The Gunners: A Novel

Oh, my heart. This book really snuck up on me. It reminded me of a 80s movie, like The Big Chill or The Breakfast Club or IT without the horror parts.They call themselves The Gunners, a group of childhood friends who, in spite of being very different, become bonded at a young age. Years later, when they’re all in their early 30s, they reunite when a member of the group commits suicide.Over the course of this short novel, we come to know each of The Gunners through their weekend together at Sally’s funeral and flashbacks to their childhood. They harbor lifelong secrets, each convinced that they were somehow responsible for driving Sally away years earlier.The story focuses primarily on Mikey—lonely, depressed, and suffering from early onset macular degeneration. He’s the only one of The Gunners (aside from the long-estranged Sally) who has stayed behind in their blue-collar upstate New York town.Kauffman’s writing is simple, yet exquisitely observant and detailed in a way that sort of stuns you with humor and poignancy. The characters are rich and vibrant, their inner lives and internal struggles relatable and meaningful.I really loved this novel, and feel genuinely touched by its beauty and sincerity.

This novel has been compared to The Big Chill and The Breakfast Club. I totally agree! Friends from grade school come together for the funeral of Sally, one of their "members" who went off the grid years ago and no one really knows why. But of course when they begin sharing their stories, things clarify as secrets are revealed and relationships are questioned and solidified. Told in past and present narratives the novel slowly and carefully examines their friendships, their weaknesses, and ultimately, their strengths and love for each other. This is one of those books that's both heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time! Yes, a little bit of ugly crying at the end, but those of us who've lived through a range of emotions/relationships/hardships/friendships...will appreciate this novel for sure!

Contrived and trite. Very disappointing

I really can't say why but this book will stay with me. In very ordinary days, a few celebrations, the love these friends feel is so real. Not a lot of flowery images, no real drama,....this book works. My heart feels good and really quietly happy. What a talent Kauffman has.

I never got into this novel fully. It was easy for me to skim and get the gist. Too much minutia. It was like a generational check off: abortion, teenage sex,drugs, divorce, gay, lesbian, lies.

This book felt like I’d been there before. It brought back many childhood memories of friends and relationships. The story is fairly simple and straightforward. What I think the author excels in is character development. They were all unique and believable.

Six neighborhood children form a gang called the Gunners. They grow apart in high school after one abruptly detaches from the group. Jump forward twenty years and the detached member commits suicide. The five friends try to figure out why. Each feel they are responsible. Loved the way this book’s story unfolded. Great read!

Loved this book. Great writing about long time friends , accepting of each of the others imperfections and quirkiness each in their own way, and have remained in contact since childhood. They reunite for a friends funeral and again for a wedding!

One of the greatest books I've read in years. Rebecca Kauffman is one to watch out for.