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Life, Loss, and Puffins (Center Point Premier Fiction
An exhilarating and emotional novel about grief, hope, friendship, and taking life one beautiful and spontaneous day at a time by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.
Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.
But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.
Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.
Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.
Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.
But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.
Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.
500 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
3832 people are currently reading
7227 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,159 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 741 reviews
December 1, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I love Catherine Ryan Hyde's books she is an auto-buy author of mine because she always manages to give me all the feels. The main character in this one is thirteen-year-old Ru. Ru reminded me so much of my younger son, not just because they are both freakishly smart but because their attitudes and struggles are very much the same. Needless to say, I adored Ru. She is funny, charming and honest to a fault.
This book sucked me in right away and was such a fast-paced read I read it two sittings. Catherine Ryan Hyde never shies away from hard-hitting topics and in this one not only is Ru dealing with going away to University (she's 13 remember) but she's also dealing with her mother's unexpected death and then having to go live with a much hated aunt in Kentucky. Thankfully she has Gabriel in her corner. Gabriel is the seventeen-year-old child of the woman who allows Ru to board in her home while at school. Ru and Gabriel become fast friends having a connection like no other.
When Ru's aunt wants to take her to Kentucky Gabriel and Ru hatch a plan to make the three of her college list (not bucket list) wishes come true. Although sad in some parts this one also made me feel lots of joy and hope and was such a pleasure to read. All. The. Stars.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I love Catherine Ryan Hyde's books she is an auto-buy author of mine because she always manages to give me all the feels. The main character in this one is thirteen-year-old Ru. Ru reminded me so much of my younger son, not just because they are both freakishly smart but because their attitudes and struggles are very much the same. Needless to say, I adored Ru. She is funny, charming and honest to a fault.
This book sucked me in right away and was such a fast-paced read I read it two sittings. Catherine Ryan Hyde never shies away from hard-hitting topics and in this one not only is Ru dealing with going away to University (she's 13 remember) but she's also dealing with her mother's unexpected death and then having to go live with a much hated aunt in Kentucky. Thankfully she has Gabriel in her corner. Gabriel is the seventeen-year-old child of the woman who allows Ru to board in her home while at school. Ru and Gabriel become fast friends having a connection like no other.
When Ru's aunt wants to take her to Kentucky Gabriel and Ru hatch a plan to make the three of her college list (not bucket list) wishes come true. Although sad in some parts this one also made me feel lots of joy and hope and was such a pleasure to read. All. The. Stars.
March 3, 2024
“The only true currency in this bankrupt world are the moments you share with someone when you're uncool.” Cameron Crowe
“It wasn't until after the ink had dried on my birth certificate that she found out rumaki is actually an hors d'oeuvre people make for parties, with chicken livers, water chestnuts, and bacon”.
13 year old Rumaki (Ru) Evans was described by her mother as freakishly smart, she has an eidetic memory, (photographic memory) which is why she’s been offered a place at college at such a tender age. However, the campus is 150 miles away, so it’s decided that Ru will board with a woman and her 17 year old son Gabriel. Ru surprisingly finds a soulmate in Gabriel. Both are ‘uncool’ and therefore find it difficult to make friends, but there’s definitely a meeting of minds, and a sibling-like bond is formed between them.
Ru has never had fun in her life, she actually doesn’t know how to have fun, but there is one thing that she would love to do and that is to see Atlantic Puffins in their natural habitat.
When Ru’s mother dies quite unexpectedly, she’s expected to go live with her aunt in Kentucky, but here’s the thing - her aunt doesn’t like Ru and the feeling is mutual, and so it is that she decides she’s going to fulfill her dream and thereby avoid living with her aunt for as long as she possibly can.
Between them, Ru and Gabriel take a road trip from California to Canada, not only to see the puffins but also to witness the Aurora Borealis. The trip is a joy to witness, with some truly magical moments, and to say it’s transformative for Ru and Gabriel is an understatement.
Life, Loss, and Puffins elicits so many emotions because it’s so beautiful and heartfelt in its telling.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
“It wasn't until after the ink had dried on my birth certificate that she found out rumaki is actually an hors d'oeuvre people make for parties, with chicken livers, water chestnuts, and bacon”.
13 year old Rumaki (Ru) Evans was described by her mother as freakishly smart, she has an eidetic memory, (photographic memory) which is why she’s been offered a place at college at such a tender age. However, the campus is 150 miles away, so it’s decided that Ru will board with a woman and her 17 year old son Gabriel. Ru surprisingly finds a soulmate in Gabriel. Both are ‘uncool’ and therefore find it difficult to make friends, but there’s definitely a meeting of minds, and a sibling-like bond is formed between them.
Ru has never had fun in her life, she actually doesn’t know how to have fun, but there is one thing that she would love to do and that is to see Atlantic Puffins in their natural habitat.
When Ru’s mother dies quite unexpectedly, she’s expected to go live with her aunt in Kentucky, but here’s the thing - her aunt doesn’t like Ru and the feeling is mutual, and so it is that she decides she’s going to fulfill her dream and thereby avoid living with her aunt for as long as she possibly can.
Between them, Ru and Gabriel take a road trip from California to Canada, not only to see the puffins but also to witness the Aurora Borealis. The trip is a joy to witness, with some truly magical moments, and to say it’s transformative for Ru and Gabriel is an understatement.
Life, Loss, and Puffins elicits so many emotions because it’s so beautiful and heartfelt in its telling.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
May 3, 2025
Bizarre! (I'm groping for words.) Nobillissima (Brilliante)! Profound!
You can talk of Catherine Ryan Hyde till the cows come home (in metaphors no one who’s never read her just won't get). Forget it! Will the REAL Catherine please stand up?
Ah...
I thought so.
I had already recognized her as my New Fav Writer!!!
***
This morning the Moon is going into Libra (or so I have been pre-warned). That's bad. For when your Moon Sign is going into judgement a low profile is best!
So I'm told, anyway.
But that doesn't happen for an hour and a quarter, so I'm safe to publish an early, in-progress review of Puffins on the sly, on a wing and a prayer!
You know what happens when I meet a wise, crazed fellow spirit? Incredible new vibes filled with the promise of sunshine flood into my gray, depressively medicated soul.
***
But our Moon Sign, like it or not, is ALWAYS Libra (though not so pronouncedly as today) for us children of the moon, we readers.
If I show my wizened face outside my front door my moon sign is invariably Libra. I am judged. While my neighbours make hay as the hot summer sun shines, I just sit there.
Why don’t ya make yourself Useful for a change? ‘Cause you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!’
Yes, I'm a Gabriel - every bit as freakish as he is. Cause I’m a hippie Jesus Freak. And I might add, my dear wife is a whipsmart Ru. She far outclasses me, too, in the Smarts Department.
In this novel, like me and my wife, Gabriel and Ru are in love, though they don't yet know they're falling into that Chicken Soup. But Ru, being smarter, will know it First. But she’s not street smart nor does Gabe sink so low.
***
My pills wake me up! A place I just don't want to go.
They make me into Nothing, a no thing of acute discomfort.
Don't wanna go there!
Ru's Astrophysics Prof says vast is beautiful. We couldn't agree less.
Nor could this terrible twosome. It's not Okay to think too much about Thinking, as Ru and Dad always said.
So as an odd duck out I just go quackers over Gabe and Ru.
Want to read the quirkiest honest-to-gosh truthful love story you'll Ever Find?
Then Read Catherine's DIFFERENTLY GOOD book!
You can talk of Catherine Ryan Hyde till the cows come home (in metaphors no one who’s never read her just won't get). Forget it! Will the REAL Catherine please stand up?
Ah...
I thought so.
I had already recognized her as my New Fav Writer!!!
***
This morning the Moon is going into Libra (or so I have been pre-warned). That's bad. For when your Moon Sign is going into judgement a low profile is best!
So I'm told, anyway.
But that doesn't happen for an hour and a quarter, so I'm safe to publish an early, in-progress review of Puffins on the sly, on a wing and a prayer!
You know what happens when I meet a wise, crazed fellow spirit? Incredible new vibes filled with the promise of sunshine flood into my gray, depressively medicated soul.
***
But our Moon Sign, like it or not, is ALWAYS Libra (though not so pronouncedly as today) for us children of the moon, we readers.
If I show my wizened face outside my front door my moon sign is invariably Libra. I am judged. While my neighbours make hay as the hot summer sun shines, I just sit there.
Why don’t ya make yourself Useful for a change? ‘Cause you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!’
Yes, I'm a Gabriel - every bit as freakish as he is. Cause I’m a hippie Jesus Freak. And I might add, my dear wife is a whipsmart Ru. She far outclasses me, too, in the Smarts Department.
In this novel, like me and my wife, Gabriel and Ru are in love, though they don't yet know they're falling into that Chicken Soup. But Ru, being smarter, will know it First. But she’s not street smart nor does Gabe sink so low.
***
My pills wake me up! A place I just don't want to go.
They make me into Nothing, a no thing of acute discomfort.
Don't wanna go there!
Ru's Astrophysics Prof says vast is beautiful. We couldn't agree less.
Nor could this terrible twosome. It's not Okay to think too much about Thinking, as Ru and Dad always said.
So as an odd duck out I just go quackers over Gabe and Ru.
Want to read the quirkiest honest-to-gosh truthful love story you'll Ever Find?
Then Read Catherine's DIFFERENTLY GOOD book!
April 17, 2024
***NOW AVAILABLE, A VERY SPECIAL BOOK***
I enjoyed this story so much, Ms. Hyde is a great storyteller and of course her great strength is her characters. What an incredible group of characters she has created for this very unique story.
Ru (Rumaki) Evans is a 13 year old genius. She feels very out of place in regular classes as she is already educated herself way beyond even high school level. Finally she has a teacher who tells her that she should enroll in college because that is where she will flourish and find professors who may challenge her.
Her mother finally agrees to let her go, but she must board at a home nearby campus and not the dorms - because she is only 13. Here is where she meets Garbriel who is 17 and he is also different than other kids his age. He is very smart and he also feels most himself when he wears makeup and doesn’t dress like the other kids.
It isn’t long before Ru and Garbriel form a strong bond. It is more of a big brother/sister bond and they become closer and closer.
When Ru’s mother dies rather unexpectedly Ru knows that she will be forced to live with her aunt in Kentucky. She and her aunt do not have a good relationship and she wants no part of life with her in distant Kentucky.
Ru forms a plan of escape and has a list of places and things that she wants to see before she returns to college. Gabriel is happy to go along with her - he loves astronomy and puffins as much as Ru.
We will follow them on their travels as they meet lots of kind and interesting people who help them out with all sorts of things. They finally come across a woman who wants to return to the Northwest Territories in Canada which is home for her. She will help them cross the border as their “grandmother” as they are both minors.
I will leave you to enjoy this story - it is heartwarming and filled with unusual experiences including seeing the aurora borealis then off to see the Atlantic Puffins.
I couldn’t put this book down as these characters were so unusual and found a place in my heart.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a great coming of age story with unusual and endearing characters.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this wonderful book.
I enjoyed this story so much, Ms. Hyde is a great storyteller and of course her great strength is her characters. What an incredible group of characters she has created for this very unique story.
Ru (Rumaki) Evans is a 13 year old genius. She feels very out of place in regular classes as she is already educated herself way beyond even high school level. Finally she has a teacher who tells her that she should enroll in college because that is where she will flourish and find professors who may challenge her.
Her mother finally agrees to let her go, but she must board at a home nearby campus and not the dorms - because she is only 13. Here is where she meets Garbriel who is 17 and he is also different than other kids his age. He is very smart and he also feels most himself when he wears makeup and doesn’t dress like the other kids.
It isn’t long before Ru and Garbriel form a strong bond. It is more of a big brother/sister bond and they become closer and closer.
When Ru’s mother dies rather unexpectedly Ru knows that she will be forced to live with her aunt in Kentucky. She and her aunt do not have a good relationship and she wants no part of life with her in distant Kentucky.
Ru forms a plan of escape and has a list of places and things that she wants to see before she returns to college. Gabriel is happy to go along with her - he loves astronomy and puffins as much as Ru.
We will follow them on their travels as they meet lots of kind and interesting people who help them out with all sorts of things. They finally come across a woman who wants to return to the Northwest Territories in Canada which is home for her. She will help them cross the border as their “grandmother” as they are both minors.
I will leave you to enjoy this story - it is heartwarming and filled with unusual experiences including seeing the aurora borealis then off to see the Atlantic Puffins.
I couldn’t put this book down as these characters were so unusual and found a place in my heart.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a great coming of age story with unusual and endearing characters.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this wonderful book.
February 2, 2025
3.5~4★
“ ‘I’m sorry. I’m just . . .’
‘You’re just what, Mom?’ I asked when I got tired of waiting for her to tell me.
‘I feel like this is it.’
‘Like this is it for what?’
She sighed deeply and dramatically before answering. ‘For your childhood, I guess. I feel like your childhood is ending.’
‘Interesting,’ I said.
‘You don’t agree?’
‘That it’s ending now? No. I don’t agree. I think my childhood ended when I was five.’ ”
I’m sure it did end then. Ru is 13 years old chronologically but is so “freakishly smart” (as she is told) that her knowledge and comprehension are far beyond that of most adults. The book opens with her addressing two girls after making the sit down to hear her life story. We don’t know who they are or care, but Ru dives right in and begins talking.
She tells us (and them) everything in the first person, and only a handful of time throughout the book are we reminded that she has an audience of two girls. It’s only at the end that she clears that up – sort of, but unconvincingly, I thought.
She’s an outsider at school, and when she starts college at the age of 13, she seems even more out of place. She still looks 13. She meets Gabriel, who is 17, and he seems to be a fellow misfit. He’s the son of the woman who takes in boarding students, arranged by Ru’s mother, since Ru’s so young. He wears eye makeup and paints his fingernails. He’s unique, but better still, he has an Atlantic puffin as the screensaver on his phone, and so does Ru! The both love Atlantic puffins.
Their bedroom shares a common wall and an air vent that carries their normal speaking voices, so the two of them chat at night privately. She has said that she has an eidetic memory and hyperthymesia, meaning she never forgets anything. She is inclined to lecture on any given subject, which isn’t always welcome.
She tells Gabriel about her memories of a happy trip with her late father to look at the night skies in the Mojave Desert. It is obvious she loved it, and the memory makes her happy. Gabriel asks if he can make a comment without annoying her. Of course.
“ ‘Your reaction to that beautiful feeling was to decide to study the formation of the universe and how stars and planets are born and die. You made the whole thing academic.’
‘Of course I did. That’s what I do.’
He didn’t answer.
‘I mean . . . should I do something different?’
‘I can’t decide that for you. But it’s something to think about.’
So I thought about it.
I thought about it so much that night that I only got a couple hours of sleep and I was super tired in all my classes the next day.
But here’s the problem: I ‘thought’ about it. I thought about how I have a problem with thinking too much.
Leave it to me to think I can solve a thinking problem by thinking.”
Ru’s mother keeps making excuses not to drive the 150 miles to the college on the weekends, as promised, so Gabriel and Ru hop in his little car and drive to Ru’s home.
When they arrive, who should come to the door but Aunt Bitsy, her mother’s sister, whom Ru can’t stand.
Ru’s mother is at death’s door with cancer. Six weeks after her diagnosis, Ru’s mother dies, leaving her in the care of Aunt Bitsy, who lives in Kentucky, far from the other home Ru has enjoyed with Gabriel’s mother and far from her college.
Ru considers running away, hiding, maybe making a bucket list of things to experience before she goes back to college. She may be freakishly smart, but she has real living to catch up on. Before you know it, the two have packed up his little car, waited until his mother has taken her sleeping pill, left her a note on the kitchen table, and decided to tick some things off Ru’s college list.
1. Camp in the darkest place in the country and see the night skies. (Ru elaborates – I’ll spare you.)
2. See the aurora borealis. (She made sure they had their passports.)
3. Meet an Atlantic puffin.
Their adventure is completely unbelievable (as are they, really), but it’s an entertaining ride and their growing friendship is nice to watch. I particularly liked Ru’s description of finding your people or your tribe as your herd. We are herd animals, and she has a practical turn of phrase.
Had Ru’s audience of two little girls been better explained (adoption, I think), and had the story not seemed to stop right in the middle, I’d have enjoyed it more. Still, it was a good read, and I thank #NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of #LifeLossandPuffins for review.
“ ‘I’m sorry. I’m just . . .’
‘You’re just what, Mom?’ I asked when I got tired of waiting for her to tell me.
‘I feel like this is it.’
‘Like this is it for what?’
She sighed deeply and dramatically before answering. ‘For your childhood, I guess. I feel like your childhood is ending.’
‘Interesting,’ I said.
‘You don’t agree?’
‘That it’s ending now? No. I don’t agree. I think my childhood ended when I was five.’ ”
I’m sure it did end then. Ru is 13 years old chronologically but is so “freakishly smart” (as she is told) that her knowledge and comprehension are far beyond that of most adults. The book opens with her addressing two girls after making the sit down to hear her life story. We don’t know who they are or care, but Ru dives right in and begins talking.
She tells us (and them) everything in the first person, and only a handful of time throughout the book are we reminded that she has an audience of two girls. It’s only at the end that she clears that up – sort of, but unconvincingly, I thought.
She’s an outsider at school, and when she starts college at the age of 13, she seems even more out of place. She still looks 13. She meets Gabriel, who is 17, and he seems to be a fellow misfit. He’s the son of the woman who takes in boarding students, arranged by Ru’s mother, since Ru’s so young. He wears eye makeup and paints his fingernails. He’s unique, but better still, he has an Atlantic puffin as the screensaver on his phone, and so does Ru! The both love Atlantic puffins.
Their bedroom shares a common wall and an air vent that carries their normal speaking voices, so the two of them chat at night privately. She has said that she has an eidetic memory and hyperthymesia, meaning she never forgets anything. She is inclined to lecture on any given subject, which isn’t always welcome.
She tells Gabriel about her memories of a happy trip with her late father to look at the night skies in the Mojave Desert. It is obvious she loved it, and the memory makes her happy. Gabriel asks if he can make a comment without annoying her. Of course.
“ ‘Your reaction to that beautiful feeling was to decide to study the formation of the universe and how stars and planets are born and die. You made the whole thing academic.’
‘Of course I did. That’s what I do.’
He didn’t answer.
‘I mean . . . should I do something different?’
‘I can’t decide that for you. But it’s something to think about.’
So I thought about it.
I thought about it so much that night that I only got a couple hours of sleep and I was super tired in all my classes the next day.
But here’s the problem: I ‘thought’ about it. I thought about how I have a problem with thinking too much.
Leave it to me to think I can solve a thinking problem by thinking.”
Ru’s mother keeps making excuses not to drive the 150 miles to the college on the weekends, as promised, so Gabriel and Ru hop in his little car and drive to Ru’s home.
When they arrive, who should come to the door but Aunt Bitsy, her mother’s sister, whom Ru can’t stand.
Ru’s mother is at death’s door with cancer. Six weeks after her diagnosis, Ru’s mother dies, leaving her in the care of Aunt Bitsy, who lives in Kentucky, far from the other home Ru has enjoyed with Gabriel’s mother and far from her college.
Ru considers running away, hiding, maybe making a bucket list of things to experience before she goes back to college. She may be freakishly smart, but she has real living to catch up on. Before you know it, the two have packed up his little car, waited until his mother has taken her sleeping pill, left her a note on the kitchen table, and decided to tick some things off Ru’s college list.
1. Camp in the darkest place in the country and see the night skies. (Ru elaborates – I’ll spare you.)
2. See the aurora borealis. (She made sure they had their passports.)
3. Meet an Atlantic puffin.
Their adventure is completely unbelievable (as are they, really), but it’s an entertaining ride and their growing friendship is nice to watch. I particularly liked Ru’s description of finding your people or your tribe as your herd. We are herd animals, and she has a practical turn of phrase.
Had Ru’s audience of two little girls been better explained (adoption, I think), and had the story not seemed to stop right in the middle, I’d have enjoyed it more. Still, it was a good read, and I thank #NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of #LifeLossandPuffins for review.
May 7, 2024
Rumaki Evans is thirteen years old, she’s gifted academically, Ru gets bored easily and she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, she has an eidetic memory, and is about to start college. This means she has to move 150 miles from home, she stays with Paula Gulbranson and her son Gabriel. Ru has never had a friend before, Gabriel doesn’t fit in himself and she accepts him how he is and vice versa.
When Ru’s mother dies six weeks later, she will have leave college and go live with her Aunt Bitsy in Kentucky. Ru is sad and angry, and she doesn’t understand her feelings and Gabriel gets it. They decide to run away and go on a road trip, from California to Canada and so Ru can visit the Cosmic Campground, Aurora Borealis or the northern lights and both want to see Atlantic puffins. As Ru and Gabriel drive along they talk about everything, meet some interesting people, tell them a farfetched story about Ru being much older than she looks and gaze at the stars snuggled up in their sleeping bags and both question what their future holds.
I received a copy of Life, Loss, and Puffins from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for a review. Catherine Ryan Hyde likes to look at situations and life from different perspectives and angles and makes you think outside of the box. Could two teenage teenagers drive across America and into Canada with a little help, possibly and kids runaway all the time and if caught Gabriel is the one who’s going to get into the most trouble.
A story about being different to everyone else, both of the main characters can associate with this and acceptance, how teenagers deal with their feelings and adults often don’t really listen, Gabriel's wise for his age and he explains the bond between mother and child to Ru, sky watching and dancing ribbons of light, and four stars from me.
When Ru’s mother dies six weeks later, she will have leave college and go live with her Aunt Bitsy in Kentucky. Ru is sad and angry, and she doesn’t understand her feelings and Gabriel gets it. They decide to run away and go on a road trip, from California to Canada and so Ru can visit the Cosmic Campground, Aurora Borealis or the northern lights and both want to see Atlantic puffins. As Ru and Gabriel drive along they talk about everything, meet some interesting people, tell them a farfetched story about Ru being much older than she looks and gaze at the stars snuggled up in their sleeping bags and both question what their future holds.
I received a copy of Life, Loss, and Puffins from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for a review. Catherine Ryan Hyde likes to look at situations and life from different perspectives and angles and makes you think outside of the box. Could two teenage teenagers drive across America and into Canada with a little help, possibly and kids runaway all the time and if caught Gabriel is the one who’s going to get into the most trouble.
A story about being different to everyone else, both of the main characters can associate with this and acceptance, how teenagers deal with their feelings and adults often don’t really listen, Gabriel's wise for his age and he explains the bond between mother and child to Ru, sky watching and dancing ribbons of light, and four stars from me.
May 16, 2024
My first book by this author but it will not be my last! I loved every minute of it.
Ru Evans is thirteen years old, freakishly intelligent, has an eidetic memory and is about to start attending university. She boards with a family and meets Gabriel aged 17, another young person who is out of sync with the norm. They form a close friendship and, when everything goes wrong, they run away together with plans to see the Northern Lights and Puffins.
Such a lovely story. I shed a few happy tears for them especially when Gabriel fulfils Ru's desire to see Puffins. A delightful tale beautifully told. I already have another book by this author ready and waiting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Ru Evans is thirteen years old, freakishly intelligent, has an eidetic memory and is about to start attending university. She boards with a family and meets Gabriel aged 17, another young person who is out of sync with the norm. They form a close friendship and, when everything goes wrong, they run away together with plans to see the Northern Lights and Puffins.
Such a lovely story. I shed a few happy tears for them especially when Gabriel fulfils Ru's desire to see Puffins. A delightful tale beautifully told. I already have another book by this author ready and waiting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 11, 2024
Ru Evans was thirteen years old and in her mother's words, "freakishly smart". Ru had been like that since a very young age, and entering college which was situated a long way from home, meant she needed to board close to campus. A mother and son, and Gabriel was an outsider like Ru. They quickly formed a bond of the sibling type, close friends, the only ones each other had. But when Ru's mother died and she had to return to her aunt's home, knowing her aunt didn't want her - and she definitely didn't want to go there - meant Ru and Gabriel came up with a plan.
Gabriel was seventeen, had a driving license and owned a car. So the two of them set off on a road trip through the US and into Canada. Ru had a wish list of things she wanted to do, and they were determined to do them all. Passing themselves off as siblings, with Ru older than Gabriel, they picked up jobs along the way, helped strangers and felt a happiness deep inside which they hadn't felt before. The cold dark nights with the aurora borealis surrounding them, was an experience they wouldn't forget. Soon, they had to return to the US - would they get through the border without complications?
Once again Catherine Ryan Hyde has hit the nail on the head! Life, Loss, and Puffins was an amazing, heartwarming book, filled with happiness, new friendships, deep sadness and freedom and I loved every minute of it! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Gabriel was seventeen, had a driving license and owned a car. So the two of them set off on a road trip through the US and into Canada. Ru had a wish list of things she wanted to do, and they were determined to do them all. Passing themselves off as siblings, with Ru older than Gabriel, they picked up jobs along the way, helped strangers and felt a happiness deep inside which they hadn't felt before. The cold dark nights with the aurora borealis surrounding them, was an experience they wouldn't forget. Soon, they had to return to the US - would they get through the border without complications?
Once again Catherine Ryan Hyde has hit the nail on the head! Life, Loss, and Puffins was an amazing, heartwarming book, filled with happiness, new friendships, deep sadness and freedom and I loved every minute of it! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2024
Ru Evans is a smarter-than-average 13-year-old who has been accepted at a university 150 miles from her home. Her mother makes arrangements for her to board with a local family which includes a 17-year-old named Gabriel with whom she forms a close connection. Not long after she starts at university Ru's mother passes away and Ru is expected to go and live with her aunt in another state. But she and Gabriel hatch a plan to take a road trip from California to Canada so that Ru can experience her "college" list.
I liked this book but maybe not as much as most reviewers. It was a nice story with wonderful descriptions of the sights, like the Northern Lights and the Arctic wilderness. I have to admit that I skimmed parts of it, especially when it came to Ru explaining such things as astrophysics and planets and stars, Gabriel explaining his theory about mothers, etc. I realize that the relationship between the two main characters is strictly platonic but I'm not sure people they meet along the way would be so accepting. In another story it would be considered pretty weird and maybe even illegal. I almost think the story would've been more believable if it took place many decades ago rather than currently. But, it is fiction so I won't quibble. It was a fairly quick read anyway. I tried to work up more enthusiasm for the book but obviously I'm an outlier in my opinion as nearly everyone else loves it.
A small side note. My daughter is also a big fan of puffins and had an opportunity to see them in Iceland where her friend got married. She even has a tattoo of a puffin on her upper arm but I can't remember if she got it before or after or during her trip to Iceland.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published: May 14, 2024
I liked this book but maybe not as much as most reviewers. It was a nice story with wonderful descriptions of the sights, like the Northern Lights and the Arctic wilderness. I have to admit that I skimmed parts of it, especially when it came to Ru explaining such things as astrophysics and planets and stars, Gabriel explaining his theory about mothers, etc. I realize that the relationship between the two main characters is strictly platonic but I'm not sure people they meet along the way would be so accepting. In another story it would be considered pretty weird and maybe even illegal. I almost think the story would've been more believable if it took place many decades ago rather than currently. But, it is fiction so I won't quibble. It was a fairly quick read anyway. I tried to work up more enthusiasm for the book but obviously I'm an outlier in my opinion as nearly everyone else loves it.
A small side note. My daughter is also a big fan of puffins and had an opportunity to see them in Iceland where her friend got married. She even has a tattoo of a puffin on her upper arm but I can't remember if she got it before or after or during her trip to Iceland.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published: May 14, 2024
April 17, 2024
I like Hyde; she’s a really great writer and storyteller. I’ve really enjoyed all seven of the books of hers that I have read so far. This one was no exception to that rule. I loved Ru, from the get-go. I have a couple of people in my family who are neurodivergent and one of the characteristics that I love about them is their honest reactions and feelings about the things they experience in life. Some might call it brutal honesty, to a fault, but I don’t see it that way. It’s been my experience, at least with my neurodivergent relatives, they’re reactions and opinions aren’t meant to be cruel or hurtful, they seem to come from a place of just plain and simple honesty and a need to be transparent and maybe even helpful in the way a teacher would be in an exchange of facts and opinions with a student. On that note, I have learned a lot from them.
Anyway, I found Ru endearing and during their travels, Ru and Gabriel tell people that Ru is 22yrs old because Ru definitely comes across as so much more intelligent and wiser than her 13yrs (she looks like a typical 13yr old). Gabriel is a 17yr old boy who likes to wear nail polish and make-up and is a kid who is obviously experimenting with his own gender identity and place in the world. Sometimes I think that the neurodivergent and/or nonbinary youth today are somewhat better off in their efforts to live authentically, then when I was a teenager (late 70’s early 80’s). Other times, I realize they face the same old biased, judgmental crap that has always been there for anyone who isn’t neurotypical and/or cisgender. Kind of sad and something that will probably not change in my lifetime, but something I hope for the future generations. This story depicts that while Ru accepts Gabriel for who he is, that isn’t always the response Gabriel gets from others.
The book summary pretty much lays out the first half of the story, so I’m not going to repeat any of that here. What the book summary doesn’t really mention much of is that Ru’s “escape” is actually Ru and Gabriel running away in the dead of night. On the road, they develop a “college list”, which is just basically a “bucket list”. From the get-go, Ru and Gabriel just click and begin developing a bond (kind of a sibling bond) as they clear a few bucket list items. This special relationship will also see them through some coming-of-age moments and their efforts to become the kind of people they want to be in spite of what their mothers and other adults in their life want for them.
At 269pgs, the end comes pretty fast and it was a little bit of a tearjerker for me. Quite a few of CRH’s books have had that effect on me. The character development of Ru and Gabriel was fleshed out pretty well. It would have been nice to know just a little more about their mothers as well as Aunt Bitsy. The pacing seemed really good too. The storyline and CRH writing were wonderful. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.43 that I’m going to round up to a 5star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #LifeLossandPuffins
Anyway, I found Ru endearing and during their travels, Ru and Gabriel tell people that Ru is 22yrs old because Ru definitely comes across as so much more intelligent and wiser than her 13yrs (she looks like a typical 13yr old). Gabriel is a 17yr old boy who likes to wear nail polish and make-up and is a kid who is obviously experimenting with his own gender identity and place in the world. Sometimes I think that the neurodivergent and/or nonbinary youth today are somewhat better off in their efforts to live authentically, then when I was a teenager (late 70’s early 80’s). Other times, I realize they face the same old biased, judgmental crap that has always been there for anyone who isn’t neurotypical and/or cisgender. Kind of sad and something that will probably not change in my lifetime, but something I hope for the future generations. This story depicts that while Ru accepts Gabriel for who he is, that isn’t always the response Gabriel gets from others.
The book summary pretty much lays out the first half of the story, so I’m not going to repeat any of that here. What the book summary doesn’t really mention much of is that Ru’s “escape” is actually Ru and Gabriel running away in the dead of night. On the road, they develop a “college list”, which is just basically a “bucket list”. From the get-go, Ru and Gabriel just click and begin developing a bond (kind of a sibling bond) as they clear a few bucket list items. This special relationship will also see them through some coming-of-age moments and their efforts to become the kind of people they want to be in spite of what their mothers and other adults in their life want for them.
At 269pgs, the end comes pretty fast and it was a little bit of a tearjerker for me. Quite a few of CRH’s books have had that effect on me. The character development of Ru and Gabriel was fleshed out pretty well. It would have been nice to know just a little more about their mothers as well as Aunt Bitsy. The pacing seemed really good too. The storyline and CRH writing were wonderful. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.43 that I’m going to round up to a 5star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #LifeLossandPuffins
February 25, 2024
“Always choose to live your life in a way that promotes awe.”
Rumaki ‘Ru’ Evans turned 13 just as she was accepted into college. It was a fight to get there, not because of her grades or age, but because her mother didn’t want to let go. Finally, her mother agrees to let Ru board with the Gulbranson family and attend college. It was one of those experiences that changed her life.
An only child, and a sheltered one at that, Ru learns to lean on the Gulbranson’s 17-year-old son, Gabriel. He becomes her best friend and confidant and he loves that she accepts him as he is. They provide the scaffolding each needs to grow and blossom. When trauma enters Ru’s life, Gabriel plans a trip to see the aurora borealis and the puffins. He knows exactly what she needs to dig deep and find herself and soon the words of her Astrophysics professor have meaning.
I really enjoyed this story about self-discovery and self-acceptance. I don’t often read YA fiction but appreciated the reminders about things teens struggle with: fitting in, being seen, love, acceptance, and learning to ‘fly’ after leaving home. Ru’s eidetic memory (photographic memory) and hyperthymesia (HSAM, highly superior autobiographical memory), age, and course selection set her apart from her peers but Gabriel bridges the gap and helps Ru to build that bridge between herself and others. I enjoyed the examination of the mother/child bond and the chance to see YA work through loss and grief.
I chose this book because I’ve yet to see the aurora borealis for myself. I’ve been far North many, many times and have been disappointed. Hyde was able to capture the spectacular experience on paper and allow armchair travellers an opportunity to join in on the deeply affecting nature experience. I appreciated Hyde’s reminder that life is a journey, filled with experiences we wouldn’t choose for ourselves. Gladys reminded me to laugh. Ru reminded me to see the beauty around me. Gabriel encouraged me to be myself and accept others where they are and as they are.
This book will ‘move’ you. Read with caution. Grab Kleenex.
Rumaki ‘Ru’ Evans turned 13 just as she was accepted into college. It was a fight to get there, not because of her grades or age, but because her mother didn’t want to let go. Finally, her mother agrees to let Ru board with the Gulbranson family and attend college. It was one of those experiences that changed her life.
An only child, and a sheltered one at that, Ru learns to lean on the Gulbranson’s 17-year-old son, Gabriel. He becomes her best friend and confidant and he loves that she accepts him as he is. They provide the scaffolding each needs to grow and blossom. When trauma enters Ru’s life, Gabriel plans a trip to see the aurora borealis and the puffins. He knows exactly what she needs to dig deep and find herself and soon the words of her Astrophysics professor have meaning.
I really enjoyed this story about self-discovery and self-acceptance. I don’t often read YA fiction but appreciated the reminders about things teens struggle with: fitting in, being seen, love, acceptance, and learning to ‘fly’ after leaving home. Ru’s eidetic memory (photographic memory) and hyperthymesia (HSAM, highly superior autobiographical memory), age, and course selection set her apart from her peers but Gabriel bridges the gap and helps Ru to build that bridge between herself and others. I enjoyed the examination of the mother/child bond and the chance to see YA work through loss and grief.
I chose this book because I’ve yet to see the aurora borealis for myself. I’ve been far North many, many times and have been disappointed. Hyde was able to capture the spectacular experience on paper and allow armchair travellers an opportunity to join in on the deeply affecting nature experience. I appreciated Hyde’s reminder that life is a journey, filled with experiences we wouldn’t choose for ourselves. Gladys reminded me to laugh. Ru reminded me to see the beauty around me. Gabriel encouraged me to be myself and accept others where they are and as they are.
This book will ‘move’ you. Read with caution. Grab Kleenex.
May 24, 2024
As Cathine Ryan Hyde has become one of my very favorite authors, I was happy to grab this new book. Ihaven't read a single one of her books that I didn't love and this one was no exception. It certainly has an interesting title and a beautiful cover.
Description:
Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.
Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.
But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.
Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.
My thoughts:
This was an intriguing story from start to finish. Ru was such an interesting character. There aren't many who can manage college at age thirteen. Even with the intellectual ability, fitting in socially would be such a challenge. Then when she lost her mother my heart just went out to her. Ru and Gabriel's adventure was astounding and exciting. And it all jumped off the page in such a way that it seemed very real. I loved the writing. Hyde is scuh a good storyteller and it flows so well. This is a heart-warming story of friendship, grief, and coming of age.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.
Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.
But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.
Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.
My thoughts:
This was an intriguing story from start to finish. Ru was such an interesting character. There aren't many who can manage college at age thirteen. Even with the intellectual ability, fitting in socially would be such a challenge. Then when she lost her mother my heart just went out to her. Ru and Gabriel's adventure was astounding and exciting. And it all jumped off the page in such a way that it seemed very real. I loved the writing. Hyde is scuh a good storyteller and it flows so well. This is a heart-warming story of friendship, grief, and coming of age.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
April 30, 2024
Another happy find in the Read Now section! I missed it when it became available to request. As so many other readers, I will absolutely pick up each title by this author. I don't know where she gets it but her stories are always engaging and contain wonderful characters and events.
This time we meet Ru, 13 and 'freakishly smart' as her mother once said. Ru is not happy with this because the only thing everybody always seem to remember is the word 'freak'. She's not a freak, she's just very clever. When unexpectedly faced with the horrible view of to have to go and live with her aunt Bitsy - who's absolutely unsuitable to care for a smart child, any child - she and her friend Gabriel decide to leave and to on an adventure. Gabriel is also called a freak because he doesn't look like a 17-year old is supposed to look in their town but he's kind and funny and Ru and him understand each other better than most people after a long life together.
And that's why they find themselves in some very interesting situations. They're clever, but not world wise and so they are lucky to meet some people they want to help them on their way.
Does this end well? See for yourself!
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for making this title available.
This time we meet Ru, 13 and 'freakishly smart' as her mother once said. Ru is not happy with this because the only thing everybody always seem to remember is the word 'freak'. She's not a freak, she's just very clever. When unexpectedly faced with the horrible view of to have to go and live with her aunt Bitsy - who's absolutely unsuitable to care for a smart child, any child - she and her friend Gabriel decide to leave and to on an adventure. Gabriel is also called a freak because he doesn't look like a 17-year old is supposed to look in their town but he's kind and funny and Ru and him understand each other better than most people after a long life together.
And that's why they find themselves in some very interesting situations. They're clever, but not world wise and so they are lucky to meet some people they want to help them on their way.
Does this end well? See for yourself!
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for making this title available.
April 27, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
Once again, Catherine Ryan Hyde has spun a yarn with two compelling protagonists-Rumaki(Ru) and Gabriel as they journey from the U.S. to the Canadian Arctic. It is a poignant tale of friendship, grief and enjoying the beauty of life. It's not a teen romance situation because Ru is 13 and Gabriel is 17. No, this book is more about people accepting each other for who they are and not what is expected of them to be. I loved the personalities they met along the way and of course, that one of my favourite Canadian cities- Yellowknife was featured as a setting. It is as beautiful as CRH describes.
I guess my quibble might have been getting some more details about what Ru's life was like in the future. Yes, we get an ending that seems suitable but I had a lot of questions. Typical reader, right?
#LifeLossandPuffins #NetGalley.
Expected Publication Date 14/05/24
Goodreads Review 27/04/24
Once again, Catherine Ryan Hyde has spun a yarn with two compelling protagonists-Rumaki(Ru) and Gabriel as they journey from the U.S. to the Canadian Arctic. It is a poignant tale of friendship, grief and enjoying the beauty of life. It's not a teen romance situation because Ru is 13 and Gabriel is 17. No, this book is more about people accepting each other for who they are and not what is expected of them to be. I loved the personalities they met along the way and of course, that one of my favourite Canadian cities- Yellowknife was featured as a setting. It is as beautiful as CRH describes.
I guess my quibble might have been getting some more details about what Ru's life was like in the future. Yes, we get an ending that seems suitable but I had a lot of questions. Typical reader, right?
#LifeLossandPuffins #NetGalley.
Expected Publication Date 14/05/24
Goodreads Review 27/04/24
July 3, 2024
the setup…
Rumaki (Ru) Evans is thirteen years old and ready to start college. Her mother labeled her long ago as “freakishly smart” and it’s now an identity she reluctantly owns. Ru also has an eidetic memory that doesn’t help others from forming similar opinions. Rather than live in a dormitory, Ru stays at a private home near campus where she meets Gabriel Gulbranson, the seventeen year old nonbinary son who she bonds with as a brother. He “sees” beyond her smarts and brings out the child and wonder. She “sees” beyond his makeup and nail polish and accepts him unconditionally. But then Ru’s mother dies and the world as she knows it is threatened because awful Aunt Mimi plans to move her from California to Kentucky. Ru and Gabriel decide to go on the run to Canada where she can fulfill her dream to see the Atlantic puffins.
the heart of the story…
To call Ru and Gabriel’s relationship special is to understate the beauty of it, especially since they came to trust each other rather quickly. They are two old souls who are learning to see the world and people through each other’s eyes. Their journey was even more remarkable as they experienced the kindness of strangers who simply were reacting to their authenticity.
the narration…
Initially I had to check the audio speed because the voice for Ru seemed too fast. But I soon got very comfortable because it was ideal for the character. She changed the voice and rhythm for all other characters, making this an extraordinary listening experience by having Ru standout so nicely.
the bottom line…
It’s technically a coming of age story but it just didn’t feel like one. Ru’s transition was in reverse, discovering her inner child and finding the joy in that. Gabriel got to experience being able to just be himself without judgment and seeing that reflected in Ru’s eyes. The road trip opened them to the magic of nature and its gifts, along with a host of interesting people. There’s no drama here, just a lovely adventure of two young people finding their way in the world and leaving their mark on everyone they encounter.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Rumaki (Ru) Evans is thirteen years old and ready to start college. Her mother labeled her long ago as “freakishly smart” and it’s now an identity she reluctantly owns. Ru also has an eidetic memory that doesn’t help others from forming similar opinions. Rather than live in a dormitory, Ru stays at a private home near campus where she meets Gabriel Gulbranson, the seventeen year old nonbinary son who she bonds with as a brother. He “sees” beyond her smarts and brings out the child and wonder. She “sees” beyond his makeup and nail polish and accepts him unconditionally. But then Ru’s mother dies and the world as she knows it is threatened because awful Aunt Mimi plans to move her from California to Kentucky. Ru and Gabriel decide to go on the run to Canada where she can fulfill her dream to see the Atlantic puffins.
the heart of the story…
To call Ru and Gabriel’s relationship special is to understate the beauty of it, especially since they came to trust each other rather quickly. They are two old souls who are learning to see the world and people through each other’s eyes. Their journey was even more remarkable as they experienced the kindness of strangers who simply were reacting to their authenticity.
the narration…
Initially I had to check the audio speed because the voice for Ru seemed too fast. But I soon got very comfortable because it was ideal for the character. She changed the voice and rhythm for all other characters, making this an extraordinary listening experience by having Ru standout so nicely.
the bottom line…
It’s technically a coming of age story but it just didn’t feel like one. Ru’s transition was in reverse, discovering her inner child and finding the joy in that. Gabriel got to experience being able to just be himself without judgment and seeing that reflected in Ru’s eyes. The road trip opened them to the magic of nature and its gifts, along with a host of interesting people. There’s no drama here, just a lovely adventure of two young people finding their way in the world and leaving their mark on everyone they encounter.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 28, 2024
Life, Loss and Puffins is a novel by award-winning American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. Rumaki Evans is five when her mother describes her to someone as freakishly smart. What Ru hears is freak. She later tells people that was when her childhood ended. Ru has an eidectic memory and hyperthymesia, and is mostly bored at school, always smarter than her classmates, no matter how many grades she skips.
She’s so smart that, at thirteen, she is offered a full ride scholarship at a prestigious college. Her mother isn’t going to let her go there: it’s way too far to commute, but it’s her Grandma Mimi’s dying wish, and the student advisor finds a family with whom she can board. Paula Gulbranson will provide meals and treat her like family, and her seventeen-year-old son, Gabriel will drop her off at Wellington on his way to the State University.
With his painted nails and eye make-up, Gabriel is different, an outsider himself, but from the moment they meet, he and Ru connect as friends and remain so all their lives. College might not be quite the solution Ru was hoping for, but her astrophysics teacher is able to provide some perceptive answers to things that have troubled her, and a way to approach life.
But when her mother suddenly sickens and dies, Ru is faced with the prospect of living with the aunt she can’t stand, in Kentucky, a long way from her only real friend. She realises that, as a minor, she won’t have a choice, but decides if she can’t stick around near Gabriel under the radar, she’ll run away, live a bit of life, before she’s forced to conform.
Ru makes a College List, a list of three things she wants to do, see, experience, before she returns to her education. Gabriel jumps on board, offering to drive her across the country for star-gazing at the country’s darkest place, seeing the Aurora Borealis (where they are the only humans on eighty square kilometers of nothing). and meeting an Atlantic Puffin.
As they travel the country, they meet, help, and are helped by, a number of people, and Ru comes to understand more about herself: “All these years thinking I’m so smart, but only about stuff that isn’t very useful when you’re trying to have a life. It’s like I know all this stuff but all of a sudden none of it seems very important”, an observation that strikes a chord with this reviewer, whose mother would comment about her intelligence “Marianne’s brains are not for domestic use.”
Do things fall into place too easily for this pair? Maybe, but Ru notes that “Life has this way of letting these perfect events drop into their perfect slots at just the right moment. But there’s a catch to that kind of living. You have to be doing it right” and the pair is not averse to hard work or being generous and are game for new experiences.
Acceptance of people as they are is a big theme in this novel. Ryan Hyde always manages to warm the heart and uplift the soul; she often provokes serious thought but also provides humour. This time, she includes one of her own passions, astronomy, in the plot. Her characters easily endear themselves to the reader, and have wise words and insightful observations. Ryan Hyde never disappoints.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
She’s so smart that, at thirteen, she is offered a full ride scholarship at a prestigious college. Her mother isn’t going to let her go there: it’s way too far to commute, but it’s her Grandma Mimi’s dying wish, and the student advisor finds a family with whom she can board. Paula Gulbranson will provide meals and treat her like family, and her seventeen-year-old son, Gabriel will drop her off at Wellington on his way to the State University.
With his painted nails and eye make-up, Gabriel is different, an outsider himself, but from the moment they meet, he and Ru connect as friends and remain so all their lives. College might not be quite the solution Ru was hoping for, but her astrophysics teacher is able to provide some perceptive answers to things that have troubled her, and a way to approach life.
But when her mother suddenly sickens and dies, Ru is faced with the prospect of living with the aunt she can’t stand, in Kentucky, a long way from her only real friend. She realises that, as a minor, she won’t have a choice, but decides if she can’t stick around near Gabriel under the radar, she’ll run away, live a bit of life, before she’s forced to conform.
Ru makes a College List, a list of three things she wants to do, see, experience, before she returns to her education. Gabriel jumps on board, offering to drive her across the country for star-gazing at the country’s darkest place, seeing the Aurora Borealis (where they are the only humans on eighty square kilometers of nothing). and meeting an Atlantic Puffin.
As they travel the country, they meet, help, and are helped by, a number of people, and Ru comes to understand more about herself: “All these years thinking I’m so smart, but only about stuff that isn’t very useful when you’re trying to have a life. It’s like I know all this stuff but all of a sudden none of it seems very important”, an observation that strikes a chord with this reviewer, whose mother would comment about her intelligence “Marianne’s brains are not for domestic use.”
Do things fall into place too easily for this pair? Maybe, but Ru notes that “Life has this way of letting these perfect events drop into their perfect slots at just the right moment. But there’s a catch to that kind of living. You have to be doing it right” and the pair is not averse to hard work or being generous and are game for new experiences.
Acceptance of people as they are is a big theme in this novel. Ryan Hyde always manages to warm the heart and uplift the soul; she often provokes serious thought but also provides humour. This time, she includes one of her own passions, astronomy, in the plot. Her characters easily endear themselves to the reader, and have wise words and insightful observations. Ryan Hyde never disappoints.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
February 22, 2024
It wasn't until after the ink had dried on my birth certificate that she found out rumaki is actually an hors d'oeuvre people make for parties with chicken livers, water chestnuts, and bacon.
I. Loved. This. Book. Ru is a “freakishly smart” 13-year-old girl who has just started college. She meets a kind, 17-year-old non-binary boy named Gabriel and he quickly becomes her one and only true friend. This is one of those books that is very difficult to review without spoiling it for others. So I'll just write that Life, Loss, and Puffins touched my heart at times and made me laugh at others.
I highly, highly recommend it to all readers!! (I just wish it was the start of a series!)
HUGE thanks to both #LakeUnionPublishing and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Life, Loss, and Puffins. The expected publication date is May 14, 2024.
#Friendship #ComingOfAge #CatherineRyanHyde
I. Loved. This. Book. Ru is a “freakishly smart” 13-year-old girl who has just started college. She meets a kind, 17-year-old non-binary boy named Gabriel and he quickly becomes her one and only true friend. This is one of those books that is very difficult to review without spoiling it for others. So I'll just write that Life, Loss, and Puffins touched my heart at times and made me laugh at others.
I highly, highly recommend it to all readers!! (I just wish it was the start of a series!)
HUGE thanks to both #LakeUnionPublishing and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Life, Loss, and Puffins. The expected publication date is May 14, 2024.
#Friendship #ComingOfAge #CatherineRyanHyde
June 2, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“Life has this way of letting these perfect events drop into their perfect slots at just the right moment. But there’s a catch to that kind of living. You have to be doing it right.”
Sadly, I did not like Life, Loss, and Puffins as much as I have previously enjoyed CRH's other two works that I've read. It felt less fleshed-out and more a story just in theory, without really getting to the meat of their dynamics. 😮💨 A simple, yet slightly unbelievable road trip shared between two unlikely souls that touches upon what it takes to make the most of life, learning to accept loss by learning what it means to grieve, and perhaps, get to see a real-life puffin along the way. ✨
Ru was a difficult character to empathize with; it's not about her being a child genius at thirteen and going off to college and being freakishly smart and not wanting to live with her aunt in the middle of nowhere after her mother's sudden death that made it harder for me to care for her. It's in the way that the author keeps her rather distanced from her own emotions and thoughts - one where she is standoffish to everyone's well-meaning intentions, save for seventeen-year-old Gabriel, who is non-binary and the one she somehow clicks with better than anyone. 🫂 🙂↕️
“And I think the reason we got so brave and adventurous is because within every living soul is the instinct to live—really live—before you die.”
If we suspend disbelief, then their impulsive road trip was a very heartwarming and special one to both of them. Despite the gravity of the situation weighing down on them, Ru and Gabriel's relationship was a very sweet and dear one - completely platonic, but one of complete synchronicity that helped both of them gravitate towards each other with complete understanding. 'It was as though he already liked me, and had decided to share a secret message with me. And the secret message was . . . Life is fun.' 🥹 I know it's not so bad that everything worked out so conveniently for them till the end, as they got to meet some interesting personalities and experience life to its fullest that they would not have had the chance to, if not for the loss of Ru's mother. So, I can understand that choosing to have things run as smoothly as possible till the end, when reality does catch up to them, was the right decision. 👍🏻
Gabriel and Ru bonded very quickly - a comfortable ease in which they both recognized in each other a difference of opinion that set apart from the norm. Gabriel was a really sweet and caring soul, one I wish could have added more depth to his personality. 'He had been teaching me to have fun in odd, small ways ever since the day he and I first met.' I know it is solely told from Ru's perspective, but even when he shared his pearls of wisdom and offered his warmth and kindness to Ru, we never really get a sense of where this warmth and affection came from; almost as if it was a most opportune of moments when it was his family that was chosen to board Ru while she attended college away from her mother. 😞 I liked how they helped each other out, how they knew just when the other was feeling down and what to say to make things better. Their separation was a heartbreaking challenge for both of them, but the ending was so pure and heartwarming that it made their troubles all the more worthwhile.
“I think the gravity of both of our lives descended in that moment, and everything felt very real. Both the good things and the bad things. Just very, very real.”
And y'know, if I'm just going to take into account what the initial reason for the road trip was, aside from Ru wanting to live a fun life that her not-so limited life had prevented her from doing, was the escape from feeling the emotional onslaught of coming to terms with her mother's death on her own level and pace. 😟 'And that’s how I achieved emotional survival for a really surprisingly long time.' The story is being retold - hinted that there is a deeper and profound reasoning for why Ru needed to have this once in a lifetime experience to deal with her mother's death; not so much an avoidance, but a passive-aggressive need to let it sink in and then move on from there - a part of the grief process that is singular only to her, simply for how she was feeling so upset and hurt with her mother before she passed. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
But, it was just a so-so read, unfortunately. One that was easy to get through, due to the author's always simple but accessible writing that offered its profound nuggets of contemplative repose, while also humoring one with the levity of awe-inspiring moments. I liked some of the lighthearted moments, there were a few times where my anger raged, I felt compassion for Gabriel's tender spirit and frustration for Ru's unfortunate situation, but just not enough to really hit me with an emotional punch that would have me really care for them in a more impactful manner. 🥺 But, essentially, it really was a story that showed how a young girl who had never really had any good memories in her life where she could simply just be and act her age was finally able to have the wildest of experiences, at the cost of one door closing - a door that belonged to a life and person that had always been at her side. And when that catches up, even under the extreme of circumstances, it is human nature to react as naturally as one would when it comes to grieving, no matter how much of a child genius one may be. 😔
“Life has this way of letting these perfect events drop into their perfect slots at just the right moment. But there’s a catch to that kind of living. You have to be doing it right.”
Sadly, I did not like Life, Loss, and Puffins as much as I have previously enjoyed CRH's other two works that I've read. It felt less fleshed-out and more a story just in theory, without really getting to the meat of their dynamics. 😮💨 A simple, yet slightly unbelievable road trip shared between two unlikely souls that touches upon what it takes to make the most of life, learning to accept loss by learning what it means to grieve, and perhaps, get to see a real-life puffin along the way. ✨
Ru was a difficult character to empathize with; it's not about her being a child genius at thirteen and going off to college and being freakishly smart and not wanting to live with her aunt in the middle of nowhere after her mother's sudden death that made it harder for me to care for her. It's in the way that the author keeps her rather distanced from her own emotions and thoughts - one where she is standoffish to everyone's well-meaning intentions, save for seventeen-year-old Gabriel, who is non-binary and the one she somehow clicks with better than anyone. 🫂 🙂↕️
“And I think the reason we got so brave and adventurous is because within every living soul is the instinct to live—really live—before you die.”
If we suspend disbelief, then their impulsive road trip was a very heartwarming and special one to both of them. Despite the gravity of the situation weighing down on them, Ru and Gabriel's relationship was a very sweet and dear one - completely platonic, but one of complete synchronicity that helped both of them gravitate towards each other with complete understanding. 'It was as though he already liked me, and had decided to share a secret message with me. And the secret message was . . . Life is fun.' 🥹 I know it's not so bad that everything worked out so conveniently for them till the end, as they got to meet some interesting personalities and experience life to its fullest that they would not have had the chance to, if not for the loss of Ru's mother. So, I can understand that choosing to have things run as smoothly as possible till the end, when reality does catch up to them, was the right decision. 👍🏻
Gabriel and Ru bonded very quickly - a comfortable ease in which they both recognized in each other a difference of opinion that set apart from the norm. Gabriel was a really sweet and caring soul, one I wish could have added more depth to his personality. 'He had been teaching me to have fun in odd, small ways ever since the day he and I first met.' I know it is solely told from Ru's perspective, but even when he shared his pearls of wisdom and offered his warmth and kindness to Ru, we never really get a sense of where this warmth and affection came from; almost as if it was a most opportune of moments when it was his family that was chosen to board Ru while she attended college away from her mother. 😞 I liked how they helped each other out, how they knew just when the other was feeling down and what to say to make things better. Their separation was a heartbreaking challenge for both of them, but the ending was so pure and heartwarming that it made their troubles all the more worthwhile.
“I think the gravity of both of our lives descended in that moment, and everything felt very real. Both the good things and the bad things. Just very, very real.”
And y'know, if I'm just going to take into account what the initial reason for the road trip was, aside from Ru wanting to live a fun life that her not-so limited life had prevented her from doing, was the escape from feeling the emotional onslaught of coming to terms with her mother's death on her own level and pace. 😟 'And that’s how I achieved emotional survival for a really surprisingly long time.' The story is being retold - hinted that there is a deeper and profound reasoning for why Ru needed to have this once in a lifetime experience to deal with her mother's death; not so much an avoidance, but a passive-aggressive need to let it sink in and then move on from there - a part of the grief process that is singular only to her, simply for how she was feeling so upset and hurt with her mother before she passed. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
But, it was just a so-so read, unfortunately. One that was easy to get through, due to the author's always simple but accessible writing that offered its profound nuggets of contemplative repose, while also humoring one with the levity of awe-inspiring moments. I liked some of the lighthearted moments, there were a few times where my anger raged, I felt compassion for Gabriel's tender spirit and frustration for Ru's unfortunate situation, but just not enough to really hit me with an emotional punch that would have me really care for them in a more impactful manner. 🥺 But, essentially, it really was a story that showed how a young girl who had never really had any good memories in her life where she could simply just be and act her age was finally able to have the wildest of experiences, at the cost of one door closing - a door that belonged to a life and person that had always been at her side. And when that catches up, even under the extreme of circumstances, it is human nature to react as naturally as one would when it comes to grieving, no matter how much of a child genius one may be. 😔
February 25, 2024
Life, Loss and Puffins is the latest heartwarming standalone from one of my favourite authors: time after time, she comes up with unique characters and original plots that celebrate the power of friendship and the beauty of non-traditional families. This one is about Ru, a 13 year old child prodigy who is faced with having to live with her awful aunt when her solo mother dies, so runs away with her new best friend Gabriel for the adventure of a lifetime.
Like Ru, I have a fascination with seeing the Aurora Borealis with the naked eye - down here at the bottom of the world in New Zealand, we do get fairly frequent Aurora Australis sightings, but it’s generally only visible through a camera. One day I do hope to see it properly. The main suspense element of the book - would Ru realise her dream and get to the Arctic to see it? - wasn’t really in any doubt, but I didn’t expect what happened afterwards - and I did appreciate the ending (I was dreading them becoming a couple which would’ve negated the whole message of the book - I should’ve trusted CRH!)
I confess I didn’t like it quite as much as her previous books, but that doesn’t mean it’s not great: some of the story seemed rather far-fetched, and I didn’t love the structure - Ru telling her story to some unspecified “girls” (whose identity is not revealed until the end) made it a bit clunky. My initial instinct was to give it 4 stars, but on reflection it’s only suffering by comparison with her 6-star books, so I’m rounding up from 4.5 for overall enjoyment and that beautiful cover.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC; Life, Loss and Puffins is published on May 14th.
Like Ru, I have a fascination with seeing the Aurora Borealis with the naked eye - down here at the bottom of the world in New Zealand, we do get fairly frequent Aurora Australis sightings, but it’s generally only visible through a camera. One day I do hope to see it properly. The main suspense element of the book - would Ru realise her dream and get to the Arctic to see it? - wasn’t really in any doubt, but I didn’t expect what happened afterwards - and I did appreciate the ending (I was dreading them becoming a couple which would’ve negated the whole message of the book - I should’ve trusted CRH!)
I confess I didn’t like it quite as much as her previous books, but that doesn’t mean it’s not great: some of the story seemed rather far-fetched, and I didn’t love the structure - Ru telling her story to some unspecified “girls” (whose identity is not revealed until the end) made it a bit clunky. My initial instinct was to give it 4 stars, but on reflection it’s only suffering by comparison with her 6-star books, so I’m rounding up from 4.5 for overall enjoyment and that beautiful cover.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC; Life, Loss and Puffins is published on May 14th.
December 6, 2023
Happy Publication Day to one of my favorite authors! Another fabulous book by the great Catherine Ryan Hyde. She is the Queen of story telling and this book was great! Loved it! Made me feel all the emotions!! And I do hope I get to see the northern lights one day in person! On my bucket list for sure! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2024
First off, thank you NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Hyde and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions of this book are my own.
I LOVE this book. I do not want to ruin it with spoilers. Just let me say there was nothing I didn't like. I couldn't put it down. I finished it yesterday, but I can't stop thinking about the two main characters. They feel so relatable. I definitely felt the introvert connection with them both. I am new to Catherine's books, but if any of them are written in the same style as this one I am looking forward to reading them.
Ru and Gabriel will be me for a very long time.
I LOVE this book. I do not want to ruin it with spoilers. Just let me say there was nothing I didn't like. I couldn't put it down. I finished it yesterday, but I can't stop thinking about the two main characters. They feel so relatable. I definitely felt the introvert connection with them both. I am new to Catherine's books, but if any of them are written in the same style as this one I am looking forward to reading them.
Ru and Gabriel will be me for a very long time.
January 13, 2025
Another Catherine Ryan Hyde gem. This time our MC is 13 year old Ru, who happens to be a genius and is starting University, living with 17 year old Gabriel in a home stay in another town than her single mum. In this setting things soon change with heartbreak and adventure. Well done, four solid stars for me. Unfortunately all my highlights have gotten lost in GR cyberspace somewhere. Nope, they just suddenly appeared when I posted this.
May 2, 2024
Catherine Ryan Hyde is an automatic read for me. I'm always excited to see a new book from her.
With this book, we experience life with Ru (short for Rumaki!!!) a 13 year old girl with an eidetic memory. Her mother has labelled her as “freakishly smart”. Ru is a character who is easy to draw into your heart. While she is factually smart, she is innocent of life experiences.
Her sidekick is Gabriel, a 17 year old boy who identifies as non-binary. Ru and Gabriel have an instant connection. They have total acceptance of each other as they embark on the journey of their lives. Their relationship is pure friendship. It is very unique.
I really enjoyed how this story develops. It probably borders on not being very realistic but that doesn't bother me. I read for enjoyment and entertainment. Both of these expectations are satisfied in the story. I learned from the story, about stars, about the Northern Lights, about spending time up by the Arctic Circle.
The story was well-written, the characters were well developed, their adventure was well documented. I finished the book with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Just what I expected.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
With this book, we experience life with Ru (short for Rumaki!!!) a 13 year old girl with an eidetic memory. Her mother has labelled her as “freakishly smart”. Ru is a character who is easy to draw into your heart. While she is factually smart, she is innocent of life experiences.
Her sidekick is Gabriel, a 17 year old boy who identifies as non-binary. Ru and Gabriel have an instant connection. They have total acceptance of each other as they embark on the journey of their lives. Their relationship is pure friendship. It is very unique.
I really enjoyed how this story develops. It probably borders on not being very realistic but that doesn't bother me. I read for enjoyment and entertainment. Both of these expectations are satisfied in the story. I learned from the story, about stars, about the Northern Lights, about spending time up by the Arctic Circle.
The story was well-written, the characters were well developed, their adventure was well documented. I finished the book with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Just what I expected.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 6, 2024
This is a lovely coming of age story that tugs on the heartstrings. This was my first novel by Ms. Ryan Hyde and I enjoyed it and would recommend it, especially as YA contemporary fiction. It would be a thought-provoking book club choice for both Junior High and High School students. Friendship, hope and grief are explored, as well as making awe inspiring life choices by living boldly and in the moment. Advice given, "...always choose to live your life in a way that promotes awe. Forget the solid-ground thing. It doesn't exist anyway. Go for the awe. Revel in the feeling that a thing is so big you can never know it. Know what you can about it, but love the fact that it can't be truly known, because that means it's so vast and complex that it's almost like what people talk about when they talk about God." Bigger questions are examined regarding the lack of control and/or agency teenagers have regarding their lives and choices that are almost always made for them, at least until they reach their 18th birthday. I found a lot of really interesting and perceptive thoughts peppered throughout the novel; it made me think the author has a really great insight into our society and life in general.
April 19, 2024
Finished reading: April 18th 2024
"It's funny how bleak the world looks on an empty stomach, and how benign that same view can appear after a big meal."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
December 8, 2025
Life, loss and puffins
The book title really says it all. This is a story about exactly that. Young life, life lessons, the end of life, the meaning of life, finding a way through loss, and of all things puffins. Hyde is a master at character development.
The book title really says it all. This is a story about exactly that. Young life, life lessons, the end of life, the meaning of life, finding a way through loss, and of all things puffins. Hyde is a master at character development.
November 17, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a quick and easy read for me because I was drawn in right from the beginning. This heartwarming story takes you on a journey of loss, grief, and a lot of adventure! I love Ru and Gabriel and seeing them grow and change throughout the story was awesome. I really enjoyed the "fate" aspect and how everything seemed connected and like it was all meant to be. It made me stop to consider all of the domino pieces in my own life and how some events and people were always going to find their way into my path in life.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors and will always be an auto buy (or auto request in the case of Netgalley) and I have yet to be disappointed. I highly recommend this book!
This was a quick and easy read for me because I was drawn in right from the beginning. This heartwarming story takes you on a journey of loss, grief, and a lot of adventure! I love Ru and Gabriel and seeing them grow and change throughout the story was awesome. I really enjoyed the "fate" aspect and how everything seemed connected and like it was all meant to be. It made me stop to consider all of the domino pieces in my own life and how some events and people were always going to find their way into my path in life.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors and will always be an auto buy (or auto request in the case of Netgalley) and I have yet to be disappointed. I highly recommend this book!
May 17, 2024
This is such a good book. I've never been disappointed in a book by this author. Her books leave you feeling so much better. There is always a life lesson in them and many tears on the journey between the pages.
In this book I went all the way to Canada. A trip I'll never forget. In the bitter cold to see the aurora borealis.
Ru and Gabriel became fast friends when Ru and her mother met him and his mother to decide whether she, Ru, could stay with them and go to a prestigious college at the young age of thirteen. Ru was what her mother called "freakishly smart." And she really was. After she loses her mother, Ru and Gabriel decide to take off on an adventure. There are a few places they want to see.
The things that Ru and Gabriel experience are so wonderful. Along the way things just seem to fall in place for them. They work and earn cash to help them pay for gas. They meet people who change their lives. They help others also. They are good and kind kids. Ru is only thirteen and Gabriel is seventeen, almost eighteen. Things just seem to work for them. They are best friends.
After they go through a lot of things at the Canadian boarder coming back into the states things take a different route. Things don't go quite as they had planned. Gabriel is arrested. Ru is taken back by her aunt. Things just aren't going so good.
This author will definitely capture your heart in this breathtakingly beautiful story and not let go. It so full of meaning and heart. Filled with wisdom also. Like making you understand the true bond between a mother and child. I suppose even in a bad relationship there is a bond there. You lived in her for nine months.
You truly don't want to miss this book. If you love good clean reads with so much heart and soul then this is one you will love. It will stay with you too. So many good life lessons involved in Ms Hyde's books.
Thank you #NetGalley, #CatherineRyanHyde, #LakeUnionAuthors, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five big stars. It's just beautiful. Just have some Kleenex handy as you will need them.
In this book I went all the way to Canada. A trip I'll never forget. In the bitter cold to see the aurora borealis.
Ru and Gabriel became fast friends when Ru and her mother met him and his mother to decide whether she, Ru, could stay with them and go to a prestigious college at the young age of thirteen. Ru was what her mother called "freakishly smart." And she really was. After she loses her mother, Ru and Gabriel decide to take off on an adventure. There are a few places they want to see.
The things that Ru and Gabriel experience are so wonderful. Along the way things just seem to fall in place for them. They work and earn cash to help them pay for gas. They meet people who change their lives. They help others also. They are good and kind kids. Ru is only thirteen and Gabriel is seventeen, almost eighteen. Things just seem to work for them. They are best friends.
After they go through a lot of things at the Canadian boarder coming back into the states things take a different route. Things don't go quite as they had planned. Gabriel is arrested. Ru is taken back by her aunt. Things just aren't going so good.
This author will definitely capture your heart in this breathtakingly beautiful story and not let go. It so full of meaning and heart. Filled with wisdom also. Like making you understand the true bond between a mother and child. I suppose even in a bad relationship there is a bond there. You lived in her for nine months.
You truly don't want to miss this book. If you love good clean reads with so much heart and soul then this is one you will love. It will stay with you too. So many good life lessons involved in Ms Hyde's books.
Thank you #NetGalley, #CatherineRyanHyde, #LakeUnionAuthors, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five big stars. It's just beautiful. Just have some Kleenex handy as you will need them.
December 1, 2023
“Life, Loss, and Puffins” by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a sheer joy to read. It really touched my soul as many of the experiences in the novel were true in my own life. It is the story of two teens, a 13 year old female genius who’s own mother describes her as “freakishly smart” and a 17 year old gentle boy who identifies as Non-binary. They meet after the death of Ru’s mother when Gabriel and his mom become the host family for Ru as she enters university as a 13 year old. Through the pain of the sudden loss of her mother, she and Gabriel bond and form a deep connection that takes them on a thrilling and challenging adventure to see Puffins in the wild, and the Northern Lights. Following their unbelievable journey will leave you wishing you were right there with them! As with all great books there is a lesson about true friendship, acceptance and the importance of holding onto your dreams. The sheer beauty of the writing will touch your heart, bring on tears, as well as a few giggles. I did not want this book to end and I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published May 14, 2023.
This is the fifth I’ve read by this author and I’m a huge fan. I was immediately sucked in after reading the titles of the chapters, and I read it within a day.
This is the story of an unlikely friendship between Ru, a very intelligent, 13-year-old girl, and Gabriel, a 17-year-old, who is most himself when wearing eye make up and nail polish.
After the death of Ru’s mom, they run away to complete their “college list” which is a bucket list of 3 things they want to see before Ru returns to college. They meet interesting characters along their journey who help them complete their college list. But luck eventually runs out and they are separated. Read the fun YA novel to find out if they reconnect in the end.
This book had all the feels! You’ll laugh and cry and smile. My key takeaways were LIVE LIFE, TAKE RISKS and HAVE FUN!
This is the fifth I’ve read by this author and I’m a huge fan. I was immediately sucked in after reading the titles of the chapters, and I read it within a day.
This is the story of an unlikely friendship between Ru, a very intelligent, 13-year-old girl, and Gabriel, a 17-year-old, who is most himself when wearing eye make up and nail polish.
After the death of Ru’s mom, they run away to complete their “college list” which is a bucket list of 3 things they want to see before Ru returns to college. They meet interesting characters along their journey who help them complete their college list. But luck eventually runs out and they are separated. Read the fun YA novel to find out if they reconnect in the end.
This book had all the feels! You’ll laugh and cry and smile. My key takeaways were LIVE LIFE, TAKE RISKS and HAVE FUN!
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