Book Synopsis
An unforgettable novel about the power of friendship and kindness by the New York Times bestselling author of Pay It Forward.
In the summer of 1969, fourteen-year-old Lucas Painter carries a huge
weight on his shoulders. His brother is fighting in Vietnam. His
embattled parents are locked in a never-ending war. And his best friend,
Connor, is struggling with his own family issues. To find relief from
the chaos, Lucas takes long, meandering walks, and one day he veers into
the woods.
There he discovers an isolated cabin and two huge dogs. Frightened,
he runs. And the dogs run with him. Lucas finds unusual peace in running
with the dogs, and eventually he meets their owner, Zoe Dinsmore.
Closed off and haunted by a tragic past, Zoe has given up. She doesn’t
want to be saved. She wants out. But Lucas doesn’t want her to go, and
he sees an opportunity to bring more than one friend back into the
light. It’s either the best or worst idea he’s ever had, but Lucas isn’t
giving up on Zoe or Connor.
Their unexpected connection might be the saving grace that Zoe
thought she’d lost, that Connor needs, and that Lucas has been running
toward.
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My Review
Stay is the story of Lucas Painter. One morning in 1969, 14 year old Lucas goes running. He encounters two big dogs at a remote cabin in the woods. To his surprise, the dogs run with him. This leads to Lucas meeting the dogs' owner, Zoe Dinsmore. Zoe has chosen to live as a virtual hermit because of her tragic past and notoriety. During the same time, Lucas is concerned about his brother Roy, who is serving in Vietnam, and his best friend Connor, who is battling depression. This is the story of how one act of kindness sparks another, and another ... and lives are changed.
I wanted to read Stay because of the setting. I love anything related to the 1960's. I will admit that I also was curious about the dogs in the story!
I'm so glad I picked this book up. It is really an uplifting, life affirming read, about friendship and kindness and caring for others. Although this book is marketed for adults, I think it would be a fine young adult read, and I think teens would find this story very powerful.
The author captures small town life in the 1960's perfectly. The small town setting is very important to the story; several times news is seen traveling through the gossip grapevine from person to person in this little town.
Lucas is a wonderful character. He is such a good kid -- kind, compassionate, putting the needs of others first. I really cared about his story, and about the people he cared about (Zoe, Roy, and Connor) by extension. I was especially moved by the story of Lucas's brother Roy, and the strong bond between the two brothers.
The author's writing style is simple and direct and immensely appealing. The book begins:
"Is it just me, or does everybody have a day in their life like the one I'm about to retell? I'm talking about those days that act like a fulcrum between everything that came before and your brand-new life after" (p. 3).
The characterization in the book was also strong. I loved a lot of Zoe's homespun wisdom, like the words she shares with Lucas:
"Look ... Kid. Believe me or don't. It's up to you. But there's a better reason why you can't sit here on the porch for the rest of your life. Because you can't control other people. You can't be responsible for somebody else. Not if it's a fully grown adult human, you can't. Sooner or later you have to go home, and you know it" (p. 67).
These words, and the message of much of the book, harken back to the idea of the Serenity Prayer, although it is never directly mentioned -- doing what you can, but also knowing when to accept the things you cannot change.
I could go on and on about what a beautiful book this is. It's one of the most heartwarming, positive books I've read in a long time, and I recommend it highly to other readers.
Author Bio
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than thirty published and
forthcoming books. An avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur
photographer, she has released her first book of photos, 365 Days of Gratitude: Photos from a Beautiful World.
Her novel Pay It Forward was adapted into a major motion
picture, chosen by the American Library Association (ALA) for its Best
Book for Young Adults list, and translated into more than twenty-three
languages for distribution in over thirty countries. Both Becoming Chloe and Jumpstart the World were included on the ALA’s Rainbow List, and Jumpstart the World was a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards. Where We Belong won two Rainbow Awards in 2013, and The Language of Hoofbeats won a Rainbow Award in 2015.
More than fifty of her short stories have been published in the Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train, and many other journals, and in the anthologies Santa Barbara Stories and California Shorts and the bestselling anthology Dog Is My Co-Pilot.
Her stories have been honored in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest
and the Tobias Wolff Award and nominated for the O. Henry Award and the
Pushcart Prize. Three have been cited in The Best American Short Stories.
She is founder and former president (2000–2009) of the Pay It Forward
Foundation and still serves on its board of directors. As a
professional public speaker, she has addressed the National Conference
on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with AmeriCorps
members at the White House, and shared a dais with Bill Clinton.
Connect with Catherine
Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a copy of Stay. The giveaway ends at midnight on 12/12/19. The giveaway is open to U.S. readers, who can enter at the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be notified by email, and needs to respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.
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Book Synopsis
In this unforgettable novel, perfect for fans of An Unexpected Grace and A Dog’s Way Home,
a single mom and her chronically ill child receive a valuable lesson
from an unlikely source—a very special dog who unexpectedly enters their
lives and shows them that one person’s lost cause can be another’s
greatest gift . . .
Dr. Kate Blunt will do anything for her son, Jasper. Well, almost
anything. Since Jasper has the incurable lung disease cystic fibrosis,
Kate’s always told him he couldn’t get a dog. It’s a tough call, but
she’s a single mom taking care of a kid who fights for every breath he
takes. The daily medical routine that keeps Jasper alive is complicated
enough. Worse still, Kate’s personal resolve runs contrary to her work
as the veterinarian in charge of a Cape Cod animal shelter, where she is
on a mission to find forever homes for dogs in desperate need.
The scarred, mistreated wreck of a dog that turns up doesn’t stand a
chance. Named Whistler, he’s too old, too ugly. But the dog forms an
instantaneous bond with Jasper. Whistler never makes a sound, yet he
speaks to Jasper in a myriad of mysterious ways. The clock’s ticking,
the dog’s future hangs in the balance, and Jasper would do anything to
find him a home; but Whistler has chosen them—for a reason.
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My Review
The Wonder of Lost Causes is the story of Kate Blunt, a veterinarian at a small animal shelter and a single mom, her son Jasper, and a special dog named Whistler who changes their lives. Jasper has cystic fibrosis and Whistler is an abused stray dog who shows up at the shelter where Kate works. Jasper and Whistler develop a remarkable connection. The catch? Kate opposes adopting a dog because she wants their home to be allergen free for the sake of Jasper's lungs.
I wanted to read this novel from the moment I read the description and saw the cover photo. I am a lifelong dog person, and could not resist this story.
The book is told in alternating chapters by Kate and Jasper. Kate is a real type-A personality, so highly stressed that she has started taking Adderall secretly to feel better. She is protective of Jasper to an extreme extent. Jasper just wants to be a kid, to go camping, to play soccer, to have a dog. I have to admit that I liked Jasper from his first appearance and was really pulling for him to have a dog of his own.
What was especially remarkable about this novel was the connection between Jasper and Whistler. Jasper believes he actually can hear what Whistler is thinking, and Whistler seems to have picked out Jasper as his special person. Whistler is what many dog people would call his soulmate dog.
Dog people will love this book. For instance, this description by Jasper about a trip to the beach:
"As soon as all the dogs got off leash they went crazy, running around like their butts were on fire. They didn't stretch or warm up or pace themselves or worry who sees their white legs. They just do it, all or nothing, because they want to have fun. They're all about fun. I mean, when was the last time you saw a dog do grumpy or whiny or embarrassed? If we ate the exact same meal, day in, day out, we'd go nuts, we'd go on a hunger strike. Not dogs. They jump up and down, tail set to crazy time, snarfing down their kibble like it's prime rib. And and, and even when they sleep, they give it everything, out for the count, able to flop down anywhere. I mean, when was the last time you saw a dog chugging on a bottle of NyQuil?" (p. 321).
Although The Wonder of Lost Causes is over 400 pages, it was a very quick read, told engagingly with lots of conversation and great descriptions. It is a heartwarming book and the final chapter is sure to require a Kleenex or two. Recommended for dog lovers.
Author Bio
Dr. Nick Trout works full-time as a staff surgeon at the prestigious
Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. He is the author of five
previous books, including the New York Times bestseller Tell Me Where It
Hurts, and his writing has been translated into sixteen different
languages. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Kathy; their
daughter, Emily; their adopted labradoodle, Thai; and Emily’s service
dog, a black Labrador named Bella.
Find out more about him at his website.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.
Book Synopsis
Dearest loved ones, far and near—evergreen tidings from the Baumgartners!
Violet Baumgartner has opened her annual holiday letter the same way
for the past three decades. And this year she’s going to throw her
husband, Ed, a truly perfect retirement party, one worthy of
memorializing in her upcoming letter. But the event becomes a disaster
when, in front of two hundred guests, Violet learns her daughter Cerise
has been keeping a shocking secret from her, shattering Violet’s
carefully constructed world.
In an epic battle of wills, Violet goes to increasing lengths to
wrest back control of her family, infuriating Cerise and snaring their
family and friends in a very un-Midwestern, un-Baumgartner gyre of
dramatics. And there will be no explaining away the consequences in this
year’s Baumgartner holiday letter…
Full of humor, emotion and surprises at every turn, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners brings
to life a remarkable cast of quirky, deeply human characters who must
learn to adapt to the unconventional, or else risk losing one another.
This is the story of a family falling to pieces—and the unexpected way
they put it all back together.
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My Review
Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners tells the story of the Baumgartner family through a pivotal year ending, of course, at Christmas time. There is the formidable matriarch, Violet, her long suffering husband Ed, their daughter Cerise, and Cerise's partner Barb. But somehow there is much more, and it all adds up to an unusually fun holiday read!
I am in awe of the feat that Gretchen Anthony has pulled off with this novel. There is a large cast of characters and there are numerous flashbacks to Christmas letters and family moments from previous years. This is all handled so deftly. I especially loved how well developed and delineated the characters were in this novel.
I also loved the unique blend of humor and heart in this book. The humor is sly and sometimes laugh out loud funny. One of my favorite lines from an earlier Christmas letter by Violet: "I cannot believe that it was just five short years ago she left home with nothing but a fresh high school diploma, a laptop and a new Laura Ashley comforter (no one should leave for college without good bedding)" (p. 32). There is a dinner party in this novel that is one of the funniest scenes I can recall reading in a book.
And the characters! Violet is imposing and controling -- and yet I came to really like her by the end of the novel. Her husband Ed is salt of the earth, such a good and decent man. When their daughter Cerise tells them she and Barb are expecting, Violet is beside herself trying to find the paternity of the baby. That sets a chain of events into motion that continues through the novel. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil any of the plot twists. There was one little surprise after another.
Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners is such a fun holiday read! I highly recommend it -- you're in for a treat.
Author Bio
Gretchen Anthony is a Minnesota-based writer and humorist whose work
has been featured on scarymommy.com, medium.com and thewritelife.com.
She’s also spent decades as a ghostwriter and has written for some of
the best personal brands in the United States, from CEOs to doctors and
start-up superstars to BBQ pros. Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners
is her first novel.
Connect with Gretchen
Giveaway
One lucky winner will receive a print copy of Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners. (U.S. only). Enter at the Rafflecopter link below. Winner will be contacted after October 20, and will need to respond within 48 hours or a new name will be drawn. Good luck to all!
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I received a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours.
About The Reinvention of Albert Paugh
Dr. Albert Paugh is flunking retirement. After selling his Vashon
Island veterinary practice, he soon finds himself not only lost without
his work, but suddenly single. His efforts to carve out a new life, both
as a bachelor and a retiree, only leave him feeling like his golden
years are fast becoming years of gloom. His regrets pile up until he
moves to Baker’s Beach where he gets to know a very special neighbor,
learns that friends are the family you choose, and finds a new sense of
purpose. The Reinvention of Albert Paugh is a sweet, funny love story about retirees that will delight readers (and dog lovers) of any age.
My Review
The Reinvention of Albert Paugh is such a lovely read. I immediately liked Al, a recently retired veterinarian, and Bert, his loyal chocolate Lab. Al is at loose ends after retirement, and even more so when his wife suddenly and unexpectedly wants a divorce.
This is the story of how Al - and Bert, of course - move on to a new place and a new life. The story is told with warmth, humor, and a disarmingly realistic tone.
The descriptions of everything in this novel are so detailed and perfect. Al describes a trip to the beach: "The early morning showers had left rain-washed sunlight, a lemony light that filled this golden day of autumn. It was so beautiful and the air was so crisp, the kind of fall day that always made Al think of the first football game."
Then there are wry, unexpected observations like: "Al experienced all animals as sentient beings and often felt Bert was almost human until he saw the delight Bert took in rolling in rotten dead stuff."
Jean Davies Okimoto has a gift for distinct and creative characters. This includes some fine dialogue that really builds the story and moves the story along. I loved the way the story of Al and Bonnie unfolded. These are characters that I cared about, and enjoyed getting to know in this book.
I did not know what to expect from a novel about a retiree living on Vashon Island, slowly building a new life for himself. I'm so glad I took a chance on this unique and distinctive novel. I recommend it highly to dog lovers, readers interested in life in the Pacific Northwest, and anyone who loves warm, compassionate fiction.
About Jean Davies Okimoto
Jean
Davies Okimoto is an author and playwright whose books and short
stories have been translated into Japanese, Italian, Chinese, German,
Danish, Korean and Hebrew. She is the recipient of numerous awards
including Smithsonian Notable Book, the American
LibraryAssociation Best Book for Young Adults, the Washington Governor’s
Award and the International Reading Association Readers Choice
Award. Her picture book, Blumpoe the Grumpoe Meets Arnold the Cat was adapted by Shelly Duvall for the HBO and Showtime television series “Bedtime Stories.” Her debut novel for adults The Love Ceiling was
a season’s pick by the King County Library System, named to the ABA
Indie Next Reading Group List and ebook Fiction Winner in the 2009 Indie
Next Generation Awards. She has appeared on CNN, Oprah, and The Today
Show. Jeanie, who is also a retired psychotherapist, began writing for
adults when she and her husband Joe retired to Vashon Island in 2004
where they (and their dogs Bert and Willie) are visited by
deer families and their six grandchildren.
For more information on Ms. Okimoto, please visit her website at www.jeandaviesokimoto.com.
You can find the book at Amazon.
Giveaway
One lucky winner will win a copy of The Reinvention of Albert Paugh. Contest open to readers in the US and Canada.
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I received this book from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
