a boyfriend, all would be resolved. That's when the fun begins and real conflicts arise.
I first wrote some quick impressions for My Favorite Uncle immediately after finishing the book:
"I really liked this book and sincerely enjoyed the combination of humor and depth Thornton uses to engage the reader in this familial, generational tale of personal discovery and rediscovery."
I would like to add that Thornton has a knack for reeling the reader in with his characters' narrative, which becomes evident in this book soon after beginning the first chapter. Thornton utilizes two points of view that of the uncle and nephew, so the reader gains a full picture of events from both perspectives. Humorous scenes are driven by misunderstandings due to the generation gap between Uncle Martin and Carter as well as by the different lifestyles they've lead. However with the deeper, sensitive issues and resulting heartbreaking moments Thornton weaves with the humor, this novel becomes more than a cute comedic read. As Martin helps Carter navigate new waters, his own personal lifestyle comes into question and character growth (and I don’t just mean for the young nephew) becomes key to this novel’s successful conclusion. A B+ read for me, My Favorite Uncle by Marshall Thornton is a recommended read.
July 28, 2014
*Queue theme for My Favorite Martian* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igMNk... When I saw this cover and title, for some reason the old TV show, My Favorite Martian, popped into my head. Then I started to read this and wouldn’t you know it, the uncle was named Martin. So of course, in my mind, the uncle suddenly looked like Ray Walston. When the nephew showed up he looked suspiciously like Bill Bixby, even though his name was Carter instead of Tim, but well too late, the stage was set.
No this was not a sci-fi story, nor even a sit-com type of story though there is humor throughout. This was actually a very well written study on relationships. I have never read this author so came to it with an open mind and no expectations. I am so glad I picked this one up.
Uncle Martin is “four hundred and thirty-seven days” from his fiftieth birthday. This may be getting to him a bit, since it is mentioned several times, but in the beginning of the book he seems content with his life and where he is in it. Then his nephew Carter shows up at his door. Carter has just turned eighteen and left the psychiatric hospital his parents had put him to cure his homosexuality.
Now what? Uncle Martin hasn’t a clue what to do with a teenager. Carter was expecting something much more glamorous than what he found with Uncle Martin. After all, everyone in Southern California lives in Hollywood, right? Oh, the stereotypes that popped up and were debunked in this were legion. I cheered!
I adored these characters, as well as the supporting characters that were introduced throughout the story. They were real people with real problems, and emotions, and feelings. The situations that they found themselves in were very believable. I found myself laughing with them, and commiserating with them. I wanted to go to dinner at their house or just plain hang out with them.
I loved the growth that the characters attained as the story progressed. They learned from each other as they got to know one another. They each found “family”. This was an amazing story and I am better for having read it, even if I did have that irritating theme from My Favorite Martian playing in the back of my head.
No this was not a sci-fi story, nor even a sit-com type of story though there is humor throughout. This was actually a very well written study on relationships. I have never read this author so came to it with an open mind and no expectations. I am so glad I picked this one up.
Uncle Martin is “four hundred and thirty-seven days” from his fiftieth birthday. This may be getting to him a bit, since it is mentioned several times, but in the beginning of the book he seems content with his life and where he is in it. Then his nephew Carter shows up at his door. Carter has just turned eighteen and left the psychiatric hospital his parents had put him to cure his homosexuality.
Now what? Uncle Martin hasn’t a clue what to do with a teenager. Carter was expecting something much more glamorous than what he found with Uncle Martin. After all, everyone in Southern California lives in Hollywood, right? Oh, the stereotypes that popped up and were debunked in this were legion. I cheered!
I adored these characters, as well as the supporting characters that were introduced throughout the story. They were real people with real problems, and emotions, and feelings. The situations that they found themselves in were very believable. I found myself laughing with them, and commiserating with them. I wanted to go to dinner at their house or just plain hang out with them.
I loved the growth that the characters attained as the story progressed. They learned from each other as they got to know one another. They each found “family”. This was an amazing story and I am better for having read it, even if I did have that irritating theme from My Favorite Martian playing in the back of my head.
August 20, 2014
Although, I have grown quite fond of what I’ve read so far by Marshall Thornton, My Favorite Uncle isn’t usually something I read because of the religious reference in the above blurb. I wasn’t sure what I was about to read, but hey, so far I haven’t been disappointed by this author. It’s always an adventure when you can throw caution to the wind and just…go for it.
Expecting to read the usual conflict that involves religion, this book turned out to be a an exploration of Carter’s coming out. In fact, for me, Carter made this a fun and humorous read! As for Uncle Martin, he needed someone like Carter to perk up his dull existence. I especially enjoyed the part where Carter used his Uncle’s debit card without his knowledge to visit a porn site. Welcome to my world of raising four teenagers, Mr. Martin Dixon! Glad to read that I wasn’t the only one who had been zapped with a bill like that. Strangely enough, though, I kind of related to Carter’s antics and why he wanted to spread his wings.
As for Martin, I had a little trouble liking him. The man was a bit of a boor, and I’m guessing it’s because of what an ex did to him years ago, but it was definitely time to get over it and move on. There were things that were happening with Martin, relationship wise, that I just couldn’t fathom him considering. Unfortunately it was about this time, that I felt the story started to drag. I really could have done without the age gap issues and the ex showing up. Although, I did like what Martin had to say to Carter’s father when he met him at the airport and yes, Martin’s reaction was very understandable when he found out about the debit charge.
So, I’m giving a 4 Star rating to My Favorite Uncle. I would recommend this to anyone who likes humor in their stories. I only wish the story had stuck with Carter and his Uncle Martin getting to know each other rather than wandering off on the boyfriend stuff.
Expecting to read the usual conflict that involves religion, this book turned out to be a an exploration of Carter’s coming out. In fact, for me, Carter made this a fun and humorous read! As for Uncle Martin, he needed someone like Carter to perk up his dull existence. I especially enjoyed the part where Carter used his Uncle’s debit card without his knowledge to visit a porn site. Welcome to my world of raising four teenagers, Mr. Martin Dixon! Glad to read that I wasn’t the only one who had been zapped with a bill like that. Strangely enough, though, I kind of related to Carter’s antics and why he wanted to spread his wings.
As for Martin, I had a little trouble liking him. The man was a bit of a boor, and I’m guessing it’s because of what an ex did to him years ago, but it was definitely time to get over it and move on. There were things that were happening with Martin, relationship wise, that I just couldn’t fathom him considering. Unfortunately it was about this time, that I felt the story started to drag. I really could have done without the age gap issues and the ex showing up. Although, I did like what Martin had to say to Carter’s father when he met him at the airport and yes, Martin’s reaction was very understandable when he found out about the debit charge.
So, I’m giving a 4 Star rating to My Favorite Uncle. I would recommend this to anyone who likes humor in their stories. I only wish the story had stuck with Carter and his Uncle Martin getting to know each other rather than wandering off on the boyfriend stuff.
August 21, 2025
Martin Dixon is pushing 50 and living contentedly in the periphery of Hollywood. He has a few good friends and an ex that he simply refers to as "The Evil One." Though he spends most of his days in sedentary mode reviewing the closed captioning on movies for work, he still gets to the gym regularly and gets enough action to consider himself content.
That is, until Carter, his kinda obnoxious, just-turned-18 (freshly escaped from a ex-gays-R-Us mental hospital) nephew, shows up on his doorstep. His fundamentalist family had him committed, but the hospital couldn't hold him after he reached his majority. And fearing that his family and their church will find a way to kidnap and recommit him, he's decided to try living with his uncle.
The kid is an odd mix of sheltered living, Fundy misinformation, self-centered teenage thoughtlessness, and youthful confidence in his own invulnerability. He thinks nothing of picking up strangers for sex after the bars close, or offering an older man that he meets one night a consolation prize blowjob, but still can't bring himself to casually swear.
For Martin, it's as if someone has given him a rambunctious Saint Bernard puppy that he neither wants nor asked for, and yet, the kid is family...
This book started out slowly for me. I wasn't initially charmed by either character and had trouble getting past the first 100 pages, but as with family, they grow on you. And before you know it, you care what happens to these people. Though this book is comedic and laugh-out-loud funny at times, this is not a light M/M romance. It has the feel of a sit-com (not my favorite genre), but there is heart here as well, and by the end, I was glad that I'd made the journey.
Note: I was given a copy of this by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
That is, until Carter, his kinda obnoxious, just-turned-18 (freshly escaped from a ex-gays-R-Us mental hospital) nephew, shows up on his doorstep. His fundamentalist family had him committed, but the hospital couldn't hold him after he reached his majority. And fearing that his family and their church will find a way to kidnap and recommit him, he's decided to try living with his uncle.
The kid is an odd mix of sheltered living, Fundy misinformation, self-centered teenage thoughtlessness, and youthful confidence in his own invulnerability. He thinks nothing of picking up strangers for sex after the bars close, or offering an older man that he meets one night a consolation prize blowjob, but still can't bring himself to casually swear.
For Martin, it's as if someone has given him a rambunctious Saint Bernard puppy that he neither wants nor asked for, and yet, the kid is family...
This book started out slowly for me. I wasn't initially charmed by either character and had trouble getting past the first 100 pages, but as with family, they grow on you. And before you know it, you care what happens to these people. Though this book is comedic and laugh-out-loud funny at times, this is not a light M/M romance. It has the feel of a sit-com (not my favorite genre), but there is heart here as well, and by the end, I was glad that I'd made the journey.
Note: I was given a copy of this by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 19, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This isn’t going to be a book for everyone, and I don’t think it was the book for me. While I can appreciate the character work, the complex relationships among them all, I can’t say that I actually liked any of them. I did understand where both Martin and Carter were coming from and found it easy to sympathize with them, and was interested enough to see how it all ended, but this book just wasn’t to my personal taste.
The writing is good, but the pacing was off, for me. Days and weeks whip past, but it still reads slow, which was exacerbated by the fact that the book and I weren’t a perfect match. However, if you’re into coming-of-age stories, complex family feelings, and a story with a decided voice and opinion, you should give this one a try.
Read Elizabeth’s audiobook review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This isn’t going to be a book for everyone, and I don’t think it was the book for me. While I can appreciate the character work, the complex relationships among them all, I can’t say that I actually liked any of them. I did understand where both Martin and Carter were coming from and found it easy to sympathize with them, and was interested enough to see how it all ended, but this book just wasn’t to my personal taste.
The writing is good, but the pacing was off, for me. Days and weeks whip past, but it still reads slow, which was exacerbated by the fact that the book and I weren’t a perfect match. However, if you’re into coming-of-age stories, complex family feelings, and a story with a decided voice and opinion, you should give this one a try.
Read Elizabeth’s audiobook review in its entirety here.
August 2, 2019
3.5 stars
It took a long time for me to warm up to the main characters, they frustrated me for most of the book.
It took a long time for me to warm up to the main characters, they frustrated me for most of the book.
February 6, 2015
This is the second book I have read by this author and I am quickly becoming a big fan. When I'm looking for something a bit different filled with humour and subtly place observations on life this will the be the author I turn to from now on!
January 11, 2018
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
February 25, 2024
This isn't my first book by Thornton and I'm glad, because this book is difficult to read.
The two main characters, Martin and Carter were all but impossible for me to like. I WANTED to like them but I just couldn't.
Martin is an impossibly arrogant and bitter 48yr old gay man who is the very personification of selfish and mean.
Carter is his all but unknown 18 year old nephew who shows up out of the blue to announce he's gay and homeless. They are clearly related because Carter is criminally selfish and arrogant, coupled with infuriatingly clueless. Not even his crappy and abusive upbringing was enough to make me feel sorry for him.
At the end, both Martin and Carter have awakenings that change their views of each other. But the awakening comes too fast and is ultimately too little too late.
All this said, I believe it's a testament to Thornton's writing that I was interested enough in the possible outcomes to keep turning the pages in spite of the gross characters.
The two main characters, Martin and Carter were all but impossible for me to like. I WANTED to like them but I just couldn't.
Martin is an impossibly arrogant and bitter 48yr old gay man who is the very personification of selfish and mean.
Carter is his all but unknown 18 year old nephew who shows up out of the blue to announce he's gay and homeless. They are clearly related because Carter is criminally selfish and arrogant, coupled with infuriatingly clueless. Not even his crappy and abusive upbringing was enough to make me feel sorry for him.
At the end, both Martin and Carter have awakenings that change their views of each other. But the awakening comes too fast and is ultimately too little too late.
All this said, I believe it's a testament to Thornton's writing that I was interested enough in the possible outcomes to keep turning the pages in spite of the gross characters.
October 24, 2019
It ends beautifully for which I give it a star. The other two stars are for the young nephew, who is portrayed with humor and insight. The 49 year old uncle I have no stars for. He was a lump, deeply selfish and dull as well as contributing nothing to the world. I can’t see why his love interest likes him, and I was appalled by the way he handled his nephew until nearly the end of the book.
I’m always yearning to see people who are my age in books, but omfg the ageism in this book (49 is treated as though it were 69) which I know is reflective of portion of the gay community, who like many straight men, think thin, under 25 things are the only sexy people. It’s pervasive in the story yet the otherwise reflective hero never really reflects on it.
He’s just a fairly shitty uncle, as well as a fairly shitty boyfriend and a fairly shitty worker at his job. Meh.
I’m always yearning to see people who are my age in books, but omfg the ageism in this book (49 is treated as though it were 69) which I know is reflective of portion of the gay community, who like many straight men, think thin, under 25 things are the only sexy people. It’s pervasive in the story yet the otherwise reflective hero never really reflects on it.
He’s just a fairly shitty uncle, as well as a fairly shitty boyfriend and a fairly shitty worker at his job. Meh.
May 6, 2017
Not as light-hearted as the blurb might suggest. It did have some humorous moments, but it wasn't a comedy. At least not to me.
There were too many issues that each character had to battle.
It was very well written, with interesting, un-perfect characters and a solid plot.
And the part that was hinted at in the blurb with nephew and uncle trying to set each other up, was the most uninteresting part of the whole book.
It was less gritty than the boystown series (no murders, huh), but it had some of the themes (relationship and committment issues - fidelity, aids etc.) and also the teenager who was mistreated by the conversion therapy people that his parents delivered him to.
So, not exactly light comedy material. Still fun to read and also some substance.
There were too many issues that each character had to battle.
It was very well written, with interesting, un-perfect characters and a solid plot.
And the part that was hinted at in the blurb with nephew and uncle trying to set each other up, was the most uninteresting part of the whole book.
It was less gritty than the boystown series (no murders, huh), but it had some of the themes (relationship and committment issues - fidelity, aids etc.) and also the teenager who was mistreated by the conversion therapy people that his parents delivered him to.
So, not exactly light comedy material. Still fun to read and also some substance.
January 1, 2019
#SpoilerWarrior
Most of reading this book was something akin to watching a train wreck. Also it gave me a lot of anxiety over the day that my kid will become a teenager.
I will say that Thornton is always really great at portraying different...stereotypes. Like the selfish 18 year old. The stuck in his ways 50 year old. I can always really feel the characters, personality, I guess.
Most of reading this book was something akin to watching a train wreck. Also it gave me a lot of anxiety over the day that my kid will become a teenager.
I will say that Thornton is always really great at portraying different...stereotypes. Like the selfish 18 year old. The stuck in his ways 50 year old. I can always really feel the characters, personality, I guess.
July 2, 2023
Another gorgeously touching and sweetly funny Marshall Thornton novel. Found family out of misery and loneliness. Plenty of content warnings for institutionalisation under false pretences, sexual assault, institutional abuse, sexual coersion, abusive relationship, homophobia, religious abuse, homophobic, transphobic and racist language.
January 22, 2024
A snarky 18 year old leaves a Christian conversion program to seek refuge with his gay uncle in California. Naive, frustrated and very horny , he discovers his uncle is not as cool as he had hoped.
A modern madcap comedy of events ensue. Both will learn eventually from each other. Lots of wild and shrewdly observed moments throughout with a solid emotional ending . Well worth the time spent.
A modern madcap comedy of events ensue. Both will learn eventually from each other. Lots of wild and shrewdly observed moments throughout with a solid emotional ending . Well worth the time spent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2018
3 1/2 - I really like Thornton's Nick Nowak books, with their solid base in a non-nostalgic just pre-AIDs world. This is a very different book but has the same appealing lack of sentimentality.
August 19, 2023
4.5 stars
An intergenerational dialogue between an uncle (48) and his nephew (18) about the intricacies of being gay in a heteronormative world. A poignant and touching portrayal of their life experiences disguised as a farcical comedy.
Loved Marshall Thornton's writing as always.
Niggles: racist undertones and overdone goofiness at some places.
An intergenerational dialogue between an uncle (48) and his nephew (18) about the intricacies of being gay in a heteronormative world. A poignant and touching portrayal of their life experiences disguised as a farcical comedy.
Loved Marshall Thornton's writing as always.
Niggles: racist undertones and overdone goofiness at some places.
December 8, 2025
I love so many of Marshall Thornton’s books but now I’m realizing that I only like the mysteries. I’m also realizing that this is not the author I’m going to trust with a dual POV.
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