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The Day I Killed James
IT WASN’T SUPPOSED to end up like this. But it did.
When Theresa brings James to a party as her date, it’s just for the night . . . and he knows that. But when everything goes horribly wrong, James drives his motorcycle off a cliff—and Theresa knows she’s responsible for his death.
Theresa tries to run away from the pain, becoming a new young woman with a whole new life. She meets people, of course, but she never really makes connections—she’s too scared she’ll hurt them, too. But what Theresa discovers is that you can try to run away from the pain—but you can never really run away from yourself. The only way out is through.
This compelling tale of love and loss is about broken hearts—and how to begin to repair your own.
When Theresa brings James to a party as her date, it’s just for the night . . . and he knows that. But when everything goes horribly wrong, James drives his motorcycle off a cliff—and Theresa knows she’s responsible for his death.
Theresa tries to run away from the pain, becoming a new young woman with a whole new life. She meets people, of course, but she never really makes connections—she’s too scared she’ll hurt them, too. But what Theresa discovers is that you can try to run away from the pain—but you can never really run away from yourself. The only way out is through.
This compelling tale of love and loss is about broken hearts—and how to begin to repair your own.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
142 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,181 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 82 reviews
February 25, 2011
I’m split on how to rate this book. I did not like the first part at all, but I loved the rest of the book.
The beginning was extremely confusing. There were normal chapters about the days before James died and there were journal entries, which said “Day I’m writing this” and “Day I’m writing about”, which were partly about the time before and partly about the time after James’ death. The order of these chapters and journal entries seemed random to me. The narrative of the journal entries seemed forced as it was exactly the same style as in the normal chapters.
I would have liked it better if the author had either written in chronological order or had just started at the time directly after the accident and worked with regular flashbacks. Actually, I think she could have left out the time directly following James’ death completely, as that part didn't help the plot at all, in my opinion. There could have just been a first part dealing with the death and a second part dealing with Theresa’s life in her new town.
I guess the reader was supposed to sympathize with James, and later on I did, but in the beginning I just thought he was creepy – what’s a good-looking, 20-something-year-old guy doing obsessing over some high-school-girl? He was basically stalking her – he came over and just sat outside Theresa’s house, he washed her car without being asked to, and he painted her name on his motorcycle, and I didn't understand what he even saw in Theresa.
I didn’t understand Theresa’s emotions – she felt guilty, but it took her over 70 pages to finally, for the first time be sad that James was gone. I also thought the other characters, such as Theresa’s father, Frieda, and Randy were underdeveloped.
With that out of the way, I really did enjoy the rest of the book, even though the change in point-of-view from a first-person- to a third-person- back to a first-person-narrator was kind of strange. After I found out more about him and his past, I felt sorry for James, especially after the scenes at James’ mom’s house, which were really well done and made me cry. I felt Theresa’s guilt, which Catherine Ryan Hyde handled really well, showing how she tried to isolate herself and pushed others away of fear of hurting them, too. The book used showing instead of telling most of the time, too, which I enjoyed.
I loved the storyline with – well, I don’t even know what to call her; her name is Cathy but first tells Theresa her name’s Georgia, and is then usually referred to as “the kid” or “the juvenile delinquent”. Anyways, her story was terrible and heartbreaking, and I loved the relationship she had with Theresa and how they helped each other deal with their issues.
I’m still not sure whether I gave this book the right rating – I definitely had my problems with it, especially at the beginning, and even considered to stop reading it. I’m glad I didn’t, though, as the rest of the novel was a great, emotional read with a great moral. So, if you think you can get past the first 70 pages or so, give this book a try, as the rest is worth it.
Reviewed at http://www.paperbacktreasures.blogspo...
The beginning was extremely confusing. There were normal chapters about the days before James died and there were journal entries, which said “Day I’m writing this” and “Day I’m writing about”, which were partly about the time before and partly about the time after James’ death. The order of these chapters and journal entries seemed random to me. The narrative of the journal entries seemed forced as it was exactly the same style as in the normal chapters.
I would have liked it better if the author had either written in chronological order or had just started at the time directly after the accident and worked with regular flashbacks. Actually, I think she could have left out the time directly following James’ death completely, as that part didn't help the plot at all, in my opinion. There could have just been a first part dealing with the death and a second part dealing with Theresa’s life in her new town.
I guess the reader was supposed to sympathize with James, and later on I did, but in the beginning I just thought he was creepy – what’s a good-looking, 20-something-year-old guy doing obsessing over some high-school-girl? He was basically stalking her – he came over and just sat outside Theresa’s house, he washed her car without being asked to, and he painted her name on his motorcycle, and I didn't understand what he even saw in Theresa.
I didn’t understand Theresa’s emotions – she felt guilty, but it took her over 70 pages to finally, for the first time be sad that James was gone. I also thought the other characters, such as Theresa’s father, Frieda, and Randy were underdeveloped.
With that out of the way, I really did enjoy the rest of the book, even though the change in point-of-view from a first-person- to a third-person- back to a first-person-narrator was kind of strange. After I found out more about him and his past, I felt sorry for James, especially after the scenes at James’ mom’s house, which were really well done and made me cry. I felt Theresa’s guilt, which Catherine Ryan Hyde handled really well, showing how she tried to isolate herself and pushed others away of fear of hurting them, too. The book used showing instead of telling most of the time, too, which I enjoyed.
I loved the storyline with – well, I don’t even know what to call her; her name is Cathy but first tells Theresa her name’s Georgia, and is then usually referred to as “the kid” or “the juvenile delinquent”. Anyways, her story was terrible and heartbreaking, and I loved the relationship she had with Theresa and how they helped each other deal with their issues.
I’m still not sure whether I gave this book the right rating – I definitely had my problems with it, especially at the beginning, and even considered to stop reading it. I’m glad I didn’t, though, as the rest of the novel was a great, emotional read with a great moral. So, if you think you can get past the first 70 pages or so, give this book a try, as the rest is worth it.
Reviewed at http://www.paperbacktreasures.blogspo...
November 17, 2016
"You can't just do bad shit and then say you're sorry. Two words can't erase what you did.
Found this at a thrift store and fell in love with the cover. With the title and the cover as a great combination, my mind was set on one thing.... James Dean. Made me think Rebel Without A Cause. I think going into a story with that in mind will ruin what you wanted from this book.
Skimming through other reviews, I have seemed to have the same dilemma as others. You loved one half, but disliked the other. I, my dears, have fallen into that same dark hole. The first half and the second seemed like night and day and you just wanted an in between sunset.
Ah! Theresa! The light of James' life!
Next door neighbor obsessed with Theresa. Will do anything for her, fix her car and even getting her name painted on the gas tank of his motorcycle. Pure obsessive love! (Just remember to put the lotion in the basket.)
To make her ex jealous, she asks James to be a part of her game and he agrees. What he thought was his way of getting her to fall for him, was just her way to make someone jealous and get her ex to want her back.
James finally sees the lust those two have and it breaks his heart.
And off the cliff he drives his motorcycle....
Theresa doesn't know what James did until cops show up to her house and start asking her questions.
The real world got alittle too real and off she leaves, gets a tattoo over her heart for James and changes her name to Anne Stewart. Trying to move on from ruining someones life.
She blames herself for the death of James.
This takes her on a wacky adventure that opens her eyes and her heart.
Letting go of a deep emotional level takes a lot of work and time. Talk to people, you would be surprised what they have to offer. What you believe happened could be so twisted and disoriented that the only truth holder is the person who it happened to.
Just remember, there are always other ways to deal with heartache. Things pass and life gets better.
Found this at a thrift store and fell in love with the cover. With the title and the cover as a great combination, my mind was set on one thing.... James Dean. Made me think Rebel Without A Cause. I think going into a story with that in mind will ruin what you wanted from this book.
Skimming through other reviews, I have seemed to have the same dilemma as others. You loved one half, but disliked the other. I, my dears, have fallen into that same dark hole. The first half and the second seemed like night and day and you just wanted an in between sunset.
Ah! Theresa! The light of James' life!
Next door neighbor obsessed with Theresa. Will do anything for her, fix her car and even getting her name painted on the gas tank of his motorcycle. Pure obsessive love! (Just remember to put the lotion in the basket.)
To make her ex jealous, she asks James to be a part of her game and he agrees. What he thought was his way of getting her to fall for him, was just her way to make someone jealous and get her ex to want her back.
James finally sees the lust those two have and it breaks his heart.
And off the cliff he drives his motorcycle....
Theresa doesn't know what James did until cops show up to her house and start asking her questions.
The real world got alittle too real and off she leaves, gets a tattoo over her heart for James and changes her name to Anne Stewart. Trying to move on from ruining someones life.
She blames herself for the death of James.
This takes her on a wacky adventure that opens her eyes and her heart.
Letting go of a deep emotional level takes a lot of work and time. Talk to people, you would be surprised what they have to offer. What you believe happened could be so twisted and disoriented that the only truth holder is the person who it happened to.
Just remember, there are always other ways to deal with heartache. Things pass and life gets better.
May 7, 2014
This raw witty novel starts off about Theresa's neighbor James who has a huge crush on her. Theresa is smitten with her jerk boyfriend Randy. This is the story of actions, consequences and coming to terms with what happens. It is a light easy read that had me laughing out loud at several points while deftly dealing with heavy topics of guilt, remorse and healing. This won't be the last book that I read by this author. For such a dark topic, this was a thoroughly enjoyable little read. Definite recommend.
February 8, 2021
I am a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books. This is the fourth book I have read by her and the second one that is a Young Adult book. I felt that it started a little slow and I was a little confused with the journal entries because they bounced around to different time periods. Part two of the story really turned around and the story picked up for me. This is a journey of forgiveness, self awareness and acceptance. There is an important life lesson that should be taken to heart and everyone should try to live by: Do not be careless with someone else's heart.
February 23, 2022
This would've been a good book if Theresa wasn't so jawdroppingly (is that a word? idc) insufferable. She's John Green's dream, the perfect manic pixie dream girl, for a good 75% percent of the book before the author realized, 'Crap. I actually need to make people want to read this book. And I can't do that with a main character so bad you wouldn't get the book even if it was free'. The only reason I even finished this book is because I had no other book with me.
It was seems that the author had never heard of a dialogue tag other than 'said.' He said, she said, they said, we said, THAT'S ALL THERE IS IN THE BOOK. If there's some type of dialogue tag I could place money that it's 'said'. Even if this is some sort of artistic choice (like how in Normal People by Sally Rooney there are no quotation marks) it's terribly executed.
Guys, I've found an eight wonder of the world! It's how this book can be so trashy, annoying, and terrible for 75% only to miraculously turn around and become somewhat touching in the last 50 or so pages.
It was seems that the author had never heard of a dialogue tag other than 'said.' He said, she said, they said, we said, THAT'S ALL THERE IS IN THE BOOK. If there's some type of dialogue tag I could place money that it's 'said'. Even if this is some sort of artistic choice (like how in Normal People by Sally Rooney there are no quotation marks) it's terribly executed.
Guys, I've found an eight wonder of the world! It's how this book can be so trashy, annoying, and terrible for 75% only to miraculously turn around and become somewhat touching in the last 50 or so pages.
August 10, 2014
Summary of the story
The book, The Day I Killed James, from the bestselling author of Pay it Forward, Catherine Ryan Hyde, is a romance fiction book, which is gaining popularity among young adult readers.
The novel is about 18- years- old girl Teresa, who lives with his father since her mother left them when she was 11. She had to be grown –up with father deprived herself of a mother’s love. Even though his father was always near by her side, he could not be the one who can replace mother’s heart and fulfill it with warmth and care. She is a college student, and she has a few close friends; one of them is her boyfriend- Randy with whom her relationship has not gone smoothly recently. They were invited to a graduation party at their friend’s (Frieda) house, where she went with her neighbor –James, who is deeply in love with her, in order to make Randy jealous. Even if she did not accept James’s feelings; they just hang out together, and she did not mind breaking his heart ever. Who can realize that night would be a horrible day for Teresa? After James’s death, she could not know how long she has to live with this pain….
Since James had gone, she thought it would be easy, but it is hard forgiving herself. She was scared to have a new relationship with anyone in order to not hurt them. She tried to run away from this pain; she changed her name and moved to another city in order to start a new life, but she could not overcome. Whenever we think that life is over and there is no solution; God always gives us a chance and shows us the right way to outlive the moment. 11 –years-old girl whom Teresa met accidentally was a gift from God. Finally she understood that it was destiny…
Favorite quote from the story
One great quote from book is from page 198:
Teresa said, “I thought…..”
James’s mother said, “I know what you thought. You are a young girl, and young people think they are more powerful than they really are. You think you can make people do things. But when you get older you figure out that people only do what they had it in them to do anyway. You could have broken another boy’s heart, and it would have been a terrible thing to do, but he would not have killed himself. “
In this conversation, Teresa is talking to James’s mother. The person whom she was scared to talk was his mother because Teresa thinks that she hates her and will never forgive her son’s death. When she finally had the courage to tell that it was her faults that James dead; she explained Teresa the situation and helped to relieve her pain.
I choose this quote because it shows how people can be wise despite all the grief they have experienced. In this situation, Teresa’s integrity and briefness toward his mother shows us that we do not have to blame ourselves and run away from the truth; instead we must talk each other and understand what the actual situation was. After James had gone, she isolated herself from real life even scared tell anyone. James’ mother’s wisdom helped her to get over with her pain; she let her understand that we can not people force to do something unless they had it in them to do anyway. She also gave her a sense of maternal love as she was desperate for it.
Author’s message
This remarkable novel teaches us how to be careful about other feelings. Wherever we go, whatever we do; we must be responsible not only for ourselves, but for those who surround us. The deprivation of maternal love and how Teresa overcame with all difficulties calls mothers not to be careless toward own kids, and give up when you cannot deal with problems; instead support them through their life. The understanding between James’s mother and Teresa, sharing their common pain shows us that when you think you are alone , and when you think anyone can help you; there are always people who will be by your side; you can see it through love which his mother shows toward Teresa. The main message that author wants to say to teenagers - to be careful with other’s heart; we do not have to break each other’s heart because we never know what will be its consequences.
From my point of view, this message definitely gives people lessons, especially to adults. The story of Teresa helps us to think about our attitudes toward close people, and how to avoid misunderstanding when you are in a relationship with anyone. It is important to learn to think ahead before you will do anything wrong; even if you did, try to find solutions and fix your mistakes because you can escape from pain, but you can not break away from yourself. I highly recommend reading this book; you will learn many lessons which will be helpful in the future, and pleasure.
The book, The Day I Killed James, from the bestselling author of Pay it Forward, Catherine Ryan Hyde, is a romance fiction book, which is gaining popularity among young adult readers.
The novel is about 18- years- old girl Teresa, who lives with his father since her mother left them when she was 11. She had to be grown –up with father deprived herself of a mother’s love. Even though his father was always near by her side, he could not be the one who can replace mother’s heart and fulfill it with warmth and care. She is a college student, and she has a few close friends; one of them is her boyfriend- Randy with whom her relationship has not gone smoothly recently. They were invited to a graduation party at their friend’s (Frieda) house, where she went with her neighbor –James, who is deeply in love with her, in order to make Randy jealous. Even if she did not accept James’s feelings; they just hang out together, and she did not mind breaking his heart ever. Who can realize that night would be a horrible day for Teresa? After James’s death, she could not know how long she has to live with this pain….
Since James had gone, she thought it would be easy, but it is hard forgiving herself. She was scared to have a new relationship with anyone in order to not hurt them. She tried to run away from this pain; she changed her name and moved to another city in order to start a new life, but she could not overcome. Whenever we think that life is over and there is no solution; God always gives us a chance and shows us the right way to outlive the moment. 11 –years-old girl whom Teresa met accidentally was a gift from God. Finally she understood that it was destiny…
Favorite quote from the story
One great quote from book is from page 198:
Teresa said, “I thought…..”
James’s mother said, “I know what you thought. You are a young girl, and young people think they are more powerful than they really are. You think you can make people do things. But when you get older you figure out that people only do what they had it in them to do anyway. You could have broken another boy’s heart, and it would have been a terrible thing to do, but he would not have killed himself. “
In this conversation, Teresa is talking to James’s mother. The person whom she was scared to talk was his mother because Teresa thinks that she hates her and will never forgive her son’s death. When she finally had the courage to tell that it was her faults that James dead; she explained Teresa the situation and helped to relieve her pain.
I choose this quote because it shows how people can be wise despite all the grief they have experienced. In this situation, Teresa’s integrity and briefness toward his mother shows us that we do not have to blame ourselves and run away from the truth; instead we must talk each other and understand what the actual situation was. After James had gone, she isolated herself from real life even scared tell anyone. James’ mother’s wisdom helped her to get over with her pain; she let her understand that we can not people force to do something unless they had it in them to do anyway. She also gave her a sense of maternal love as she was desperate for it.
Author’s message
This remarkable novel teaches us how to be careful about other feelings. Wherever we go, whatever we do; we must be responsible not only for ourselves, but for those who surround us. The deprivation of maternal love and how Teresa overcame with all difficulties calls mothers not to be careless toward own kids, and give up when you cannot deal with problems; instead support them through their life. The understanding between James’s mother and Teresa, sharing their common pain shows us that when you think you are alone , and when you think anyone can help you; there are always people who will be by your side; you can see it through love which his mother shows toward Teresa. The main message that author wants to say to teenagers - to be careful with other’s heart; we do not have to break each other’s heart because we never know what will be its consequences.
From my point of view, this message definitely gives people lessons, especially to adults. The story of Teresa helps us to think about our attitudes toward close people, and how to avoid misunderstanding when you are in a relationship with anyone. It is important to learn to think ahead before you will do anything wrong; even if you did, try to find solutions and fix your mistakes because you can escape from pain, but you can not break away from yourself. I highly recommend reading this book; you will learn many lessons which will be helpful in the future, and pleasure.
May 31, 2008
Theresa tells James that their party date is a one-time thing. She’s only using him to make her maybe-ex-boyfriend jealous. It works, but Theresa breaks James’ heart in the process, and he drives his motorcycle of a cliff, dying of suicide. Theresa’s entire world collapses, and she blames herself for James’ death. She severs ties with her old life, and tries to reinvent herself, all in an attempt to atone for what she did to James. Slowly though, through meeting a girl very similar to herself, Theresa begins to realize that she can’t keep running away forever.
Once again, Catherine Ryan Hyde writes a beautiful story about learning to live with what you’ve done. The story was incredibly sad, because Theresa kept blaming herself for killing James, even though it wasn’t entirely her fault, and even though Theresa’s only eighteen-years-old, this ages and matures her. Theresa’s character and journey to self-forgiveness is very realistic, and I was so relieved with the hopeful ending. The Day I Killed James is truly a heartfelt, well-written, and unforgettable story, and one I will not likely forget.
The Day I Killed James is probably my favorite of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels so far, and I most definitely recommend it. The topic of death is never an easy one to write about, and I rank this novel high among others of this topic, including Saving Zoë by Alyson Noël, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Once again, Catherine Ryan Hyde writes a beautiful story about learning to live with what you’ve done. The story was incredibly sad, because Theresa kept blaming herself for killing James, even though it wasn’t entirely her fault, and even though Theresa’s only eighteen-years-old, this ages and matures her. Theresa’s character and journey to self-forgiveness is very realistic, and I was so relieved with the hopeful ending. The Day I Killed James is truly a heartfelt, well-written, and unforgettable story, and one I will not likely forget.
The Day I Killed James is probably my favorite of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels so far, and I most definitely recommend it. The topic of death is never an easy one to write about, and I rank this novel high among others of this topic, including Saving Zoë by Alyson Noël, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
May 23, 2011
This book is about James and Thersa are neighbors, and is in love
with Thersa. He is a few years older than Thersa and he is little weird.
Thersa was not felling the same way for James as he did for her. That happeneds
sometimes. But when Theresa's boyfriend decides to go to a party with a girl
that's not Thersa(what a jerk. Theresa ends up inviding James on a date to the
same party that Thersa's boyfriend went to. Theresa was up in front of the house and told
James she beings to fall in love with him.
After the party doesn't go as it was planned James killed himself.
Thrsa shouldn't have taken adavantge of james like that. But it
wasn't Therea's fault that James did that.
I think this book was a good book shows how a guy was very
inlove and it sad how the girl made his hopes up..and the guy ened
up killing himself ):
with Thersa. He is a few years older than Thersa and he is little weird.
Thersa was not felling the same way for James as he did for her. That happeneds
sometimes. But when Theresa's boyfriend decides to go to a party with a girl
that's not Thersa(what a jerk. Theresa ends up inviding James on a date to the
same party that Thersa's boyfriend went to. Theresa was up in front of the house and told
James she beings to fall in love with him.
After the party doesn't go as it was planned James killed himself.
Thrsa shouldn't have taken adavantge of james like that. But it
wasn't Therea's fault that James did that.
I think this book was a good book shows how a guy was very
inlove and it sad how the girl made his hopes up..and the guy ened
up killing himself ):
March 10, 2010
This is a story of redemption that requires the protagonist to take an inward journey, rather than drive cross country to find the answers. There are some location changes, but not like the usual journey story.
In the process, Theresa also helps another girl embark on a journey of healing. The narrative shifts from first person to third person at one point, as an interesting device to show the denial in which Theresa is caught.
My favorite phrase: "We should all be more careful with each other's hearts." Not a bad motto to live by.
Very well written.
In the process, Theresa also helps another girl embark on a journey of healing. The narrative shifts from first person to third person at one point, as an interesting device to show the denial in which Theresa is caught.
My favorite phrase: "We should all be more careful with each other's hearts." Not a bad motto to live by.
Very well written.
September 3, 2009
Story has a good message but the writing is clunky and too simplistic. I think it is an art to create a good story where you get the message and don't have to have the author spell it out for you, which Catherine Ryan Hyde continually does. This book feels like a first draft. I suppose it would be good for younger readers who want a book with a message but don't want to dig for it.
March 16, 2017
Probably 3.5 stars. The last third of the book was closer to 5 stars :)
September 26, 2023
2.5 stars
Though I have liked several books by this author, this one and the last one I read by her were both big disappointments.
The first problem is the ridiculous way she flips all over the place in time…one day before the bad event one day after, 3 days before … 2 days after… continually breaking up any continuity. Such a slow beginning. It’s a wonder I stayed with it.
Secondly her characters are all dysfunctional teens and adults. Really, everyone has a tragic background, is unfeeling, takes no responsibility? No good role models in a YA book?
Third for me is the repeated, I don’t believe in God. Yet the epiphany did occur in a church. Then a Buddhist prayer? A wish for an afterlife? Then an I won’t go to church. No wonder it’s all a mess,
There were a couple of relationships to develop a little towards the end of the book and a couple of lessons on second chances and being careful with another’s heart as it finished. This was the only redemption, but at least it was a hopeful ending.
Though I have liked several books by this author, this one and the last one I read by her were both big disappointments.
The first problem is the ridiculous way she flips all over the place in time…one day before the bad event one day after, 3 days before … 2 days after… continually breaking up any continuity. Such a slow beginning. It’s a wonder I stayed with it.
Secondly her characters are all dysfunctional teens and adults. Really, everyone has a tragic background, is unfeeling, takes no responsibility? No good role models in a YA book?
Third for me is the repeated, I don’t believe in God. Yet the epiphany did occur in a church. Then a Buddhist prayer? A wish for an afterlife? Then an I won’t go to church. No wonder it’s all a mess,
There were a couple of relationships to develop a little towards the end of the book and a couple of lessons on second chances and being careful with another’s heart as it finished. This was the only redemption, but at least it was a hopeful ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
16 year old Annie keeps shunning her neighbor's romantic attempts as she is in a deep relationship already. Unfortunately, her boyfriend isn't feeling as deep. She asks her neighbor to take her to a party and tells him it is with the full intentions of getting her boyfriend jealous. The neighbor agrees; anything to be with her. The evening does not end well. Another plot, just as depressing, incurs and that one doesn't end any better. This is a character study in grief, guilt and anguish. The most surprising factor is it's categorized as a Young Adult novel. Again, Ms. Hyde's characters are complex and you bond with them from the beginning. She is a genius in character driven stories. This one was just so depressing, it certainly wasn't a great escape from reality
January 18, 2024
This is a hard book to love, but it's truth is absolute. Lessons we all learn, if we do, the hard way. We act before we think, especially when young but not always, and we're harder on ourselves (those of us with a moral compass of any kind) than we should be. We judge ourselves and find ourselves lacking, not recognizing the role others had, or hadn't, played in our lives. Depression is a killer disease, I know this personally, but it is handled here with care and understanding. Learning to be gentler with ourselves, while still being accountable, is an invaluable lesson, taught here with clarity and empathy. Wonderful book.
May 27, 2020
3.5 It was a short book - only 107 pages, so there wasn’t a lot of time to build plots and shape characters. I wish Ms Hyde had taken the time to do that. I kept thinking, it just needs to be longer because then the story could be more cohesive. Because it certainly had potential with lines such as, “We take the treatment of someone else’s heart altogether too lightly. When someone gives you his heart, it’s a huge responsibility.” Isn’t that a great line? It was as though the rest of the book was not worthy...
February 7, 2018
"We take the treatment of someone else's heart altogether too lightly. When someone gives you his heart, it's a huge responsibility. I hope you'll do better next time."
"And no one will ever find love that doesn't contain the slightest disappointment. It doesn't exist, as far as I know."
"You wake up and you think you know just how your life's gonna go. Nice and simple. Turns out the world got a different idea for you. Like I always say, man plans, God laughs."
"And no one will ever find love that doesn't contain the slightest disappointment. It doesn't exist, as far as I know."
"You wake up and you think you know just how your life's gonna go. Nice and simple. Turns out the world got a different idea for you. Like I always say, man plans, God laughs."
February 25, 2018
This story broke my heart and then mended it back up. It was a beautiful story about learning to live with your actions. Theresa learned to live with what she did in her past, even though it wasn't really all her fault. It really showed you that you don't always know what's really going on with someone. I loved the last part of this book, Theresa helping out a little girl who had no one. This book just gave me all the feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2020
Not my favorite of her books, at least in the beginning, but I grew to really admire Theresa/Annie. A young woman, struggling with grief and the belief she caused someone's death. Then in pops a thoroughly obnoxious preteen, who has had a much tougher life. They blend and accomplish the almost impossible.
I should quit giving these books away, collect them all and read in order of their publication. Catherine Ryan Hyde does not write a series, but it would be interesting to track her characters and their life stories.
I should quit giving these books away, collect them all and read in order of their publication. Catherine Ryan Hyde does not write a series, but it would be interesting to track her characters and their life stories.
January 13, 2022
This is a young adult book, which was very good. It is sad to think that you can punish yourself for the actions of someone else. Theresa blames herself for James’s death, not realizing he had a history of depression.
She helps Cathy(Georgia) because she sees herself in the girl.
She helps Cathy(Georgia) because she sees herself in the girl.
September 3, 2025
Catherine Ryan Hyde penetrates the thought processes of her characters so amazingly -- and while I didn't personally have a lot in common with the protagonist, I really felt like I knew her intimately because of Hyde's descriptions. My favorite author!
September 11, 2017
This is an amazing novel about forgiving yourself. If you have ever hurt someone please read this novel to help you to calm your mind and feel better.
June 29, 2018
I thought this book was good, but I didn't see a lot of plot in it? I loved the characters and the message at the end, but there was very little plot to the book.
December 30, 2018
it was terrible that james has died, he was such a dream boyfriend. And the fact that after he died the main character just spiraled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2019
Not Hyde’s best imho.
November 3, 2020
2.5 stars
January 3, 2023
Written a little different, a good read!
May 5, 2023
A heartwarming book that begins with heartbreak. Psychologically sensitive to teenage love and loss and the surprising wisdom of an abused child.
March 14, 2024
This is such a good book! It's gut-wrenching and scary relatable, but such a good read. Highly recommend! I've read it 3 times.
May 3, 2024
I’ve read many, many Catherine Hyde books and this is the first one I didn’t like. Had to push through it - just one unhappy situation after another
August 22, 2025
I borrowed this book from the library. It started slow for me and I almost didn’t finish it. The topic is sad. I did cry at the end.
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