Reviews

So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde

janie's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-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

4.5

susanthebookbag's review against another edition

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5.0

Chester Wheeler is a character you'll love to hate. Which is exactly how Lewis Madigan felt about his spiteful, mean next door neighbor from the very first time they exchanged words. So then, how did the two of them end up embarking on a 2000 mile road trip, in an RV, no less?

The journey they took was enlightening for both of them in so many way. And I loved every minute of it! What could be better than a crotchety, dying old man with nothing to lose pitted against a young gay man who has no other options? The predicament they found themselves in and the barbs they threw each other had me in stitches, while at the same time, had me seeing the world through both of their eyes.

As always, Catherine Ryan Hyde has taken a tough but very real situation and turning it into a heartwarming story that we can all learn from. She is one of my must-read authors, even if I don't know what the story is about, because I know after reading one of her books, I want to be a better person from the lessons I learned from the story. I highly recommend So Long, Chester Wheeler. I loved it!

mugglemom's review

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4.0

Much more of the style I appreciated by the author. The dialogue was so much more believable than in previous books.

She does have a formula of having at least one character ALWAYS say "I don't know what that means..."

If you need a story about empathy, this book is for you. In this novel, a gay man takes on the job of working with an elderly, dying homophobic man who has little time to open his mind. In subtle ways, they both grow from the experience.

ebroadbent22's review against another edition

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funny hopeful reflective medium-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

4.25

nikvet's review

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5.0

I’ve never met a Catharine Ryan Hyde book I didn’t adore. Another winner.

spowers2627's review

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5.0

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.

specialang's review against another edition

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5.0

What a great book!

hsrudolph's review against another edition

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3.0

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.

klwpvfc's review against another edition

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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

2.0

cassiecat's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25