So Long, Chester Wheeler

So Long, Chester Wheeler

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  • Create Date:2022-12-08 08:21:38
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
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  • Author:Catherine Ryan Hyde
  • ISBN:B09NPS3LMB
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Summary

Unlikely road trip companions form an unexpected bond in an uplifting novel about the past—lost and found—by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author。

Lewis Madigan is young, gay, out of work, and getting antsy when he’s roped into providing end-of-life care for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, Chester Wheeler。 Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation, just the money。 The only requirements: run errands, be on call, and put up with a miserable old churl no one else in Buffalo can bear。 After exchanging barbs, bickering, baiting, and pushing buttons, Chester hits Lewis with the big ask。

Lewis can’t say no to a dying wish: drive Chester to Arizona in his rust bucket of a Winnebago to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years—for the last time。 One week, two thousand miles。 To Lewis, it becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man he’s finally beginning to understand。 A neighbor, a stranger, and a surprising new friend whose closure on a conflicted past is also just beginning。

So Long, Chester Wheeler is an uplifting novel about looking deeper into the heart and soul to form bonds with the last people we’d expect—only to discover that they’re the ones who need it most。

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Reviews

Kle

Catherine Ryan Hyde has a talent for making ordinary stories into enthralling stories through relatable and lovable characters, even the characters you’d love to dislike。 So long Chester Wheeler is a story about the ordinary power of compassion and the human experiences that connect us all。

Kate Ayers

This would be ten stars, actually。 Best book I've read in a long time。 Chester Wheeler is a homophobic nasty, opinionated old coot。 Unfortunately, his neighbor is a nice young gay man, Lewis。 Lewis falls on hard times and becomes desperate enough to take a job as Chester's caretaker。 See, Chester Wheeler is dying。 He's in a wheelchair and the cancer is rapidly taking him down。 The relationship between the two men is rocky at best, but Lewis realizes that all he needs to do is see that Chester ta This would be ten stars, actually。 Best book I've read in a long time。 Chester Wheeler is a homophobic nasty, opinionated old coot。 Unfortunately, his neighbor is a nice young gay man, Lewis。 Lewis falls on hard times and becomes desperate enough to take a job as Chester's caretaker。 See, Chester Wheeler is dying。 He's in a wheelchair and the cancer is rapidly taking him down。 The relationship between the two men is rocky at best, but Lewis realizes that all he needs to do is see that Chester takes his meds, eats, drinks and doesn't fall。 Just one week。 He can do it。 But then Chester drops a bombshell。 He wants Lewis to drive him to Arizona (from New York) to see his ex-wife。 In Chester's Winnebago。 Easy。 Despite never having driven an RV of any sort, nor wanting to do a cross-country trip with an insult-slinging old fart of a man, Lewis can't say no to Chester。 He's dying。 The trip is one for the record books。 It changes both of the characters, and it will change you too。 。。。more

Sandra The Old Woman in a Van

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 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, 。。。more

Margaret Yelton

Wow another emotionally charge book for this author。 It was a beautiful story, even though it didn't seem like it would be。 I did not like Chester Wheeler at all, he appears to be a smally-minded man set in his ways。 Lewis is having a bad day, he loses his job he loses his live in partner just what else could go wrong in his life。 Desperate for a job, he takes a temporary one being a care-giver to Chester。 This book proves there is some redemption in everyone。 I definitely would recommend this b Wow another emotionally charge book for this author。 It was a beautiful story, even though it didn't seem like it would be。 I did not like Chester Wheeler at all, he appears to be a smally-minded man set in his ways。 Lewis is having a bad day, he loses his job he loses his live in partner just what else could go wrong in his life。 Desperate for a job, he takes a temporary one being a care-giver to Chester。 This book proves there is some redemption in everyone。 I definitely would recommend this book to others。I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review the opinion expressed here my own。 。。。more

Ruth

Catherine Ryan Hyde has once again done a masterful job in creating a bond between two unlikely characters。 Her stories never cease to amaze me。 I'm pretty sure that almost everyone has encountered a person like Chester Wheeler during their lifetime。 My husband was even a part-time caretaker for an elderly man who was very much like Chester, so this story was totally relatable。 Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy to read and review。 Catherine Ryan Hyde has once again done a masterful job in creating a bond between two unlikely characters。 Her stories never cease to amaze me。 I'm pretty sure that almost everyone has encountered a person like Chester Wheeler during their lifetime。 My husband was even a part-time caretaker for an elderly man who was very much like Chester, so this story was totally relatable。 Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy to read and review。 。。。more

Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews

I want to say that So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a fabulous book but, for many reasons I find it hard to say that。 It’s kind of like saying you had a fabulous time at a funeral。 It is something that does not ever come out of your mouth。 But…I really have to say it。 So Long, Chester Wheeler was a fabulous book。 I even found myself chuckling in places。 There were parts that were hard to read and parts that made me really sad。 This book pulled out all the feels。Lewis is the ma I want to say that So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a fabulous book but, for many reasons I find it hard to say that。 It’s kind of like saying you had a fabulous time at a funeral。 It is something that does not ever come out of your mouth。 But…I really have to say it。 So Long, Chester Wheeler was a fabulous book。 I even found myself chuckling in places。 There were parts that were hard to read and parts that made me really sad。 This book pulled out all the feels。Lewis is the main character and becomes the caretaker of the old man next door who is dying of lung cancer。 Lewis, the main character, agrees to take him cross country to see his ex-wife。 Because it is his dying wish, Lewis can’t seem to say no。 This becomes a trip that is both funny, sad, poignant。We read about the indignity of end of life, the honor of helping someone through it, coming to terms with death。 Lets put it this way, there is a lot to think about and this book will actually make you stop in your tracks and think about your future and the future of your loved ones。 I volunteered with Hospice for a while。 It was an honor I won’t soon forget and this book brought back the memory of those folks to me。This is a worthwhile book and one I would recommend for everyone to read。 I think if we live long enough, it is something we will all experience。 Chester was a sad man and lived a hard life。 Although, it was one he brought on himself, it should make us concious of how we treat people and who we choose to keep in our lives。 Pick up your copy today。 It was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time。 I’ve read a lot of good books this year and since I started reviewing。 I choose what I read wisely。 This book is in a class by itself。 Until next time…Happy Reading!Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!I received a copy of this book from #LakeUnionPublishing, #Netgalley and the author。 Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own。 。。。more

Audrey Haylins

4。5 starsCatherine Ryan Hyde is one of my go-to authors when I’m in the mood for a wholesome, human story that’s big on characters and heart。 And if there’s an intergenerational friendship involved — a trope she does so well — I’m a very happy bunny。 This latest novel ticked all these boxes, and more。 Pass me the carrots!Meet 24 year-old Lewis Madigan。 He’s just lost his IT job and been dumped by his long-term boyfriend。 His whole life is suddenly in flux and he needs to reassess where to go fro 4。5 starsCatherine Ryan Hyde is one of my go-to authors when I’m in the mood for a wholesome, human story that’s big on characters and heart。 And if there’s an intergenerational friendship involved — a trope she does so well — I’m a very happy bunny。 This latest novel ticked all these boxes, and more。 Pass me the carrots!Meet 24 year-old Lewis Madigan。 He’s just lost his IT job and been dumped by his long-term boyfriend。 His whole life is suddenly in flux and he needs to reassess where to go from here。 Meet Lewis’ neighbor, 70 year-old Chester Wheeler, an irascible, bitter, curmudgeon of a man with terminal cancer。 And a vociferous homophobe to boot。 Needless to say, the two men don’t get along。 When Lewis, persuaded by a hefty payment, agrees to step in temporarily as Chester’s carer, he finds himself unable to deny Chester his dying wish: to visit his ex-wife in Arizona。 And so the pair set out in an ancient Winnebago on a 2000-mile road trip across America。 If you’ve read Ryan Hyde, you’ll know that her stories are all about the characters — what has shaped them, what drives them, what troubles them, the choices and decisions they’ve made。 And this is no exception。 Ryan Hyde works the intergenerational trope like a pro, with both men learning things about themselves and each other during their enforced companionship。 Theirs is an unlikely friendship, with moments of frustration and intolerance on both sides。 But, slowly, they develop a mutual understanding and growing affection that flies in the face of their personalities。 Yes, there are plentiful clichés, but rather than being corny, these serve to make both the characters and their adventures more relatable。 I especially loved the dialogue, which is in turn hilarious and deeply poignant。 And, as always with this author, there are delicately conveyed messages hidden in the pages: about being quick to judge, about taking chances and about the symbiosis between old age and youth。 A sad but ultimately uplifting story that warmed the cockles of my heart。 。。。more

Helen

I absolutely loved this book! The two main characters are so different, and yet they form a bond that not even death will break。Lewis is a young gay man who loses his job on the same day his boyfriend walks out on him。 Chester is a grumpy old man who is dying of cancer。 Oh, and he's homophobic。 When Chester's daughter begs Lewis to be his carer, he has no idea what he's going to be taking on。This is a road trip that will pull at your heartstrings。 It brings poignant, tearful moments, and wonderf I absolutely loved this book! The two main characters are so different, and yet they form a bond that not even death will break。Lewis is a young gay man who loses his job on the same day his boyfriend walks out on him。 Chester is a grumpy old man who is dying of cancer。 Oh, and he's homophobic。 When Chester's daughter begs Lewis to be his carer, he has no idea what he's going to be taking on。This is a road trip that will pull at your heartstrings。 It brings poignant, tearful moments, and wonderful, happy occasions, as the two discover things about themselves that they've tried to hide away for many years。 I read it in a day, I just couldn't put it down。 Beautiful, heartwarming, sad, emotional, it's a story that will stay with me for a long time。 Highly recommend。 。。。more

Denice Langley

Catherine Ryan Hyde helps us see the world through a different lense, from a different angle, makes us feel。 I love the way I feel after reading her books, and I've read many。 I have recommended every one of her books to my friends and gifted them to several。 In So Long, Chester Wheeler, the two leading characters could not be less alike。 Their differences have built a visible wall between them。 When circumstances push the two of them together, they will discover that differences can be bridged Catherine Ryan Hyde helps us see the world through a different lense, from a different angle, makes us feel。 I love the way I feel after reading her books, and I've read many。 I have recommended every one of her books to my friends and gifted them to several。 In So Long, Chester Wheeler, the two leading characters could not be less alike。 Their differences have built a visible wall between them。 When circumstances push the two of them together, they will discover that differences can be bridged and friendships grow in the strangest of manners。 Along the way, an emotional connection is formed between these two misfits and the reader。 The ending is very SIGH worthy。 After all, this is the author of PAY IT FORWARD。 。。。more

Karen

Lewis is a 24 yr old gay man who lives in Buffalo, NY。。 he just lost his job and his partner left him at around the same time。Lewis has a very mean spirited and homophobic neighbor named Chester, who is 69yrs old, with terminal cancer。。and he can’t keep a caretaker to watch over him because of his demeanor。Well。。 in spite of his feelings about Chester。。 Lewis ends up taking on the caretaker job after Chester’s daughter practically begs him to and also offers him a large wage to do so!The rest of Lewis is a 24 yr old gay man who lives in Buffalo, NY。。 he just lost his job and his partner left him at around the same time。Lewis has a very mean spirited and homophobic neighbor named Chester, who is 69yrs old, with terminal cancer。。and he can’t keep a caretaker to watch over him because of his demeanor。Well。。 in spite of his feelings about Chester。。 Lewis ends up taking on the caretaker job after Chester’s daughter practically begs him to and also offers him a large wage to do so!The rest of the story is both funny and heartwarming and involves a road trip with Chester。I’ve never read this author before and I enjoyed this book!Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC! 。。。more

Anne

So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a different kind of story。 A very cranky old man named Chester Wheeler lived next door to Lewis。 It didn’t really matter much to Lewis since he was at work all day。 Until, one day he wasn’t。 He thought he was getting a promotion, instead he got a pink slip。 He returned home to see his boyfriend moving out。 They had planned to move to California together。 Now Tim had taken all their money and was going without him。 What a day。 As the days pass a So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a different kind of story。 A very cranky old man named Chester Wheeler lived next door to Lewis。 It didn’t really matter much to Lewis since he was at work all day。 Until, one day he wasn’t。 He thought he was getting a promotion, instead he got a pink slip。 He returned home to see his boyfriend moving out。 They had planned to move to California together。 Now Tim had taken all their money and was going without him。 What a day。 As the days pass and no new job is on the horizon, Lewis notices yet another caregiver with Chester Wheeler。 Turns out it is his daughter。 They have tried every caregiver the agency has and Chester Wheeler has driven them all off。 She begs him to help her out for a couple of days so she can go home and be at the birth of her grandchild。 It is such an enormous amount of money that he goes for it。 He is supposed to go home at night so she has an intercom installed in his bedroom so he can hear if anything goes wrong。 It gets complicated after this。 Let’s just say Lewis finds himself driving Chester Wheeler to Arizona to put things right with his ex-wife。 Much more follows along with all the things Lewis learns。This is a story about fate and figuring out what one should be doing in life, as opposed to what one thinks they should be doing。 It’s about friendship, and finding the right significant other。 It’s about seeing the person behind the facade。 It is mostly about caring, even when one is fighting it。 Hyde has done a wonderful job with both story-telling and infusing a very subtle moral into a story。 It was fun to read, as well as enlightening。 I loved it。 I was invited to read a free e-ARC of So Long, Chester Wheeler by Lake Union, through Netgalley。 All thoughts and opinions are mine。 #Netgalley #LakeUnion #CatherineRyanHyde #SoLongChesterWheeler 。。。more

Linda Rosengart

I really like her development of the characters。

Rachel

It takes a special person to take care of a person that is so cruel, discriminating, and and down right rude。 Lewis is that special person。 His life is looking up and then completely falls out from under him with no warning at all。 His neighbor, Chester is a force to be reckoned with, but yet it's like the universe was forcing them together to show Lewis a new path in life, a new calling。 He tries with all his might to say no and refuses to even think about it, until that final moment that chang It takes a special person to take care of a person that is so cruel, discriminating, and and down right rude。 Lewis is that special person。 His life is looking up and then completely falls out from under him with no warning at all。 His neighbor, Chester is a force to be reckoned with, but yet it's like the universe was forcing them together to show Lewis a new path in life, a new calling。 He tries with all his might to say no and refuses to even think about it, until that final moment that changes his entire perspective。 This was a great book showing that difficult people, hateful people, degrading people, at the end of the day they're a person to and despite their tendencies to inflict pain and hateful words on those around them they still deserve kindness, love, patience。 It's truly hard to be kind and love people that otherwise don't deserve it, but if more people could spread that kindness around the world would be a little better place。 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。 。。。more

Robin

Lewis lost the neighbor lottery。 Chester Wheeler is an intolerant, homophobic curmudgeon。 In poor health, Chester needs in home health care, but his cantankerous attitude has chased away every caregiver in town。 When Lewis loses his job and with no prospects in sight, Lewis reluctantly agrees to take care of Chester until his daughter can find a permanent caregiver。Chester gets on Lewis' every last nerve。 Only, Chester talks in his sleep。 It's at those times Lewis starts to see lonely, unhappy m Lewis lost the neighbor lottery。 Chester Wheeler is an intolerant, homophobic curmudgeon。 In poor health, Chester needs in home health care, but his cantankerous attitude has chased away every caregiver in town。 When Lewis loses his job and with no prospects in sight, Lewis reluctantly agrees to take care of Chester until his daughter can find a permanent caregiver。Chester gets on Lewis' every last nerve。 Only, Chester talks in his sleep。 It's at those times Lewis starts to see lonely, unhappy man Chester tries to hide。 When Chester asks Lewis to drive him to Arizona to see the ex-wife he hasn't seen in the years since the divorce, Lewis wants to say no, but his conscience won't let him。 So Lewis and Chester set off on their cross country trip in Chester's old Winnebago。 While, at times, Lewis questions his sanity in making the trip。, the tenuous friendship that develop, leads Lewis on his own journey of self discovery。So Long Chester Wheeler is both heartwarming and bittersweet。 Reminiscent of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie, Chester and Lewis' friendship, while unlikely and shaky, is very real and changes both men。 You'll want to wrap both Lewis and Chester in a warm hug。 Make sure you keep your box of tissues close。 。。。more

Stephanie Doyle

Every once in a while, a Catherine Ryan Hyde book can give a personal outlook course correct, or reinforce how you might want to approach the world。 That was true here。 They can read very simply, and that is part of the charm。 Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review。

Rosh

In a Nutshell: The book was decent。 But I didn’t connect with it as much as I had wanted to。 Contained no surprises。 Mostly predictable。 Repetitive ending/epilogue。 Not the author’s best work, by far。 Story Synopsis:Twenty-four-year-old Lewis lives next door to the ‘most irritating man in the world’, Chester Wheeler。 Chester is a senior citizen battling terminal cancer, but this doesn’t make him likeable。 However, when Lewis loses his job and the only offer available to him is to provide end-of- In a Nutshell: The book was decent。 But I didn’t connect with it as much as I had wanted to。 Contained no surprises。 Mostly predictable。 Repetitive ending/epilogue。 Not the author’s best work, by far。 Story Synopsis:Twenty-four-year-old Lewis lives next door to the ‘most irritating man in the world’, Chester Wheeler。 Chester is a senior citizen battling terminal cancer, but this doesn’t make him likeable。 However, when Lewis loses his job and the only offer available to him is to provide end-of-life care to Chester, Lewis has no choice but to accept it。 Chester’s final wish is to drive to Arizona (they live in Buffalo) to meet his ex-wife after thirty-two years。 Thus begins a road trip that will prove life-changing to both of them in myriad ways。 The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Lewis。 Where the story worked for me:✔ Very fast-paced despite a relaxed plot。✔ Quite a few thought-provoking quotes。✔ Some funny scenes, especially in the conversations between Lewis and Chester。✔ The parts about a caregiver’s role in a dying patient’s life were beautifully written。 ✔ Covers nice themes such as forgiveness, relationships, heartbreaks, and emotional connections。✔ As a coming-of-age story, the book works pretty well。 Though Chester is almost seventy, the coming-of-age aspect is applicable as much to him as to Lewis。 I love how the author didn’t turn Chester goody-goody just for the sake of it。 He remains a grump, though to a toned-down degree。Where the book could have worked better for me:❌ Flat characters despite the potential。 Lewis is a software programmer who doesn’t even try searching any job once he is roped in to take care of Chester。 If he were so unhappy, he surely would have at least looked for options online, no matter how bad the economy。 Similarly, Chester’s daughter Ellie complained to Lewis that she doesn’t have funds for a fulltime caregiver。 But the way she spends during the rest of the story contradicts her original claim。❌ For some reason, I just didn’t feel emotionally connected neither to the plot nor to the characters。 Chester was anyway tough to like because of his brashness and extreme homophobia, but Lewis should have generated a greater empathy。 His change in thinking was too easy to be believable。 He was like a football who rolled wherever life kicked him – no will of his own。 ❌ I know such books are clichéd but this one took the cake。 Not a single surprise throughout the 300 pages。 ❌ The epilogue is needlessly extended and gives off déjà vu vibes。 You’ll know why if you read it。 ❌ Chester is a homophobe, so there are some triggering sentences in his dialogues against Lewis, who is gay。 The homophobic elements feel way over the top, though this could be attributed to Chester, who is vehement in his hatred。 ❌ The writing is somewhat repetitive。 A part of this could be because of the first person narration of Lewis, who seems overly fond of adverbs and redundancies。 Overall, it is a decent story about the coming-of-age of a gay man in his early twenties and a dying curmudgeonly homophobe in his late sixties。 But there was nothing memorable in the book。 I read it, I liked it enough, I will forget it soon。I love this author but this isn’t her best work, at least for me。 I know she is capable of delivering much better。 At the same time, do note that this is a somewhat outlier review。 Most of my friends here have adored this book。 So if you do give it a try, I hope you love it far more than I did。 3。25 stars。My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “So Long, Chester Wheeler”。 This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book。———————————————Connect with me through: My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter 。。。more

Kristie

Oh, Chester and Lewis! What great characters! I was completely swept up in this story of a cantankerous old man with no filter and his young caretaker。 Throw in a final road trip in a beast of a Winnebago and you have a winning novel。 The writing was excellent, the plot was immersive。 I loved it。I received this advanced copy from NetGalley。 The opinions are my own。☺️

Bec

I really enjoyed So Long, Chester Wheeler。 Lewis is such a kind young man, and Chester is the old guy you love to hate。 Lewis first agrees to look after Chester in his dying days, and then for some unknown reason (well, you can't deny a man his dying wish!) agrees to take him on a road trip。 Lewis and Chester butt heads most of the tine, but deep down there seems to be a great affection for each other。 The relationship they developed was sweet。 I also really enjoyed Ellie, Chester's daughter。 Bo I really enjoyed So Long, Chester Wheeler。 Lewis is such a kind young man, and Chester is the old guy you love to hate。 Lewis first agrees to look after Chester in his dying days, and then for some unknown reason (well, you can't deny a man his dying wish!) agrees to take him on a road trip。 Lewis and Chester butt heads most of the tine, but deep down there seems to be a great affection for each other。 The relationship they developed was sweet。 I also really enjoyed Ellie, Chester's daughter。 Both Lewis and Chester learned from each other and grew as people。 And the epilogue was a great way for the story to end。 Highly recommend。 。。。more

Carol

Lewis Madigan is a young gay man who has just lost his job and his partner has left him。 He agrees to look after his older neighbor Chester Wheeler who has cancer and is nearing the end of his life。 Chester is very cantankerous and disliked by pretty much everybody。 In order to fulfill Chester's last wish to see his ex-wife, Lewis and Chester set out in Chester's old Winnebago to travel from Buffalo to Arizona。This was an enjoyable read with some uplifting moments and lots of humour。 Chester and Lewis Madigan is a young gay man who has just lost his job and his partner has left him。 He agrees to look after his older neighbor Chester Wheeler who has cancer and is nearing the end of his life。 Chester is very cantankerous and disliked by pretty much everybody。 In order to fulfill Chester's last wish to see his ex-wife, Lewis and Chester set out in Chester's old Winnebago to travel from Buffalo to Arizona。This was an enjoyable read with some uplifting moments and lots of humour。 Chester and Lewis each came to some realizations about themselves during the trip。 I shuddered to imagine Lewis driving that "boat" through many different States and held my breath every time he had to get Chester out of the RV or help him take care of business (bodily functions!) as Chester is in a wheelchair and unable to stand or walk on his own。 I had to laugh when Lewis described making a "thousand-point turn" trying to get out of a neighbourhood。 The book is well written, the characters are believable and the chapters are a good length。 My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel。 All opinions expressed are my own。Publication Date: December 6, 2022 。。。more

Amanda (Booklady72)

Catherine Ryan Hyde is fast becoming one of my favourite authors。 I really enjoyed this book, it is beautifully written and has some emotional moments in it。 It is an easy book to read, is easy to follow with short chapters。 Some parts of the story made me laugh and some made me tear up。 There is a massive epilogue too!Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review。

Wendy

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Linda

🏜🚐Caring for a curmudgeon: truly touching😢It's hard to explain how, but this novel grabbed me hard and made me rethink the way I process slings and arrows of prejudice, resentment and criticism from others。 As the lead character learns, it's the critic's problem, not his。 Profound ideas here in a novel that's insightful and addresses highly relevant issues。Twenty-something Lewis, the lead in this story, loses a job and yet finds a vocation in a most unexpected way。 Chester Wheeler, his outspoken 🏜🚐Caring for a curmudgeon: truly touching😢It's hard to explain how, but this novel grabbed me hard and made me rethink the way I process slings and arrows of prejudice, resentment and criticism from others。 As the lead character learns, it's the critic's problem, not his。 Profound ideas here in a novel that's insightful and addresses highly relevant issues。Twenty-something Lewis, the lead in this story, loses a job and yet finds a vocation in a most unexpected way。 Chester Wheeler, his outspoken, obnoxious neighbor, turns out to be a real pain but with hidden depths and insecurities as he rapidly approaches life's end。 These two together on a road trip: sublimely confrontational and touching。Another triumph of emotion and inspirational writing from one of my go-to authors。 A surprisingly quick read thanks to the author's storytelling abilities。 It may seem simple but it packs a punch!Wholeheartedly recommended。Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion。 。。。more

Leanna Mattea

I’ve read just about every Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, and always declare, “Well, this has to be the best yet!” But, I can’t think of one that can top Chester Wheeler。 But maybe it’s because I was a Hospice Nurse, and she got it right。 She got why we do it, what motivates us to watch and care for someone who will never get better, when nurses are there to help people get better。 But we help them die too。 If I was able to keep my patient in their own home, around their family and reasonably comfor I’ve read just about every Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, and always declare, “Well, this has to be the best yet!” But, I can’t think of one that can top Chester Wheeler。 But maybe it’s because I was a Hospice Nurse, and she got it right。 She got why we do it, what motivates us to watch and care for someone who will never get better, when nurses are there to help people get better。 But we help them die too。 If I was able to keep my patient in their own home, around their family and reasonably comfortable, I had done what I was there for。 I never had anyone like Chester Wheeler, but had some that were close。 I didn’t have to travel in a Winnebago either。Ryan-Hyde really captured the meaning of Hospice and what the nurses role is。 This was so well researched or maybe it was an inner instinctive understanding of the process。 Chester was so unlikable, but still deserved to die on his own terms with dignity。 Lewis gave him that。 I loved Lewis。 I saw a smart tech guy that was hit by the recession, find a way to something more meaningful, and he learned to love what he was doing。 I know that feeling。 I loved the characters, Ellie and her conflicted feeling about her father, but willing to make sure he passed his own way。 Sue was interesting, but we didn’t see enough of Mike to know, him well。 This was such an emotional story, maybe because I have seen them myself。 It was so well done, I’ll have to read it again! I loved it and five stars isn’t enough! My thanks to #Catherine Ryan Hyde, #NetGalley and #Lake Union Publishing for the ARC。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more

Leanna Mattea

I’ve read just about every Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, and always declare, “Well, this has to be the best yet!” But, I can’t think of one that can top Chester Wheeler。 But maybe it’s because I was a Hospice Nurse, and she got it right。 She got why we do it, what motivates us to watch and care for someone who will never get better, when nurses are there to help people get better。 But we help them die too。 If I was able to keep my patient in their own home, around their family and reasonably comfor I’ve read just about every Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, and always declare, “Well, this has to be the best yet!” But, I can’t think of one that can top Chester Wheeler。 But maybe it’s because I was a Hospice Nurse, and she got it right。 She got why we do it, what motivates us to watch and care for someone who will never get better, when nurses are there to help people get better。 But we help them die too。 If I was able to keep my patient in their own home, around their family and reasonably comfortable, I had done what I was there for。 I never had anyone like Chester Wheeler, but had some that were close。 I didn’t have to travel in a Winnebago either。Ryan-Hyde really captured the meaning of Hospice and what the nurses role is。 This was so well researched or maybe it was an inner instinctive understanding of the process。 Chester was so unlikable, but still deserved to die on his own terms with dignity。 Lewis gave him that。 I loved Lewis。 I saw a smart tech guy that was hit by the recession, find a way to something more meaningful, and he learned to love what he was doing。 I know that feeling。 I loved the characters, Ellie and her conflicted feeling about her father, but willing to make sure he passed his own way。 Sue was interesting, but we didn’t see enough of Mike to know, him well。 This was such an emotional story, maybe because I have seen them myself。 It was so well done, I’ll have to read it again! I loved it and five stars isn’t enough! My thanks to Cather Ryan Hyde, NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more

Linda

🏜🚐Caring for a curmudgeon: truly touching😢It's hard to explain how, but this novel grabbed me hard and made me rethink the way I process slings and arrows of prejudice, resentment and criticism from others。 As the lead character learns, it's the critic's problem, not his。 Profound ideas here in a novel that's insightful and addresses highly relevant issues。Twenty-something Lewis, the lead in this story, loses a job and yet finds a vocation in a most unexpected way。 Chester Wheeler, his outspoken 🏜🚐Caring for a curmudgeon: truly touching😢It's hard to explain how, but this novel grabbed me hard and made me rethink the way I process slings and arrows of prejudice, resentment and criticism from others。 As the lead character learns, it's the critic's problem, not his。 Profound ideas here in a novel that's insightful and addresses highly relevant issues。Twenty-something Lewis, the lead in this story, loses a job and yet finds a vocation in a most unexpected way。 Chester Wheeler, his outspoken, obnoxious neighbor, turns out to be a real pain but with hidden depths and insecurities as he rapidly approaches life's end。 These two together on a road trip: sublimely confrontational and touching。Another triumph of emotion and inspirational writing from one of my go-to authors。 A surprisingly quick read thanks to the author's storytelling abilities。 It may seem simple but it packs a punch!Wholeheartedly recommended。Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion。 。。。more

Michelle Ward

Ive never read books by this author but that’s going to change。 I enjoyed this book immensely。 I was absorbed in this book from beginning to end!

Diane Merritt

This author!!! Yes to everything she writes。This book give you the feels, touches you。 I devoured this book in a few hours。 As much as you want to dislike Chester you fall in love with the grumpy old man。 And I can't say enough good things about Lewis。。we need more people like this in our world。 It's a true look at what we gain when we put our lives on hold for others。 Bravo。。brilliantI cannot wait for the the next book from this author。Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ea This author!!! Yes to everything she writes。This book give you the feels, touches you。 I devoured this book in a few hours。 As much as you want to dislike Chester you fall in love with the grumpy old man。 And I can't say enough good things about Lewis。。we need more people like this in our world。 It's a true look at what we gain when we put our lives on hold for others。 Bravo。。brilliantI cannot wait for the the next book from this author。Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book。 。。。more

Kathleen Gray

I like to save Catherine Ryan Hyde novels for when I need a lift or a smile and this latest is no exception to her long track record of making the reader care about people who might not care about themselves。 Lewis takes a position caring for the elderly, dying, curmudgeon Curtis because he's just lost lost his job and his lover all at once。 These two are opposites in so many ways (starting with homophobia on Curtis' part) but they find their way to acceptance and understanding。 And dare I say i I like to save Catherine Ryan Hyde novels for when I need a lift or a smile and this latest is no exception to her long track record of making the reader care about people who might not care about themselves。 Lewis takes a position caring for the elderly, dying, curmudgeon Curtis because he's just lost lost his job and his lover all at once。 These two are opposites in so many ways (starting with homophobia on Curtis' part) but they find their way to acceptance and understanding。 And dare I say it- affection。 Yes the two of them as well as the road trip might be trope-y but you will find yourself wrapped up in the story。 Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC。 A very good read。 。。。more

Jenny H

Unemployed Lewis Madigan, a kindly young gay man, reluctantly takes grumpy homophobe Chester Wheeler on a road trip to Arizona。 Off they set in Chester's ancient motor home to give him a special memory before he dies of cancer。 What could go wrong? During the trip, the two come to understand each other and themselves。 The banter between the two and the vivid description of their journey make this a satisfying and wryly amusing read。 Unemployed Lewis Madigan, a kindly young gay man, reluctantly takes grumpy homophobe Chester Wheeler on a road trip to Arizona。 Off they set in Chester's ancient motor home to give him a special memory before he dies of cancer。 What could go wrong? During the trip, the two come to understand each other and themselves。 The banter between the two and the vivid description of their journey make this a satisfying and wryly amusing read。 。。。more

Carolyn

Catherine Ryan Hyde always writes such wonderful, original, heartfelt novels about people from all walks of life。 This one is another winner where a young, gay man comes to understand, if not like, the bitter old man who lives next door。 Chester Wheeler is the next-door neighbour, who is dying of metastatic lung cancer。 He never has a good word for anyone, goes out of his way to be belligerent and argumentative and never misses a chance to shout gay slurs at his neighbour Lewis Madigan。 He’s wor Catherine Ryan Hyde always writes such wonderful, original, heartfelt novels about people from all walks of life。 This one is another winner where a young, gay man comes to understand, if not like, the bitter old man who lives next door。 Chester Wheeler is the next-door neighbour, who is dying of metastatic lung cancer。 He never has a good word for anyone, goes out of his way to be belligerent and argumentative and never misses a chance to shout gay slurs at his neighbour Lewis Madigan。 He’s worn out every carer sent by the agency and now his daughter Ellie has had to come from interstate to look after him and is pulling her hair out as she tries to work out what to do with him。When Lewis loses his job as a software developer and his roommate, boyfriend Tim, leaves him on the same day, he suddenly finds himself in financial difficulties。 Desperate to get back home to her daughter whose baby is due any day, Ellie offers to pay Lewis to look after Chester until she can return and organise other care for him and Lewis reluctantly agrees。 Chester is every bit as awful as Lewis knew he’d be but he finds he can deal with him and not take it personally and even lets him talk him into wrangling Chester’s Winnebago on a 2000 mile road trip to visit Chester’s ex-wife。This was a wonderful read。 Chester does not have many redeeming features and is not easy to like but somehow you warm to him。 Lewis is an amazing carer for one so young, especially in how he could see the humour in their interactions and get Chester to listen to him and eventually take his advice。 One of the hallmarks of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels is the personal growth that her characters undergo and I liked the way Lewis’ journey in caring for Chester helped him towards finding a new career that made him feel fulfilled。 Highly recommended for all who enjoy a heartwarming, satisfying tale。 With thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for a copy to read 。。。more