Cheevey

In Cheevy, a young man tries desperately to grow up as his family falls apart around him. A wise, humorous and deeply touching portrait of the American family, Cheevy has a real emotional truth that is firmly grounded in the details of everyday life--it's the story of life, love and family and the difficulties of living in the modern age. Simultaneous hardcover release from Little, Brown. 4 cassettes.

While DiPego offers a story about a typical American family, with parents and siblings at odds and lives in disarray, he also brings us Cheevey, the youngest Cheever son. Narrator Hall draws a nicely sympathetic portrait of Cheevey, who, while attempting to help his family, has to grow into his own maturity. Hall vents Cheevey's youthful frustrations and projects his kind spirit with ease and care. As he narrates verbal arguments, Hall keeps the vocal levels restrained while beautifully projecting the emotional intensity. Hall brings to life a surprisingly appealing Cheevey. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Screenwriter DiPego's novel tells of a young man's coming of age. "Cheevey" tries everything he can possibly think of doing to keep his dysfunctional family together. As the youngest Cheever, he is the only one who can communicate with all the members of his family. His mother lives for the day when she can move to France; his father, a TV salesman, can think only of his store; his older brother is a no-account builder who dabbles in booze and brawls; and his married sister, mother of one child, is loving but unstable. Shortly before his 20th birthday, Cheevey invites his family and friends to share in the celebration, hoping for harmony. When that day arrives, however, it marks the beginning of the unraveling of the Cheever family. Even though actor Anthony Michael Hall gives this abridged recording a credible narration, it comes across more like a screenplay than a novel. For larger collections.?Kristin M. Jacobi, Eastern Connecticut State Univ., Willimantic
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