Cheevey

Fighting single-handedly to hold together a highly dysfunctional family, a smart, sensitive young man must also face the advent of his adulthood and independence in this insightful and often poignant bildungsroman. On the eve of his 20th birthday, Claude ""Cheevey"" Cheever's family is close to collapse. His mother and father live together in a vaguely resentful silence: he's losing himself in the glow of the TV, and she's disappearing into fantasies of a future life in France. Cheevey's bitter older brother avoids the homestead altogether, while his fragile sister has an unhappy family of her own. Cheevey persistently tries to promote communication, but on his birthday, the forces working to sunder the family gain unexpected strength. Through Cheevey's discerning, present-tense narration, DiPego (Keeper of the City) tells an entrancing story that's driven by realistic characters. The young man's wisdom and unshakable love for his family turn a sad tale hopeful and make this a story that will linger in readers' memories. Simultaneous audio release from BDD Audio Publishing. (Apr.)