Title: Take Me with You
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
First published June 10, 2014
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.2
Overview
In Catherine Ryan Hyde’s heartwarming novel, Take Me with You, August Shroeder is a grieving father who has been sober since his son’s tragic death. For years, he has taken a trip every summer, but this year’s pilgrimage to Yellowstone is different.
Instead of traveling with his son, he carries his ashes with him. Fate intervenes and August finds himself with two unexpected companions, two half-orphans in need of a home.
The journey they embark on together is about more than just reaching their destination. As they travel, they form an unbreakable bond that changes their lives forever, inspiring them to create a new destiny that they never could have imagined.
About the Author
Catherine Ryan Hyde has written 44 books, both published and upcoming. Some of her newer works include Dreaming of Flight, Boy Underground, Seven Perfect Things, My Name is Anton, Brave Girl, Quiet Girl, Stay, Have You Seen Luis Velez?, Just After Midnight, Heaven Adjacent, The Wake Up, Allie and Bea, Say Goodbye for Now, Leaving Blythe River, Ask Him Why, Worthy, The Language of Hoofbeats, Take Me With You, Walk Me Home, and When I Found You.
She also has two upcoming books titled So Long, Chester Wheeler and Just a Regular Boy.
Hyde has also written several other novels, such as When You Were Older, Where We Belong, Don’t Let Me Go, Second Hand Heart, Jumpstart the World, Becoming Chloe, Love in the Present Tense, The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance, Chasing Windmills, The Day I Killed James, and Diary of a Witness.
In addition, she co-authored a self-help guide for writers called How to be a Writer in the E-Age with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen.
One of Hyde’s most well-known works is Pay It Forward, a bestselling novel from 1999 that was adapted into a major motion picture by Warner Brothers. It was even selected for the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults list and translated into over 30 languages for distribution in more than two dozen countries.
In December 2014, Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition of the book. For younger readers, an age-appropriate edited version of the original novel called Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition was released by Simon & Schuster in August 2014, suitable for children as young as eight.
To learn more about Catherine Ryan Hyde and her works, visit her website.
Editoral Review
Take Me with You by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a heartwarming novel that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the power of connection. Hyde is a prolific author known for her poignant storytelling and ability to create characters that feel like real people.
Her latest offering is no exception, and it is sure to captivate readers with its emotional depth and uplifting message.
The novel follows the journey of August Shroeder, a widower and high school science teacher, who sets out on a road trip across the country with two troubled teenage boys. The boys, Seth and Henry, are both dealing with their own personal struggles, and their unlikely bond with August helps them to confront their demons and find a sense of purpose.
As they travel from California to Yellowstone National Park and back, they encounter a series of challenges and setbacks that test their resilience and bring them closer together.
Hyde’s writing is beautifully crafted and evocative, immersing readers in the vivid landscapes and intimate moments that make up the characters’ journey. The novel is also rich with themes of forgiveness, healing, and the power of human connection.
Through August’s interactions with Seth and Henry, Hyde explores the complex dynamics of grief, trauma, and the ways in which we can help each other to heal.
One of the novel’s strengths is its character development. August, Seth, and Henry are all complex and multi-dimensional, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Hyde does an excellent job of fleshing out their backstories and motivations, and the reader feels invested in their journey from the very beginning. The supporting characters are also well-drawn, with each one adding to the richness and depth of the story.
Another strength of the novel is its pacing. Despite its heavy themes, the book moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter building on the last to create a sense of momentum and urgency.
The road trip structure also allows for a sense of adventure and unpredictability, as the characters navigate their way through unfamiliar terrain and encounter unexpected obstacles.
However, there are a few areas where the book falls short. The plot can feel somewhat predictable at times, with certain developments feeling a bit too neat or contrived.
Additionally, the dialogue can be a bit stilted at times, with characters occasionally speaking in unrealistic or overly formal ways.
Despite these flaws, Take Me with You is a deeply moving and inspiring novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Its message of hope and connection is especially relevant in today’s world, where so many are struggling to find meaning and purpose.
Overall, this is a highly recommended read for anyone looking for a touching and uplifting story that will stay with them long after the final page. 4/5 stars.