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Brave Girl, Quiet Girl
An Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a gripping and emotional novel about friendship, motherhood, and the journey toward finding a place to call home.
Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her mother, and holding tight to the one thing that matters most: her two-year-old daughter, Etta. Then, in a matter of seconds, Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as Etta, still strapped in her seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Miles away, Etta is found by Molly, a homeless teen who is all too used to darkness. Thrown away by her parents, and with a future as stable as the wooden crate she calls home, Molly survives day to day by her wits. As unpredictable as her life is, she’s stunned to find Etta, abandoned and alone. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect a child as lost as she is.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed. With it, Brooke and Molly will come to discover that what’s lost—and what’s found—can change in a heartbeat.
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a gripping and emotional novel about friendship, motherhood, and the journey toward finding a place to call home.
Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her mother, and holding tight to the one thing that matters most: her two-year-old daughter, Etta. Then, in a matter of seconds, Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as Etta, still strapped in her seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Miles away, Etta is found by Molly, a homeless teen who is all too used to darkness. Thrown away by her parents, and with a future as stable as the wooden crate she calls home, Molly survives day to day by her wits. As unpredictable as her life is, she’s stunned to find Etta, abandoned and alone. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect a child as lost as she is.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed. With it, Brooke and Molly will come to discover that what’s lost—and what’s found—can change in a heartbeat.
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First published May 19, 2020
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About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,184 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 1,557 reviews
May 16, 2020
This is my third book by Catherine Ryan Hyde and the third that earns 5 stars from me. This author really knows how to push my reading buttons! I am thrilled that I have so many more of her books to read, not to mention she puts out at least one new book every year.
I have been slumpish in my reading the last several months, taking 10-17 days to read one book instead of the usual 4-5 days. It seems all the info out there on the Trump impeachment and the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn me in more than my books, which is a pretty sad statement. This one though took me only 3 days to read. It provided me with a most welcome three-day escape to all of the depressing news out there.
I am really tired of the stolen kid theme. When Brave Girl, Quiet Girl became available on Net Galley, I was excited. I then read the blurb and was disappointed to see the plot involved a stolen child. For a second I considered passing, but gosh, this was Catherine Ryan Hyde so I took a chance she would make it good. She succeeded with flying colors. I do want to say for the benefit of readers that are also tired of this theme, the abduction of the child is not the thrust, but just the ignitor of the story.
Ms. Hyde’s books (so far in my experience) profile people who are struggling with issues that seem insurmountable. A really strong feature of her writing is that her characters are so realistic. Their speech, their thoughts, their mistakes, their actions. They all seem believable. Unlike some writers, who make use of coincidences or somewhat over the top or implausible events to propel the story, I have seen none of that in Ms. Hyde’s novels. Her books also generally feature only a very few main characters, which is a relief in regard to keeping everyone straight. These few characters also get all the attention, so the reader really gets to know them—a real plus in my book. In my experience she always writes in one timeline, another positive in my opinion.
The thing I like most about Ryan books, however, is the way they make me feel. I become ferociously attached to the main players and suffer right along with them until Ms. Ryan leads us all out of the woods, always towards a positive/uplifting ending. It’s the journey that is so captivating. I am never sure where she will lead us next.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl (such a wonderful title, btw) is the story of how strangers sometimes hold the key to the salvation of each other. Things are not always perfect, just like in real life, but one does get the gist that we don’t always have to be alone in our struggles even if we think we are.
I strongly recommend this book for all readers of contemporary fiction. As of this writing, the novel is still available as a READ NOW on Net Galley. Publication date is May 19, 2020.
Thank you Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the privilege of an advanced copy. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
I have been slumpish in my reading the last several months, taking 10-17 days to read one book instead of the usual 4-5 days. It seems all the info out there on the Trump impeachment and the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn me in more than my books, which is a pretty sad statement. This one though took me only 3 days to read. It provided me with a most welcome three-day escape to all of the depressing news out there.
I am really tired of the stolen kid theme. When Brave Girl, Quiet Girl became available on Net Galley, I was excited. I then read the blurb and was disappointed to see the plot involved a stolen child. For a second I considered passing, but gosh, this was Catherine Ryan Hyde so I took a chance she would make it good. She succeeded with flying colors. I do want to say for the benefit of readers that are also tired of this theme, the abduction of the child is not the thrust, but just the ignitor of the story.
Ms. Hyde’s books (so far in my experience) profile people who are struggling with issues that seem insurmountable. A really strong feature of her writing is that her characters are so realistic. Their speech, their thoughts, their mistakes, their actions. They all seem believable. Unlike some writers, who make use of coincidences or somewhat over the top or implausible events to propel the story, I have seen none of that in Ms. Hyde’s novels. Her books also generally feature only a very few main characters, which is a relief in regard to keeping everyone straight. These few characters also get all the attention, so the reader really gets to know them—a real plus in my book. In my experience she always writes in one timeline, another positive in my opinion.
The thing I like most about Ryan books, however, is the way they make me feel. I become ferociously attached to the main players and suffer right along with them until Ms. Ryan leads us all out of the woods, always towards a positive/uplifting ending. It’s the journey that is so captivating. I am never sure where she will lead us next.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl (such a wonderful title, btw) is the story of how strangers sometimes hold the key to the salvation of each other. Things are not always perfect, just like in real life, but one does get the gist that we don’t always have to be alone in our struggles even if we think we are.
I strongly recommend this book for all readers of contemporary fiction. As of this writing, the novel is still available as a READ NOW on Net Galley. Publication date is May 19, 2020.
Thank you Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the privilege of an advanced copy. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
September 1, 2020
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
An insightful, moving, and thought-provoking read.
I loved it!
39-year-old, Brooke Hollister is finding it hard living with her mother again. However, since her divorce, money has been tight leaving her with very few options. Brooke is tired after work, but she doesn't want to hear her mother harp at her all night so she decides to take her two-year-old daughter, Etta to the movies. They are on their way home after the movie, stopped at a red light when it happens.
“A whole life changed in six or seven seconds.”
Brooke sees the shadow of someone’s arm just before her window shatters. The person pulls Brooke out of the car, jumps in, and drives away. Brooke is in shock and it takes a moment for her to realize...
She jumps up and runs after the Mercedes screaming her daughter’s name.
Sixteen-year-old, Molly spent the day collecting bottles and cans. All she has to show for her hard work is $1.42. She's walking to the place she'll sleep that night when she sees a child's car seat on the sidewalk. It's not empty. A little girl with puffy eyes quietly stares at Molly. When Molly asks where her mommy is, the little girl looks like she’s going to start crying. Molly tells her that they’ll find her mommy. However, there are no payphones around to call the police, and it’s getting late. They head to the wooden shipping crate where Molly and her friend, Bodhi hide at night. A while later, Bodhi shows up and Molly tells him that he needs to find a phone to tell the police about the little girl. Half an hour later Bodhi comes back. He tells Molly that they need to move…now. Some guys overheard Bodhi talking about the little girl. These guys are very bad news. Molly is terrified. They find a place to hide and Bodhi leaves again to see if he can find help. He says he’ll be right back...
Time passes and Bodhi doesn't return. Molly doesn't know what to do. However, there's one thing she knows for sure... She will do whatever she needs to do to protect this little girl.
Will Molly be able to keep the little girl safe until she finds help?
What an INCREDIBLE read! Once again I have fallen in love with Catherine Ryan Hyde’s wonderful story and amazing characters!
I love the way Catherine Ryan Hyde writes. I often feel like I'm right in the room with her characters, many that I can't help but fall in love with almost instantly.
This was a heartfelt story that packed an emotional punch. I think it would be a great buddy or book club read. It deals with many important and relevant issues.
Definitely one of my favorite novels this year!!
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
I pounced on this due to author recognition. One of my favorite books of 2019 was her beautiful story Stay. This offering isn't quite as good as that 5 Star read, but was enjoyable nonetheless.
The book takes place in Los Angeles. A divorcee named Brooke has a sweet, intelligent and adorable two year-old daughter named Etta. They are currently living at Brooke's mother's house due to lack of funds in the wake of her divorce. Sadly, Brooke's mother has few redeeming qualities. She's very pointed and judgemental, and if Brooke wasn't so desperate for shelter at this crisis point in her life, she certainly would find other lodgings. One evening as Brooke is playing with Etta in the bedroom that they share, once again suffering the strain of the blaring TV from the living room, her mother criticizes her for not taking Etta outside enough. It's now evening (so Etta won't benefit from sunshine anyway), but Brooke decides to take Etta to a movie. If it wasn't for Brooke's Mom's badgering, she wouldn't have gone out and therefore would have avoided a nightmare scenario for any parent.
Immediately following the movie, an incident occurs which separates Etta from her mother. Unbeknownst to Brooke, Etta was discovered by a sixteen year old homeless girl from Utah named Molly. It's nighttime and there are some serious scary characters around, but Molly guards Etta with her life. She has some experience with younger siblings, so employs these skills to keep Etta entertained, and most of all, unafraid. This part of the book was a nail-biter and absolutely riveting. The title of the book is something Molly whispered to little Etta during this time: "Brave girl, Quiet girl". She only knew this little girl for less than 24 hours and found herself in love with her. And it was mutual.
The book was narrated in alternating chapters between Brooke and Molly, which provided deep insights into each character. However, I would sometimes forget who was narrating the chapter and although the dialogue had quotations, they were only identifiable by "I said" and "she said". This caused me intermittent confusion. Otherwise, the writing style was comfortable and free flowing, which I love.
I don't really want to spell out any more details, although the official blurb advertising the book goes farther than I am. I want future readers to enjoy the unraveling of this story. This author seems to have a secret sauce in her books of underdog characters, living difficult lives but imbued with inner strength to tackle life's challenges. You find your heart expanding, fighting tears with the hope of triumph over adversity.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
I pounced on this due to author recognition. One of my favorite books of 2019 was her beautiful story Stay. This offering isn't quite as good as that 5 Star read, but was enjoyable nonetheless.
The book takes place in Los Angeles. A divorcee named Brooke has a sweet, intelligent and adorable two year-old daughter named Etta. They are currently living at Brooke's mother's house due to lack of funds in the wake of her divorce. Sadly, Brooke's mother has few redeeming qualities. She's very pointed and judgemental, and if Brooke wasn't so desperate for shelter at this crisis point in her life, she certainly would find other lodgings. One evening as Brooke is playing with Etta in the bedroom that they share, once again suffering the strain of the blaring TV from the living room, her mother criticizes her for not taking Etta outside enough. It's now evening (so Etta won't benefit from sunshine anyway), but Brooke decides to take Etta to a movie. If it wasn't for Brooke's Mom's badgering, she wouldn't have gone out and therefore would have avoided a nightmare scenario for any parent.
Immediately following the movie, an incident occurs which separates Etta from her mother. Unbeknownst to Brooke, Etta was discovered by a sixteen year old homeless girl from Utah named Molly. It's nighttime and there are some serious scary characters around, but Molly guards Etta with her life. She has some experience with younger siblings, so employs these skills to keep Etta entertained, and most of all, unafraid. This part of the book was a nail-biter and absolutely riveting. The title of the book is something Molly whispered to little Etta during this time: "Brave girl, Quiet girl". She only knew this little girl for less than 24 hours and found herself in love with her. And it was mutual.
The book was narrated in alternating chapters between Brooke and Molly, which provided deep insights into each character. However, I would sometimes forget who was narrating the chapter and although the dialogue had quotations, they were only identifiable by "I said" and "she said". This caused me intermittent confusion. Otherwise, the writing style was comfortable and free flowing, which I love.
I don't really want to spell out any more details, although the official blurb advertising the book goes farther than I am. I want future readers to enjoy the unraveling of this story. This author seems to have a secret sauce in her books of underdog characters, living difficult lives but imbued with inner strength to tackle life's challenges. You find your heart expanding, fighting tears with the hope of triumph over adversity.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
June 21, 2020
4.5 stars, rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once again, Catherine Ryan Hyde has knocked it out of the park! I have only read a handful of her books, but I’m obsessed with them. She never disappoints.
This story is about two women - strangers - who meet under scary circumstances with one thing in common: their love for a little girl named Etta. What transpires is an unlikely bond between these three people that you will not soon forget.
What I love about Hyde’s books are that they always relatable, always have heartbreaking moments and always have a positive, happy ending. You just can’t help but fall in love with all of her characters and are sad to see them go once the book ends. Whenever I see a new book with her name on it, it’s an automatic request because I know I’m in for a seriously wonderful story.
Keep up the great work, Ms. Hyde because you have a fan for life!
Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Hyde and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
Once again, Catherine Ryan Hyde has knocked it out of the park! I have only read a handful of her books, but I’m obsessed with them. She never disappoints.
This story is about two women - strangers - who meet under scary circumstances with one thing in common: their love for a little girl named Etta. What transpires is an unlikely bond between these three people that you will not soon forget.
What I love about Hyde’s books are that they always relatable, always have heartbreaking moments and always have a positive, happy ending. You just can’t help but fall in love with all of her characters and are sad to see them go once the book ends. Whenever I see a new book with her name on it, it’s an automatic request because I know I’m in for a seriously wonderful story.
Keep up the great work, Ms. Hyde because you have a fan for life!
Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Hyde and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
April 20, 2020
This is a really lovely novel about the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, and learning to look beyond your prejudices to see the good in people.
Homeless teenager Molly is living in a crate on the streets of LA after being thrown out of home by her religious family in Utah. Her world collides with that of single mother Brooke when she finds Brooke's two year old daughter Etta dumped on the street after Brooke's car was stolen with Etta inside. Brooke is recently divorced and back living with her negative, overly critical mother while she tries to get her life back on track and is totally distraught at the possibility that she may never see Etta alive again. When she first meets Molly all she sees is the dirty, disheveled street kid, not the brave and kind hearted girl underneath.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is especially talented at creating realistic characters complete with very human flaws and foibles and also in making us think about how we would react in the same circumstances. Neither Brooke nor Molly's mothers are very nice people, both prejudiced and judgmental about things they don't try to understand. Fortunately Brooke is more compassionate, although she has trouble believing Molly's story of how she became homeless and it takes a while for both Brooke and Molly to trust one another. This was a very engaging read with a hearwarming ending - highly recommended.
With many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for a digital ARC to read
Homeless teenager Molly is living in a crate on the streets of LA after being thrown out of home by her religious family in Utah. Her world collides with that of single mother Brooke when she finds Brooke's two year old daughter Etta dumped on the street after Brooke's car was stolen with Etta inside. Brooke is recently divorced and back living with her negative, overly critical mother while she tries to get her life back on track and is totally distraught at the possibility that she may never see Etta alive again. When she first meets Molly all she sees is the dirty, disheveled street kid, not the brave and kind hearted girl underneath.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is especially talented at creating realistic characters complete with very human flaws and foibles and also in making us think about how we would react in the same circumstances. Neither Brooke nor Molly's mothers are very nice people, both prejudiced and judgmental about things they don't try to understand. Fortunately Brooke is more compassionate, although she has trouble believing Molly's story of how she became homeless and it takes a while for both Brooke and Molly to trust one another. This was a very engaging read with a hearwarming ending - highly recommended.
With many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for a digital ARC to read
May 20, 2020
EXCERPT: My plan was to put on my seat belt to drive home.
I had Etta strapped into her car seat, still snoring like a miniature soprano buzz saw. I was sitting in the driver's seat of my mom's Mercedes, trying to get my own belt done. Sounds easy enough, but I was wearing a big, long sweater, and the folds of it kept getting in the way.
I go back to this moment a lot.
It wasn't much of a struggle before I gave up. It wasn't that frustrating. Which makes it even harder to explain after the fact. To myself or anyone else.
At best I can figure after the fact, it was this: in that moment I was happy. I was out in the world with my child, enjoying one of those perfect moments made perfect by the simple fact that I had her. I was in a state of joy, which felt increasingly rare.
When that moment of slight frustration arose, I didn't want to spoil anything.
I drove away with my seat belt undone.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her mother, and holding tight to the one thing that matters most: her two-year-old daughter, Etta. Then, in a matter of seconds, Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as Etta, still strapped in her seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Miles away, Etta is found by Molly, a homeless teen who is all too used to darkness. Thrown away by her parents, and with a future as stable as the wooden crate she calls home, Molly survives day to day by her wits. As unpredictable as her life is, she’s stunned to find Etta, abandoned and alone. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect a child as lost as she is.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed. With it, Brooke and Molly will come to discover that what’s lost—and what’s found—can change in a heartbeat.
MY THOUGHTS: Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is the first book I have read by author Catherine Ryan-Hyde. She has written a compassionate and realistic book about the relationships between mothers and daughters, and our prejudices against the homeless.
The story is told from the points of view of Brooke, mother of Etta, and Molly, Etta's rescuer. Brooke is struggling to make ends meet and living with her very judgemental mother since the failure of her marriage. Molly, sixteen and gay, was kicked out of home when she revealed to her very religious parents that she was gay. She was told she could come home when she got rid of the devil that possessed her.
Molly is an interesting character. She is very moral, very honest. And she falls in love with the adorable little toddler that she finds strapped into a car seat abandoned on a street corner. I far preferred her character to that of Brooke who, although she despises her mother's judgemental behaviour, initially exhibits the very same characteristics.
I liked this story. I didn't love it. There were a few things, mainly concerned with Brooke's actions, that didn't ring true for me. I liked the way the title is taken from the mantra Molly whispers to Etta to calm her. I don't like the cover. If it is meant to be Molly with Etta, she is homeless, unwashed with dirty, disheveled clothing and unbrushed, unkempt hair. A car seat containing a small child alone under a street light would have better portrayed the pathos of this story.
Would I read another book by this author? Definitely.
😊😊😊.5
#BraveGirlQuietGirl #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: I am the author of more than 30 published and forthcoming books. I'm an avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan-Hyde for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
I had Etta strapped into her car seat, still snoring like a miniature soprano buzz saw. I was sitting in the driver's seat of my mom's Mercedes, trying to get my own belt done. Sounds easy enough, but I was wearing a big, long sweater, and the folds of it kept getting in the way.
I go back to this moment a lot.
It wasn't much of a struggle before I gave up. It wasn't that frustrating. Which makes it even harder to explain after the fact. To myself or anyone else.
At best I can figure after the fact, it was this: in that moment I was happy. I was out in the world with my child, enjoying one of those perfect moments made perfect by the simple fact that I had her. I was in a state of joy, which felt increasingly rare.
When that moment of slight frustration arose, I didn't want to spoil anything.
I drove away with my seat belt undone.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her mother, and holding tight to the one thing that matters most: her two-year-old daughter, Etta. Then, in a matter of seconds, Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as Etta, still strapped in her seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Miles away, Etta is found by Molly, a homeless teen who is all too used to darkness. Thrown away by her parents, and with a future as stable as the wooden crate she calls home, Molly survives day to day by her wits. As unpredictable as her life is, she’s stunned to find Etta, abandoned and alone. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect a child as lost as she is.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed. With it, Brooke and Molly will come to discover that what’s lost—and what’s found—can change in a heartbeat.
MY THOUGHTS: Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is the first book I have read by author Catherine Ryan-Hyde. She has written a compassionate and realistic book about the relationships between mothers and daughters, and our prejudices against the homeless.
The story is told from the points of view of Brooke, mother of Etta, and Molly, Etta's rescuer. Brooke is struggling to make ends meet and living with her very judgemental mother since the failure of her marriage. Molly, sixteen and gay, was kicked out of home when she revealed to her very religious parents that she was gay. She was told she could come home when she got rid of the devil that possessed her.
Molly is an interesting character. She is very moral, very honest. And she falls in love with the adorable little toddler that she finds strapped into a car seat abandoned on a street corner. I far preferred her character to that of Brooke who, although she despises her mother's judgemental behaviour, initially exhibits the very same characteristics.
I liked this story. I didn't love it. There were a few things, mainly concerned with Brooke's actions, that didn't ring true for me. I liked the way the title is taken from the mantra Molly whispers to Etta to calm her. I don't like the cover. If it is meant to be Molly with Etta, she is homeless, unwashed with dirty, disheveled clothing and unbrushed, unkempt hair. A car seat containing a small child alone under a street light would have better portrayed the pathos of this story.
Would I read another book by this author? Definitely.
😊😊😊.5
#BraveGirlQuietGirl #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: I am the author of more than 30 published and forthcoming books. I'm an avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan-Hyde for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
February 4, 2024
I finished this book a few days ago.
It was difficult to rate the book as a whole; I gave it *5 stars for only "Subject/ Topic then I dismissed that rating.
Out of nowhere this morning, the book flew back in my head, prodding me to dissect it a little more to finish my rating.
The synopsis of the book is very telling; no need to repeat it.
Within each book Catherine Ryan Hyde pens, her sensitivity jumps out through words that send messages that reflect many judgement calls we make- in the moment, a day, or over a lifetime.
One character in the story is a 16 yr old homeless girl "Molly" -living on the streets in LA.
Why?
We met Brooke and her two yr. old daughter Etta first, who live with Brooke's mother in her large home.
What do they have in common that will determine trust in a relationship and longing for a role model?
Two desperate characters looking for some semblance of what they believe is family.
The author got me here, to the point of wanting to slap Brooke's mother across her face to make sure she could feel the sensation of a "sting".
I grappled with conversations between Molly and Brooke that I felt too wordy with immature vocabulary.
But... CRH know exactly what shes doing with her characters to drive a her points home which received a pass from me.
It was difficult to rate the book as a whole; I gave it *5 stars for only "Subject/ Topic then I dismissed that rating.
Out of nowhere this morning, the book flew back in my head, prodding me to dissect it a little more to finish my rating.
The synopsis of the book is very telling; no need to repeat it.
Within each book Catherine Ryan Hyde pens, her sensitivity jumps out through words that send messages that reflect many judgement calls we make- in the moment, a day, or over a lifetime.
One character in the story is a 16 yr old homeless girl "Molly" -living on the streets in LA.
Why?
We met Brooke and her two yr. old daughter Etta first, who live with Brooke's mother in her large home.
What do they have in common that will determine trust in a relationship and longing for a role model?
Two desperate characters looking for some semblance of what they believe is family.
The author got me here, to the point of wanting to slap Brooke's mother across her face to make sure she could feel the sensation of a "sting".
I grappled with conversations between Molly and Brooke that I felt too wordy with immature vocabulary.
But... CRH know exactly what shes doing with her characters to drive a her points home which received a pass from me.
May 10, 2020
A contemporary novel about how a dramatic 24 hours bring a single mother and a homeless teenager together.
Single mother, Brooke watches in horror as her mother's car is hijacked with her two year old daughter, Etta, trapped inside. When teen runaway, Molly finds Etta abandoned in a LA alley, she takes the little girl under her protection. Soon Molly is able to make contact with police, but Brooke finds herself unexpectedly taking interest in her daughter's rescuer. It's a tale filled with a focus on mother/daughter relationships and what constitutes a family.
I am a big fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books but this was just a good read, not a great read for me. With chapters alternating between the perspectives of Brooke and Molly, there is a lot of focus on the inner thoughts of the two women that often felt a little repetitive. Albeit, Molly's time on the streets gives her a stronger sense of maturity than Brooke. I felt empathetic to their individual journeys but they didn't connect to me like some of Hyde's other characters have in the past.
Goodreads review published 09/05/20
Expected Publication. 19/05/20
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Single mother, Brooke watches in horror as her mother's car is hijacked with her two year old daughter, Etta, trapped inside. When teen runaway, Molly finds Etta abandoned in a LA alley, she takes the little girl under her protection. Soon Molly is able to make contact with police, but Brooke finds herself unexpectedly taking interest in her daughter's rescuer. It's a tale filled with a focus on mother/daughter relationships and what constitutes a family.
I am a big fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books but this was just a good read, not a great read for me. With chapters alternating between the perspectives of Brooke and Molly, there is a lot of focus on the inner thoughts of the two women that often felt a little repetitive. Albeit, Molly's time on the streets gives her a stronger sense of maturity than Brooke. I felt empathetic to their individual journeys but they didn't connect to me like some of Hyde's other characters have in the past.
Goodreads review published 09/05/20
Expected Publication. 19/05/20
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
Brooke, divorced for two years and mother of two-year-old Etta was back living with her mother, the criticizing woman who couldn’t say a nice word about her daughter. The night Brooke took Etta to the movies – just to get out of the house – was the night her life shifted on its axis. It was on the way back from the movies that Brooke was carjacked; thrown to the ground by the masked man, she watched in devastated horror as the Mercedes tore away from her – with Etta still inside.
Sixteen-year-old Molly had been living on the streets of Los Angeles after her mother had thrown her out of the house in Utah. She and her best friend Bodhi stayed together in their camps to watch each other’s backs. When Molly found Etta, she was still sitting in her car seat, but it was dark and the little girl’s eyes were big and round when she looked up at Molly. During that long night in the darkness, and the following day, Molly cared for Etta, comforting her when she was scared, and when they needed to be quiet, Molly softly sang “brave girl, quiet girl” to Etta until she whispered it in return.
Would the police find Etta? Would Brooke ever see her baby girl again? And what would happen to Molly and Bodhi?
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a heartwarming and heartbreaking novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde which I loved. I have only recently discovered this author, and Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is my third by her. But her novels are intense and emotional, with this one being about motherhood, love, and finding yourself and your place called home. Another exceptional read by this author which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Sixteen-year-old Molly had been living on the streets of Los Angeles after her mother had thrown her out of the house in Utah. She and her best friend Bodhi stayed together in their camps to watch each other’s backs. When Molly found Etta, she was still sitting in her car seat, but it was dark and the little girl’s eyes were big and round when she looked up at Molly. During that long night in the darkness, and the following day, Molly cared for Etta, comforting her when she was scared, and when they needed to be quiet, Molly softly sang “brave girl, quiet girl” to Etta until she whispered it in return.
Would the police find Etta? Would Brooke ever see her baby girl again? And what would happen to Molly and Bodhi?
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a heartwarming and heartbreaking novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde which I loved. I have only recently discovered this author, and Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is my third by her. But her novels are intense and emotional, with this one being about motherhood, love, and finding yourself and your place called home. Another exceptional read by this author which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2020
4.5 stars
I'm rapidly learning there's something truly lovely about Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels, and Brave Girl, Quiet Girl was no exception. Since discovering her work I've noticed she doesn't shy away from contentious issues but she takes them on in an expert and engaging manner. Her characters are so very realistic and I love the way she uses them to make me question my own morals and behaviours.
The two main characters are Brooke and Molly and their alternating perspectives bring the story to life. Brooke is in her late 30's and is a divorced single mum who has returned to live with her aging & highly critical mother whilst she gets her finances under control. Molly is a 16 year old homeless girl living on the streets because she was unwelcome at her parents home. At first glance these two have nothing in common but their lives are thrust together in the most bizarre of circumstances. The beauty of the writing is that although I've never been in either of their situations I felt such strong compassion and empathy for each of them.
Brave Girl, Quite Girl focuses heavily on mother/daughter relationships with three such relationships going under the spotlight. Brooke has a strained relationship with her own mother and because of this she desperately wants the exact opposite for her relationship with 2 year old daughter Etta. The third is between Molly and her mother as we gradually uncover the reasons she ended up living on the streets.
Molly was a beautifully natured character and the author used her homelessness to make readers aware of how easy it is to fall into the trap of judging a person by their appearances. In one scene Molly was desperately seeking help from passers-by and, as a reader knowing why she needed help, I was aghast it wasn't forthcoming simply because she was so clearly homeless, unkempt and dirty. How critical of these people I was for their unwillingness to assist but then I tried to place myself in their shoes and wondered if indeed I would have behaved any differently? I'd like to think I would have helped but perhaps fear or other factors would have played into my response and I might have fallen short too. And whilst Molly had proven herself to be completely protective and nurturing of Etta when they were together, Brooke found it difficult to entirely trust her. Brooke harbored doubts about Molly's version of the story of how and why she's currently living on the streets, imagining she must have done something to contribute to her homelessness, and finding herself all too ready to apportion blame for the situation she found herself in. Again Hyde cleverly introduced scenarios forcing readers to evaluate their own hidden prejudices and attitudes.
With multiple themes running throughout including love and loss, trust, judgement, family, and homelessness this was a delightful read and I feel Catherine Ryan Hyde just might be my new go-to author when I feel the need for a sensitive and caring novel.
Thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review which it was my absolute pleasure to provide.
I'm rapidly learning there's something truly lovely about Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels, and Brave Girl, Quiet Girl was no exception. Since discovering her work I've noticed she doesn't shy away from contentious issues but she takes them on in an expert and engaging manner. Her characters are so very realistic and I love the way she uses them to make me question my own morals and behaviours.
The two main characters are Brooke and Molly and their alternating perspectives bring the story to life. Brooke is in her late 30's and is a divorced single mum who has returned to live with her aging & highly critical mother whilst she gets her finances under control. Molly is a 16 year old homeless girl living on the streets because she was unwelcome at her parents home. At first glance these two have nothing in common but their lives are thrust together in the most bizarre of circumstances. The beauty of the writing is that although I've never been in either of their situations I felt such strong compassion and empathy for each of them.
Brave Girl, Quite Girl focuses heavily on mother/daughter relationships with three such relationships going under the spotlight. Brooke has a strained relationship with her own mother and because of this she desperately wants the exact opposite for her relationship with 2 year old daughter Etta. The third is between Molly and her mother as we gradually uncover the reasons she ended up living on the streets.
Molly was a beautifully natured character and the author used her homelessness to make readers aware of how easy it is to fall into the trap of judging a person by their appearances. In one scene Molly was desperately seeking help from passers-by and, as a reader knowing why she needed help, I was aghast it wasn't forthcoming simply because she was so clearly homeless, unkempt and dirty. How critical of these people I was for their unwillingness to assist but then I tried to place myself in their shoes and wondered if indeed I would have behaved any differently? I'd like to think I would have helped but perhaps fear or other factors would have played into my response and I might have fallen short too. And whilst Molly had proven herself to be completely protective and nurturing of Etta when they were together, Brooke found it difficult to entirely trust her. Brooke harbored doubts about Molly's version of the story of how and why she's currently living on the streets, imagining she must have done something to contribute to her homelessness, and finding herself all too ready to apportion blame for the situation she found herself in. Again Hyde cleverly introduced scenarios forcing readers to evaluate their own hidden prejudices and attitudes.
With multiple themes running throughout including love and loss, trust, judgement, family, and homelessness this was a delightful read and I feel Catherine Ryan Hyde just might be my new go-to author when I feel the need for a sensitive and caring novel.
Thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review which it was my absolute pleasure to provide.
May 20, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded reluctantly down to 3 stars
I am always excited to read anything that Catherine Ryan Hyde writes. She tackles real-life issues with pathos and charm. She brings her characters to life in relatable ways. Her latest book follows the same vein as prior her books, but sadly, it fell just a tad short of previous books for me. It was a good story, but not as emotionally impactful as some of her other works.
Brooke and Molly tell this book in alternating storylines. Brooke is in her late 30’s and is a single mother to 2-year-old Etta. Brooke is back living at her ultra-judgmental mother’s home due to financial issues. She is unhappy at home. She feels stuck. Little Etta is the bright spot in her life.
Molly is a homeless 16-year-old living on the streets in an industrial section of Los Angeles. After being kicked out of her family home in Utah, her new friend Bodhi talked her into going to LA with him. She’s been on the streets for awhile, but at least she’s not alone.
One fateful night while driving her Mom’s Mercedes, Brooke is carjacked. The car speeds off with Etta strapped in her car seat in the back. So starts Brooke’s nightmare of trying to recover Etta. Meanwhile Molly stumbles across Etta, still strapped in her car seat, on a deserted stretch of sidewalk. Molly scoops her up, and tries to figure out how to let the police know that she’s found a baby. She doesn’t have money for a phone call. She finds Bodhi, and he agrees to head out to find get someone to call the police.
Brooke is ultimately reunited with Etta. However, she cannot let go of her resentment as to how much time it took for Molly to get the little girl back to her. In the 24 hours the Molly had Etta, she kept her calm, kept her fed, kept her dry, and kept her safe. She and Etta formed a strong bond during their time together.
The rest of the book explores the following issues; homelessness, the foster care system, mother/daughter relationships, personal integrity, and what it means to be a family. I found Molly’s story to be much more compelling than Brooke’s did. While they both were stuck in situations that were uncomfortable, Molly took a more active role in day-to-day living and moving forward. Brooke seemed caught up in her own head and was unable to figure out how to get unstuck.
I think this book did a great job shining a light on the realities and inherent dangers of being a homeless person. The plight of this population is real. Staying clean, safe, and fed is a battle they wage every hour of every day. In the face of that persistent homeless struggle, Molly retained her principles and integrity. She would not eat stolen food even when she was hungry. I admired that about her, but was I was silently urging her to eat the dang food!
I liked the ending. (Nope, not giving it away here.) However, the sometime circuitous route it took to arrive there was occasionally frustrating. I am giving this book a rating of 3.5 stars, rounded down to three stars. This is a big-hearted book about what it means to be family with all its inherent pitfalls and potential joys. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy books in the Women’s Fiction genre, and those who enjoy books that tackle social issues with open eyes and compassion. I am glad that I spent some time with Brooke, Molly and Etta, the ‘Brave Girl, Quiet Girl’.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Lake Union Publishing; and author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am always excited to read anything that Catherine Ryan Hyde writes. She tackles real-life issues with pathos and charm. She brings her characters to life in relatable ways. Her latest book follows the same vein as prior her books, but sadly, it fell just a tad short of previous books for me. It was a good story, but not as emotionally impactful as some of her other works.
Brooke and Molly tell this book in alternating storylines. Brooke is in her late 30’s and is a single mother to 2-year-old Etta. Brooke is back living at her ultra-judgmental mother’s home due to financial issues. She is unhappy at home. She feels stuck. Little Etta is the bright spot in her life.
Molly is a homeless 16-year-old living on the streets in an industrial section of Los Angeles. After being kicked out of her family home in Utah, her new friend Bodhi talked her into going to LA with him. She’s been on the streets for awhile, but at least she’s not alone.
One fateful night while driving her Mom’s Mercedes, Brooke is carjacked. The car speeds off with Etta strapped in her car seat in the back. So starts Brooke’s nightmare of trying to recover Etta. Meanwhile Molly stumbles across Etta, still strapped in her car seat, on a deserted stretch of sidewalk. Molly scoops her up, and tries to figure out how to let the police know that she’s found a baby. She doesn’t have money for a phone call. She finds Bodhi, and he agrees to head out to find get someone to call the police.
Brooke is ultimately reunited with Etta. However, she cannot let go of her resentment as to how much time it took for Molly to get the little girl back to her. In the 24 hours the Molly had Etta, she kept her calm, kept her fed, kept her dry, and kept her safe. She and Etta formed a strong bond during their time together.
The rest of the book explores the following issues; homelessness, the foster care system, mother/daughter relationships, personal integrity, and what it means to be a family. I found Molly’s story to be much more compelling than Brooke’s did. While they both were stuck in situations that were uncomfortable, Molly took a more active role in day-to-day living and moving forward. Brooke seemed caught up in her own head and was unable to figure out how to get unstuck.
I think this book did a great job shining a light on the realities and inherent dangers of being a homeless person. The plight of this population is real. Staying clean, safe, and fed is a battle they wage every hour of every day. In the face of that persistent homeless struggle, Molly retained her principles and integrity. She would not eat stolen food even when she was hungry. I admired that about her, but was I was silently urging her to eat the dang food!
I liked the ending. (Nope, not giving it away here.) However, the sometime circuitous route it took to arrive there was occasionally frustrating. I am giving this book a rating of 3.5 stars, rounded down to three stars. This is a big-hearted book about what it means to be family with all its inherent pitfalls and potential joys. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy books in the Women’s Fiction genre, and those who enjoy books that tackle social issues with open eyes and compassion. I am glad that I spent some time with Brooke, Molly and Etta, the ‘Brave Girl, Quiet Girl’.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Lake Union Publishing; and author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2020
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is the second book I have read by Catherine Ryan Hyde after Stay and I know now for certain that she is staying on my 'go to' authors list for a satisfying reading experience.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl deals with relationships and how two persons, not blood related and complete strangers to each other, can gradually build a bond of love and respect with each other that turns out to be more stronger and accepting than they ever shared with their own blood family and in the process create their own, better version of family . The author also touches on the issue of homelessness among teenagers and youth and how they are normally misjudged and written off by people and the system in general. The writing and pace was smooth, and all the characters were relatable . It was an emotional and satisfying read.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Lake Union Publishing and author for providing me with an e-Arc of the book.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl deals with relationships and how two persons, not blood related and complete strangers to each other, can gradually build a bond of love and respect with each other that turns out to be more stronger and accepting than they ever shared with their own blood family and in the process create their own, better version of family . The author also touches on the issue of homelessness among teenagers and youth and how they are normally misjudged and written off by people and the system in general. The writing and pace was smooth, and all the characters were relatable . It was an emotional and satisfying read.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Lake Union Publishing and author for providing me with an e-Arc of the book.
April 22, 2020
A tender and triumphant story of friendships and doing the right thing.
SUMMARY
Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her unhappy and very negative mother. Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as her two year old daughter, Etta, still strapped in her car seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Molly had been kick out of her parents home and has barely surviving on the street of LA She is stunned to find Etta, abandoned on a sidewalk in her car seat. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect the brave and quiet little girl.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed.
REVIEW
BRAVE GIRL, QUIET GIRL is a touching chronicle of a sixteen year old girl living on the streets of LA trying to do the right thing. Molly, thrown out on the streets by her mother, is a courageous, determined and delightful character. The story is thought-provoking as well as entertaining.
CATHERINE RYAN HYDE’s has a way of writing with her heart, and particularly making her young characters come alive on the pages of her novels. Hyde’s characters alway rise to the occasion of resolving an untenable situation. In this case, it’s an abandon baby. Despite her own desperate situation, Molly cares for and ultimately is able to safely return Etta to Brooke.
The story not only explores teen homelessness, but it’s main focus is of friendships and mother-daughter relationships. Why did Molly‘s mother put her out on the streets in the first place? Why is Brooke’s relationship with her own mother just as difficult as Molly’s? Is there anything Brooke can do to help Molly?
My favorite part of the book was that both Molly and Brooke realize that they have no choice but to live through the stressfull situation they find themselves in. Neither had the time nor inclination to just give up or fall apart. Both were strong and determined. Like her other recent novels: STAY and What HAPPENED TO LUIS VELEZ Hyde has given us another tender and triumphant story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Lake Union
Published May 19, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her unhappy and very negative mother. Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as her two year old daughter, Etta, still strapped in her car seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Molly had been kick out of her parents home and has barely surviving on the street of LA She is stunned to find Etta, abandoned on a sidewalk in her car seat. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect the brave and quiet little girl.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed.
REVIEW
BRAVE GIRL, QUIET GIRL is a touching chronicle of a sixteen year old girl living on the streets of LA trying to do the right thing. Molly, thrown out on the streets by her mother, is a courageous, determined and delightful character. The story is thought-provoking as well as entertaining.
CATHERINE RYAN HYDE’s has a way of writing with her heart, and particularly making her young characters come alive on the pages of her novels. Hyde’s characters alway rise to the occasion of resolving an untenable situation. In this case, it’s an abandon baby. Despite her own desperate situation, Molly cares for and ultimately is able to safely return Etta to Brooke.
The story not only explores teen homelessness, but it’s main focus is of friendships and mother-daughter relationships. Why did Molly‘s mother put her out on the streets in the first place? Why is Brooke’s relationship with her own mother just as difficult as Molly’s? Is there anything Brooke can do to help Molly?
My favorite part of the book was that both Molly and Brooke realize that they have no choice but to live through the stressfull situation they find themselves in. Neither had the time nor inclination to just give up or fall apart. Both were strong and determined. Like her other recent novels: STAY and What HAPPENED TO LUIS VELEZ Hyde has given us another tender and triumphant story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Lake Union
Published May 19, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
August 13, 2020
I am a big fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde's writing. There were many of her books that I really liked and Brave Girl, Quiet Girl was no exception. As soon as I began reading this book I was hooked. It was so hard to put down. The characters were well developed and very believable. It was fast paced and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
The story took place in Los Angeles, California. Brooke, a thirty-nine year old divorced mother, and her two year old daughter, Etta, were living in Brooke's mother home. Brooke was down on her luck. She had married for love but her and husband turned out to have opposing opinions about having a child. Brooke's husband made it very clear that he never wanted to have a child. Brooke, on the other hand, always wanted a family. She always felt that her husband would change his mind but he never did. When Brooke discovered that she was indeed pregnant, her marriage fell apart and she found herself with no choice but to move back to her childhood home with her daughter. Brooke and her mother did not have a good relationship. Her mother was just not a warm, loving person. She was not a nice person. Brooke tolerated her only because she needed her at this time in her life.
One night, Brooke had had just about all she could stand from her negative mother and decided to take Etta and go to a movie. Brooke's mother insisted that Brooke take her car instead of Brooke's old, unreliable one. During the movie, Etta fell asleep. When the movie was over, Brooke carried sleeping Etta to the car and secured her in her car seat. When Brooke tried to fasten her own seat belt she had such difficulty that she gave up and started driving home. That was something Brooke would have done differently if she had a second chance. Her mother's car was expensive and stood out. On the way home, her mother's fancy car was carjacked. Brooke was literally pulled out of the car and the carjacker sped away. The shock of being pulled from her mother's car would have been traumatizing enough but Brooke suddenly realized that Etta was still strapped into her car seat asleep in the back seat of the car that was getting away from her.
That same night, a homeless, sixteen year old girl, Molly, was out collecting recyclables when she spotted something that looked out of place. As she walked closer, Molly, discovered a car seat with a child still in it. Molly decided that she could not leave this little girl on the street. In that instance, she knew that she had to protect this little girl. Molly took the child out of her car seat and carried her and the car seat to the crate where she and her friend were living. How was she going to let the police know that she found a little girl? Molly did not have a phone and it was not safe to be out on the streets at that hour. She would do everything in her power, though, to keep the little girl safe.
After a terrorizing night and part of a day, Molly was finally able to stop a police car and explain how she found the baby. The police officers brought Molly and the baby to a police station where Etta was finally reunited with Brooke. From that point on Molly's and Brooke's lives became intersected and woven together. In alternating chapters, Molly and Brooke shared their stories, worries, concerns, fears and intentions. Sometimes the most unlikely people are thrown together and come to understand, like, care and trust each other. This was a story about family dynamics, sexual preferences, trust, love, wealth, poverty, homelessness, and respect for others.
I really enjoyed reading Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde and highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing in a goodreads give away. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story took place in Los Angeles, California. Brooke, a thirty-nine year old divorced mother, and her two year old daughter, Etta, were living in Brooke's mother home. Brooke was down on her luck. She had married for love but her and husband turned out to have opposing opinions about having a child. Brooke's husband made it very clear that he never wanted to have a child. Brooke, on the other hand, always wanted a family. She always felt that her husband would change his mind but he never did. When Brooke discovered that she was indeed pregnant, her marriage fell apart and she found herself with no choice but to move back to her childhood home with her daughter. Brooke and her mother did not have a good relationship. Her mother was just not a warm, loving person. She was not a nice person. Brooke tolerated her only because she needed her at this time in her life.
One night, Brooke had had just about all she could stand from her negative mother and decided to take Etta and go to a movie. Brooke's mother insisted that Brooke take her car instead of Brooke's old, unreliable one. During the movie, Etta fell asleep. When the movie was over, Brooke carried sleeping Etta to the car and secured her in her car seat. When Brooke tried to fasten her own seat belt she had such difficulty that she gave up and started driving home. That was something Brooke would have done differently if she had a second chance. Her mother's car was expensive and stood out. On the way home, her mother's fancy car was carjacked. Brooke was literally pulled out of the car and the carjacker sped away. The shock of being pulled from her mother's car would have been traumatizing enough but Brooke suddenly realized that Etta was still strapped into her car seat asleep in the back seat of the car that was getting away from her.
That same night, a homeless, sixteen year old girl, Molly, was out collecting recyclables when she spotted something that looked out of place. As she walked closer, Molly, discovered a car seat with a child still in it. Molly decided that she could not leave this little girl on the street. In that instance, she knew that she had to protect this little girl. Molly took the child out of her car seat and carried her and the car seat to the crate where she and her friend were living. How was she going to let the police know that she found a little girl? Molly did not have a phone and it was not safe to be out on the streets at that hour. She would do everything in her power, though, to keep the little girl safe.
After a terrorizing night and part of a day, Molly was finally able to stop a police car and explain how she found the baby. The police officers brought Molly and the baby to a police station where Etta was finally reunited with Brooke. From that point on Molly's and Brooke's lives became intersected and woven together. In alternating chapters, Molly and Brooke shared their stories, worries, concerns, fears and intentions. Sometimes the most unlikely people are thrown together and come to understand, like, care and trust each other. This was a story about family dynamics, sexual preferences, trust, love, wealth, poverty, homelessness, and respect for others.
I really enjoyed reading Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde and highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing in a goodreads give away. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 3, 2021
Brooke's divorced from her husband David, they have a two year old daughter Etta and he's not present in her life. Broke, Brooke moves in with her mother, her mum isn’t easy to live with and she criticizes everything she does. One night Brooke’s driving her mother’s expensive Mercedes, when she’s carjacked and Etta’s strapped into her car seat in the back. The car speeds off into the Los Angeles night, Brooke frantically goes to the nearest police station, and officer Grace Beatty issues an amber alert.
Molly, is a sixteen year old homeless teenager, living in a wooden crate and she finds Etta sitting in her car seat on the side of the road. Molly understands little Etta’s in danger, three teenage boys are looking for her, they know about the amber alert and they want to demand a ransom from Etta’s family. Molly does an amazing job of looking after Etta, keeping her safe, calm and chases down a police patrol the next morning.
Brooke and Molly meet at the police station, she takes Etta off to be checked by a doctor and she doesn’t really consider what Molly did for her for her daughter. A few days later, Grace Beatty explains to Brooke what Molly did to keep Etta safe, she’d judged her very harshly and Brooke needs to thank her.
This is the start of a friendship, between Brooke and Molly, under the dirt and grime Brooke sees that Molly’s a kind, thoughtful and honest person. It makes Brooke think about how lucky she is, she wants to help Molly and the journey they go on together is life changing for them both. Brave Girl, Quiet Girl, is an emotional, uplifting story, and the ending had me in tears. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and Catherine Ryan Hyde writes incredible, meaningful books that tug at your heartstrings and five stars from me.
Molly, is a sixteen year old homeless teenager, living in a wooden crate and she finds Etta sitting in her car seat on the side of the road. Molly understands little Etta’s in danger, three teenage boys are looking for her, they know about the amber alert and they want to demand a ransom from Etta’s family. Molly does an amazing job of looking after Etta, keeping her safe, calm and chases down a police patrol the next morning.
Brooke and Molly meet at the police station, she takes Etta off to be checked by a doctor and she doesn’t really consider what Molly did for her for her daughter. A few days later, Grace Beatty explains to Brooke what Molly did to keep Etta safe, she’d judged her very harshly and Brooke needs to thank her.
This is the start of a friendship, between Brooke and Molly, under the dirt and grime Brooke sees that Molly’s a kind, thoughtful and honest person. It makes Brooke think about how lucky she is, she wants to help Molly and the journey they go on together is life changing for them both. Brave Girl, Quiet Girl, is an emotional, uplifting story, and the ending had me in tears. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and Catherine Ryan Hyde writes incredible, meaningful books that tug at your heartstrings and five stars from me.
May 28, 2021
I like most of Ms Hyde's books as they usually have heart and deal with people on a journey, where things happen and resolution comes by the end. I liked this journey perhaps the most of all her books.
The three main characters: Brook, a mum who has her two year old taken in a carjacking, Molly, a homeless 16 year old doing it tough in LA on the streets and of course our wonderful 2 year old Etta.
The story takes many turns and it is often an emotional read, but Ms Hyde is always in control and writes well. Finally a book without a bad male character, but two awful mothers. Just saying, a nice change for me.
Recommended.
The three main characters: Brook, a mum who has her two year old taken in a carjacking, Molly, a homeless 16 year old doing it tough in LA on the streets and of course our wonderful 2 year old Etta.
The story takes many turns and it is often an emotional read, but Ms Hyde is always in control and writes well. Finally a book without a bad male character, but two awful mothers. Just saying, a nice change for me.
Recommended.
May 19, 2020
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is another powerful stand-alone Lovely Book by the Queen of thought-provoking heart-warming contemporary fiction. Once again she has created brilliantly real characters who somehow make the right choices in a tough world.
Brooke is a stressed out single mother doing a low wage job, who has been forced to return to her difficult mother’s house to save money. Driving home from a movie, she is car-jacked and thrown from it, watching in despair as her two year old daughter Etta is driven away from her. Molly is sixteen and living on the streets of LA with her best friend Bodhi. When she finds a baby in a car seat by the side of the road in a deserted part of the city, she knows she must care for and protect her even when she has nothing and no way to call for help.
Ryan Hyde has a knack for creating sensitive, kind and courageous teenagers who defy all the stereotypes, and then putting them in terrible predicaments.
This is told from Brooke and Molly’s alternating viewpoints, which worked well as we follow their stories. Molly is likeable right from the start - despite being homeless, she refuses to steal or litter, and immediately puts little Etta’s needs above her own. The reasons behind her being thrown out of home were heart-breaking but not a huge surprise. Brooke, on the other hand, took half the book to win me over - a victim of her own selfish choices and pride, one of the major themes of the book was how she redeems herself and learns that there are many different ways to be a mother.
This books shines a deeply unflattering light on the US welfare system, with children exploited by grasping foster parents, teenagers thrown in jail for stealing food, and police officers unable to help even if they want to. Sure, there’s also a major homelessness problem here, but there is at least a safety net that seems completely lacking there, if this book is based on fact.
I’ve now read 7 or 8 books by this author and loved nearly all of them - thankfully she’s got many more for me to acquire. I particularly like that she doesn’t rely on romance to provide a happy ending, focussing instead on the other kinds of love that make the world go round. 4.5 rounded up for all-round great story-telling.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is published today.
Brooke is a stressed out single mother doing a low wage job, who has been forced to return to her difficult mother’s house to save money. Driving home from a movie, she is car-jacked and thrown from it, watching in despair as her two year old daughter Etta is driven away from her. Molly is sixteen and living on the streets of LA with her best friend Bodhi. When she finds a baby in a car seat by the side of the road in a deserted part of the city, she knows she must care for and protect her even when she has nothing and no way to call for help.
Ryan Hyde has a knack for creating sensitive, kind and courageous teenagers who defy all the stereotypes, and then putting them in terrible predicaments.
This is told from Brooke and Molly’s alternating viewpoints, which worked well as we follow their stories. Molly is likeable right from the start - despite being homeless, she refuses to steal or litter, and immediately puts little Etta’s needs above her own. The reasons behind her being thrown out of home were heart-breaking but not a huge surprise. Brooke, on the other hand, took half the book to win me over - a victim of her own selfish choices and pride, one of the major themes of the book was how she redeems herself and learns that there are many different ways to be a mother.
This books shines a deeply unflattering light on the US welfare system, with children exploited by grasping foster parents, teenagers thrown in jail for stealing food, and police officers unable to help even if they want to. Sure, there’s also a major homelessness problem here, but there is at least a safety net that seems completely lacking there, if this book is based on fact.
I’ve now read 7 or 8 books by this author and loved nearly all of them - thankfully she’s got many more for me to acquire. I particularly like that she doesn’t rely on romance to provide a happy ending, focussing instead on the other kinds of love that make the world go round. 4.5 rounded up for all-round great story-telling.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is published today.
June 1, 2020
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is my first novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde and it won't be my last!
The story opens with Etta, a little girl, stolen in a car jacking. She is then abandoned on a street, in a sketchy area, still in her car seat. Found by Molly, a homeless teenager, she protects Etta from harm until it is safe to take her to the police where she is returned to Brooke, Etta's frantic mother.
The story focuses on the struggles of living on the street, as well as the relationship between Molly and Brooke. It is one that develops and is the heart of the story.
Superb writing and a great storyline!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The story opens with Etta, a little girl, stolen in a car jacking. She is then abandoned on a street, in a sketchy area, still in her car seat. Found by Molly, a homeless teenager, she protects Etta from harm until it is safe to take her to the police where she is returned to Brooke, Etta's frantic mother.
The story focuses on the struggles of living on the street, as well as the relationship between Molly and Brooke. It is one that develops and is the heart of the story.
Superb writing and a great storyline!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say it was not my favorite.
It starts out pretty exciting with a child abduction, rescue, and reunion. That is where is starts to just drag. It seems like it takes a really long time for anything to happen and when it does it is very predictable. It was a book that I just wanted to get done with so I could go on to another one.
It starts out pretty exciting with a child abduction, rescue, and reunion. That is where is starts to just drag. It seems like it takes a really long time for anything to happen and when it does it is very predictable. It was a book that I just wanted to get done with so I could go on to another one.
May 8, 2020
“A slice of hot pizza almost sounded too good to be true. I didn’t want to look forward to it, because I thought she might be lying about it, because it felt like nothing as good as that could exist in the world anymore, or at least not anywhere near me and my rotten luck.”
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a novel by American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. It happens in seconds. Brooke is driving home in her mother’s late-model BMW when a balaclava’d man drags her out of the car and drives off with Etta, her two-year-old daughter, in the car seat. Frantic hours follow. Her mother, usually an overflowing font of criticism and negativity, is marginally supportive.
Brooke offers up prayers to the sky: “Please be gentle with her. Please don’t hurt her. Please comfort her when she cries. Please don’t let her be too scared. She’s a good girl. She’s totally innocent. She doesn’t deserve anything bad from anybody. Please take good care of her and get her back to me.”
Sixteen-year-old Molly has been living on the street for some months. Tonight, she’s managed to pick up enough bottles to nett her $1.42, and is returning from a long walk to the twenty-four-hour market with a banana and an apple when she comes across a child’s car seat, there on the pavement. Thoughts of selling it evaporate, however, when she sees a tearful baby strapped into it. No parents appear when Molly shouts. She can’t leave the baby there.
Back at their make-shift shelter, Molly waits for her friend, Bodhi. They need to take the baby to the police, for sure, but subsequent events put them in danger and they go into hiding. Soon, Molly is alone with a baby and a bare minimum of food and drink, determined to protect this child despite the unasked-for responsibility.
These events play out in the first third of the book; from there on, it is the interaction between Molly and Brooke that takes centre stage. Amid misunderstandings, incorrect assumptions and unfair judgements, these two eventually find their way through several turns to the ending we are all hoping for.
Ryan Hyde has a talent for creating multi-faceted characters and this story is no exception. Molly understandably finds it difficult to trust, given her history, but is wise and perceptive, and often seems like the adult in the situation. And Ryan Hyde certainly knows how to tug at the heartstrings so have the tissues handy and maybe don’t read this in public.
As well as examining the bond between mothers and daughters, she explores societal attitudes to homelessness with insight and intelligence: “I know that people like to pretend you got yourself into the trouble you’re in by doing something that they would know better than to do. That way they can pretend that bad stuff like that happens for a reason and they can just stay out of the way of that reason.” Enormously moving and thought-provoking, this is another brilliant read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a novel by American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. It happens in seconds. Brooke is driving home in her mother’s late-model BMW when a balaclava’d man drags her out of the car and drives off with Etta, her two-year-old daughter, in the car seat. Frantic hours follow. Her mother, usually an overflowing font of criticism and negativity, is marginally supportive.
Brooke offers up prayers to the sky: “Please be gentle with her. Please don’t hurt her. Please comfort her when she cries. Please don’t let her be too scared. She’s a good girl. She’s totally innocent. She doesn’t deserve anything bad from anybody. Please take good care of her and get her back to me.”
Sixteen-year-old Molly has been living on the street for some months. Tonight, she’s managed to pick up enough bottles to nett her $1.42, and is returning from a long walk to the twenty-four-hour market with a banana and an apple when she comes across a child’s car seat, there on the pavement. Thoughts of selling it evaporate, however, when she sees a tearful baby strapped into it. No parents appear when Molly shouts. She can’t leave the baby there.
Back at their make-shift shelter, Molly waits for her friend, Bodhi. They need to take the baby to the police, for sure, but subsequent events put them in danger and they go into hiding. Soon, Molly is alone with a baby and a bare minimum of food and drink, determined to protect this child despite the unasked-for responsibility.
These events play out in the first third of the book; from there on, it is the interaction between Molly and Brooke that takes centre stage. Amid misunderstandings, incorrect assumptions and unfair judgements, these two eventually find their way through several turns to the ending we are all hoping for.
Ryan Hyde has a talent for creating multi-faceted characters and this story is no exception. Molly understandably finds it difficult to trust, given her history, but is wise and perceptive, and often seems like the adult in the situation. And Ryan Hyde certainly knows how to tug at the heartstrings so have the tissues handy and maybe don’t read this in public.
As well as examining the bond between mothers and daughters, she explores societal attitudes to homelessness with insight and intelligence: “I know that people like to pretend you got yourself into the trouble you’re in by doing something that they would know better than to do. That way they can pretend that bad stuff like that happens for a reason and they can just stay out of the way of that reason.” Enormously moving and thought-provoking, this is another brilliant read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing
May 19, 2020
Finally released 5-19-2020!!!!!
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a touching story about two very different, strong women. If I were to classify this novel, I would explain that it is partly a coming of age book combined with a light thriller or suspense novel. Truly though, it is much more than that. Two characters who each share their own point of view that are connected from one senseless night.
Brooke is a single mom running an errand with her cute little daughter, Etta. Her car is taken along with her child and her world will never be the same again. Molly is a teenager who also happens to be homeless and she is the one who finds Etta, abandoned on the side of the road in a bad area of town in her car seat.
The book begins with the desperation that Brooke feels and the care that Molly takes for someone's little girl but it winds up spotlighting deep issues including how we treat the homeless. There are other issues that author Catherine Ryan Hyde handles with skill and grace as we get to know Molly, Etta, and Brooke better. I will say that Hyde has a way of drawing characters that are visible to the naked eye through the words and paragraphs on the pages of Brave Girl, Quiet Girl. I was not ready for the novel to be over or to say goodbye to these lovely women (and little Etta too). Why? Because somehow I wound up drawn into their imperfect world with all their mistakes and insecurities...into the hearts deep within. Truly a touching book!! So Highly recommend!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Lake Union Publishing for this temporary, digital advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a touching story about two very different, strong women. If I were to classify this novel, I would explain that it is partly a coming of age book combined with a light thriller or suspense novel. Truly though, it is much more than that. Two characters who each share their own point of view that are connected from one senseless night.
Brooke is a single mom running an errand with her cute little daughter, Etta. Her car is taken along with her child and her world will never be the same again. Molly is a teenager who also happens to be homeless and she is the one who finds Etta, abandoned on the side of the road in a bad area of town in her car seat.
The book begins with the desperation that Brooke feels and the care that Molly takes for someone's little girl but it winds up spotlighting deep issues including how we treat the homeless. There are other issues that author Catherine Ryan Hyde handles with skill and grace as we get to know Molly, Etta, and Brooke better. I will say that Hyde has a way of drawing characters that are visible to the naked eye through the words and paragraphs on the pages of Brave Girl, Quiet Girl. I was not ready for the novel to be over or to say goodbye to these lovely women (and little Etta too). Why? Because somehow I wound up drawn into their imperfect world with all their mistakes and insecurities...into the hearts deep within. Truly a touching book!! So Highly recommend!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Lake Union Publishing for this temporary, digital advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own.
December 13, 2019
I read an ARC of this book and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I have read all 35+ published books and numerous short stories, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and this next release is my absolute ALL TIME FAVORITE! Catherine had me holding my breath with suspense, and sitting very still... trying to be a brave girl, quiet girl, too. Catherine's stories always shine a spotlight on important human issues, and the messages in this book are vital! Thank you, Ms Hyde, for your continued efforts towards making our world a kinder, better place for ALL people! Brave Girl, Quiet Girl, is available on May 19, 2020. Be sure to grab a copy for yourself and share this story with family and friends.
May 4, 2020
I picked up this book when I saw the author's name. I recently read her book 'Stay' and just loved it and wanted to read more by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I was not disappointed.
In this book a single mother, Brooke takes her daughter, Etta, to the movies and she was the victim of a carjacking. Brooke was thrown from the car, but the attacker drove off with Etta still strapped in her carseat. Brooke is shattered as she watches the car drive away with her baby.
Molly, a homeless teenager, finds the carseat with the baby strapped in, quite a distance away from where the incident happened. Although Molly lives in a crate, her protective instincts kick in and she takes the baby with her to her crate and shelters her while she figures out how to get her home to whoever she belongs to.
Thsi is a complex book that is not just about a stolen child, but the relationships between mothers and daughters, overcoming prejudices, doing the right thing, love and loss, and about trust. I found the story touching and developed an emotional attachment to the characters, both Brooke and Molly. The plot was believable and kept my attention. I really like the author's writing style and the themes she wrapped into the story.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this book a single mother, Brooke takes her daughter, Etta, to the movies and she was the victim of a carjacking. Brooke was thrown from the car, but the attacker drove off with Etta still strapped in her carseat. Brooke is shattered as she watches the car drive away with her baby.
Molly, a homeless teenager, finds the carseat with the baby strapped in, quite a distance away from where the incident happened. Although Molly lives in a crate, her protective instincts kick in and she takes the baby with her to her crate and shelters her while she figures out how to get her home to whoever she belongs to.
Thsi is a complex book that is not just about a stolen child, but the relationships between mothers and daughters, overcoming prejudices, doing the right thing, love and loss, and about trust. I found the story touching and developed an emotional attachment to the characters, both Brooke and Molly. The plot was believable and kept my attention. I really like the author's writing style and the themes she wrapped into the story.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2022
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl is a story of troubled relationships, homelessness, the kindness of strangers, and resilience. Plot-wise it's rather predictable, but I enjoyed the story regardless. It was a quick read for me.
August 28, 2020
I liked this book but wasn't overly impressed with it. The story was interesting but to me it had more of a young adult feel about it, not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not a genre I normally read. The story seemed fairly realistic and the characters seem genuine although I didn't really connect with any of them. I have another of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books on my TBR so I'll give it a try and hopefully have better luck with it. I'd still recommend this book to a friend though.
July 30, 2020
4 Unlikely Friendship Stars
Things have gone from bad to worse for Brooke, she’s divorced, back living with her awful mother and struggling to make ends meet. Her two-year-old daughter Etta is amazing, and Brooke is trying to get ahead to make a better world for them. One night on the way back from a movie, Brooke’s car is carjacked with Etta in the backseat! I think every parent has worried about this at some point.
Brooke’s whole world is turned upside down as time goes by with no word on Etta’s whereabouts. I loved the LA cop who is helping Brooke. She’s down to earth and would be the sort of person I would want helping me!
The other storyline features a homeless teen, Molly, who happens to find Etta on the street, still strapped into her car seat. There are a series of dangerous events and Molly is forced to hide with Etta. Molly takes great care with the child and forms a strong bond with her. The unlikely friendship that forms later between Molly and Brooke takes some time to develop as both women have some issues to work through. I thought this one had a terrific ending.
I really enjoy this author’s writing style and the fact that she’s not afraid to tackle some tough subjects in her books. They are very relatable characters and the damaged relationships seem very real. This is my second book of hers with more to come!
This was a fun buddy read with Mary Beth.
Thank you to Catherine Ryan Hyde, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this one to read.
Things have gone from bad to worse for Brooke, she’s divorced, back living with her awful mother and struggling to make ends meet. Her two-year-old daughter Etta is amazing, and Brooke is trying to get ahead to make a better world for them. One night on the way back from a movie, Brooke’s car is carjacked with Etta in the backseat! I think every parent has worried about this at some point.
Brooke’s whole world is turned upside down as time goes by with no word on Etta’s whereabouts. I loved the LA cop who is helping Brooke. She’s down to earth and would be the sort of person I would want helping me!
The other storyline features a homeless teen, Molly, who happens to find Etta on the street, still strapped into her car seat. There are a series of dangerous events and Molly is forced to hide with Etta. Molly takes great care with the child and forms a strong bond with her. The unlikely friendship that forms later between Molly and Brooke takes some time to develop as both women have some issues to work through. I thought this one had a terrific ending.
I really enjoy this author’s writing style and the fact that she’s not afraid to tackle some tough subjects in her books. They are very relatable characters and the damaged relationships seem very real. This is my second book of hers with more to come!
This was a fun buddy read with Mary Beth.
Thank you to Catherine Ryan Hyde, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this one to read.
July 21, 2021
3.5 stars. This is a perfectly fine, take-a-break, kind of book. Catherine Ryan Hyde writes those emotion-tugging, not quite possible but we wish they were, books. Most of us are familiar with Pay It Forward, which was the first book of hers that I read, and occasionally I resort to reading her again, the way I sometimes tire of substantive film and go watch The Hallmark Channel. In her defense, she isn’t quite that formulaic.
In this book we meet single mother, Brooke, whose daughter, Etta, is taken from her by a man carjacking the Mercedes she is driving. The car is not her own, it is her mother’s, and she is not in the best of situations following a divorce. The second person central to this novel is a homeless sixteen year old, Molly, who finds Etta, strapped to her car seat and deserted on a street in a seedy part of town. What ensues is a story that could surely never happen, but seems completely plausible during the telling. I won’t give away any of the plot twists, but will say that much of what happens is fairly predictable.
What makes Hyde work well is her grasp of the emotions that are central to every human being, so that we recognize her characters as people we know or even people we are. In this respect, she reminds me very much of Anne Tyler. Molly becomes dear to us as the story progresses, because we begin thinking we don’t have anything in common with a homeless person, and then find that we absolutely do.
Ever felt abandoned? I guess I was thinking it was sad how they were just going on without me like nothing much had changed. Like I was a number in a math problem and they could just subtract me and get a different total and move on.
Wonder how people deal with their circumstances? We deal with everything, because, short of actually deciding not to live anymore, we don’t have any other option. Not one damned option.
Have a moment of insight into perspective? We were both nervous. And we had melded our nervousness into being nervous together. But we were nervous over two entirely different issues. And she could only tell me what was on her mind.
Realized even when it is about others, it is about us? ...because anytime a person gets that upset about somebody else’s situation, it’s a little bit their own situation, too. That’s one of those things that other people don’t always seem to notice, but I think you can pick up on stuff like that if you’re even halfway paying attention.
Break over, but we need them now and then.
In this book we meet single mother, Brooke, whose daughter, Etta, is taken from her by a man carjacking the Mercedes she is driving. The car is not her own, it is her mother’s, and she is not in the best of situations following a divorce. The second person central to this novel is a homeless sixteen year old, Molly, who finds Etta, strapped to her car seat and deserted on a street in a seedy part of town. What ensues is a story that could surely never happen, but seems completely plausible during the telling. I won’t give away any of the plot twists, but will say that much of what happens is fairly predictable.
What makes Hyde work well is her grasp of the emotions that are central to every human being, so that we recognize her characters as people we know or even people we are. In this respect, she reminds me very much of Anne Tyler. Molly becomes dear to us as the story progresses, because we begin thinking we don’t have anything in common with a homeless person, and then find that we absolutely do.
Ever felt abandoned? I guess I was thinking it was sad how they were just going on without me like nothing much had changed. Like I was a number in a math problem and they could just subtract me and get a different total and move on.
Wonder how people deal with their circumstances? We deal with everything, because, short of actually deciding not to live anymore, we don’t have any other option. Not one damned option.
Have a moment of insight into perspective? We were both nervous. And we had melded our nervousness into being nervous together. But we were nervous over two entirely different issues. And she could only tell me what was on her mind.
Realized even when it is about others, it is about us? ...because anytime a person gets that upset about somebody else’s situation, it’s a little bit their own situation, too. That’s one of those things that other people don’t always seem to notice, but I think you can pick up on stuff like that if you’re even halfway paying attention.
Break over, but we need them now and then.
May 29, 2020
Catherine Ryan Hyde has written many books (35+) but manages to keep her topics and characters fresh.
This emotional story begins when a car carrying mother and child is hijacked. Brooke, the mother, is thrown out and the car speeds away with Brooke’s toddler Etta still in the back seat. A homeless girl named Molly finds Etta out on the street late the same night still strapped into her car seat. Molly shelters Etta in a makeshift cardboard home which happens to be in the same neighborhood in which the carjacker lives. She makes several futile attempts to get help from strangers in finding Etta’s mother but a number of them turn away, seeing Molly as just a dirty homeless person not worthy of their attention. Three sets of relationships begin to unfold, highlighting family challenges, finding healing strength and transformation.
This emotional story begins when a car carrying mother and child is hijacked. Brooke, the mother, is thrown out and the car speeds away with Brooke’s toddler Etta still in the back seat. A homeless girl named Molly finds Etta out on the street late the same night still strapped into her car seat. Molly shelters Etta in a makeshift cardboard home which happens to be in the same neighborhood in which the carjacker lives. She makes several futile attempts to get help from strangers in finding Etta’s mother but a number of them turn away, seeing Molly as just a dirty homeless person not worthy of their attention. Three sets of relationships begin to unfold, highlighting family challenges, finding healing strength and transformation.
January 24, 2020
Such sadness and heartbreak throughout this book and sadly, this goes on all throughout the world. Whenever Catherine Ryan Hyde comes out with a new book, I gotta read it. They are all great! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
April 23, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 19, 2020
Brooke is recently divorced, and has moved back in with her mother and her two year old daughter, Etta. Although the relationship with her mother is strained at best, Brooke is doing the best she can to ensure her beloved daughter has a stable life. One day Brooke is carjacked, and she watches the carjacker drive away—with Etta in the backseat. Miles away, homeless teen Molly finds the toddler strapped into a carseat and abandoned on the side of the road. Unable to call for help, she takes Etta with her to her homeless camp, where they live together for several days before Molly is finally able to reach out to a policeman who return Etta to an ecstatic Brooke. During the next weeks, Molly and Brooke bond over their broken relationships with their mothers, and their love and adoration of Etta. As their lives continue to intertwine, both women find friendship and forgiveness in the most unexpected of places.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of over thirty-five books, and I am embarrassed to say I have only read two (Stay and Have You Seen Luis Velez?) but both of those novels left such an impression on me, that I was thrilled to be able to experience this new story. Hyde has a way of writing novels that uplift you and that renew your faith in humanity and, let’s face it, we all need a little of that these days.
Brooke and Molly are from two different worlds, but they both find and bond over similar life experiences, and the love of a little girl. Although tragic in parts, this novel is also full of joy and hope, which is how Hyde portrays life and the human spirit in all of her novels, and it is the part that I feel, everyone can relate to- finding light in any darkness, and finding family in unexpected places.
The ending of this novel was predictable, as novels of this genre usually are, but that does not make it any less enjoyable. I loved learning about Brooke and Molly, and enjoyed watching them bond and form a relationship, moving beyond their biases and judgments and growing as people.
This novel is easy to read, but the subject matter is deep and thought-provoking. The paths our lives could take as the result of one simple choice, is reflected in Hyde’s newest work. I thoroughly enjoyed “Brave Girl, Quiet Girl” and I will make it a personal mission to read the remainder of Hyde’s novels that I have not yet experienced.
Expected publication date: May 19, 2020
Brooke is recently divorced, and has moved back in with her mother and her two year old daughter, Etta. Although the relationship with her mother is strained at best, Brooke is doing the best she can to ensure her beloved daughter has a stable life. One day Brooke is carjacked, and she watches the carjacker drive away—with Etta in the backseat. Miles away, homeless teen Molly finds the toddler strapped into a carseat and abandoned on the side of the road. Unable to call for help, she takes Etta with her to her homeless camp, where they live together for several days before Molly is finally able to reach out to a policeman who return Etta to an ecstatic Brooke. During the next weeks, Molly and Brooke bond over their broken relationships with their mothers, and their love and adoration of Etta. As their lives continue to intertwine, both women find friendship and forgiveness in the most unexpected of places.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of over thirty-five books, and I am embarrassed to say I have only read two (Stay and Have You Seen Luis Velez?) but both of those novels left such an impression on me, that I was thrilled to be able to experience this new story. Hyde has a way of writing novels that uplift you and that renew your faith in humanity and, let’s face it, we all need a little of that these days.
Brooke and Molly are from two different worlds, but they both find and bond over similar life experiences, and the love of a little girl. Although tragic in parts, this novel is also full of joy and hope, which is how Hyde portrays life and the human spirit in all of her novels, and it is the part that I feel, everyone can relate to- finding light in any darkness, and finding family in unexpected places.
The ending of this novel was predictable, as novels of this genre usually are, but that does not make it any less enjoyable. I loved learning about Brooke and Molly, and enjoyed watching them bond and form a relationship, moving beyond their biases and judgments and growing as people.
This novel is easy to read, but the subject matter is deep and thought-provoking. The paths our lives could take as the result of one simple choice, is reflected in Hyde’s newest work. I thoroughly enjoyed “Brave Girl, Quiet Girl” and I will make it a personal mission to read the remainder of Hyde’s novels that I have not yet experienced.
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