Tag Archive | Catherine Ryan Hyde

Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Jul26

Interlinked

Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a powerful story set over the summer of 1969. It consumed me from the start and filled my heart with love.

The story is told from a fourteen year old boy’s point of view in the first person. We really feel that we ‘know’ him. He is kind and cares deeply about those around him. He is loyal with a huge capacity to love. He champions the underdog and he does not judge.

We witness the damage that others inflict on lives when they judge. If you have not walked a mile in the shoes of another, you cannot possibly know them and you have no right to ever judge them.

Choices we make today will impact tomorrow. Our choices have consequences for us and those around us. If we had chosen differently, life may well have been dramatically altered. We are all interconnected.

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Dreaming Of Flight by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Jun11

Sowing And Reaping

Dreaming Of Flight by Catherine Ryan Hydeis the most delightful contemporary novel that completely warmed my heart. It is a hug in a book.

The novel looks at the topic of grief. We all handle grief differently. There is no right or wrong way, you just have to get through it. Our reactions to loss change. It is perfectly normal to swing from sad to mad in an instant.

Eleven year old Stewie forms a relationship with an elderly neighbour who reminds him of his Gam. Both the old and the young need each other. It is beautiful to witness the development of their relationship. As their relationship buds and blossoms, life begins to open up further for both. They need each other and bring out the best in each other.

Stewie is kindness personified. He always tries to help everyone and spreads love and kindness wherever he goes. If he spots a wrong, he makes it his mission to try to right that wrong.

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Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Jun24

The Value Of Kindness

Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a charming contemporary novel that will delight the reader.

At the heart of the novel are seven wonderful puppies who are bundles of fun. A thirteen year old girl rescued them and she needs them as much as they need her. The puppies give unconditional love and enable her to experience the freedom to express her true emotions.

Within the novel there is an abusive relationship that affects all those within the family. The abuse is emotional but it leaves scars.

In contrast we see a loving widower who also lets the puppies minister to his heart and soul.

The healing power of small puppies as their helplessness and playfulness brings out the best in those around them.

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Walk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Jun27

Belonging

WalkWalk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a contemporary novel about searching to belong and I really enjoyed it.

Sixteen year old Carly and eleven year old Jen spend much of the novel walking. They are on a journey looking for home. Carly has a restless spirit that cannot settle. She is focussed in her search. Jen has a calmer nature. She knows a truth that Carly has yet to grasp – home is not a place, home is a relationship and being with people who love you. Will Carly ever grasp this truth?

Carly and Jen are a unit. They are sisters. They have a bond. Carly has a dominant personality. She loves Jen but doesn’t always hear correctly what she is saying. Carly wants Jen and everything else in the world to fit in with her views. She fails to mould her life into the circumstances and people around her.

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