Chinese New Year

By: C.E. O'Banion

Narrated by: Wesley Landry

Getting old feels inevitable, but time runs out quickly on a well-lived life, and for a lucky few, before they're back in diapers.

In the twilight of the 21st century, Alton B. Tapscott battles hurricanes, his children, the trappings of polite society, organized religion, and the inescapable control of technology—his only weapons being his cat, a pair of prescription arthritic socks, and his new Wi-Fi-enabled hearing aid.

With humor and heart, Chinese New Year details the life of an average American hero of a certain age as he catches an Uber, enters an assisted living facility, sees a baseball game, attends an irreverent celebration of Mass, bingo, and celebrates Chinese New Year. It deals with fate, free will, friendship, and what it might really mean to remember who he wants to be as he slips deeper into the addle of his age.

©2023 TBP Press (P)2023 C.E. O’Banion

Really great read/listen

Poignant and funny—this book will have you laughing and crying a little at the exploits of the aging protagonist. Landry really brings Tapscott to life, and you might find yourself turning up the ac during the descriptions of the Louisiana heat. Looking forward to the sequel!

Wonderful narration for an okay story

While I may have not been the biggest fan of the pacing throughout the story, the characters were rich, and the twinges of slightly dark comedy were humorous enough.

The narration by Wesley Landry was spectacular, as he brought such depth with each character. He truly brought each character to life with every dulcet syllable.

Too real

Story hits a bit too close to home. If you are looking for a quick listen on the commute to visit an aging parent, the story is bleak, but the voice acting is excellent!

Witty, Realistic

Alton B. Tapscott has lived a good solid long life. Now in his late twilight years, he finds himself ensconced in an assisted living facility. His son and grandchildren have no time for him and most of the residents in his new home are best ignored. Tapscott manages to keep in trouble and still have fun as he is reminded that at his age life is nearing the end.

The author, C.E. O’Banion details the poignant emotions, experiences, and fears of those well into their twilight years as they discover their family no longer has time or interest in them and life has passed them by. The author’s messages about free will, friendship, and past desires are impactful and resonate. The fears, realizations, and eventual acceptance of aging are vividly captured through the situations and authentic dialogue. Every scenario and character reflects the loss of freedom and choice, leaving the reader to ponder how to avoid this fate, yet reminding us that the challenges of old age are inevitable.

The narrator, Wesley Landry, delivers a solid, authentic performance seamlessly embodying the character of Alton B. Tapscott smoothly and flawlessly. He offers the audience a rich, deeper understanding of Tapscott’s mind and emotions, speaking with clarity and a smooth cadence.

My mother moved in with us about seven years ago and witnessing her memory, behavior, and emotions now in her 80s, I found myself both laughing and in tears throughout the narrative. It does touch on why the old are not visited in nursing homes. I highly recommend this book.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.