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Leaving Blythe River
Listening Length: 9 hours and 30 minutes
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde returns with an unforgettable story of courage.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan Underwood is totally unprepared to search for his father in the Blythe River National Wilderness. Not only is he small, scrawny, and skittish but he’s barely speaking to the man after a traumatic betrayal. Yet when his father vanishes from their remote cabin and rangers abandon the rescue mission, suddenly it’s up to Ethan to keep looking. Angry or not, he’s his father’s only hope.
With the help of three locals—a fearless seventy-year-old widow, a pack guide, and a former actor with limited outdoor skills—he heads into the wild. The days that follow transform Ethan’s world. Hail, punishing sun, swollen rapids, and exhausting pain leave him wondering if he’s been fooled yet again: Is his father out here at all? As the situation grows increasingly dire, Ethan realizes this quest has become about more than finding his dad.
From the bestselling author of Pay It Forward comes a story of nature revealing human nature—the trickiest terrain. Navigating an unforgiving landscape, Ethan searches himself for the ability to forgive his father—if he finds him alive.
©2016 Catherine Ryan Hyde (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde returns with an unforgettable story of courage.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan Underwood is totally unprepared to search for his father in the Blythe River National Wilderness. Not only is he small, scrawny, and skittish but he’s barely speaking to the man after a traumatic betrayal. Yet when his father vanishes from their remote cabin and rangers abandon the rescue mission, suddenly it’s up to Ethan to keep looking. Angry or not, he’s his father’s only hope.
With the help of three locals—a fearless seventy-year-old widow, a pack guide, and a former actor with limited outdoor skills—he heads into the wild. The days that follow transform Ethan’s world. Hail, punishing sun, swollen rapids, and exhausting pain leave him wondering if he’s been fooled yet again: Is his father out here at all? As the situation grows increasingly dire, Ethan realizes this quest has become about more than finding his dad.
From the bestselling author of Pay It Forward comes a story of nature revealing human nature—the trickiest terrain. Navigating an unforgiving landscape, Ethan searches himself for the ability to forgive his father—if he finds him alive.
©2016 Catherine Ryan Hyde (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
Audible Audio
First published May 24, 2016
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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 803 reviews
November 7, 2016
LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER by bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde is YA/adventure, coming-of-age novel. I was fortunate to win a signed paperback copy of this novel in a recent online Facebook Contest. She is the author of 30 published and forthcoming books, but this is the first one I have read.
“Seventeen-year-old Ethan Underwood is totally unprepared to search for his father in the Blythe River National Wilderness. Not only is he small, scrawny, and skittish but he’s barely speaking to the man after a traumatic betrayal. Yet when his father vanishes from their remote cabin and rangers abandon the rescue mission, suddenly it’s up to Ethan to keep looking. Angry or not, he’s his father’s only hope.”
In this journey, the characters face many challenges and obstacles; in the nature. It is the story of courage and sensible lessons learned along the way.
With the help of three locals, and nature’s forces to deal with, Ethan heads into the wild. And in the coming days, Ethan realizes this mission has become about more than finding his dad. Ethan searches himself for the ability to forgive his father, and how he can come to terms with this if he finds him alive.
This is an extraordinary story and I especially enjoyed the scenic wilderness described by the author. A peacefulness we can all love and appreciate. Thank you Catherine for allowing me to read your novel. You are a great storyteller.
“Seventeen-year-old Ethan Underwood is totally unprepared to search for his father in the Blythe River National Wilderness. Not only is he small, scrawny, and skittish but he’s barely speaking to the man after a traumatic betrayal. Yet when his father vanishes from their remote cabin and rangers abandon the rescue mission, suddenly it’s up to Ethan to keep looking. Angry or not, he’s his father’s only hope.”
In this journey, the characters face many challenges and obstacles; in the nature. It is the story of courage and sensible lessons learned along the way.
With the help of three locals, and nature’s forces to deal with, Ethan heads into the wild. And in the coming days, Ethan realizes this mission has become about more than finding his dad. Ethan searches himself for the ability to forgive his father, and how he can come to terms with this if he finds him alive.
This is an extraordinary story and I especially enjoyed the scenic wilderness described by the author. A peacefulness we can all love and appreciate. Thank you Catherine for allowing me to read your novel. You are a great storyteller.
June 29, 2024
After finding his father in a compromising situation, seventeen year old Ethan Underwood fled the scene. His mother was angry and distraught. And when Ethan's grandmother became gravely ill and his mother had to go to be by her side, Ethan was horrified to learn he had to join his father, Noah, at Blythe River, where Noah had a small cabin. Finding themselves between the four walls, in each other's way - was hard for Ethan and he was always happy when his father went for a run into the Blythe River National Wilderness. Ethan had his dog, Rufus, by his side, and his company was calming. But the day his father didn't return from his run started a jumble of emotions in Ethan.
The ranger organised a search party where they did all they could, including a helicopter overhead, but after two days, the search was called off. Evidence let them to believe Noah could have taken off, leaving Ethan by himself. But Ethan didn't believe he would do that. So Sam, the guide who took people on tours through the Wilderness, and Jone, an older woman who was strong, determined and feisty, along with Marcus - a visitor from the city - and Ethan, headed into the Wilderness. The pack of horses and mules, carried them and their kits, but it wasn't long on that first day that Ethan began feeling pain. Never having done anything like this before - not even riding a horse - was showing. But he was determined. Would they find Noah? And would he be alive? The snow and storms, with hail and heavy rain, as well as the fast flowing Blythe River, were daunting...
Leaving Blythe River is another outstanding story by Catherine Ryan Hyde which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ethan was a well crafted character, and his coming of age was extreme. With every one of this author's books I read, I realise I must read more. Highly recommended.
The ranger organised a search party where they did all they could, including a helicopter overhead, but after two days, the search was called off. Evidence let them to believe Noah could have taken off, leaving Ethan by himself. But Ethan didn't believe he would do that. So Sam, the guide who took people on tours through the Wilderness, and Jone, an older woman who was strong, determined and feisty, along with Marcus - a visitor from the city - and Ethan, headed into the Wilderness. The pack of horses and mules, carried them and their kits, but it wasn't long on that first day that Ethan began feeling pain. Never having done anything like this before - not even riding a horse - was showing. But he was determined. Would they find Noah? And would he be alive? The snow and storms, with hail and heavy rain, as well as the fast flowing Blythe River, were daunting...
Leaving Blythe River is another outstanding story by Catherine Ryan Hyde which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ethan was a well crafted character, and his coming of age was extreme. With every one of this author's books I read, I realise I must read more. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2016
Wow! I won an ARC. Catherine is the author that sparked my love for reading. I can also blame her for my book addiction.
In case you're wondering...She did it again!!! I don't like to give descriptions in reviews. I don't want to give away details.
If you want a great read... great story that leaves a mark on your soul...characters that become your friends...pages that you jump into and leave life behind...
This is the one. Great book from an amazing author.
In case you're wondering...She did it again!!! I don't like to give descriptions in reviews. I don't want to give away details.
If you want a great read... great story that leaves a mark on your soul...characters that become your friends...pages that you jump into and leave life behind...
This is the one. Great book from an amazing author.
August 28, 2023
2.75 stars 🥱
May 16, 2016
A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You can always expect several things from Catherine Ryan Hyde. There is always an exciting adventure—so pack your bags and enjoy the journey; which is anything but ordinary.
As always, her characters cross paths with strangers, face challenges, and many obstacles; from nature, animals, and some wise lessons to be learned along the way. LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER draws you in from the vivid front cover setting, to the final page; Part coming-of-age, literary, domestic suspense, and a heart and soul exploration of ordinary flawed people, a family amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Ethan, age seventeen is small for his age, and not cool. He feels inadequate around his father, mother, and his school mates. He does not fit in. No self-confidence. He is infatuated with his father’s secretary, Jennifer.
Growing up with two parents -athletes, type A's---and Ethan, not so much. He feels inferior and a let down, loser. He and his mom are on their way to the airport for a hiking trip to Peru, and at the last minute something goes wrong, and they have to return home. Surprised, and faced with the ultimate betrayal, what they see changes the course of their lives.
Their trip is cancelled, his mom and dad are separating. Next his mom receives a call- she has to leave town and take care of her ailing mother and father (his grandparents). He is not able to go due to the limited facility, and finds himself on his way from the city of Manhattan to the wilderness. He mom informs him he has to move in with his father. The last place he wants to be.
An A-frame remote mountain cabin in Wyoming –in the middle of nowhere with real grizzly killer bears and a man he has nothing in common with—a man who is only concerned about his looks, his body, and himself. Plus he has to go to school here, and a summer around a self-centered father. Now a new set of complications.
With his dog, his only friend- he receives the news about bears—never to be without bear spray from the park ranger. He finally makes it through the miserable school year and this godforsaken place, when his dad leaves one morning for a run, and never returns (plus he has taken the bear spray). Even though he does not like his father, Noah--he feels he has to find him.
After calling the cops --the search party cannot waste any more money coming up empty handed, and finding out the father withdrew money the days before---Everyone thinks his dad just left. His mom is still dealing with his grandparents and he is on his own in the middle of the wilderness.
With the tenacious and unwavering courage of Ethan, in search for his dad, and the help of three other eccentric characters and some animals, he learns he is more courageous than he thought. From bravery, forgiveness, strength, and lots of life’s lessons- an unforgettable story!
A nature lover an active hiker and cycler, always concerned about having an accident and being stuck out alone on a remote trail alone (however, love the solace). Readers will fall in love with Ethan – the underdog—a journey of self-discovery and the heartwarming strangers he meets along the way…Everyone has a lesson to be learned.
With the help of three colorful locals—a fearless seventy-year-old widow, a pack guide, a stubborn mule, and a former actor with limited outdoor skills—he heads into the wild.
Ironically, immediately after reading, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER, watched an older movie on Amazon Prime An Unfinished Life (2005) Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, and Morgan Freeman. I had to laugh, an extension of the book---- Wyoming, bears, and a great family saga with some valuable life lessons of forgiveness. Very fitting.
Another winner by Hyde!
JDCMustReadBooks
You can always expect several things from Catherine Ryan Hyde. There is always an exciting adventure—so pack your bags and enjoy the journey; which is anything but ordinary.
As always, her characters cross paths with strangers, face challenges, and many obstacles; from nature, animals, and some wise lessons to be learned along the way. LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER draws you in from the vivid front cover setting, to the final page; Part coming-of-age, literary, domestic suspense, and a heart and soul exploration of ordinary flawed people, a family amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Ethan, age seventeen is small for his age, and not cool. He feels inadequate around his father, mother, and his school mates. He does not fit in. No self-confidence. He is infatuated with his father’s secretary, Jennifer.
Growing up with two parents -athletes, type A's---and Ethan, not so much. He feels inferior and a let down, loser. He and his mom are on their way to the airport for a hiking trip to Peru, and at the last minute something goes wrong, and they have to return home. Surprised, and faced with the ultimate betrayal, what they see changes the course of their lives.
Their trip is cancelled, his mom and dad are separating. Next his mom receives a call- she has to leave town and take care of her ailing mother and father (his grandparents). He is not able to go due to the limited facility, and finds himself on his way from the city of Manhattan to the wilderness. He mom informs him he has to move in with his father. The last place he wants to be.
An A-frame remote mountain cabin in Wyoming –in the middle of nowhere with real grizzly killer bears and a man he has nothing in common with—a man who is only concerned about his looks, his body, and himself. Plus he has to go to school here, and a summer around a self-centered father. Now a new set of complications.
With his dog, his only friend- he receives the news about bears—never to be without bear spray from the park ranger. He finally makes it through the miserable school year and this godforsaken place, when his dad leaves one morning for a run, and never returns (plus he has taken the bear spray). Even though he does not like his father, Noah--he feels he has to find him.
After calling the cops --the search party cannot waste any more money coming up empty handed, and finding out the father withdrew money the days before---Everyone thinks his dad just left. His mom is still dealing with his grandparents and he is on his own in the middle of the wilderness.
With the tenacious and unwavering courage of Ethan, in search for his dad, and the help of three other eccentric characters and some animals, he learns he is more courageous than he thought. From bravery, forgiveness, strength, and lots of life’s lessons- an unforgettable story!
A nature lover an active hiker and cycler, always concerned about having an accident and being stuck out alone on a remote trail alone (however, love the solace). Readers will fall in love with Ethan – the underdog—a journey of self-discovery and the heartwarming strangers he meets along the way…Everyone has a lesson to be learned.
With the help of three colorful locals—a fearless seventy-year-old widow, a pack guide, a stubborn mule, and a former actor with limited outdoor skills—he heads into the wild.
Ironically, immediately after reading, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER, watched an older movie on Amazon Prime An Unfinished Life (2005) Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, and Morgan Freeman. I had to laugh, an extension of the book---- Wyoming, bears, and a great family saga with some valuable life lessons of forgiveness. Very fitting.
Another winner by Hyde!
JDCMustReadBooks
June 4, 2018
A $1.99 book, a great cover with a man on a horse with mountains in the background. What could go wrong?
It was a YA book? No, I like The Hardy Boys. The author is also popular, even adults have liked her books.
I got the sample first, then after finishing it I sent it to my garbage bin on kindle. Then I thought about it and bought it. It was great in the beginning, a father, mother, son, and a mistress interfering, and then a divorce. I know I have said it before, I don’t like dysfunctional family books, but the author was doing a good job in story telling.
Then the kid’s mom has to go take care of her own mother, and so sends the kid, a 17 year old who could have stayed home, to Blythe River area to live with his dad for a while. I get half way through the book before his dad comes up missing after a 25 mile jog in the woods, and now some of the neighbors and the kid are going to go look for him since the search party had called off the search. Great! An adventure! This is what I came for. But for some reason the book fell flat after they all got on their horses and rode; flat like it was when someone fell off their house and fell “flat” on their back. It was the conversations between the men and the one woman. The arguing; the leaving. Even I left, more so out of boredom. I got on google and typed in: “toxins in Colgate toothpaste.” We are throwing ours out now and switching to Crest.
Next, the men and the woman on horse back swim across the dangerous river. I asked, “Do they think the kid’s dad swam across the without a horse?” Maybe I am missing something. And look, I am not even calling them by their names. The father is Noah, the son Ethan. Great Christian names. Jone is the woman, her name is spelled wrong, but it masculinizes it, as if that was needed. Sam is one of the neighbors and Marcus the other. Just in case you want to know.
The Good: The boy grows into a man in this book, kind of like sending your son into the military. This is like those movies where an unruly son is sent to live with his grandfather on his grandfather’s farm, only this isn’t an unruly son, just one that has been traumatized by a mugging in the city, one who quits shaking by the end of the book, and who has become quite a peace maker.
P.S. An after thought: Then at the end of this book the author pays the father back for his infidelity by demasculinizing him. That is pretty shitty in my book.
It was a YA book? No, I like The Hardy Boys. The author is also popular, even adults have liked her books.
I got the sample first, then after finishing it I sent it to my garbage bin on kindle. Then I thought about it and bought it. It was great in the beginning, a father, mother, son, and a mistress interfering, and then a divorce. I know I have said it before, I don’t like dysfunctional family books, but the author was doing a good job in story telling.
Then the kid’s mom has to go take care of her own mother, and so sends the kid, a 17 year old who could have stayed home, to Blythe River area to live with his dad for a while. I get half way through the book before his dad comes up missing after a 25 mile jog in the woods, and now some of the neighbors and the kid are going to go look for him since the search party had called off the search. Great! An adventure! This is what I came for. But for some reason the book fell flat after they all got on their horses and rode; flat like it was when someone fell off their house and fell “flat” on their back. It was the conversations between the men and the one woman. The arguing; the leaving. Even I left, more so out of boredom. I got on google and typed in: “toxins in Colgate toothpaste.” We are throwing ours out now and switching to Crest.
Next, the men and the woman on horse back swim across the dangerous river. I asked, “Do they think the kid’s dad swam across the without a horse?” Maybe I am missing something. And look, I am not even calling them by their names. The father is Noah, the son Ethan. Great Christian names. Jone is the woman, her name is spelled wrong, but it masculinizes it, as if that was needed. Sam is one of the neighbors and Marcus the other. Just in case you want to know.
The Good: The boy grows into a man in this book, kind of like sending your son into the military. This is like those movies where an unruly son is sent to live with his grandfather on his grandfather’s farm, only this isn’t an unruly son, just one that has been traumatized by a mugging in the city, one who quits shaking by the end of the book, and who has become quite a peace maker.
P.S. An after thought: Then at the end of this book the author pays the father back for his infidelity by demasculinizing him. That is pretty shitty in my book.
June 21, 2016
Leaving Blythe River is a coming of age story involving seventeen year old Ethan who decides to search for his missing father after forest rangers abandon the search for him. Joining him are three locals who help him in the search. After finishing and thinking about the book, I have to say while I did like some of it, I didn't love it. I have seen rave reviews, so I must be in the minority.
What I did like about the book was the way the author was able to draw you into the adventure. Her descriptions of the wilderness helped place me right into the search along with Ethan. I also liked Ethan's character. I enjoyed watching him grow as he searches for his father. I also thought the side characters added some nice flavor to the book.
So while I liked those things, I felt there were other things that kept me from fully enjoying the book. I felt like there was not enough background information on Ethan and his parents as a whole. I found it odd that his father all of a sudden goes from being a businessman (?) to moving to the mountains and running 20 miles a day. It isn't until toward the end of the book that we find out he climbed Mount Everest when Ethan was born and likes extreme sports. That is when we also find out his mother is into all of that stuff as well. Also, what happened to Jennifer? I found the ending to be a bit over the top and I didn't really buy into it. I also got kind of tired of people always questioning Ethan's age. I think after the first couple of times I got that he was short and young looking.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I never had the pleasure of reading Pay it Forward. I feel like this book would do well with the YA crowd. Pick it up and give it a shot.
What I did like about the book was the way the author was able to draw you into the adventure. Her descriptions of the wilderness helped place me right into the search along with Ethan. I also liked Ethan's character. I enjoyed watching him grow as he searches for his father. I also thought the side characters added some nice flavor to the book.
So while I liked those things, I felt there were other things that kept me from fully enjoying the book. I felt like there was not enough background information on Ethan and his parents as a whole. I found it odd that his father all of a sudden goes from being a businessman (?) to moving to the mountains and running 20 miles a day. It isn't until toward the end of the book that we find out he climbed Mount Everest when Ethan was born and likes extreme sports. That is when we also find out his mother is into all of that stuff as well. Also, what happened to Jennifer? I found the ending to be a bit over the top and I didn't really buy into it. I also got kind of tired of people always questioning Ethan's age. I think after the first couple of times I got that he was short and young looking.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I never had the pleasure of reading Pay it Forward. I feel like this book would do well with the YA crowd. Pick it up and give it a shot.
May 23, 2016
The gorgeous cover drew me to LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but its wilderness adventure aspects with a positive message convinced me of this new-to-me author’s talent.
For more reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a young man’s coming of age adventure that teaches him confidence and forgiveness. Ethan Underwood is a scrawny seventeen-year-old boy who has always been overshadowed by his father’s courageous spirit. When Ethan and his mom catch his dad in a compromising position with one of his employees, who also happens to be the girl Ethan has been crushing on, Ethan becomes resentful. This begins the demise of Ethan’s family as he knows it, but life is about to get so much worse before he finds his way.
Ethan’s story is told in chapters titled by weeks before his dad disappears and then weeks after his dad disappears, all moments that have shaped Ethan’s current mindset. The novel goes back and forth, revealing Ethan’s feelings of inadequacy and fear after he gets mugged. This is very clever because it keeps the reader guessing about what happened, but it can also be confusing so I had to re-read a couple sections to make sure I understood the story. After the mugging, Ethan’s confidence is at an all-time low. His feelings toward his dad are more on the side of hate and disgust, rather than love. When Ethan’s grandmother has a stroke, his mother is forced to go care for her aging parents. This pushes Ethan into living with his dad in a remote cabin near the fictional Blythe River National Wilderness.
Ethan and his dog are unprepared for living in the land of grizzlies after calling Manhattan home. It isn’t long before Ethan starts obsessing over obtaining a can of bear spray in order to be able to leave the protection of the cabin. His dad prides himself on his physical prowess, so he runs twenty miles daily. When his father doesn’t come home after one of his runs, Ethan begins to worry.
After a search is launched and the rescue team doesn’t find his dad, Ethan is left with a dilemma. Does he believe that his father has abandoned him? Or does he follow his instinct that his father is still alive and in need of help? Does Ethan even care? Ethan convinces his neighbors to accompany him into the rugged mountain wilderness, that’s dangerous and overwhelming to a city boy, to search for his father. Will Ethan’s worst nightmare be realized or does it become much worse than he fears?
Since Ethan is in a remote location for most of the story, the mountains become an integral part of the adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of going by horseback deep into the wilderness, then you’ll relate to this young man’s adventure. There’s even a little romance blossoming between two of Ethan’s adult friends that adds some humorous situations.
Author Catherine Ryan Hyde is best known for her book PAY IT FORWARD which inspired the PAY IT FORWARD movie, foundation and concept. Even though I enjoyed the movie, I didn’t read the book so I didn’t make the connection until I visited the author’s website. If you love mountain photos as much as I do, I suggest you check out her photo site as well. Discovering a healthy backlist by this author is an added bonus.
LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER is an entertaining coming of age adventure novel well suited for adults. Even though Ethan has more issues than most kids his age, he pulls on the reader’s heartstrings as he develops his strengths. In truth, Ethan is much wiser than either of his parents and he proves it by the end of the novel. I especially enjoyed the scenic wilderness described by the author. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s love of the outdoors is evident. A good piece of fiction, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER teaches lessons through a young man’s experience, eventually giving him the strength to realize his dreams.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
For more reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a young man’s coming of age adventure that teaches him confidence and forgiveness. Ethan Underwood is a scrawny seventeen-year-old boy who has always been overshadowed by his father’s courageous spirit. When Ethan and his mom catch his dad in a compromising position with one of his employees, who also happens to be the girl Ethan has been crushing on, Ethan becomes resentful. This begins the demise of Ethan’s family as he knows it, but life is about to get so much worse before he finds his way.
Ethan’s story is told in chapters titled by weeks before his dad disappears and then weeks after his dad disappears, all moments that have shaped Ethan’s current mindset. The novel goes back and forth, revealing Ethan’s feelings of inadequacy and fear after he gets mugged. This is very clever because it keeps the reader guessing about what happened, but it can also be confusing so I had to re-read a couple sections to make sure I understood the story. After the mugging, Ethan’s confidence is at an all-time low. His feelings toward his dad are more on the side of hate and disgust, rather than love. When Ethan’s grandmother has a stroke, his mother is forced to go care for her aging parents. This pushes Ethan into living with his dad in a remote cabin near the fictional Blythe River National Wilderness.
Ethan and his dog are unprepared for living in the land of grizzlies after calling Manhattan home. It isn’t long before Ethan starts obsessing over obtaining a can of bear spray in order to be able to leave the protection of the cabin. His dad prides himself on his physical prowess, so he runs twenty miles daily. When his father doesn’t come home after one of his runs, Ethan begins to worry.
After a search is launched and the rescue team doesn’t find his dad, Ethan is left with a dilemma. Does he believe that his father has abandoned him? Or does he follow his instinct that his father is still alive and in need of help? Does Ethan even care? Ethan convinces his neighbors to accompany him into the rugged mountain wilderness, that’s dangerous and overwhelming to a city boy, to search for his father. Will Ethan’s worst nightmare be realized or does it become much worse than he fears?
Since Ethan is in a remote location for most of the story, the mountains become an integral part of the adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of going by horseback deep into the wilderness, then you’ll relate to this young man’s adventure. There’s even a little romance blossoming between two of Ethan’s adult friends that adds some humorous situations.
Author Catherine Ryan Hyde is best known for her book PAY IT FORWARD which inspired the PAY IT FORWARD movie, foundation and concept. Even though I enjoyed the movie, I didn’t read the book so I didn’t make the connection until I visited the author’s website. If you love mountain photos as much as I do, I suggest you check out her photo site as well. Discovering a healthy backlist by this author is an added bonus.
LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER is an entertaining coming of age adventure novel well suited for adults. Even though Ethan has more issues than most kids his age, he pulls on the reader’s heartstrings as he develops his strengths. In truth, Ethan is much wiser than either of his parents and he proves it by the end of the novel. I especially enjoyed the scenic wilderness described by the author. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s love of the outdoors is evident. A good piece of fiction, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER teaches lessons through a young man’s experience, eventually giving him the strength to realize his dreams.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
January 13, 2024
I figured out pretty early where this was going, and it went there, but that's not a bad thing. This is a coming-of-age story in every sense. Ethan is 17-years old, grew up in New York City, but somehow managed to be scared of everything, afraid to take chances or speak up when he's upset. Then his father is caught cheating on his mother. One thing leads to another, and his mom has to send him to stay with his father for the summer where he's currently living in the woods. Add some mountain dangers, a couple of whacky neighbors and an unexpected crisis, and there was no real surprise where this was heading.
Despite the lack of plot twists or trope subversions, I was happy with the journey and how it unfolded. I especially liked that Ethan learning that he could be brave and make decisions and it wasn't the end of the world if that ended well or not was what mattered here and seeing him gain confidence in himself was nice. The subplot with his neighbors added a touch of humor here and there when needed.
I really enjoyed the narration by William Ropp. I'm not familiar with him but he did a good job with the story and all the characters.
Despite the lack of plot twists or trope subversions, I was happy with the journey and how it unfolded. I especially liked that Ethan learning that he could be brave and make decisions and it wasn't the end of the world if that ended well or not was what mattered here and seeing him gain confidence in himself was nice. The subplot with his neighbors added a touch of humor here and there when needed.
I really enjoyed the narration by William Ropp. I'm not familiar with him but he did a good job with the story and all the characters.
November 10, 2016
I have read several of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books, and I was really looking forward to reading this one. There were many positive reviews and a brightly colored cover made it quite inviting. Seems like either I have very much enjoyed her earlier books....or I did not. This one fell into the later category. There was a lot of potential for a more intense storyline...but it just fell flat for me. I rated this 3 stars....might be able to twist my arm for 3.5. Possibly should be rated more for a Young Adult reader. This is not a book that I would recommend----just think there are better ones available. Sorry!
July 22, 2023
It never takes me a long time to let a Catherine Ryan Hyde book sit idle on the shelf. Her coming-of-age stories are top-tier writing. They most often feature protagonists of all different ages who through a variety of circumstances end up together. This is one of CRH's survivalist stories and it was published in 2016. I read this too close to reading Just a Regular Boy and was a bit worried that the two tales would be too similar. I need not have worried because I liked 17-year-old Ethan Underwood and his rag-tag crew trying to find his missing father in a large national wilderness.
Goodreads review published 21/07/23
Goodreads review published 21/07/23
April 19, 2018
This was an enjoyable character led young adult adventure about a teenage boy trying to find his missing father.
I listened to this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I listened to this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
September 27, 2016
I love her luscious writing with its interior monologue's and sensitive and or changes between people. This is a good adventure story, coming-of-age, and supporting characters in their 60s with so much to offer.
The 17-year-old boy, leaving Manhattan with fears and self-doubt, I have to dig deep to find a better relationship with his father and with himself.
Lots of fun to read.
The 17-year-old boy, leaving Manhattan with fears and self-doubt, I have to dig deep to find a better relationship with his father and with himself.
Lots of fun to read.
February 1, 2017
typical book from this author, some kind of challenge and quirky characters. Wasn't one of my favorites from her but still a good story.
November 4, 2020
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“But my dad’s not dead.”
“That’s not the loss I meant. I was talking about the one where you found out the dad you loved so much wasn’t really worth all that love you’d invested.”
This is so much more than a search/rescue/survival story. Of course it is, Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author. She weaves a suspenseful plot with tangled family relationships & unlikely connections to strangers. All of her books feel like HOPE.
“But my dad’s not dead.”
“That’s not the loss I meant. I was talking about the one where you found out the dad you loved so much wasn’t really worth all that love you’d invested.”
This is so much more than a search/rescue/survival story. Of course it is, Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author. She weaves a suspenseful plot with tangled family relationships & unlikely connections to strangers. All of her books feel like HOPE.
January 6, 2022
Wow what an amazing story!
February 4, 2016
When an author of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s stature is giving away free books, how is a bookaholic like me to refuse? I won an advanced reader copy of Hyde’s book Leaving Blythe River (releasing June 4, 2016, from Lake Union Publishing) through the Facebook group Reader’s Coffeehouse.
With 30 published titles to her name, Hyde is no stranger to creating compelling characters. Leaving Blythe River focuses on 17-year-old Ethan, a teenager whose small stature and nervous disposition has made him not just the butt of his friends’ jokes but his athletic parents’, too. Ethan’s world shifts when he discovers his father is not the hero he thought he was. Hyde heaps even more tension on Ethan as his parents divorce and his maternal grandparents need care, calling his mother away. Before he knows what happened, he finds himself in a small cabin with his father in the foothills of the Blythe River Range. When Ethan’s father disappears on a run through the mountains and the local rangers abandon their search, Ethan must rely on three surly neighbors to help him try to find the man he hates.
Leaving Blythe River gives readers plenty of action with grizzly encounters, flooded river crossings, and precarious trail riding. The standouts in this book, though, weren’t the plot points. Ethan’s neighbors teach him not only how to survive in the harsh mountainous terrain but how to navigate life. Sam, owner of Friendly Sam’s Pack Service goes out of his way to help a kid he doesn’t know, expecting nothing in return. Jone is a 70ish widower who scares even the grizzly bears but has a soft spot for Ethan. The foursome is rounded out by Marcus, a 30-something guy who came to the mountains to escape but found little of what he was hoping for there. Each of these side characters brings a certain flavor to the book, without which, the story would be just a plain broth.
Hyde’s book is a fast read with plenty of moments as deep as the Blythe River after a rain storm.
With 30 published titles to her name, Hyde is no stranger to creating compelling characters. Leaving Blythe River focuses on 17-year-old Ethan, a teenager whose small stature and nervous disposition has made him not just the butt of his friends’ jokes but his athletic parents’, too. Ethan’s world shifts when he discovers his father is not the hero he thought he was. Hyde heaps even more tension on Ethan as his parents divorce and his maternal grandparents need care, calling his mother away. Before he knows what happened, he finds himself in a small cabin with his father in the foothills of the Blythe River Range. When Ethan’s father disappears on a run through the mountains and the local rangers abandon their search, Ethan must rely on three surly neighbors to help him try to find the man he hates.
Leaving Blythe River gives readers plenty of action with grizzly encounters, flooded river crossings, and precarious trail riding. The standouts in this book, though, weren’t the plot points. Ethan’s neighbors teach him not only how to survive in the harsh mountainous terrain but how to navigate life. Sam, owner of Friendly Sam’s Pack Service goes out of his way to help a kid he doesn’t know, expecting nothing in return. Jone is a 70ish widower who scares even the grizzly bears but has a soft spot for Ethan. The foursome is rounded out by Marcus, a 30-something guy who came to the mountains to escape but found little of what he was hoping for there. Each of these side characters brings a certain flavor to the book, without which, the story would be just a plain broth.
Hyde’s book is a fast read with plenty of moments as deep as the Blythe River after a rain storm.
November 17, 2016
Spoiler Alert! The cover picture for this book is a lie. The main character in this book does not cross a river so shallow his horse's hooves barely get wet. He does not ride alone. He does not even ride a horse. It is a stimulating picture though, isn't it? The book is very much the same. The various characters do not act like normal people. And the writing style is stimulating. The author strings together snippets of moments and interactions, out-of-context with other moments and with real life, and asks the reader to believe them on their face. It all flows together...unless you are more concerned with how life actually is. Sorry, I can't list all the ways she does this without actually spoiling the book for other readers. At some point in reading this, I imagined the author as some person stuck inside their home, restricted to looking out at passers-by, unable to hear them talking. Or watching TV with all foreign-language dialogue, unable to understand a word they were saying. And yet, every so often the author's TV would hiccup and show a few minutes of Academy Award-winning movies in her native language, leaving her with some "truth" but being forced to make up all the rest of the world around her from her own conjecture. In reading about the author, I found she is well-traveled. So that means she doesn't pay that much attention to the details of what she has been seeing, or she just doesn't care to tell the truth about the human condition to sell her books. My wife said she thought this book was aimed at much younger readers. If she meant it's aimed at teenagers who think you can get pregnant by kissing, then she may be right.
August 24, 2021
A heartwarming story of a young boy learning responsibility, growth, adventure and maturity in a few weeks. Set against a backdrop of America’s wild places, Ethan persuades two people he’s only known for a short time, to search for his missing father in the mountains.
Hyde not only paints well-layered characters, even the animal’s personalities are impressive as well.
Lovely read, would try more from her.
Hyde not only paints well-layered characters, even the animal’s personalities are impressive as well.
Lovely read, would try more from her.
June 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this wilderness adventure/coming of age young adult book. 4.5 stars
March 22, 2021
Awesome book!
The characters and story line are so real, it feels like I know them. Such a wonderful book of life
The characters and story line are so real, it feels like I know them. Such a wonderful book of life
April 28, 2016
Leaving Blythe River is the third book I’ve read by author Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I have to say, I enjoyed it as much as I have her others. She writes strong stories that delve into the hearts and minds of her realistic characters. These characters aren’t perfect people—as none of us are—and that makes her stories even more intriguing.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan is not a smooth-talking, overly confident teen. Unlike his good looking, athletic father, Ethan is small in stature and not very brave. The night he discovers his father’s betrayal, he has an incident that causes him to become even more timid. But when his mother, now separated from his father, needs Ethan to stay with his father for the summer in the wilderness—far from the city life Ethan is used to—Ethan is even more anxious. He doesn’t want to spend time alone with his father or be anywhere near the bear-infested wilderness. And then his dad disappears.
Ethan musters all his courage to go into the mountains with three very colorful characters and search for his father. Along the way, he finds that he is braver and stronger than he thought.
Leaving Blythe River is an unforgettable story of courage, strength, and mending broken relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I believe that readers of compelling women’s fiction will love it, too. If you aren’t already of fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels, then this book will make you one.
(I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
Seventeen-year-old Ethan is not a smooth-talking, overly confident teen. Unlike his good looking, athletic father, Ethan is small in stature and not very brave. The night he discovers his father’s betrayal, he has an incident that causes him to become even more timid. But when his mother, now separated from his father, needs Ethan to stay with his father for the summer in the wilderness—far from the city life Ethan is used to—Ethan is even more anxious. He doesn’t want to spend time alone with his father or be anywhere near the bear-infested wilderness. And then his dad disappears.
Ethan musters all his courage to go into the mountains with three very colorful characters and search for his father. Along the way, he finds that he is braver and stronger than he thought.
Leaving Blythe River is an unforgettable story of courage, strength, and mending broken relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I believe that readers of compelling women’s fiction will love it, too. If you aren’t already of fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels, then this book will make you one.
(I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
March 5, 2020
A heartbreaking story of a teenage boy who was very alone, his father was always trying to be the best competing to be the winner in everything without even realizing that he was making his son feel terrible, alone and secluded.
his mother didn't really understand what was going on in his mind and heart, she was immersed in her problems and feelings and really never saw what her own son was feeling and going through..
After an early arrival discovering his father's in a bad situation everything collapses for Ethan and the whole family. Life and circumstances change so drastically making Ethan feeling more at loss than ever.
Embarking on a journey far away from home looking for the man who destroyed the whole family but still feeling hopeful that he is somewhere out there lost or maybe injured Ethan goes to look for his father, without even thinking that after this journey his life would never be the same.
One of the things that I really love about this story is how I didn't see so many things coming, I really didn't know what was going to happen next but it was always a surprise in a very good way. I wanted to Hugh Ethan he was so strong and after that crazy journey, he really evolved so much. his character was growing along with the story and in the end, it was amazing to see the transformation of Ethan.
Catherine's book always surprised me and make me feel all the feels the characters are going thought that's one of the things that I love about her writing and this book was not the exception I felt everything and I also fell in love with the story..
his mother didn't really understand what was going on in his mind and heart, she was immersed in her problems and feelings and really never saw what her own son was feeling and going through..
After an early arrival discovering his father's in a bad situation everything collapses for Ethan and the whole family. Life and circumstances change so drastically making Ethan feeling more at loss than ever.
Embarking on a journey far away from home looking for the man who destroyed the whole family but still feeling hopeful that he is somewhere out there lost or maybe injured Ethan goes to look for his father, without even thinking that after this journey his life would never be the same.
One of the things that I really love about this story is how I didn't see so many things coming, I really didn't know what was going to happen next but it was always a surprise in a very good way. I wanted to Hugh Ethan he was so strong and after that crazy journey, he really evolved so much. his character was growing along with the story and in the end, it was amazing to see the transformation of Ethan.
Catherine's book always surprised me and make me feel all the feels the characters are going thought that's one of the things that I love about her writing and this book was not the exception I felt everything and I also fell in love with the story..
October 31, 2016
This book got great reviews, but I’m not digging it so much. I didn’t loathe it, but I certainly didn’t love it as much as other people seem to have loved it. It was “meh.” Beige. Blah.
An imperfect, self-righteous father gets lost in the woods and his fearful, self-conscious son goes in after him. They have a love-hate relationship (maybe more hate than love at this point), so the rescue attempt is wrought with conflicted emotions. Turns out, fearful self-conscious son does a lot of self-exploration and discovery on his trip into the mountains (with the help of a couple weird mountain friends) and, as a result, gains some insight into himself and his relationship with his father.
Problem is, I never felt particularly connected to fearful, self-conscious son OR imperfect, self-righteous father. In fact, no character in this story really won me over, with the exception of their fabulous and ever-faithful dog, Rufus.
Sure, the story itself picked up a bit in the last quarter, but too much time was spent dawdling in the woods and complaining of saddle sores for my taste. I was long past boredom and well into apathy by the time the real emotional revelations and meaty storyline started happening.
Can’t win ‘em all, guys. Can’t win ‘em all.
An imperfect, self-righteous father gets lost in the woods and his fearful, self-conscious son goes in after him. They have a love-hate relationship (maybe more hate than love at this point), so the rescue attempt is wrought with conflicted emotions. Turns out, fearful self-conscious son does a lot of self-exploration and discovery on his trip into the mountains (with the help of a couple weird mountain friends) and, as a result, gains some insight into himself and his relationship with his father.
Problem is, I never felt particularly connected to fearful, self-conscious son OR imperfect, self-righteous father. In fact, no character in this story really won me over, with the exception of their fabulous and ever-faithful dog, Rufus.
Sure, the story itself picked up a bit in the last quarter, but too much time was spent dawdling in the woods and complaining of saddle sores for my taste. I was long past boredom and well into apathy by the time the real emotional revelations and meaty storyline started happening.
Can’t win ‘em all, guys. Can’t win ‘em all.
March 3, 2022
I got into Ryan Hyde a few years ago, and I bought this one in my quest to work through her back catalog. Unfortunately, it sat in the dreaded TBR for far too long. As this is well-reviewed, I will keep this review fairly short.
While naive about some things in life, Ethan is intelligent and thoughtful, and he's also very witty. I loved the way he interacted with those around him. The characters and the storyline work so well together, and I loved the setting. I like reading about people pushing themselves to the limit in an outdoor setting, and Ethan was no exception. While his task wasn't easy, he persevered, and those around him pushed him to succeed. Overall, this is an enjoyable read in an idyllic setting with a young man whose perseverance shines through.
While naive about some things in life, Ethan is intelligent and thoughtful, and he's also very witty. I loved the way he interacted with those around him. The characters and the storyline work so well together, and I loved the setting. I like reading about people pushing themselves to the limit in an outdoor setting, and Ethan was no exception. While his task wasn't easy, he persevered, and those around him pushed him to succeed. Overall, this is an enjoyable read in an idyllic setting with a young man whose perseverance shines through.
October 30, 2017
Another good book by one of my favorite authors! Her characters are always so well developed and she gives tidbits of wisdom as they reveal lessons learned.
Ethan is a 17 year old who feels he falls short in his Dad’s eyes. His father is caught cheating on his Mom, and Ethan is forced into spending time with his Dad in the mountains where grizzly bears are frequently roaming. When his Dad doesn’t come home from a run, Ethan enlists the help of neighbors Jone, Sam, & Marcus to help search for him in the wilderness. I really liked the way Ethan grew and matured by the end. Recommend all of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books!
Ethan is a 17 year old who feels he falls short in his Dad’s eyes. His father is caught cheating on his Mom, and Ethan is forced into spending time with his Dad in the mountains where grizzly bears are frequently roaming. When his Dad doesn’t come home from a run, Ethan enlists the help of neighbors Jone, Sam, & Marcus to help search for him in the wilderness. I really liked the way Ethan grew and matured by the end. Recommend all of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books!
September 8, 2016
I loved this book because there were so many good and noble people trying to help each other doing good things. Ethan, Sam and Jone and even Marcus. When Ethan goes into the wilderness to look for his dad, i admired him so much. Doing difficult things for the right reason wins me over every time.
August 17, 2021
Time for a change!
I'm a voracious reader and was in a rut with stalkers, criminals and emotionally challenged dangerous characters. I'm this novel, the bad father kind of stats that way and the son finds his own strength and courage. Loved it!
I'm a voracious reader and was in a rut with stalkers, criminals and emotionally challenged dangerous characters. I'm this novel, the bad father kind of stats that way and the son finds his own strength and courage. Loved it!
December 27, 2016
This was an easy and enjoyable read. I will definitely be picking more books by this author in the near future.
May 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this story about a young man's extraordinary growth, when his father disappears in the wilderness. The one thing I did not like was his parents never were sketched out fully. The new friends, Jone and Sam, were much better characters, than Ethan's dad or mom.
I know this author has never done a sequel, but this book lends itself to one. Thanks again, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for a great book.
I know this author has never done a sequel, but this book lends itself to one. Thanks again, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for a great book.
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