Catherine Ryan Hyde does it again – Stay is a serious, deep and very beautiful, yet realistic and down to Earth novel. This is my second book by her, and I was completely blown away by the first one, Where Is Luis Velez, so I was a little bit worried about reading another one (despite buying up ANYTHING by her that went on sale for the past half a year!) Because what if I didn’t like it as much? It’s hard to start reading an author at a 5 star book.

But I needn’t have worried – Stay is touching, heartfelt, it has deep subjects, is steeped in a worldview based on kindness, and while it didn’t hit me as strongly on the personal level as the first book did (the problems in the story were less close to my heart), it’s still a strong 4.5 star and I was incredibly invested in it straight after I started reading.

Stay is based in one of my favorite decades, at least in modern times – it’s a small town of America in 1969, a year of pivotal change for all the world, but especially so for America. The main character Luke is 14 years old and he has a lot on his plate, although he doesn’t quite know how much just yet. Quite by accident, he saves a life, and in turn, that saves another few lives. But the story isn’t about that – the story is about how sometimes (well, most of the time) appearances are deceiving and there is so much more to people’s actions and decisions when you give them a chance to help you understand them better. It’s also about how hard it is to struggle with mental health issues or addiction in a society that will force you into that situation, but then not help you get out of it or even blame you for suffering from it. All of this is full of compassion and understanding, so the story is presented in a soft, soothing way.

The Voices Of The People Who Are Never Listened To

In Stay, we get to see the world through the eyes of the people who we would ordinarily be told to avoid because “they’re not someone you should mix with”. Draft Dodgers. Addicts. Mood killers. The simply different. Those who will not bow down to some pointless notions of society.

They are all wonderful characters, kind and caring people, but ultimately just people – and all the characters in Stay – even the one who from the “inside” of the story may have seemed like a saint, will have done something that put them in more or less of a disgrace with society. What the book puts out there is that you can’t possibly judge them if you know them like the story helped you know them, but if you were to hear about them in passing, you probably would.

You might even think they’re not very good people. And how many times do we make that kind of a snap judgement in our real lives? This is a good message – and yet, one that is still strikingly unpopular even now, despite how much change society has gone through since the times the characters of this book lived in.

But There’s So Much More To The Story

There is so much more – even the title – Stay – means staying alive. Deciding to stay, to not leave this world, despite how hard it might be. There is a lot in this story about suicide, but I don’t know if I want to unpack that, so I’ll leave it for the other reviewers. There’s also a lot about the machine of war (it’s set in Vietnam times, and the main character’s brother is a drafted soldier). There’s no way I could look at it all and not have this review be pages long!

But I think what matters is that I mention that it’s an amazing book. It warms your heart. It makes life seem more meaningful, if only for a little while longer. It makes you want to believe in humanity again.

And now I know I want to start reading all those other books by Catherine Ryan Hyde that I bought sooner rather than later. Because it’s a vibe she does and I want to have more of that in my life. It’s something that makes your life better.

Triggers: (please look it up on my blog because they may contain spoilers)

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

It was the summer of '69 and Lucas Painter is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He's is a fourteen year old who is just trying to figure out being a teenager when life begins to relentlessly thrust adult issues on him. He finds himself facing family issues with his parents, suicide threats, concerns over his brother who is fighting in Vietnam and much more. He is trying to protect those he cares about without them knowing. This only makes it more difficult but Lucas does it this way anyway.

"....I should note that in my opinion, we're all wounded humans. The rest is just a matter of degree."

Stay was a sensitive and beautiful read that explores human nature and how life's events naturally affect the person you will become. The secondary characters lent to the overall feel of the book, including the dogs that Lucas ran with.

"And in this one perfect but probably fleeting moment....nothing in my life has ever been a mistake."

I was really moved by Stay and look forward to reading more by this author.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Also, I have used quotes in my review. Since these were taken from an ARC, they could potentially change before the final copy is issued.**

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Catherine Ryan Hyde for allowing me to read the ARC of Stay. I have read the authors books for years, and, once again, am so pleased. What a wonderful book for all ages. In 1969, the Vietnam War was in full force and many young men were drafted. The families, as well as these young men were effected in many ways. Fourteen-year-old Lucas Painter waits every day for his brother, Roy, to return from Vietnam, only to face the dire effects war has on these soldiers. Lucas has been struggling with his parents constant fighting, his best friend, Connors desire to end his life, and almost losing Zoe Dinsmore, a wise lady who changed all their lives for the best. This is a beautiful story about the power our words and actions have on other people. It is a good reminder to be honest with ourselves and everyone around us.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel. What can you say about her books other than they are so positive, life-affirming, make you want to live your better life kind of perfect?

The book takes place in the summer of 1969. Lucas Painter struggles at home with parents who are constantly fighting and a brother who is in Vietnam. His best friend, Connor, is struggling with his own family issues. To get away from all the noise, Lucas begins running in the woods behind his house with a pair of dogs he discovers living with a woman in a cabin deep in the woods. The connection he makes with the woman, Zoe, will change all of their lives.

This is one of those books that makes you think about the fact that each action we take can have a positive (or negative) impact on someone else and change the course of their lives. Highly recommended!

It’s 1969 and 14 yr old Lucas Painter is about to have his toughest summer yet.

His only sibling (his brother) is off fighting in the Vietnam war. Meanwhile he is fighting his own battle with parents that are constantly arguing and a best friend that just wants to be left alone. To add to the chaos he meets Zoe, the old lady in the woods.

I won’t go into much detail because it will give too much away. Lucas is determined to fix everything and everyone, even if it costs him his friends. Being wise beyond his years and learning to grow up fast Lucas has to make decisions that will affect not only himself but those around him. Lucas, Connor(his best friend), his brother Roy, and Zoe must learn to help each other before they can help themselves.

This book frequently talks about a very fragile subject that is impacting a lot of teenagers today, suicide. Trying to figure out if your life is worth fighting for.

I have read previous books by Catherine Ryan Hyde and this is by far my favorite. I was hooked from page one. The ending leaves you with plenty of emotions both happy and sad. The writing is beautifully done making me feel like I knew the characters personally. I highly recommend this read!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author Catherine Ryan Hyde, and the publisher for giving me this digital copy of Stay in exchange for my honest review.

I've read several books by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Each is different but they are all excellent, centering on people and how they make it through their journey of life. Stay is a beautiful story about 14 year old Lucas Painter's coming of age during the summer of 1969 and the importance of family and friendship, about the Viet Nam war, drug addiction, and 2 boys who had been best friends since they were 3 years old.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this novel. From page one, I was pulled in and wanted to know about Luke. His unique relationship with the dogs that led to his involvement with the lady in the woods. His friendship with Conner, which seemed so strong but we later learn had cracks in it. All of these complicated relationships converge and change Luke's life through very challenging times.
The struggles that we face throughout our lives often define who we become and the author gave those feelings a place to go with sensitivity and honesty. Thank you Catherine Ryan Hyde for this touching book.
I recieved an early copy from netgalley. All views and opinions are my own.

Stay is a very intense story about life and how it effects everyone around yoy. The characters are developed so you get to know them as they grow. This story is about the ups and downs that everyone faces. Some deal with life easy and some have a hard row to hoe. You'll keep reading to see how their lives turn out.

Lucas is a 14 year old boy dealing with issues beyond his years. He recuses an older lady who tried to commit sucide, is trying to keep his best friend from committing sucide, and trying to process his brother’s deployment to Nam. This is so much for anyone to handle but Lucas does it beautifully. I loved his character and how the story highlighted all these issues and more. I highly recommend this book!

What a beautiful story of a 14-year-old boy, Lucas Painter. Between the childhood innocence and his coming of age, you will become emotionally invested in the book. You will experience a feeling of loss, grief, addiction, depression, first love, anxiety, and fear. And the author does a wonderful job of treating each emotion with respect...not trivializing each of them.

I loved the last chapter when you jump forward 50 years and a glimpse of where the characters have landed in their adulthood. You get a brief review of the lives during that time period. And, of course, you will shed a few tears as you travel through the pages!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Catherine Ryan Hyde always pulls out all the stops and brings the emotional aspects of her books to the front and leaves you full of life affirming sweetness.

I have just about every Catherine Ryan Hyde book on my kindle. I grabbed a copy of this one from NetGalley when it was a “Read Now.” It was such a wonderful story about a young boy, Lucas Painter, coming of age and learning as he went. It’s a story of love and friendship with people going through or having gone through difficult times. The characters were those you couldn’t help but grow to love. What I enjoy most about reading this authors work is that she always seems to fill her stories with words of wisdom that you can take away and use in your own life. I’d like to thank NetGalley and author Catherine Ryan Hyde for the arc to read, review and enjoy. I recommend this and give it 4 stars.

This was my first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I can see why she has written so many celebrated novels, and why so many readers love her work. This was a good, tug at your heartstrings story about a fourteen year old boy named Lucas. Set in 1969, a crazy time in our history, Lucas has so much in his life that he feels he needs to fix: his parents' lousy marriage, his brother being in Viet Nam, and his best friend's self destructive behavior. In order to "fix" others, Lucas unknowingly befriends Zoe, a woman who herself needs fixing. In the process, Zoe imparts her wisdom and experiences to Lucas, and eventually everyone else in his life.
This was a wonderfully nostalgic story about redemption, forgiveness and love.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Another wonderful book with amazing characters! 14 year old Lucas has a lot on his shoulders in the summer of 1969. His brother is fighting in the war, his best friend is having a hard time, and his parents fight constantly. Lucas loves walking through the forest. There he meets 2 dogs and starts running through the forest with them. He meets their owner Zoe. Zoe is also having a hard time with life. As the summer moves on, the reader is taken on a an adventure with the characters. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

This is the second book I have read from Catherine Ryan Hyde and while both times the premise was really good, they both fell a little short for me. The themes that Hyde chooses to write about appear to big be big, but the best way to describe it, lackluster.

Stay is the story of Lucas who is a 14 year old boy in 1969. His brother is in Vietnam, his best friend is suffering from depression, his parents always appear to be fighting. However, where this story picks up is when he is out an about he meets two dogs who appear to have no owner, and he starts running with them and then caring for them. He eventually finds their owner who is the throws of an overdose.

What Hyde does after this is try to weave together a narrative this is just so sad. Don’t get me wrong, I love sad books, but this to me did not even have a light at the end of the tunnel. Lucas seemed unreal, he was just too good, nothing like a typical 14 year old. It started feeling a little false at some times. Hyde also throws in an epilogue, which I usually love, but this one seemed rushed, and too neatly wrapped up for this type of story.

Overall, I am sure there will be a lot of people who love this one, but this one just fell a little short for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sixty-year-old Lucas looks at his life back when he was a 14-year-old boy in the '60's. The war is raging, his family is raging, his brother is in Viet Nam, his friend is suffering. What is a boy to do? The author explores themes we grapple with even today. How long must a person pay for a mistake before he is forgiven? How does a bad home life affect a person? When or how should you stand up for your convictions?
This book takes a deep look at these and other questions, but she does it so the reader gets involved with likeable and sympathetic characters. I laughed. I cried. I enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you #Stay and #NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. Lucas is 14 years old and was told by his mom to stay out of the woods because he could get lost. So of course he wonders into the woods and comes across an old cabin. He meets two dogs there but never sees anyone else and he forms a bond with them and runs with them everyday. He looks in the window one day and sees a woman lying on the bed who appears to have taken an overdose of pills. Lucas calls the police and saves her life and so begins his friendship with Zoe. I enjoyed the characters of his brother, Rory and his best friend Conner. All of them form a bond with Zoe. I enjoyed this book and loved how it took place in the 70s.

14 year old Lucas has so much on his plate. Parents who fight constantly, a brother in Vietnam, a best friend who is severely depressed, not to mention navigating high school. One day, he wonders into woods he’s been forbidden to go into and there starts an unusual friendship with a recluse who has their own issues. Sometimes when we are trying to save someone else, we end up saving ourselves.

This was an emotionally complex book. So well written and honest about the time (1969) this book takes place. You will be so vested in the story, you will be done half the book before you notice. Depictions about mental illness, addiction and the war are raw. The ending is perfect. The characters are well written, and situations are realistic. The friendships explored will find a place in your heart, as you hope for the best.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.


Will post to Amazon and Barnes and Noble on Pub Day.

Fourteen-year-old Lucas is worried about many things in the summer of 1969. His older brother is fighting in Vietnam, his parents fight constantly, and his best friend is growing more and more reclusive. Lucas is worried about everyone, and wants to fix their problems, but is unable to do so. As a release, he’s started running. He runs in the woods behind his house, finding it calming. Until one day he come upon a small cabin that he’s never noticed before and two very active dogs. After days of running with the dogs, he meets their owner, Zoe, who lives isolated from everyone. After a near-tragedy, Lucas’s friendship with Zoe grows, and an unusual connection is made that will touch everyone in Lucas’s life, especially him.

I love stories where unexpected friendships grow to be so much more. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an expert at developing flawed characters who somehow find each other and learn to live to their potential. It’s people helping people, even the most broken of us. Set in the turbulent era of the Vietnam War, when knowing right from wrong was difficult, this book pulls at your heartstrings. This novel is one of my favorites by this amazing author.

Beautifully written story by seasoned author Catherine Ryan Hyde. Each of her characters are engaging, my favorite being 14-year old Lucas, the central character whose life will drastically change after meeting up with two large dogs near a remote cabin in the woods.

“What I did not yet know is that I had placed the first domino in a stack of events that would literally alter the world as I’d known it.”

This selfless, perceptive and thoughtful young man completely captured my heart. He carried a heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders, an anchor for troubled friends and family. A powerful, inspirational and lovely story.


*will post to online venues closer to publication date and add links below at that time.

** spoiler alert ** Gah, I loved this. So much heart and rough characters I loved even though I am not the hugest fan of books with young narrators.

Spoiler-ish?
I truly love how CRH includes addiction in her novels, and how she writes about it. Living with a husband in recovery, it’s nice to see it addressed and even more to see it addressed with such compassion.