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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a knack for writing books that insightfully explore the many facets of humanity. In So Long Chester Wheeler we meet Lewis and Chester who couldn’t be more opposite in personality. These characters are well developed. As Lewis helps Chester with finding closure, Lewis learns more about himself. This story is about unlikely relationships and living life your way, regardless of others opinions.
2.5 stars. Maybe it was the narration, which I didn’t love (I found the reader’s nasally voice grating and uninspiring) but this story did not resonate with me. I admired Lewis, and loved that became a devoted carer, but - and then here is the reader’s voice at play - I just found him to be such a sad sack. The writing and dialogue were disappointingly basic and at points just strange.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you, Goodreads for the free Kindle copy to review!
Louis, the voice of the main character takes an extra long trip of self discovery in this book beginning with losing his software development job, being taken advantage of by his latest boyfriend who leaves, and not being taken seriously by his female best friend.
He takes this journey via caring for his Viet Nam vet neighbor,Chester Wheeler, who, has alienated every home health aide in Buffalo while dying of cancer. Throughout the course of his narrow minded life, Chester- picture Archie Bunker- has lost his wife, his kids and the family dog to his narrow view of the world.
Louis, desperate for rent money agrees to take care of Chester and even travels cross country in Chester’s aging Winnebago to resolve issues with Sue, Chester’s ex wife, and Mike, his army buddy and ex best friend before dies. I found a lot of this journey relied too heavily on Chester’s bedpan routines to illustrate the deterioration in his condition and could have been expressed better than countless repetitious trips to the bathroom.
The realization of others viewpoints not only open Chester’s eyes, but also Louis’ regarding preconceptions they held about their own lives thus far but also where Louis’ life may lead after Chester.
The way this book makes you think about vocation versus job is very well written but there are points where I felt brow beaten by the efforts of the author at inclusivity. This is why I held back a star; however, true to her format of other works I have read by Catherine Ryan Hyde, this book grabs your feels and holds on till the end.
Louis, the voice of the main character takes an extra long trip of self discovery in this book beginning with losing his software development job, being taken advantage of by his latest boyfriend who leaves, and not being taken seriously by his female best friend.
He takes this journey via caring for his Viet Nam vet neighbor,Chester Wheeler, who, has alienated every home health aide in Buffalo while dying of cancer. Throughout the course of his narrow minded life, Chester- picture Archie Bunker- has lost his wife, his kids and the family dog to his narrow view of the world.
Louis, desperate for rent money agrees to take care of Chester and even travels cross country in Chester’s aging Winnebago to resolve issues with Sue, Chester’s ex wife, and Mike, his army buddy and ex best friend before dies. I found a lot of this journey relied too heavily on Chester’s bedpan routines to illustrate the deterioration in his condition and could have been expressed better than countless repetitious trips to the bathroom.
The realization of others viewpoints not only open Chester’s eyes, but also Louis’ regarding preconceptions they held about their own lives thus far but also where Louis’ life may lead after Chester.
The way this book makes you think about vocation versus job is very well written but there are points where I felt brow beaten by the efforts of the author at inclusivity. This is why I held back a star; however, true to her format of other works I have read by Catherine Ryan Hyde, this book grabs your feels and holds on till the end.
4.5!
I didn’t expect to connect with this book so much but I did! I absolutely LOVED this book.
I believe this is my first from this genre and I can’t wait to read more from Catherine Ryan Hyde. In fact, I think this sparked my new-found love and interest for stories like this.
I cried, laughed, and wasn’t able to put this down. I connected with both characters and I think she did a great job at writing them like that.
I saw what was coming but I still found myself bawling my eyes out and left with a heartbreak.
I saw somewhere (I can’t remember where) that the epilogue was repetitive and I agree. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
Three words: Pick. This. Up.
You won’t regret it.
I didn’t expect to connect with this book so much but I did! I absolutely LOVED this book.
I believe this is my first from this genre and I can’t wait to read more from Catherine Ryan Hyde. In fact, I think this sparked my new-found love and interest for stories like this.
I cried, laughed, and wasn’t able to put this down. I connected with both characters and I think she did a great job at writing them like that.
I saw what was coming but I still found myself bawling my eyes out and left with a heartbreak.
I saw somewhere (I can’t remember where) that the epilogue was repetitive and I agree. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
Three words: Pick. This. Up.
You won’t regret it.
This author is one of my utmost favorite authors of all time. I do not need to ever read the summary of her books to see if I think I will like to read it, I KNOW I will love every book she writes. She always presents such wonderful characters and thought-provoking storylines, every book is powerful and unforgettable. I couldn’t help but notice her talent once again with being able to capture deep, introspective thoughts that I never had been able to either reach or put into words myself, and then cause me to truly reflect on these new thoughts at length, and I think will become unforgettable. Each character in this book is expertly created and every single word and action aligns with their corresponding persona perfectly. The relationship between the two main characters is quite unique, and it is absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming to see how it grows and changes over time. There are so many topics presented in this book, many that are deep and sensitive, and also some that are upsetting and triggering. It was easy to envision the conversations between them, and as much as some of the lingo made me wince and cringe, it aligned with what you would expect from Chester Wheeler. That is the other thing I love about many of Hyde’s characters, they are referred to by their full name and not just their first name. It is very fitting to the character in each of the books. I also laughed several times, it wasn’t all disturbing, especially the part when Lewis was explaining what LGBT is to grumpy “homophobic” Chester. There were scenes that the banter between the two was perfectly timed and I loved seeing how they adapted to their changing relationship with each other.
This was another absolutely wonderful, deep, and introspective novel written by an exceptionally talented author. Highly recommended!
This was another absolutely wonderful, deep, and introspective novel written by an exceptionally talented author. Highly recommended!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was one of the best books I have read this year!! The main character, Lewis just lost his job and his partner left him. He decides to take care of an elderly neighbor who is dying. He begins to find himself and his whole life begins to change. He finds out what he is meant to do and what his calling is. There are so many life lessons in this book. The story is so warm and heartfelt.
I loved Lewis and how he is so respectful with mean and nasty people. I know I have been around people like this and find it is so hard to be nice. Lewis taught me some things and I have been reflecting on how he chose to change and not let these people bother him.
This should be on everyone’s TBR!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I loved Lewis and how he is so respectful with mean and nasty people. I know I have been around people like this and find it is so hard to be nice. Lewis taught me some things and I have been reflecting on how he chose to change and not let these people bother him.
This should be on everyone’s TBR!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!