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The Wake Up
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a hauntingly emotional novel of how one man’s life changes forever when he rediscovers his ability to feel the pain of others.
Something has been asleep in forty-year-old cattle rancher Aiden Delacorte for a long time. It all comes back in a rush during a hunting trip, when he’s suddenly attuned to the animals around him, feeling their pain and fear as if it were his own. But the newfound sensitivity of Aiden’s “wake up” has its price. He can no longer sleepwalk through life, holding everyone at arm’s length. As he struggles to cope with a trait he’s buried since childhood, Aiden falls in love with Gwen, a single mother whose young son bears a burden of his own.
Sullen and broken from his experiences with an abusive father, Milo has turned to acting out in violent and rebellious ways. Aiden can feel the boy’s pain, as well as that of his victims. Now he and Milo must sift through their pasts to find empathy with the innocent as well as the guilty, to come to terms with their deepest fears, and to finally discover the compassionate heart of a family.
Something has been asleep in forty-year-old cattle rancher Aiden Delacorte for a long time. It all comes back in a rush during a hunting trip, when he’s suddenly attuned to the animals around him, feeling their pain and fear as if it were his own. But the newfound sensitivity of Aiden’s “wake up” has its price. He can no longer sleepwalk through life, holding everyone at arm’s length. As he struggles to cope with a trait he’s buried since childhood, Aiden falls in love with Gwen, a single mother whose young son bears a burden of his own.
Sullen and broken from his experiences with an abusive father, Milo has turned to acting out in violent and rebellious ways. Aiden can feel the boy’s pain, as well as that of his victims. Now he and Milo must sift through their pasts to find empathy with the innocent as well as the guilty, to come to terms with their deepest fears, and to finally discover the compassionate heart of a family.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
5485 people are currently reading
4694 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
74 books6,219 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 661 reviews
December 2, 2017
There is a certain type of magic in every single Catherine Ryan Hyde book that I’ve read, an underlying feeling of hope that always restores my faith in humanity and leaves me feeling good about the world. It’s odd too, because she’s not afraid to tackle some tough issues that on the surface would seem dark, but the way she handles these issues makes you think, but also leaves you feeling sated.
Aiden is an empath, in case you’re like me and don’t know exactly what that means, it’s that he feels deeper than people normally do and in his extreme case, he actually takes on the feelings of animals. It all starts when he’s forty, he’s hunting as he’s done a hundred times before, but this time he can feel the deers pain, anxiety and fear exactly as if it’s his pain, anxiety and fear. He’s an highly complex character and the “Wake Up” that he experiences is tender, insightful and just so beautiful.
I always say the authors books are effortless reads and I’m going to have to say that again now because there truly isn’t another appropriate way to describe it. They’re more than a page turner, you feel like a dear friend is chatting to you, there’s an intimate quality to her writing style that really speaks to me. This was emotional without leaving you feeling emotionally drained which I think is a tricky thing to master.
I want to mention that there is some animal abuse, more accurately the mistreatment of animals here. But you need to know that the author is a huge animal lover and they always play a role in her books so there is nothing highly graphic and I promise you that it is really important to the storyline and totally necessary.
Aiden is an empath, in case you’re like me and don’t know exactly what that means, it’s that he feels deeper than people normally do and in his extreme case, he actually takes on the feelings of animals. It all starts when he’s forty, he’s hunting as he’s done a hundred times before, but this time he can feel the deers pain, anxiety and fear exactly as if it’s his pain, anxiety and fear. He’s an highly complex character and the “Wake Up” that he experiences is tender, insightful and just so beautiful.
I always say the authors books are effortless reads and I’m going to have to say that again now because there truly isn’t another appropriate way to describe it. They’re more than a page turner, you feel like a dear friend is chatting to you, there’s an intimate quality to her writing style that really speaks to me. This was emotional without leaving you feeling emotionally drained which I think is a tricky thing to master.
I want to mention that there is some animal abuse, more accurately the mistreatment of animals here. But you need to know that the author is a huge animal lover and they always play a role in her books so there is nothing highly graphic and I promise you that it is really important to the storyline and totally necessary.
August 10, 2022
3.75
A big thank you for being gifted a Kindle copy of my first Catherine Ryan Hyde novel in return for an honest review.
It’s literally just what the (book) doctor ordered!!
The summer sinus crud is only made slightly better by a good book— especially ones that deal with healing.
Aiden, a 40-year-old cattle rancher who is shaken to the core by a shocking “wake up call” collides with a young, traumatized boy, who is dealing with his own demons.
Well-written novel which ended up being a quick 3-hr read for me. Not quite a 4-star read as I made some educated guesses throughout about plot line.
But it was interesting to read about trauma from a male perspective— that was both unique and compelling enough to keep me reading.
Will definitely read another CRH book in the future.
A big thank you for being gifted a Kindle copy of my first Catherine Ryan Hyde novel in return for an honest review.
It’s literally just what the (book) doctor ordered!!
The summer sinus crud is only made slightly better by a good book— especially ones that deal with healing.
Aiden, a 40-year-old cattle rancher who is shaken to the core by a shocking “wake up call” collides with a young, traumatized boy, who is dealing with his own demons.
Well-written novel which ended up being a quick 3-hr read for me. Not quite a 4-star read as I made some educated guesses throughout about plot line.
But it was interesting to read about trauma from a male perspective— that was both unique and compelling enough to keep me reading.
Will definitely read another CRH book in the future.
June 15, 2018
The Wake Up is a compelling fiction novel written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This is my first time to read a book by Hyde so I didn't set any expectations before reading this. The plot and Hyde's storytelling ability are both unexpectedly exceptional, hence I was able to finish this book within 2 days.
This novel is about Aiden Delacorte and the so-called recent "wake up" that happened to him. Because of the said incident, his life had a 180° turn and one of the changes was how to cope with his girlfriend's younger kid named Milo. In the end, Aiden finally realized that he was like Milo when he was still young, though Milo's case is more severe than his. He was able to sympathize and understand what the kid's going through because of their similarity, and also because of the wake up he experienced.
Probably it's just me, but I believe that Hyde wasn't able to fully impart the intensity of emotions in the characters. Although there's a shortcoming, it didn't greatly affect the entirety of the story of this novel. In general, I had a great time reading this book and would still recommend this to anyone who enjoys this kind of stories.
This novel is about Aiden Delacorte and the so-called recent "wake up" that happened to him. Because of the said incident, his life had a 180° turn and one of the changes was how to cope with his girlfriend's younger kid named Milo. In the end, Aiden finally realized that he was like Milo when he was still young, though Milo's case is more severe than his. He was able to sympathize and understand what the kid's going through because of their similarity, and also because of the wake up he experienced.
Probably it's just me, but I believe that Hyde wasn't able to fully impart the intensity of emotions in the characters. Although there's a shortcoming, it didn't greatly affect the entirety of the story of this novel. In general, I had a great time reading this book and would still recommend this to anyone who enjoys this kind of stories.
January 4, 2019
A poignant story - Aiden, 40 year old horse and cattle rancher, in a small town, suddenly, becomes an empathic. Which means, becoming highly sensitive to emotions, pain and suffering of animals, people. Feeling it as if it’s actually happening to him! It is a crippling condition and has caused some problems with townsfolk, fellow ranchers, his employees , his girlfriend. He can see through them and feel their feelings. There are not many people he’s comfortable with anymore. There are not many people he cares to even be with because he can pick up their anger, their insoulence, their untruths, their betrayals.
An early life: Aiden had an understanding, loving and concerned mother; an unsupportive father who up and left the family after he hit Aiden and was confronted. A sister, who had no love or concern for Aiden growing up. They were not close; she was mean to him and is now totally absent from Aiden’s adult life. He always was a very sensitive boy, but by now he’s used to suppressing his inner feelings.
Enter rancher, Harris Delacorte, beau of Aiden’s divorced mom, and in a short time, they marry. He is the best thing that could happen to their mother and to the family. But...Harris struggles; he has some run ins and doesn’t know how to relate with Aiden. They have their ups and downs and Aiden still is suppressing some feelings. Aiden grows up, his deceased stepfather passes away and leaves the ownership of the ranch to Aiden, and it’s a somewhat happy way of life and it is a very successful ranch until Aiden’s empathy button gets turned up, suddenly, and completely out of the blue. Aiden doesn’t know what to make of it; he’s overwhelmed by these intense feelings, but feels this is really right. He is finally getting in tune (in a super speed kind of way) with his feelings and emotions. This cowboy actually goes to see a professional counselor to unravel this sudden empathy syndrome and recognize those hidden feelings kept inside from earlier times and how to cope with them.
Enter into Aiden’s life now: Gwen (divorced mom) and her daughter, Elizabeth and son, Milo. Milo has some difficulty issues which no one knows what they are or where they come from, other than Gwen and Elizabeth. He has a bad reputation for destroying things, not listening, tuning people out on a whim. He is mean to animals, and has killed birds, and hurt his dog, which angers Aiden. But, as Aiden’s personal relationship grows with Gwen, and of course with her family, Aiden tries to get through to Milo. Most times it’s a struggle; a huge failure. Ah, but history has a way of repeating itself and Aiden is now the father figure trying to come to terms with Milo’s personality and history, sensitivity and emotional shortcomings. Using some of the same techniques his stepfather used on him, we basically see this story come around full circle in a good kind of way.
This is not a very heavy, hard hitting read, but it does come with its deep feelings and emotions. It’s about every day people, in everyday life and events or behavior that make or break us. It’s about how our experiences in early life shapes us but doesn’t mean that it makes us, especially if it’s bad. It’s about trust and understanding, patience and love. It’s about taking a big risk, when you yourself are taking a chance on that risk. And if the results are not positive, then what are the heartbreaking consequences?
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s got some important life lessons within the story.
An early life: Aiden had an understanding, loving and concerned mother; an unsupportive father who up and left the family after he hit Aiden and was confronted. A sister, who had no love or concern for Aiden growing up. They were not close; she was mean to him and is now totally absent from Aiden’s adult life. He always was a very sensitive boy, but by now he’s used to suppressing his inner feelings.
Enter rancher, Harris Delacorte, beau of Aiden’s divorced mom, and in a short time, they marry. He is the best thing that could happen to their mother and to the family. But...Harris struggles; he has some run ins and doesn’t know how to relate with Aiden. They have their ups and downs and Aiden still is suppressing some feelings. Aiden grows up, his deceased stepfather passes away and leaves the ownership of the ranch to Aiden, and it’s a somewhat happy way of life and it is a very successful ranch until Aiden’s empathy button gets turned up, suddenly, and completely out of the blue. Aiden doesn’t know what to make of it; he’s overwhelmed by these intense feelings, but feels this is really right. He is finally getting in tune (in a super speed kind of way) with his feelings and emotions. This cowboy actually goes to see a professional counselor to unravel this sudden empathy syndrome and recognize those hidden feelings kept inside from earlier times and how to cope with them.
Enter into Aiden’s life now: Gwen (divorced mom) and her daughter, Elizabeth and son, Milo. Milo has some difficulty issues which no one knows what they are or where they come from, other than Gwen and Elizabeth. He has a bad reputation for destroying things, not listening, tuning people out on a whim. He is mean to animals, and has killed birds, and hurt his dog, which angers Aiden. But, as Aiden’s personal relationship grows with Gwen, and of course with her family, Aiden tries to get through to Milo. Most times it’s a struggle; a huge failure. Ah, but history has a way of repeating itself and Aiden is now the father figure trying to come to terms with Milo’s personality and history, sensitivity and emotional shortcomings. Using some of the same techniques his stepfather used on him, we basically see this story come around full circle in a good kind of way.
This is not a very heavy, hard hitting read, but it does come with its deep feelings and emotions. It’s about every day people, in everyday life and events or behavior that make or break us. It’s about how our experiences in early life shapes us but doesn’t mean that it makes us, especially if it’s bad. It’s about trust and understanding, patience and love. It’s about taking a big risk, when you yourself are taking a chance on that risk. And if the results are not positive, then what are the heartbreaking consequences?
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s got some important life lessons within the story.
January 2, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
He wished he had a better bead on the greater worries, but they eluded him. Just shadows. Ghosts. Unknowable and indistinct. And yet so very . . . there.
He felt utterly unequipped to go home. Forcing himself back into a world that had put him in some role of authority felt akin to turning a puppy loose on a busy highway.
Aiden watched her go. As he did, it formed in his head, wordlessly, that she was a gift being given to him. Something rich and good coming into his life to make up for Milo and the rest of this mess. To give him back a little of the peace that was being stripped down and hauled away.
It’s a turning-point moment in people’s lives, when you look yourself in the face like that and realize that who you are, and who you become, and what you do seem to rely on a combination of factors that are partly out of your control.
She had been slimmer and better dressed before Grandpa died last year, but some thread within her had been working its way loose since then.
It’s like he drew all the curtains and I can’t see in. I know he must be in there somewhere, but I feel like I haven’t even seen him for two years… This little missing person.
My Review:
I am intensely frustrated with my inability to articulate the supreme level of expertise, quality, and poignancy of this compellingly written story. I was immediately captivated by the superlative writing and remained riveted and enthralled with every smartly honed sentence. Written from a third-person POV and crossing several timelines in memory, the ingenious and emotive storyline was highly eventful and densely packed with heart-squeezing, throat-burning and eye-stinging observations and staggering insights. Her well-crafted storylines were powerfully detailed, thoughtfully plotted, slyly observant, and pulled sharp visuals that kept the characters moving smoothly behind my eyes. The story was brilliantly paced, well-constructed, and flawlessly executed. I was totally mesmerized and continued to ruminate over the characters and story long after putting my Kindle to rest and attempting sleep. I had also saved four pages of favorite quotes. Catherine Ryan Hyde has mad skills and a new fangirl. I. Am. In. Awe. Five-Stars is not enough, it deserves at least ten!
He wished he had a better bead on the greater worries, but they eluded him. Just shadows. Ghosts. Unknowable and indistinct. And yet so very . . . there.
He felt utterly unequipped to go home. Forcing himself back into a world that had put him in some role of authority felt akin to turning a puppy loose on a busy highway.
Aiden watched her go. As he did, it formed in his head, wordlessly, that she was a gift being given to him. Something rich and good coming into his life to make up for Milo and the rest of this mess. To give him back a little of the peace that was being stripped down and hauled away.
It’s a turning-point moment in people’s lives, when you look yourself in the face like that and realize that who you are, and who you become, and what you do seem to rely on a combination of factors that are partly out of your control.
She had been slimmer and better dressed before Grandpa died last year, but some thread within her had been working its way loose since then.
It’s like he drew all the curtains and I can’t see in. I know he must be in there somewhere, but I feel like I haven’t even seen him for two years… This little missing person.
My Review:
I am intensely frustrated with my inability to articulate the supreme level of expertise, quality, and poignancy of this compellingly written story. I was immediately captivated by the superlative writing and remained riveted and enthralled with every smartly honed sentence. Written from a third-person POV and crossing several timelines in memory, the ingenious and emotive storyline was highly eventful and densely packed with heart-squeezing, throat-burning and eye-stinging observations and staggering insights. Her well-crafted storylines were powerfully detailed, thoughtfully plotted, slyly observant, and pulled sharp visuals that kept the characters moving smoothly behind my eyes. The story was brilliantly paced, well-constructed, and flawlessly executed. I was totally mesmerized and continued to ruminate over the characters and story long after putting my Kindle to rest and attempting sleep. I had also saved four pages of favorite quotes. Catherine Ryan Hyde has mad skills and a new fangirl. I. Am. In. Awe. Five-Stars is not enough, it deserves at least ten!
December 14, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Forty year old Aiden Delacorte has been a cattle rancher just like his stepfather, Harris who left the ranch to him. But then, while on a hunting trip feelings Aiden had long denied and buried, come rushing back. He finds himself feeling the animal’s pain as if it were his own. It starts to happen more and more with all animals and later with people. This has a profound effect on his life. It means he can no longer hold everyone at arm’s length in his life. His ‘Wake Up’ has exposed feelings he had as a child, that of empathising with animals.
Aiden falls in love with Gwen who is a single mother to two children, Elizabeth and Milo. Aiden takes to Elizabeth, but Milo is a whole other story. Milo has severe issues caused by his father and things that happened before Gwen knew and took her children and left. His abusive father, has led to Milo acting out in hurtful and violent ways. Aiden wants to help Milo, but the boy sure doesn’t make it easy. Can Aiden break through the wall of mistrust Milo has set up?
Given the themes of abuse, both in regard to people as well as animals, this was probably not book to be reading at this time of year in particular. But this is Catherine Ryan Hyde, a favourite author of mine, so there was no way I was going to stop reading. As it delves back to Aidan’s and Milo’s pasts, some parts are hard to read. Thankfully some incidents are not told as graphically as they could have been.
It is certainly an emotional read that had me involved from the start.
I loved it though I did feel it ended a little abruptly but overall, it is a sensitive portrayal of the effects of abuse on a person. But also, the difference love and trust can make in a person’s life.
All the characters are so well portrayed, so it is easy to be drawn into the story.
Time now for something a bit lighter I suspect. But don’t let me put you off this one. It is a thought provoking, well told story. Another gem from the talented author. Well worth a read.
Forty year old Aiden Delacorte has been a cattle rancher just like his stepfather, Harris who left the ranch to him. But then, while on a hunting trip feelings Aiden had long denied and buried, come rushing back. He finds himself feeling the animal’s pain as if it were his own. It starts to happen more and more with all animals and later with people. This has a profound effect on his life. It means he can no longer hold everyone at arm’s length in his life. His ‘Wake Up’ has exposed feelings he had as a child, that of empathising with animals.
Aiden falls in love with Gwen who is a single mother to two children, Elizabeth and Milo. Aiden takes to Elizabeth, but Milo is a whole other story. Milo has severe issues caused by his father and things that happened before Gwen knew and took her children and left. His abusive father, has led to Milo acting out in hurtful and violent ways. Aiden wants to help Milo, but the boy sure doesn’t make it easy. Can Aiden break through the wall of mistrust Milo has set up?
Given the themes of abuse, both in regard to people as well as animals, this was probably not book to be reading at this time of year in particular. But this is Catherine Ryan Hyde, a favourite author of mine, so there was no way I was going to stop reading. As it delves back to Aidan’s and Milo’s pasts, some parts are hard to read. Thankfully some incidents are not told as graphically as they could have been.
It is certainly an emotional read that had me involved from the start.
I loved it though I did feel it ended a little abruptly but overall, it is a sensitive portrayal of the effects of abuse on a person. But also, the difference love and trust can make in a person’s life.
All the characters are so well portrayed, so it is easy to be drawn into the story.
Time now for something a bit lighter I suspect. But don’t let me put you off this one. It is a thought provoking, well told story. Another gem from the talented author. Well worth a read.
December 5, 2017
Master storyteller, Catherine Ryan Hyde returns following (2017) Allie and Bea with her latest emotional, moving, and heartfelt novel THE WAKE UP – a spiritual journey of rediscovery, self-worth, hope, and acceptance.
A man and a boy have lost their way. Fate steps in and connects these two in unexpected ways. They slowly learn they have more in common than they may know. Each will ultimately find solace in a past of abuse and injustice, with trust and love.
Empathy equals good. Lack of empathy equals bad. Is there a balance?
Aiden Delacorte a single forty-year-old cattle rancher. He inherited the ranch from his deceased stepfather, which had adopted him. His mother has dementia and in a home in Buffalo.
One day while hunting, something odd happens to Aiden. He shoots a buck and at the same time, literally falls to the grown, in horrible pain. He is feeling the animal’s pain.
Shocked, he discovers he has "empathy" for animals in a way he cannot tolerate slaughter, dressing, or eating the animals. His so-called gift will cause him disgrace among other ranchers and cattlemen, and his present girlfriend, Livia. They break up. She does not understand this new Aiden.
THE WAKE UP. There was something different about that day. Even before it became painfully obvious. Even before it left Aiden no choice but to fully live through it. Slowly he starts feeling the feelings of animals, and even some humans. (both good and bad).
The worst part, with his new gift, he will have to give up his career and sell off his cattle. Would his stepfather be ashamed of him or tell him to follow his heart? Others would make fun of him for not being a real man.
In the meantime, he seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Hannah to get a handle on his life. He also meets Gwen a single mother in town and clerk at the grocery store. She has two children: Elizabeth and Milo.
Milo is a troubled child. Abused in many ways by his father. Gwen has her hands full with the boy. Gwen and Aiden begin dating one another. Elizabeth adores Aiden; however, Milo is acting out in unspeakable ways and Aiden becomes involved in the process.
When Aiden sees this, first he is upset at his cruelty to animals; however, decides he will help the boy, even though he makes it literally impossible at times. He needs to teach him differently. Can he trust him with the animals, he dearly loves?
Gwen and her children move into a little cabin on Aiden’s property and their relationship progresses. Elizabeth warms up to Aiden immediately; however, Milo is a different story. He is a very sensitive boy, due to his past abuse.
He needs someone to believe in him.
Milo struggles with never being good enough. The fear. However, Aiden is persistent and determined to demonstrate taking something ugly and broken to pieces, can be put back to together and into something beautiful. It will involve a big dose of trust. Taking a chance on a boy. To care for a precious colt.
From past to present while working with Dr. Hannah Rutledge, Alien revisits his past and his demons. From a boy to the present 40-year-old man, he discovers hidden truths of his own life, which may ultimately help rebuild Milo and at the same time, provide answers to his own problems.
Breaking the cycle of abuse. Healing from the darkest places. Using trust and love to overcome tragedy. This newfound empathy of Aiden’s touches every part of his life, and discovers the importance of compassion, love, and acceptance—and at the same time able to pass along tools to help Milo change his life, as well.
A father who finds a son defective and unworthy of love. From hiding the pain to acting out. The emotion had to go somewhere. A haunting and beautifully written story of love, loss, hope, trust, and rediscovery.
I especially enjoyed how Aiden uses the love of animals, and the broken pots turned into mosaic art to transform a young boy. A lesson for us all in today’s cruel world. Instead of punishment, drugs, and doctors –taking the time to learn what causes the pain. Teaching, understanding, and patience. Offering ways to channel the rage in other ways to promote healing and self-esteem that has been torn down.
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a special gift with stories of the heart. Her love of animals is reflective throughout THE WAKE UP. Extraordinary! Each of her stories possesses power and emotion. Thought-provoking, with a strong takeaway message. Each is unique and different and enjoy how she connects lost souls in unexpected and magical ways.
An ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions. (guide included). If you have not read Catherine Ryan Hyde’s book, you are missing a rare opportunity. You will learn something every time you open her books as the characters jump off the page.
Upcoming: From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a bittersweet novel about healing old wounds and finding a new place to call home… Heaven Adjacent coming May 22, 2018! A definite pre-order. Be sure to add this one to your reading list for the new year.
A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
A man and a boy have lost their way. Fate steps in and connects these two in unexpected ways. They slowly learn they have more in common than they may know. Each will ultimately find solace in a past of abuse and injustice, with trust and love.
Empathy equals good. Lack of empathy equals bad. Is there a balance?
Aiden Delacorte a single forty-year-old cattle rancher. He inherited the ranch from his deceased stepfather, which had adopted him. His mother has dementia and in a home in Buffalo.
One day while hunting, something odd happens to Aiden. He shoots a buck and at the same time, literally falls to the grown, in horrible pain. He is feeling the animal’s pain.
Shocked, he discovers he has "empathy" for animals in a way he cannot tolerate slaughter, dressing, or eating the animals. His so-called gift will cause him disgrace among other ranchers and cattlemen, and his present girlfriend, Livia. They break up. She does not understand this new Aiden.
THE WAKE UP. There was something different about that day. Even before it became painfully obvious. Even before it left Aiden no choice but to fully live through it. Slowly he starts feeling the feelings of animals, and even some humans. (both good and bad).
The worst part, with his new gift, he will have to give up his career and sell off his cattle. Would his stepfather be ashamed of him or tell him to follow his heart? Others would make fun of him for not being a real man.
In the meantime, he seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Hannah to get a handle on his life. He also meets Gwen a single mother in town and clerk at the grocery store. She has two children: Elizabeth and Milo.
Milo is a troubled child. Abused in many ways by his father. Gwen has her hands full with the boy. Gwen and Aiden begin dating one another. Elizabeth adores Aiden; however, Milo is acting out in unspeakable ways and Aiden becomes involved in the process.
When Aiden sees this, first he is upset at his cruelty to animals; however, decides he will help the boy, even though he makes it literally impossible at times. He needs to teach him differently. Can he trust him with the animals, he dearly loves?
Gwen and her children move into a little cabin on Aiden’s property and their relationship progresses. Elizabeth warms up to Aiden immediately; however, Milo is a different story. He is a very sensitive boy, due to his past abuse.
He needs someone to believe in him.
Milo struggles with never being good enough. The fear. However, Aiden is persistent and determined to demonstrate taking something ugly and broken to pieces, can be put back to together and into something beautiful. It will involve a big dose of trust. Taking a chance on a boy. To care for a precious colt.
From past to present while working with Dr. Hannah Rutledge, Alien revisits his past and his demons. From a boy to the present 40-year-old man, he discovers hidden truths of his own life, which may ultimately help rebuild Milo and at the same time, provide answers to his own problems.
Breaking the cycle of abuse. Healing from the darkest places. Using trust and love to overcome tragedy. This newfound empathy of Aiden’s touches every part of his life, and discovers the importance of compassion, love, and acceptance—and at the same time able to pass along tools to help Milo change his life, as well.
A father who finds a son defective and unworthy of love. From hiding the pain to acting out. The emotion had to go somewhere. A haunting and beautifully written story of love, loss, hope, trust, and rediscovery.
I especially enjoyed how Aiden uses the love of animals, and the broken pots turned into mosaic art to transform a young boy. A lesson for us all in today’s cruel world. Instead of punishment, drugs, and doctors –taking the time to learn what causes the pain. Teaching, understanding, and patience. Offering ways to channel the rage in other ways to promote healing and self-esteem that has been torn down.
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a special gift with stories of the heart. Her love of animals is reflective throughout THE WAKE UP. Extraordinary! Each of her stories possesses power and emotion. Thought-provoking, with a strong takeaway message. Each is unique and different and enjoy how she connects lost souls in unexpected and magical ways.
An ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions. (guide included). If you have not read Catherine Ryan Hyde’s book, you are missing a rare opportunity. You will learn something every time you open her books as the characters jump off the page.
Upcoming: From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a bittersweet novel about healing old wounds and finding a new place to call home… Heaven Adjacent coming May 22, 2018! A definite pre-order. Be sure to add this one to your reading list for the new year.
A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
February 28, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up. Forty-year-old Aiden Delacorte has become an empath, sensitive to the feelings of the animals around him. That’s hard for a deer hunting cattle rancher; a rancher that castrates his young bull calves on round-up day. When Aiden feels the exploding pain of the stag he just shot and when he feels the fear and panic of the bull calves getting castrated, he knows things have changed. Aiden had been a very sensitive boy and tamped all those emotions down with alcohol at an early age, becoming emotionally flat, but functional in his rancher role. Now, everything’s changed. He’s given up the alcohol, and the feelings are back. Aiden calls it, ‘The Wake Up.’
When Aiden meets Gwen at the local grocery store, it’s not long before they’re dating. Gwen has two children, Elizabeth and Milo. Elizabeth is easy; Milo is not. Dealing with the trauma of abuse from his father, Milo is angry and emotionally blunted. The last thing he wants is for his mother to have a new boyfriend. Some of the things Milo does make Aiden very angry. When Aiden becomes so angry he almost lashes out at Milo, Aiden seeks counseling. The counselor is a wise older lady who knows just the right things to say, and she also knows when to stop talking and just listen. It’s something most of us don’t think about a lot, but she tells Aiden, “Everybody is capable of violence. Just most people never commit it.”
Catherine Ryan Hyde writes with unflinching honesty about the hardships of a blended family, especially one with a child who’s suffered previous abuse. She doesn’t tread around the difficulties, the despair, and the fear. Thankfully, hope brims on most pages. Aiden was rescued from a similar situation as a young boy by his stepfather through a heart warming relationship with a colt. I really enjoyed Aiden’s circular journey. Now, Aiden has an opportunity to do the same for Milo, but really, it’s all up to Milo, or is it?
When Aiden meets Gwen at the local grocery store, it’s not long before they’re dating. Gwen has two children, Elizabeth and Milo. Elizabeth is easy; Milo is not. Dealing with the trauma of abuse from his father, Milo is angry and emotionally blunted. The last thing he wants is for his mother to have a new boyfriend. Some of the things Milo does make Aiden very angry. When Aiden becomes so angry he almost lashes out at Milo, Aiden seeks counseling. The counselor is a wise older lady who knows just the right things to say, and she also knows when to stop talking and just listen. It’s something most of us don’t think about a lot, but she tells Aiden, “Everybody is capable of violence. Just most people never commit it.”
Catherine Ryan Hyde writes with unflinching honesty about the hardships of a blended family, especially one with a child who’s suffered previous abuse. She doesn’t tread around the difficulties, the despair, and the fear. Thankfully, hope brims on most pages. Aiden was rescued from a similar situation as a young boy by his stepfather through a heart warming relationship with a colt. I really enjoyed Aiden’s circular journey. Now, Aiden has an opportunity to do the same for Milo, but really, it’s all up to Milo, or is it?
December 17, 2017
The characters in this cleverly crafted story come alive. I connected almost immediately to Aiden, a deeply good man, a rancher who feels the fear and pain of animals. One day Aiden walks away from ranching; he can no longer bear the pain of these majestic animals. He is shunned by his small community, a community of ranchers who’s livelihoods depend on the slaughtering of cattle.
When Aiden falls in love with Gwen, a single mother of two, I feel hopeful. I loved Gwen’s patience, her unconditional love, her struggles to raise troubled son Milo, a boy who has psychological issues and a propensity to hurt animals for sport. Daughter Elizabeth is a godsend. Although a minor character, she is a good and sensible one, a girl wise beyond her years. As Aiden, Gwen and Milo work through their trials and face demons, I felt empathetic and invested in their story.
When Aiden falls in love with Gwen, a single mother of two, I feel hopeful. I loved Gwen’s patience, her unconditional love, her struggles to raise troubled son Milo, a boy who has psychological issues and a propensity to hurt animals for sport. Daughter Elizabeth is a godsend. Although a minor character, she is a good and sensible one, a girl wise beyond her years. As Aiden, Gwen and Milo work through their trials and face demons, I felt empathetic and invested in their story.
November 21, 2017
What an amazing and thoughtful story, "The Wake Up" by Catherine Ryan Hyde is. I loved everything about it. Catherine Ryan Hyde is a wonderful storyteller and weaves her details, descriptions and characters together for a wonderful reading experience.
The genre for this story is Fiction. The story is told in the present tense and goes back to the past when it is relevant to the characters and events.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Aiden Delacorte, is a 40-year-old rancher, who suddenly has what he calls a "wake up" during a deer hunt. Aiden is very away of the animals around him and their feelings. He no longer can hunt and he starts to recall that he was a sensitive child growing up. He could not step on ants, for fear of hurting them. As an adult, until this wake up, Aiden hadn't felt anything. Now Aiden is extremely sensitive and empathetic mostly to animals. Aiden's neighbors look at this as a weakness, and wonder what is wrong.
Aiden has a new girlfriend, Gwen, with two children. Gwen's young son, Milo, is an angry and rebellious child, after growing up in a home with an abusive father. Somehow Aiden starts to relate and feel Milo's feelings and understands his acting out. Will Aiden be able to help Milo and himself?
I appreciate the way Catherine Ryan Hyde discusses important issues such as emotional and sexual abuse, self acceptance and worth, and the benefit of psychological counseling. The author also shows the importance of family, friends, support, encouragement, love hope and faith, learning and growth.
Some of my favorite scenes are on the ranch with the horses, cows and other animals. I also liked the interaction with Aiden and Gwen's children. I would highly recommend this for readers of fiction. I would like to thank Catherine Ryan Hyde, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
The genre for this story is Fiction. The story is told in the present tense and goes back to the past when it is relevant to the characters and events.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Aiden Delacorte, is a 40-year-old rancher, who suddenly has what he calls a "wake up" during a deer hunt. Aiden is very away of the animals around him and their feelings. He no longer can hunt and he starts to recall that he was a sensitive child growing up. He could not step on ants, for fear of hurting them. As an adult, until this wake up, Aiden hadn't felt anything. Now Aiden is extremely sensitive and empathetic mostly to animals. Aiden's neighbors look at this as a weakness, and wonder what is wrong.
Aiden has a new girlfriend, Gwen, with two children. Gwen's young son, Milo, is an angry and rebellious child, after growing up in a home with an abusive father. Somehow Aiden starts to relate and feel Milo's feelings and understands his acting out. Will Aiden be able to help Milo and himself?
I appreciate the way Catherine Ryan Hyde discusses important issues such as emotional and sexual abuse, self acceptance and worth, and the benefit of psychological counseling. The author also shows the importance of family, friends, support, encouragement, love hope and faith, learning and growth.
Some of my favorite scenes are on the ranch with the horses, cows and other animals. I also liked the interaction with Aiden and Gwen's children. I would highly recommend this for readers of fiction. I would like to thank Catherine Ryan Hyde, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
October 24, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
A lot of reviewers seemed to have liked this better than I did. Not that this is a bad book, it just seemed a bit simplistic about the effects and "cure" of childhood trauma and far-fetched on an empaths ability to feel another beings feelings.
A lot of reviewers seemed to have liked this better than I did. Not that this is a bad book, it just seemed a bit simplistic about the effects and "cure" of childhood trauma and far-fetched on an empaths ability to feel another beings feelings.
October 10, 2017
I loved this book. It was one of my favorite Catherine Ryan Hyde books, right up next to Allie and Bea. I simply loved everything about it- the story, the characters and the writing style.
Aiden Delacorte has been a cattle rancher for many years. He inherited the ranch from his adopted father. At forty, while Aiden is out hunting, he experiences what he describes as a "wake up." He actually feels the pain and fear of the animals as it's his own. He can no longer handle being a rancher. His girlfriend at the time is more upset about not getting her fresh venison meat than what Aiden is going through. During Aiden's wake up he meets Gwen. Gwen has two children, Milo and Elizabeth. Gwen left her abusive husband. Milo seems to bring the worst out of people. Aiden's childhood, which he has difficulty remembering, mirrors what happened to Milo. What happened to Milo at the hands of his father was more extreme than what Aiden experienced.
I loved how Aiden kept trying with Milo and never gave up. Yes, in the beginning I also had no love for Milo. He just seemed like an awful little child intent on hurting animals. But when all was revealed, I realized he was just hurting. Milo wasn't the worst character for me. Livie, Aiden's ex-girlfriend, was simply awful. When she wouldn't stop complaining about the frozen lasagna, I wanted her to simply disappear.
I definitely recommend the book. The story is simply amazing.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
Aiden Delacorte has been a cattle rancher for many years. He inherited the ranch from his adopted father. At forty, while Aiden is out hunting, he experiences what he describes as a "wake up." He actually feels the pain and fear of the animals as it's his own. He can no longer handle being a rancher. His girlfriend at the time is more upset about not getting her fresh venison meat than what Aiden is going through. During Aiden's wake up he meets Gwen. Gwen has two children, Milo and Elizabeth. Gwen left her abusive husband. Milo seems to bring the worst out of people. Aiden's childhood, which he has difficulty remembering, mirrors what happened to Milo. What happened to Milo at the hands of his father was more extreme than what Aiden experienced.
I loved how Aiden kept trying with Milo and never gave up. Yes, in the beginning I also had no love for Milo. He just seemed like an awful little child intent on hurting animals. But when all was revealed, I realized he was just hurting. Milo wasn't the worst character for me. Livie, Aiden's ex-girlfriend, was simply awful. When she wouldn't stop complaining about the frozen lasagna, I wanted her to simply disappear.
I definitely recommend the book. The story is simply amazing.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
April 19, 2018
A heartfelt story about a man with excessive empathy, feeling the pain that animals around him are feeling when they are hurt, abused or frightened. Growing up, he discovered a way to keep these feelings at bay, but they resurface again later in his adult life. It's around this time that he falls in love with a woman who has two children, including a son that has been badly abused and physically and emotionally scarred as a result. Through this man's reawakened empathy, along with memories of his own troubled childhood and a kind act of healing and redemption, he sets out to try and help this wounded child.
November 21, 2017
What an amazing and thoughtful story, "The Wake Up" by Catherine Ryan Hyde is. I loved everything about it. Catherine Ryan Hyde is a wonderful storyteller and weaves her details, descriptions and characters together for a wonderful reading experience.
The genre for this story is Fiction. The story is told in the present tense and goes back to the past when it is relevant to the characters and events.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Aiden Delacorte, is a 40-year-old rancher, who suddenly has what he calls a "wake up" during a deer hunt. Aiden is very away of the animals around him and their feelings. He no longer can hunt and he starts to recall that he was a sensitive child growing up. He could not step on ants, for fear of hurting them. As an adult, until this wake up, Aiden hadn't felt anything. Now Aiden is extremely sensitive and empathetic mostly to animals. Aiden's neighbors look at this as a weakness, and wonder what is wrong.
Aiden has a new girlfriend, Gwen, with two children. Gwen's young son, Milo, is an angry and rebellious child, after growing up in a home with an abusive father. Somehow Aiden starts to relate and feel Milo's feelings and understands his acting out. Will Aiden be able to help Milo and himself?
I appreciate the way Catherine Ryan Hyde discusses important issues such as emotional and sexual abuse, self acceptance and worth, and the benefit of psychological counseling. The author also shows the importance of family, friends, support, encouragement, love hope and faith, learning and growth.
Some of my favorite scenes are on the ranch with the horses, cows and other animals. I also liked the interaction with Aiden and Gwen's children. I would highly recommend this for readers of fiction. I would like to thank Catherine Ryan Hyde, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
The genre for this story is Fiction. The story is told in the present tense and goes back to the past when it is relevant to the characters and events.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Aiden Delacorte, is a 40-year-old rancher, who suddenly has what he calls a "wake up" during a deer hunt. Aiden is very away of the animals around him and their feelings. He no longer can hunt and he starts to recall that he was a sensitive child growing up. He could not step on ants, for fear of hurting them. As an adult, until this wake up, Aiden hadn't felt anything. Now Aiden is extremely sensitive and empathetic mostly to animals. Aiden's neighbors look at this as a weakness, and wonder what is wrong.
Aiden has a new girlfriend, Gwen, with two children. Gwen's young son, Milo, is an angry and rebellious child, after growing up in a home with an abusive father. Somehow Aiden starts to relate and feel Milo's feelings and understands his acting out. Will Aiden be able to help Milo and himself?
I appreciate the way Catherine Ryan Hyde discusses important issues such as emotional and sexual abuse, self acceptance and worth, and the benefit of psychological counseling. The author also shows the importance of family, friends, support, encouragement, love hope and faith, learning and growth.
Some of my favorite scenes are on the ranch with the horses, cows and other animals. I also liked the interaction with Aiden and Gwen's children. I would highly recommend this for readers of fiction. I would like to thank Catherine Ryan Hyde, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
March 6, 2018
When an old feeling reawakens in Aiden he can no longer do his job the way he used to. He was a successful cattle farmer, but experiencing the pain of animals makes it impossible for him to continue. The wake up also has another effect. Aiden used to suppress his feelings, not letting anyone in and blocking every possible emotion. This helped him to get by for many years, but now he has to find a different way to cope. His change costs him his relationship and makes him find new love. His girlfriend Gwen is a single mother with two children. Her daughter Elizabeth is easy to get along with, but her son Milo is struggling with traumas of the past.
Milo is acting out. He's hurting inside and inflicts pain on others as a result. His abusive father tried to destroy Milo. Gwen eventually left him, but not before he was able to cause maximal damage. Aiden can feel Milo's turbulent emotions, but when Milo tries to hurt animals he's also being crippled by their pain. Will Aiden be able to control his instinctive reactions and find it in his heart to forgive Milo for his actions because of the reason behind them? Is there a possibility that Milo will improve if Aiden gives him a chance?
The Wake Up is a fantastic original story. Aiden has two different emotional states, he either feels too much or he doesn't feel anything at all. They are both difficult to deal with, but by learning to handle his empathic side he has a lot more to gain. It's the hard way, but also the most rewarding one, which is something I really loved about his story. What also greatly impressed me was Aiden's relationship with Milo. Milo is difficult and often lands himself in dangerous situations because he takes too many risks. Aiden is initially angry with him, but he also looks deep inside himself and finds similarities between the two of them. By focusing on this he might be able to help. The development of their relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved how Catherine Ryan Hyde describes this impressive process. She does this with so much understanding, sympathy and heart that no words can express how amazing the effect is.
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a beautiful open writing style. Her stories always contain a form of wisdom that's easy to understand and that greatly impresses me. I love her outlook on life and the messages she gives her readers through her stories. The Wake Up is a very special book. I loved that Aiden slowly becomes part of a family, how his past and present have many similarities and the way he slowly gets to know himself through working hard on his issues. There are so many gorgeous emotional layers and Catherine Ryan Hyde thoroughly explores all of them. She combines this with a stunning hint of magic and the result is a thought-provoking story filled with love, flaws and beauty. The Wake Up moved me to tears many times. I highly recommend this brilliant spellbinding book.
Milo is acting out. He's hurting inside and inflicts pain on others as a result. His abusive father tried to destroy Milo. Gwen eventually left him, but not before he was able to cause maximal damage. Aiden can feel Milo's turbulent emotions, but when Milo tries to hurt animals he's also being crippled by their pain. Will Aiden be able to control his instinctive reactions and find it in his heart to forgive Milo for his actions because of the reason behind them? Is there a possibility that Milo will improve if Aiden gives him a chance?
The Wake Up is a fantastic original story. Aiden has two different emotional states, he either feels too much or he doesn't feel anything at all. They are both difficult to deal with, but by learning to handle his empathic side he has a lot more to gain. It's the hard way, but also the most rewarding one, which is something I really loved about his story. What also greatly impressed me was Aiden's relationship with Milo. Milo is difficult and often lands himself in dangerous situations because he takes too many risks. Aiden is initially angry with him, but he also looks deep inside himself and finds similarities between the two of them. By focusing on this he might be able to help. The development of their relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved how Catherine Ryan Hyde describes this impressive process. She does this with so much understanding, sympathy and heart that no words can express how amazing the effect is.
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a beautiful open writing style. Her stories always contain a form of wisdom that's easy to understand and that greatly impresses me. I love her outlook on life and the messages she gives her readers through her stories. The Wake Up is a very special book. I loved that Aiden slowly becomes part of a family, how his past and present have many similarities and the way he slowly gets to know himself through working hard on his issues. There are so many gorgeous emotional layers and Catherine Ryan Hyde thoroughly explores all of them. She combines this with a stunning hint of magic and the result is a thought-provoking story filled with love, flaws and beauty. The Wake Up moved me to tears many times. I highly recommend this brilliant spellbinding book.
March 19, 2018
I've yet to read a CRH book that I didn't adore.
This one has clear prose, a compelling story line, and characters that feel like old friends.
Yeah--well done, Catherine!
Highly recommend.
Clean read with no language/violence/mature scenes. Though there is a reference to a mature adult relationship, no details are given and its handled so that this book can be read by all ages.
This one has clear prose, a compelling story line, and characters that feel like old friends.
Yeah--well done, Catherine!
Highly recommend.
Clean read with no language/violence/mature scenes. Though there is a reference to a mature adult relationship, no details are given and its handled so that this book can be read by all ages.
February 10, 2023
It's funny. A book that's titled 'The Wake Up' put me to sleep. ;-)
For some reason, I was pretty bored reading this. The writing felt very distant and I couldn't feel a sense of connection with any of the characters. A rare disappointment for me from Catherine Ryan Hyde.
For some reason, I was pretty bored reading this. The writing felt very distant and I couldn't feel a sense of connection with any of the characters. A rare disappointment for me from Catherine Ryan Hyde.
January 25, 2018
Full review and giveaway on my blog: http://www.thebookwhisperer.org/2018/...
April 22, 2018
A heartwarming tale
I loved this novel as I have the others written by the author. While hopeful and heartwarming, it never strays over the line into overly sentimental. The journey of boy and man toward understanding each other and themselves rings as true as the dialogue. I highly recommend it.
I loved this novel as I have the others written by the author. While hopeful and heartwarming, it never strays over the line into overly sentimental. The journey of boy and man toward understanding each other and themselves rings as true as the dialogue. I highly recommend it.
May 28, 2022
Wonderful story!
January 20, 2018
I'm not sure what to say about this book except it reminds me of a great title of non-fiction book I read in the 70's, "It Takes so Little to Be Above Average." The story was good, but not exciting. The writing was okay, but not compelling.
I read other's reviews before I read this. This author has a lot of fans. Some who regret she is retiring. I'm not one of those fans. The book wasn't awful, but I won't seek out others by her.
I read other's reviews before I read this. This author has a lot of fans. Some who regret she is retiring. I'm not one of those fans. The book wasn't awful, but I won't seek out others by her.
November 17, 2017
Aristotle said, “To perceive is to suffer.” This is exactly what Aiden Delacorte’s life is now.
Catherine Ryan Hyde delivers yet another beautiful book. Her theme, which I have come to know as ‘when strangers become friends,’ is consistent, which is one of the reasons I enjoy her work. In The Wake up we meet Aiden, a 40 year old rancher whose livelihood is growing cattle. Aiden discovers that he possesses the ability to feel others pain and must learn to live with it. This new discovery changes Aiden’s life in a way that he never expected.
Aiden falls in love with Gwen who has a difficult past of her own and two children, Milo, 10 and Elizabeth, 13. Aiden has the difficult task of becoming a father figure. Though it has very few characters, I found the story complex enough to make me think and deeply care for each one of them.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is a master of ‘Real World’ fiction and it shows. The story touches on various issues ranging from domestic violence, abuse, family and heartbreak.
I always find Hyde’s books pleasant to read. The story reads in such a way that is almost like reading poetry. The words come together and flow beautifully. The detail in which she describes the surroundings is insanely beautiful and her love for horses really came through in this book. It gave me a whole new perspective on how I see horses, that’s for sure.
I am never disappointed after I finish one of her books. Beautiful work.
Catherine Ryan Hyde delivers yet another beautiful book. Her theme, which I have come to know as ‘when strangers become friends,’ is consistent, which is one of the reasons I enjoy her work. In The Wake up we meet Aiden, a 40 year old rancher whose livelihood is growing cattle. Aiden discovers that he possesses the ability to feel others pain and must learn to live with it. This new discovery changes Aiden’s life in a way that he never expected.
Aiden falls in love with Gwen who has a difficult past of her own and two children, Milo, 10 and Elizabeth, 13. Aiden has the difficult task of becoming a father figure. Though it has very few characters, I found the story complex enough to make me think and deeply care for each one of them.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is a master of ‘Real World’ fiction and it shows. The story touches on various issues ranging from domestic violence, abuse, family and heartbreak.
I always find Hyde’s books pleasant to read. The story reads in such a way that is almost like reading poetry. The words come together and flow beautifully. The detail in which she describes the surroundings is insanely beautiful and her love for horses really came through in this book. It gave me a whole new perspective on how I see horses, that’s for sure.
I am never disappointed after I finish one of her books. Beautiful work.
December 14, 2020
I really don't have words for this book, except it is great. A story about a grown man, trying to heal himself and help a young boy on the road to healing. It is very well written and while never really happy, always hopeful.
There is abuse in the background of both the man, when he was very little, and the young boy who enters his life when he is 40. This author knows how to delve into abuse of all kinds, without ever getting too graphic. Abuse comes in many forms and the sexual certainly spins young minds out of control.
Thank you, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for another great book. This is highly recommended, especially for anyone who teaches or is a social worker!
There is abuse in the background of both the man, when he was very little, and the young boy who enters his life when he is 40. This author knows how to delve into abuse of all kinds, without ever getting too graphic. Abuse comes in many forms and the sexual certainly spins young minds out of control.
Thank you, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for another great book. This is highly recommended, especially for anyone who teaches or is a social worker!
January 11, 2020
The Wake Up is the story of a man who feels so much, his empathy and his sensibility makes him feel more than regular people, making his life miserable, in a small town where people keep thinking he's gone mad as they can't understand him at all.
Feeling the need to change his line of work as it was really not making him feel good anymore, his life takes a turn for new things and new people even a new love.
Aiden opens his home to a family in need, he didn't expect to find someone with a similar story as him, making him feel more eager to understand and help this family to finally put all behind. meeting a boy that looks so much like him. brings so many memories to Aiden making him more aware of his past then ever.. a boy that will bring joy and a lot of trouble to him and his life.
Gwen is starting all over again as her marriage ended in a not pleasant way. her husband did terrible things, making her feel the need to leave to protect herself, her family and her son.
The Wake up is a story of second chances, people suffer a lot of things and traumas when they're just kids and this was the case for Aiden and Milo. they both had a rough start in life but life has a funny way of bringing people together so they can finally heal that wound.
One of the things that I really love about The wake up is how Aiden and Milo's life eventually starts to connect, understanding each other more as the days and months go by. the patient Aiden had, the love Gwen and Aiden try to give over and over again to Milo was beautiful and it left me thinking that no matter how hard life has treated you there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
This was a great story, I really love how Catherine Ryan always makes us feel so many emotions but always leaving us with a sweet taste in our hearts.
Feeling the need to change his line of work as it was really not making him feel good anymore, his life takes a turn for new things and new people even a new love.
Aiden opens his home to a family in need, he didn't expect to find someone with a similar story as him, making him feel more eager to understand and help this family to finally put all behind. meeting a boy that looks so much like him. brings so many memories to Aiden making him more aware of his past then ever.. a boy that will bring joy and a lot of trouble to him and his life.
Gwen is starting all over again as her marriage ended in a not pleasant way. her husband did terrible things, making her feel the need to leave to protect herself, her family and her son.
The Wake up is a story of second chances, people suffer a lot of things and traumas when they're just kids and this was the case for Aiden and Milo. they both had a rough start in life but life has a funny way of bringing people together so they can finally heal that wound.
One of the things that I really love about The wake up is how Aiden and Milo's life eventually starts to connect, understanding each other more as the days and months go by. the patient Aiden had, the love Gwen and Aiden try to give over and over again to Milo was beautiful and it left me thinking that no matter how hard life has treated you there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
This was a great story, I really love how Catherine Ryan always makes us feel so many emotions but always leaving us with a sweet taste in our hearts.
June 30, 2024
I went back-and-forth on this book as I was reading it. The past two books by this author that I have read have gotten five stars from me easily. While I was reading this one, there were times I was thinking it would also get five and then there were times I was thinking I would get three. I finally settled around four.
There are parts of the story that I found to be overwhelmingly beautiful. The way the therapist showed Aiden the parallel between his own childhood/stepfather, and Milo/himself really made me like the story. The way the therapist explained why Milo was probably acting the way he was, because of the trauma he had endured, was insightful. The way Aiden kept pushing to have a relationship with Milo and kept showing such immense grace & patience and such love for Gwen and Elizabeth was beautiful.
I really wish that we had gotten to see more of Harris in the story because he sounded like an incredible person who had a great influence on Aiden. I also loved in the end when his mother and uncle were reminding him of negative things that happened in his childhood, and Aiden had no recollection at first of it and how that impacted him - I feel like maybe it made him have faith that Milo would grow up and not have to remember negative things from his childhood. I wish they had explored his relationship with his sister more especially into adulthood. I feel like that could almost be a whole other book because there was obviously something between them that was negative, but even at the end of the story, he admitted that he really wasn’t sure why that was.
The part I did not really care for was the way he felt the feelings of animals and other people so intensely. I definitely consider myself an empath, and I definitely understand how it feels to look at what someone is going through and feel for them, and imagine what they are feeling, but the way the story described him intimately feeling the feelings was just weird to me and that threw it off from five stars. I just didn’t really understand that part or get it and thought the story could’ve been great by just making him a sensitive type of man and not throwing that kind of supernatural thing into it.
There are parts of the story that I found to be overwhelmingly beautiful. The way the therapist showed Aiden the parallel between his own childhood/stepfather, and Milo/himself really made me like the story. The way the therapist explained why Milo was probably acting the way he was, because of the trauma he had endured, was insightful. The way Aiden kept pushing to have a relationship with Milo and kept showing such immense grace & patience and such love for Gwen and Elizabeth was beautiful.
I really wish that we had gotten to see more of Harris in the story because he sounded like an incredible person who had a great influence on Aiden. I also loved in the end when his mother and uncle were reminding him of negative things that happened in his childhood, and Aiden had no recollection at first of it and how that impacted him - I feel like maybe it made him have faith that Milo would grow up and not have to remember negative things from his childhood. I wish they had explored his relationship with his sister more especially into adulthood. I feel like that could almost be a whole other book because there was obviously something between them that was negative, but even at the end of the story, he admitted that he really wasn’t sure why that was.
The part I did not really care for was the way he felt the feelings of animals and other people so intensely. I definitely consider myself an empath, and I definitely understand how it feels to look at what someone is going through and feel for them, and imagine what they are feeling, but the way the story described him intimately feeling the feelings was just weird to me and that threw it off from five stars. I just didn’t really understand that part or get it and thought the story could’ve been great by just making him a sensitive type of man and not throwing that kind of supernatural thing into it.
December 9, 2017
Aiden Delacorte is a 40-year old cattle rancher who one day while deer hunting, has a "wake up". He eventually discovers, through therapy, that he's an empath, someone who feels the emotions of animals and other people. And for most of his life, this ability to feel has been buried and repressed. Aiden decides he can no longer be a cattle rancher who castrates and then sends the cows to slaughter which angers and confuses his employees, friends and girlfriend. In the meantime, he meets Gwen who's new in town and who has a troubled son, Milo.
I enjoyed this read of emotional discoveries and remembered childhood memories that have been long buried. Aiden uses these discoveries to help navigate his new life as a former cattle rancher and potential step-dad to Milo. Though I'm not sure that people exist who have the amount of empathy that Aiden has, it was a heart warming book that I would recommend. Special thanks to author Catherine Ryan Hyde for sending me an autographed copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this read of emotional discoveries and remembered childhood memories that have been long buried. Aiden uses these discoveries to help navigate his new life as a former cattle rancher and potential step-dad to Milo. Though I'm not sure that people exist who have the amount of empathy that Aiden has, it was a heart warming book that I would recommend. Special thanks to author Catherine Ryan Hyde for sending me an autographed copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 1, 2020
Catherine's done it again! Written a heartfelt story with characters who could live nearby, and filled with deep emotions that aren't always what they appear to be. Great exploration of how we are all affected by our pasts and how our lives are changed by how we choose to let those lessons shape our future.
May 31, 2023
Wow!!! This is one of the most powerful, insightful novels I’ve read in a long time!! I will reread this story after I’ve taken the time to reflect on the emotions I experienced while enjoying this gift from Catherine Ryan Hyde!!
November 6, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Wake Up by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
I had no idea what this book was going to be about. When I realized it involved a ranch and horses I was instantly in love.
Aiden Delacorte inherited the ranch from his stepfather. He learned everything he knew about cattle ranching and horses through him. Aiden experiences what he calls "the wake up" during roundup on his ranch. This experience changes his life and how he deals with the ranch.
Along the way he meets single mom, Gwen, and her two children Elizabeth and Milo. Milo is a troubled child due to being abused by his father. Aiden begins a serious relationship with Gwen.
The trust and love that begins with Aiden and Gwen's children in the beginning is very difficult but it blossoms into something very beautiful.
As the book continues you realize Milo and Aiden are very much alike. Much more then either of them expected.
Another beautifully written book by this author! Looking forward to her next book!
I had no idea what this book was going to be about. When I realized it involved a ranch and horses I was instantly in love.
Aiden Delacorte inherited the ranch from his stepfather. He learned everything he knew about cattle ranching and horses through him. Aiden experiences what he calls "the wake up" during roundup on his ranch. This experience changes his life and how he deals with the ranch.
Along the way he meets single mom, Gwen, and her two children Elizabeth and Milo. Milo is a troubled child due to being abused by his father. Aiden begins a serious relationship with Gwen.
The trust and love that begins with Aiden and Gwen's children in the beginning is very difficult but it blossoms into something very beautiful.
As the book continues you realize Milo and Aiden are very much alike. Much more then either of them expected.
Another beautifully written book by this author! Looking forward to her next book!
December 17, 2017
I have always loved her books, she has a very straight forward and honest way of portraying her characters and this story is no exception.
Aiden Delacorte is a 40-year old cattle rancher who sometimes has problems relating to people and one day while on a hunting trip, he “Wakes up”. After years of suppressing feelings he has always had, which rush back to him after shooting a big Buck, and he senses the fear and pain that he has inflicted with that action. Aiden is an Empath with the capacity to place oneself in another's position. After that experience he makes a decision that will alienate him even more from his peers.
When Aiden meets a woman, Gwen with two children with whom he would like to share his life, things change for better and worse. Gwen's daughter is loving and excepting, but her son, Milo who had been abused by his father, has issues that run deep. Aiden sees himself a bit in Milo's actions and the two of them try and work out their fears of and for each other, through different therapies and for Milo, just knowing Aiden is there for him.
Wonderful character development and an interesting story to follow, this is a book well worth reading.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Aiden Delacorte is a 40-year old cattle rancher who sometimes has problems relating to people and one day while on a hunting trip, he “Wakes up”. After years of suppressing feelings he has always had, which rush back to him after shooting a big Buck, and he senses the fear and pain that he has inflicted with that action. Aiden is an Empath with the capacity to place oneself in another's position. After that experience he makes a decision that will alienate him even more from his peers.
When Aiden meets a woman, Gwen with two children with whom he would like to share his life, things change for better and worse. Gwen's daughter is loving and excepting, but her son, Milo who had been abused by his father, has issues that run deep. Aiden sees himself a bit in Milo's actions and the two of them try and work out their fears of and for each other, through different therapies and for Milo, just knowing Aiden is there for him.
Wonderful character development and an interesting story to follow, this is a book well worth reading.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book.
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