What do you think?
Rate this book
Walter's Purple Heart
From the bestselling author of DON'T LET ME GO and PAY IT FORWARD, comes a flight of sheer imagination: the story of a love affair that spans two lives, two incarnations--and the many repercussions of a young life cut short by war.
Michael Steeb is an aimless twenty-one-year-old pot farmer in Central California in the 1980s. He has no real plans or interests…until the day he connects with memories of a life that seems to belong to someone else. That “spirit” is Walter, a young American soldier killed in World War II.
Michael’s task is the near-impossible: to lead Walter’s family to closure and peace, to deliver the real truth behind Walter’s Purple Heart, and to somehow achieve the forgiveness absent for so many years so Walter can move on. Michael sets out to find Walter’s best friend Andrew, and Mary Ann, the fiancée Walter left behind. Mary Ann recognizes Walter in Michael immediately. But Andrew sets out to prove that Michael is the worst sort of con man.
Narrated in large part by Walter from beyond the grave, WALTER'S PURPLE HEART is a fast-paced war drama and a deeply felt romance, with a unique twist on the prospect of multiple lives. Catherine Ryan Hyde paints an enduring portrait of a life prematurely lost, and the endless ripples of consequence to those who loved him, in a microcosm that sheds light on the true gravity of war.
This "Classic Catherine" Anniversary Edition includes a new Author's Note by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Michael Steeb is an aimless twenty-one-year-old pot farmer in Central California in the 1980s. He has no real plans or interests…until the day he connects with memories of a life that seems to belong to someone else. That “spirit” is Walter, a young American soldier killed in World War II.
Michael’s task is the near-impossible: to lead Walter’s family to closure and peace, to deliver the real truth behind Walter’s Purple Heart, and to somehow achieve the forgiveness absent for so many years so Walter can move on. Michael sets out to find Walter’s best friend Andrew, and Mary Ann, the fiancée Walter left behind. Mary Ann recognizes Walter in Michael immediately. But Andrew sets out to prove that Michael is the worst sort of con man.
Narrated in large part by Walter from beyond the grave, WALTER'S PURPLE HEART is a fast-paced war drama and a deeply felt romance, with a unique twist on the prospect of multiple lives. Catherine Ryan Hyde paints an enduring portrait of a life prematurely lost, and the endless ripples of consequence to those who loved him, in a microcosm that sheds light on the true gravity of war.
This "Classic Catherine" Anniversary Edition includes a new Author's Note by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
1799 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
68 books6,115 followersCatherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 1, 2012
While I adore Catherine Ryan Hyde, this book didn't quite work for me. I characters never came alive like I wanted them to, and though it was interesting, with past lives intermingling with modern day woes, the whole thing failed to reach through to touch me in a meaningful way.
October 27, 2013
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. It was such a refreshingly different story line. The truisms were plentiful, I highlighted several of them. I empathized with several of the characters, and hated to see the book end.
September 16, 2019
Unbelievable, weird, bizarre. Those are the only words to describe this book. I'm surprised it got published. Ms Hyde's other books, the seven I've read were very good. This one????? But you know what...I cried at the ending. What a good writer she is!
October 10, 2019
I was very excited about this book after reading the first chapter ending with "Besides, you know all this. You just forgot." This is Walter, the narrator speaking. Seeing things through his eyes, his past and his present, is quite an adventure with a lot to think about in living life much more than about what happens with death. The really fun part for me was the reactions and responses of people who come in contact with the reincarnation of a person they knew long ago and also what that man who is the reincarnation goes through in dealing with them.
October 30, 2019
This is a book about a reincarnated World War II soldier, Walter, who, 40 years after his death, comes back to get answers to some questions that have been keeping him from from moving on. He also wants to forgive the best friend who married his finance after his death. Walter decides to manifest himself in the body of Michael, a 21 year old pot farmer and the complexities that this causes for all involved are complicated and make for a story of both forgiveness and enduring love.
January 9, 2021
What a wonderful book about reincarnation! I loved the idea of a soldier (Walter) killed during WWII being reincarnated forty years later in a California pot farmer (Michael)! In addition, the reaction that Michael/Walter receives after reaching out to all the people from Walter's former life is awesome.
May 26, 2020
I like this author, but I wasn’t into the story too much. It was ok. No regrets.
May 12, 2021
I loved this book. It is about WWII and a guy who dies, but has too much unfinished business. He finally finds someone to take his spirit and it is a rollicking adventure after that.
I enjoyed this book as much the 2nd time as I did the first. It is a bit about reincarnation, but more about restless spirits and their need to rest. Walter picks Michael to help him complete his journey, 40 years after being killed. Michael grows and smokes marijuana in 1982, which makes him awfully susceptible to being Walter's helper.
It is such a sweet book about love and loss.
I enjoyed this book as much the 2nd time as I did the first. It is a bit about reincarnation, but more about restless spirits and their need to rest. Walter picks Michael to help him complete his journey, 40 years after being killed. Michael grows and smokes marijuana in 1982, which makes him awfully susceptible to being Walter's helper.
It is such a sweet book about love and loss.
September 17, 2018
I read 113 pages of this book.
In good character, I could not read any more. I find it difficult to
submit to someone using "the Ouija board". I do not find it healthy
practice.
On to the next book. Something I can recommend, read and grow from.
I just prefer to use my time and mind elsewhere.
I do not recommend this book.
In good character, I could not read any more. I find it difficult to
submit to someone using "the Ouija board". I do not find it healthy
practice.
On to the next book. Something I can recommend, read and grow from.
I just prefer to use my time and mind elsewhere.
I do not recommend this book.
June 17, 2013
A little to "out there" for me. I didn't find it believable - because I do not believe in reincarnation - so it made it far fetched to me. The personality studies were good and character development was interesting.
August 2, 2018
Getting to revisit
A triumph. Getting a chance to speak about issues left behind when you are gone too soon. My favourite Catherine Ryan Hyde book. Poignant and touching. Loved this book.
A triumph. Getting a chance to speak about issues left behind when you are gone too soon. My favourite Catherine Ryan Hyde book. Poignant and touching. Loved this book.
July 19, 2021
Why aren't there more Catherine Ryan Hyde books on CD, why hasn't anyone written a review of this one, and why haven't I ever found one of her books in a used book store? I did enjoy it and will read or listen to more books by her. Every story is different and very creative.
January 11, 2018
It reminds me uncomfortably of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," one of my most despised reads of all time, yet it wasn't as horrible. When I compare it with "Say Goodbye for Now," I get very sad. Weird obsession with justice and moving on = misguided. Especially given the assertion that this ephemera ceases to matter once we die and are subsumed into oneness with time and the universe. Additionally, what a boring and dickless man was this Walter. Yawn. Also, why wasn't Michael more assertive about pursuing his own life and desires?? Finally, it was too long, continuing looong after Walter had completed his self-assigned mission. If there had been a plot twist at the end, it might have been worth it. Alas, no such luck. Still, this writer is clearly a true talent, as you can see when she has a real story to tell. I would give a different tome of hers a try, and I will. My new rule for myself is _never_ to read anything having the slightest reference to WWII- I AM OVER IT.
April 21, 2024
4⭐️
I had the audiobook read by Kirby Heyborne. I didn’t especially gel with the narrator who has an old voice, whereas Walter was a young man when he died, as was Michael so I would have preferred a younger voice.
Walter died during the war only his spirit never passed over. In the 80’s Walter connects with a 21 yr old pot farmer, he gets him to find his family and friends to give them closure.
Walter’s story is told in several time frames when he was young, during the war and after his death while he hangs around as a ghost trying to protect his family and friends, then it moves to reincarnation where Michael has Walter’s memories.
As always with this author it’s very character driven with well developed characters, and as always very moving. There are some inconsistencies, he knew what was happening with some of his family after his death but not others which seemed odd.
I enjoyed the use of the supernatural, it adds something different to her repertoire. I enjoyed the book, but it’s not one of my favourites.
I had the audiobook read by Kirby Heyborne. I didn’t especially gel with the narrator who has an old voice, whereas Walter was a young man when he died, as was Michael so I would have preferred a younger voice.
Walter died during the war only his spirit never passed over. In the 80’s Walter connects with a 21 yr old pot farmer, he gets him to find his family and friends to give them closure.
Walter’s story is told in several time frames when he was young, during the war and after his death while he hangs around as a ghost trying to protect his family and friends, then it moves to reincarnation where Michael has Walter’s memories.
As always with this author it’s very character driven with well developed characters, and as always very moving. There are some inconsistencies, he knew what was happening with some of his family after his death but not others which seemed odd.
I enjoyed the use of the supernatural, it adds something different to her repertoire. I enjoyed the book, but it’s not one of my favourites.
May 10, 2021
This is the 15th book I've read by this author and by far my least favorite. I don't usually read books about war or drug use, both of which are prominent themes of this book. But when you trust an author you are willing to go places you don't always go. But this book did not really hit the mark for me.
I was confused that it was a book about reincarnation and yet Walter seemed to be using Michael as a way vessel to tie up the lose ends of his life. But Micheal seemed to call up Walter at a moments notice. That just did not sit right.
Also I did not like some of the turns Michael's relationship with Mary Ann took.
The over all concept, all lives matter. Forgiveness is the key, those are strong and stay true.
I realize this is the first book that this author wrote, although she wrote it from scratch 2 times. This reads like a first book. Before the author truly honed her skills. I did find it intriguing to see how far she has come as a writer.
I was confused that it was a book about reincarnation and yet Walter seemed to be using Michael as a way vessel to tie up the lose ends of his life. But Micheal seemed to call up Walter at a moments notice. That just did not sit right.
Also I did not like some of the turns Michael's relationship with Mary Ann took.
The over all concept, all lives matter. Forgiveness is the key, those are strong and stay true.
I realize this is the first book that this author wrote, although she wrote it from scratch 2 times. This reads like a first book. Before the author truly honed her skills. I did find it intriguing to see how far she has come as a writer.
February 24, 2022
I have to ask the question: "Whatever happened to the movie?", because when I first read this book, I checked out the author's webpage, and it said there were plans to make this story into a movie. It seems nothing ever came of that. Since so many novels become movies, I can't understand why, unless it was because of creative differences. If they wanted to change this story in any way, I wouldn't blame Ms. Hyde for refusing to let that happen.
Aside from my personal interest in the WWII background (I had relatives who fought in it), I also relate to the reincarnation theme, because I like the whole idea that we live on; whatever likes, loves, hopes, dreams, etc. we had in one lifetime continue on into another. They're still a part of us, no matter where we are in time.
I won't give any details; just read it and enjoy the originality of the author's take on the past lives theme.
Aside from my personal interest in the WWII background (I had relatives who fought in it), I also relate to the reincarnation theme, because I like the whole idea that we live on; whatever likes, loves, hopes, dreams, etc. we had in one lifetime continue on into another. They're still a part of us, no matter where we are in time.
I won't give any details; just read it and enjoy the originality of the author's take on the past lives theme.
January 6, 2024
Reincarnation I’ve read that it’s true. Maybe it is. This book goes a long way down that path. I don’t know why Walter is still in Michael at the end of the book, but it seems right that he is, Michael has two lives, the one he’s living and the other that he remembers.
This is a complex book in so many ways but there’s no burden that comes with that. I’m a boomer born in 1949 so a little of the world I grew up in looked like the world Walter and Mary Ann did still. I remember some of the things Walter does. So the whole book, in a way, felt familiar all along. Cracking good story, if a little left of center, or right, sometimes both. A love story that didn’t begin until after a death and then continues on until, well, you’ll just have to read it to find that part out.
Though I know it’s ridiculous I felt a little abridged that Mary Ann and Michael didn’t somehow end up, if not together, then near each other, not on opposite coasts. It’s just a fascinating look at the whole idea in Catherine’s unique way of making one think while loving her story. Highly recommended.
This is a complex book in so many ways but there’s no burden that comes with that. I’m a boomer born in 1949 so a little of the world I grew up in looked like the world Walter and Mary Ann did still. I remember some of the things Walter does. So the whole book, in a way, felt familiar all along. Cracking good story, if a little left of center, or right, sometimes both. A love story that didn’t begin until after a death and then continues on until, well, you’ll just have to read it to find that part out.
Though I know it’s ridiculous I felt a little abridged that Mary Ann and Michael didn’t somehow end up, if not together, then near each other, not on opposite coasts. It’s just a fascinating look at the whole idea in Catherine’s unique way of making one think while loving her story. Highly recommended.
January 18, 2020
Another five-star read (as expected). I started this book weeks, if not months ago, but didn't have the time to sit and read it. I only got to the first chapter and then stopped for quite a while. Today, I decided to listen to it using the text-to-speech function on my Fire tablet. I listened to it straight through in one day. It was an excellent book, although I believe CRH's later books were better. I'm sorry I didn't have the audiobook but it was useful to be able to listen to it using text-to-speech. I love reading but don't have time to sit and leaf through books these days. Text-to-speech is an acceptable option that allows me to listen while doing other things like working and cooking.
December 24, 2023
$4.99
This book was different, felt different, than most of the other books I've read by this author, and that isn't a bad thing. It was her first novel that she wrote but not the first one that was published. I appreciated her note that was included at the beginning of this book. It helps explain where she comes from and what had happened to this book, as well as why it came about, not to mention how lucky we are to be alive.
Michael is aimlessly wandering through life. He grows pot and lives in a house built house along with his roommate until it seems like someone's thoughts were intruding in his head. In this way he gets to know Walter, Mary Ann and Andrew who had lives that were complicated and one was cut short. Things were not said. Apologies hadn't been made, and Walter needed closure. He uses Michael's body to achieve that end.
All the time when I was reading this book I felt like it was something I had seen and while I came up with A Christmas Carol, Our Town, and something else I couldn't put my finger on, it seemed familiar and yet not. I'm glad I read this book although it is going to bug me for a long time until I can figure out why it seems familiar.
This book was different, felt different, than most of the other books I've read by this author, and that isn't a bad thing. It was her first novel that she wrote but not the first one that was published. I appreciated her note that was included at the beginning of this book. It helps explain where she comes from and what had happened to this book, as well as why it came about, not to mention how lucky we are to be alive.
Michael is aimlessly wandering through life. He grows pot and lives in a house built house along with his roommate until it seems like someone's thoughts were intruding in his head. In this way he gets to know Walter, Mary Ann and Andrew who had lives that were complicated and one was cut short. Things were not said. Apologies hadn't been made, and Walter needed closure. He uses Michael's body to achieve that end.
All the time when I was reading this book I felt like it was something I had seen and while I came up with A Christmas Carol, Our Town, and something else I couldn't put my finger on, it seemed familiar and yet not. I'm glad I read this book although it is going to bug me for a long time until I can figure out why it seems familiar.
March 13, 2019
Walter's Purple Heart was a delightful read. It touched all areas of key emotions in me. I have read it 4 times, outloud to my adult children, to my husband, and to myself, twice. I love how Catherine develops the story, and makes plausible the unplausible through Michael's pot fog. I have read that some readers, who don't believe in reincarnation, have struggled with that issue. If you are such a reader I suggest you suspend that belief so you can otherwise enjoy "Walter's" romp through reconciliation . . . It is not a high adventure story, but it is emotionally fulfilling, and Catherine drops in a handful of unexpected delights, that I personally cherished.
June 8, 2023
Read June 2023 🎖️
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 3
Characters: 3.75
Believability: 4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 3
Story Line: 4
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4.25
Overall: 4.20🏳️🌈
•
CW:
•
Review: I just want to say that I love everything CRH does, but this one was really fantasy and that’s just not my thing. I don’t really have a review because I was kind of over it. I was hoping there’d be more built into this one than there was, but it was just simplistic. Not my vibe. I just genuinely don’t get where the “umph” in this one was.
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 3
Characters: 3.75
Believability: 4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 3
Story Line: 4
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4.25
Overall: 4.20🏳️🌈
•
CW:
•
Review: I just want to say that I love everything CRH does, but this one was really fantasy and that’s just not my thing. I don’t really have a review because I was kind of over it. I was hoping there’d be more built into this one than there was, but it was just simplistic. Not my vibe. I just genuinely don’t get where the “umph” in this one was.
July 10, 2017
My rating is really based on the first 80% of the book, which was interesting and unique. It had the same quality of the author's other novels but with a really different spin. As usual, there was depth and interesting backstories, sorrow, and triumph. But the really interesting thing was having the story of Walter told by Walter after his death. However, I actually was a little over the ending; I thought the beginning was messy and real- the ending didn't need to be so tidy. Still beautiful.
June 25, 2019
With each book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, I become more of a fan. This story is no exception. Walter’s reincarnated soul connects with, and alters the life of, lovers/friends/family/strangers and none more so than his own. Decades of loss, regret, guilt and anger are exposed and upended. Much in the same way that time-travel requires the reader to open themselves to the possibility, so does this. Hyde’s insightful fore ward to the book gives depth to the theme of the effects of war on all whose lives are cut short.
March 10, 2020
An excellent read
Catherine Ryan Hyde hits it out of the park every time. Never disappointed with her books, this one touched me in ways I never expected. She has an excellent way with words and touches on subjects so deep. Gives you an alternative way to think, or just expands on what you already wanted to believe. This story touched me deep in my heart and I felt a little sad when it was over wanting so much more. Thanks for another great thought provoking novel!
Catherine Ryan Hyde hits it out of the park every time. Never disappointed with her books, this one touched me in ways I never expected. She has an excellent way with words and touches on subjects so deep. Gives you an alternative way to think, or just expands on what you already wanted to believe. This story touched me deep in my heart and I felt a little sad when it was over wanting so much more. Thanks for another great thought provoking novel!
June 18, 2020
I was interested in reading this “first book” by this author because I’ve been reading and mostly loving some of her books. I’d like to read all of them someday! This book had an interesting subject but I like her later books much more. They have always made me wish I knew the people in the books as the characters are so generous, or accepting or just seem dang nice! The people in this book didn’t make me feel that way. But...it is her FIRST book.
March 9, 2022
I didn't like this book over 1/2:way thru it. Even considered stopping, but Hyde came thru, tied up all the lose ends and made it special. Not sure why I read her books but I always, always, always come away with a good feeling. Like closing my eyes and reliving a younger time in my life. Wishing you could relive that time, leaving out the bad times, but knowing that's what makes who you are. Thanks Walter for making this a fine story.
December 21, 2023
If I remember correctly, this is the first or one of the first books that Catherine Ryan Hyde had published. It is different than some of the ones that she wrote later. I’m glad that I read some of the recent ones first. This is just different. But in the Catherine Ryan Hyde manner it has strong characters and a captivating story. I’m not even going to try and explain a little about the story- it’s just a must read.
June 27, 2019
Wonderful wonderful read
I don't know where to begin to say that once again this author has written a book worth reading and ponderi+g. I could barely put it down as the premise of reincarnation of a WWII soldier and how after 40 years he gets the answers he has wanted regarding his girl, best friend, and family fared after his death on an island in the Pacific.
I don't know where to begin to say that once again this author has written a book worth reading and ponderi+g. I could barely put it down as the premise of reincarnation of a WWII soldier and how after 40 years he gets the answers he has wanted regarding his girl, best friend, and family fared after his death on an island in the Pacific.
June 1, 2021
This book was just ok. I finished it because of the number of 4 and 5 star reviews, but honestly do not see why so many people loved this book. I read the audio book and was forever rewinding because I found the distinction between whether it was Michael or Walter speaking confusing. I was never able to connect with the characters enough to become invested in how it ended.
July 31, 2023
DNF. This is one of the rare times I didn’t finish a Catherine Hyde book. It’s not for the reasons other reviewers gave for their low ratings. It’s not because of religion. It’s not about ouija boards. It’s not about reincarnation. And, I can easily accept alternate realities in fiction. I put this book down because I didn’t like the dialog. That’s it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews