Catherine Ryan Hyde is currently on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Don’t Let Me Go. I was fascinated by this novel. The diverse group of characters, the range of Hyde’s writing skills, and a tightly wound plot equaled for a five-star review. The book switches back and forth between Grace and Billy, two completely opposite people. Grace is a nine year old girl with an addict mother, and Billy is a former Broadway dancer who is now an agoraphobic and has not stepped outside his apartment in years. When he keeps seeing Grace sitting alone outside the apartment building – day after day after day – he sums up the courage to at least make it to his porch and question the young girl. Her answer? “If I sit inside, then nobody will know I’m in trouble. And then nobody will help me.”
An eclectic group living in the apartment building bands together to help Grace. There is Billy, Rayleen the manicurist, older and quite lonely Ms. Hinman, bigoted Mr. Lafferty, and the kind Felipe. They take turns walking her to school, picking her up, caring for her in the evenings. At nine years old, Grace has an uncanny ability to understand that her mother is not doing the best job, especially when she is “loaded.” She clings to the stability and love her generous neighbors give her – but the situation takes a turn when the county is tipped off on what is happening, and comes poking around for answers.
Don’t Let Me Go was a heartwarming novel, and I loved every minute of it. The pages were filled with drama and love, and Grace just melted my heart. The unique relationship she formed with Billy was so beautiful, and I got tears in my eyes plenty of times while reading. This is a must-read!
[Rating: 5]**Everyone who leaves a comment on Catherine’s tour page will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Don’t Let Me Go before September 24 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Catherine has 4 backlist titles that will be available for Kindles coming in October! Check out:
Funerals for Horses
Earthquake Weather
Electric God
Walter’s Purple Heart
And When You Were Older (available now in the UK) will be will be on sale in the US in November – print and eBook!
Connect with Catherine!
My website: http://www.catherineryanhyde.com/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cryanhyde/
Buy the Book!
ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Me-Go-ebook/dp/B00896POTO
This book sounds terrific and I just purchased it via Kindle. I will send the receipt to you. Thanks!