An Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde brings heartwarming authenticity to the story of two strangers who find that kindness is a powerful antidote to fear. Raymond Jaffe feels like he doesn’t belong. Not with his mother’s new family. Not as a weekend guest with his father and his father’s wife. Not at school, where he’s an … father’s wife. Not at school, where he’s an outcast. After his best friend moves away, Raymond has only two real connections: to the feral cat he’s tamed and to a blind ninety-two-year-old woman in his building who’s introduced herself with a curious question: Have you seen Luis Velez?
Mildred Gutermann, a German Jew who narrowly escaped the Holocaust, has been alone since her caretaker disappeared. She turns to Raymond for help, and as he tries to track Luis down, a deep and unexpected friendship blossoms between the two.
Despondent at the loss of Luis, Mildred isolates herself further from a neighborhood devolving into bigotry and fear. Determined not to let her give up, Raymond helps her see that for every terrible act the world delivers, there is a mirror image of deep kindness, and Mildred helps Raymond see that there’s hope if you have someone to hold on to.
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Hopeful!
This book gives me hope in humanity. The characters are well developed providing a look at life from different age groups. I lived it.
Shares feelings and actions that too few people profess or put into actions. Demonstrates innate goodness of some humans.
As I read I kept thinking how timely for the current state of our country. I had tears many times as well as warm, happy feelings.
Great book. The characters are relatable and unforgettable. Definitely recommend.
A very sweet story. I enjoyed reading it. Unpredictable and original book. I will read more by this author. She is an excellent writer
I found the book a little heavy-handed, however, I do believe that is exactly what some need to get the point. And there are many points being made. Important ones.
The characters seem a little “too.” Too wise. Too confused. Too stereotypical. Again, I think it’s the blatantness of such things that will make those who are on the edge of seeing, truly SEE.
I just loved this book Her two main characters are well-developed, and we get to know them and treasure them.
This author very often tells tales about creating or recreating family, kin or not. This is my favorite of the probably eight books I’ve read by Hyde.m, and though the plots are very different from one another, most of them have the same theme. That theme encourages me.
It is a beautifully-written, heartwarming story.
This book, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, touched my soul. It made me feel I can still believe in the good in people. It gave me hope that we can still trust our youngsters to know right from wrong, feel compassion for those in need, and step in to help when they do. It is so easy to live in our society today and only see the dark side, the hopelessness, the non-compassionate side of people. I am so glad this book came along to help me open my eyes a little wider.
A timely reminder of the importance of kindness in today’s world.
Thought provoking
Sllow but interesting
A lovely story about the power of friendship and empathy. It challenges us to see the world through different eyes and acknowledge how privilege and tribalism shape society.
A beautiful, touching, thoughtful story .
This was such a good read. The story took a turn just around the time I thought it was headed in another direction. I’m so glad I read this one.
I really enjoyed the story of ateen
Loved the book!!!
Uplifting
Great coming-of-age story. Not always realistic but very current.