So Long, Chester Wheeler

A Novel

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

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.

©2022 Catherine Ryan Hyde (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Michael Crouch delivers a heartwarming—and heartbreaking—performance in this exploration of generational differences and death.… While Crouch expertly anchors listeners with the steady beat of Lewis's narration, his skill shines as he brings a tragic undertone to Chester's curmudgeonly nature. Underscoring the complexities of all people, Crouch will make listeners laugh and cry in equal turns.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Fans of Erica Bauermeister and Jan Karon will appreciate Hyde’s deft handling of the contrast between Chester’s vulnerability and Lewis’s emerging talents as a caretaker. So Long, Chester Wheeler is a testament to unlikely friendships and the power of hidden strengths.”—Booklist

“So Long, Chester Wheeler will change you in ways that you can’t imagine a book could... Once you read this story, there is no chance that you will ever forget it. It is a rare treasure that doesn’t come along often.”—Bookreporter

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a phenomenal writer

Her characters are crafted by the words, thoughts and observations of other characters in her books. She doesn’t tell you what to think about them, she paints a picture that more clearly elucidates them for the reader. Her main and secondary characters are, one and all, the same kind of flawed humans that you and I are. You will fall in love with many of them as you ride along (in a Winnebago in this case) as they take on life’s challenges. I think I’ve read everything she has written but I always hope there is a book I’ve missed, because I hate waiting for her next creation.

I really enjoyed this book!

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors since I have been listening to audiobooks. Her books are very enjoyable and this one especially. I like the lesson about kindness and humanity. It is funny at times as well. The narrator has such a calm demeanor and he does a great job on this book.

Great narrating!

It’s a wonderful story made even better by the amazing narration! I loved this book

Thoroughly enjoyable.

From beginning to end, this book takes you on an unusual journey. A lovely & insightful story on many levels. Well worth the listen.

Really great story for a good timeIn my life

I know I have loved most, if not all of this a authors books, but this was definitely one of my favorite. Perfect story for a sad time in my life, that lifted me up instead of feeling sadder.

Any brilliant story

I can’t wait for the next book. The author captures you and keeps you invested for the entire book. If you are not sad when the book is over you just don’t get it.

Loved it

I am always thrilled with her books. They are interesting and teaches behind the words

Phenomenal

Amazing book. Poignant, humorous, inspiring. Cannot imagine a better narrator, this actor IS Lewis -- and all the other characters as well :) I listen to 3-4 books per week, and rarely is there an experience like this! Wow.

outstanding!!a

I don't usually take time to write a review but this one deserves one! great listen. worth my credit!

Heartfelt and honest

Humanity is an interesting thing. Nothing earth shattering about this book, but it speaks about human nature.