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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Finished reading: November 21st 2022
"A bit late. But not too late. Because you're not dead yet."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I've been meaning to try this author for a while now, and there was just something about the blurb of So Long, Chester Wheeler that I couldn't resist. I mean, a grumpy older main character and a road trip with two characters who couldn't have been more different?! I definitely HAD to see how things would unfold. I'm glad I didn't resist this title, because I might just have just found a new favorite author to follow. I ended up having such an excellent time with this story!
I can definitely understand why people love Catherine Ryan Hyde's books now, because there is something almost magical about them. The writing style itself is extremely engaging and makes it easy to keep turning those pages, and the character development is simply sublime. The characters are definitely the star of the show here, and I loved both their development and their growth over time. Lewis makes for such an interesting character and you will both feel for him as he has to deal with Chester, enjoy seeing his character evolve AND appreciate seeing the connection with Chester grow. Grumpy and insufferable Chester might be hard to like initially, but like Lewis himself, you slowly get to know him and you start to understand his character better. Both characters felt well rounded and realistic, flaws and all.
I do always love a good story with a road trip, and you will get plenty of that while Lewis and Chester travel all over the country in a rusty old Winnebago. I loved how the journey wasn't only physical, but also psychological; there were quite a few life lessons thrown in along with the character growth. So Long, Chester Wheeler also had a few plot twists I didn't see coming, and a very powerful ending that ended up sealing the deal for me.
This is the first time I read one of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books and I know I'm a bit late to the party, but it definitely won't be my last because I've become an instant fan of her writing style and ability to create fantastic characters. If you enjoy well written contemporary stories that mixes heavier moments with humor and a life lesson or two, So Long, Chester Wheeler is a must-read.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Best fiction read of 2023 so far.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So Long, Chester Wheeler is another outstanding novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I'm a devoted fan and keep her books for moments when I need a good literary hug. This time, her story has a bit more humor in it. Chester is a hoot - a great curmudgeon. As always, CRH digs into the soul of each character, exploring and healing their brokenness.
The ending of this book wasn't as tight as her other books - it's almost like there is one ending, then a more extended epilogue with a second ending. It didn't distract from my enjoyment of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an electronic ARC in exchange for a review,
The ending of this book wasn't as tight as her other books - it's almost like there is one ending, then a more extended epilogue with a second ending. It didn't distract from my enjoyment of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an electronic ARC in exchange for a review,
Lewis is put in the position of caring for Chester, who doesn't have much longer to live. Chester has pushed away everyone in his life, including his children and caregivers. He's not an easy man to get along with, even superficially. But if anyone can do it, it would be Lewis, who has no other choice right now.
One of my favorite things is working with people who have been deemed too difficult. I make it my mission to see them happier, even if for only a few moments. So I can appreciate Lewis doing everything he does for Chester, even when Chester made it so easy to walk away.
Chester's character is true to life. I liked how Lewis related to him, which included a few blowups. Ryan Hyde has a way of bringing her characters to life. This is such a special read. Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for sending this along!
One of my favorite things is working with people who have been deemed too difficult. I make it my mission to see them happier, even if for only a few moments. So I can appreciate Lewis doing everything he does for Chester, even when Chester made it so easy to walk away.
Chester's character is true to life. I liked how Lewis related to him, which included a few blowups. Ryan Hyde has a way of bringing her characters to life. This is such a special read. Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for sending this along!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes