Dreaming of Flight
A Novel
by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of Dreaming of Flight in exchange for my honest review.
I was so very happy to receive Dreaming of Flight to review. She is by far a BLESS-ON in the way she makes you see her books rather than words. She is my number one to find a book you cannot wait to start and hate to end. A beautiful story of Stewie and Marilyn, they will stay in my heart. will live in my heart
What a brilliant kind soul Stewie is. I want to adopt him. NO spoilers, just a smile, and heavy heart.

This was a beautiful story, and i felt like i was watching a movie. I love Catherine's books as they are all really well written. I loved the characters and the feeling of the book.

Definitely recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

My thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone else.

Dreaming of Flight – Catherine Ryan Hyde

This novel is a bit different from those I typically read, but there’s just something so refreshing and heartwarming about Catherine Ryan Hyde’s storytelling, I just cannot pass her up. This latest gem is no exception!

Stewie Little is a young, empathic 11-year-old boy who resides with his older sister Stacey and his handicapped older brother Theo. Still reeling from the death of his grandmother, “Gam”, he devotes himself to her flock of chickens, and sells the eggs they produce to their neighbors. On this particular day, he has a couple dozen left over in his wagon, so he continues to a home a little farther up the road, where he happens upon Marilyn, a brash, irascible old woman, who reminds him strangely of his grandmother. He makes the sale and promises to return next week with more eggs.

Marilyn has her own quirks. She resides with a young single mother, gaining free room and board in exchange for childcare. As the reader quickly learns, Marilyn has memory issues and is fearful that the police are going to find her any day now. From day to day, the reader sees evidence of her dementia – her inability to remember things, like Stewie’s name - and her fear of being caught, but like most with early dementia, she covers it well.

In spite of these challenges, both Marilyn & Stewie find a little something in one another that neither knew they needed. Inspired by this little boy, Marilyn purchases a copy of the book, Stuart Little, so Stewie can read about his namesake. Shortly thereafter, she realizes that Stewie is unable to read. Angered over the school system seemingly failing this boy, Marilyn goes into town for a word with the principal, passing herself off as his grandmother. Then the police do come…with Stewie witnessing Marilyn’s arrest.

As Stewie struggles to understand the nuances of right and wrong, he begins to understand that people can do wrong things without being ‘bad’, and that people can deeply hurt the ones they love without ever meaning to. He also learns of the power of love, loss, grieving and acceptance, as well as the importance of moving on, and in doing so teaches the reader a thing or two as well.

A wonderful story, from a wonderful writer – will give you all the feels!!

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!

Highly sensitive, highly intelligent, highly lovable, that's our Stewie.
Caring for his deseased grandmother's hens, selling their eggs to the neighbours, he befriends Marilyn, an elderly lady with early dementia. This is their story. A fast read, filled with human emotion, love and laughter.

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC

I always enjoy reading Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books and I was delighted to receive a copy of her new book Dreaming of flight.
Some really great characters in this story about people struggling to fit in and make peace with their situation.
A feel good story that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review

I don’t know where to start on my review about this book. I enjoyed it tremendously!
The writing style, the characters, the realness of the story and the teachable moments - all of it.

“You’re just upset because she doesn’t say the same things she would have said before. Instead of being so sure about exactly how you want her to be, why can’t you just be glad because she’s there?” This conversation between Stewie and Marilyn’s daughter, Betty will stay with me.

In a world where I’ve found myself drawn to watching more television shows and movies than I read, this book made me want to read. I enjoyed the time spent following the story of eleven-year-old Stewie Little. A young boy who has lost several loved ones at a very early age. He lives with his older sister, Stacey and brother Theo.

Stewie continues to take care of his deceased grandmother’s chicken. One day on his egg delivery route he meets a new customer, Marilyn. Marilyn seems to be a tough character to deal with but Stewie found a liking to her, as her spry ways and mannerism reminds him of his Grandmother.

This starts the beginning of a relationship that Marilyn didn’t want to happen. Well neither did Stacey, Stewie’s older sister. Stacey’s concern for Stewie is touching to read. She recognize the many losses that Stewie has faced but she didn’t know what to do. Though their family was small I felt the closeness that the three must have needed to cope. At times it seemed they walked on egg shells for Stewie, but I like that Stewie is a strong and courageous young boy. I liked that if he didn’t understand something he spoke up. This was humorous in how he stated he didn’t know what words or phases meant. Marilyn always took the time to explain it to him. Marilyn came into Stewie’s life at a time when Stewie really needed her. And Stewie in turned was there for Marilyn. I enjoyed and took to heart the words of wisdom from Marilyn to Stewie, in face I’ve highlighted them on my Kindle, they are just that impacting. Towards the end of the book Stewie starts to give Marilyn and others words of wisdom. (Hence the quote at the start of this review)

The relationship between the two is beautiful and heart warming. I found joy that Stewie had someone he could be close to, that didn’t take advantage of him and also able to sense what he needed. Marilyn uplifted him up, educated him and filled a void that Stewie had. Stewie didn’t have biological parents or grandparents but he had a village. Dr. Briggs helped Stewie through his complicated emotions by giving him thought provoking questions. It was a little concerning that Stewie didn’t have friends his age, but I could see that Stewie was mature for his age and didn’t seem to fit in with others of his age.

The ending felt true to life, but also hurt. The author touched on a lot in this book. Loss, and grief, from both Stewie’s view and also Marilyn’s view. Overcoming what life throws at you, and having someone or people to help you along the way. That family or people that love you aren’t always blood related. That we should pay attention to those we love in case they do need help. Getting help is okay. Doing something good for someone else also helps you in return. It also gives some insight of those that are of age who feel like they have lost their freedom, their choice, and maybe even their personal rights once they’ve been moved into an assisted living facility.

I can go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book. So instead of reading my review I suggest you go ahead and get a copy of the book.

This is the "usual" type of Catherine Ryan Hyde book. You have an older and a younger character forming a friendship and helping each other. It is a coming of age book.

This was a beautiful story, and really well written. I could visualize this as a movie in my head the entire time. One thing that I loved is the writing style made me FEEL the characters and the times. It all had a hazy feel. Much like a gothic story has a dark feel, this one wasn't dark, but it was not a vivid, vibrant book - but it is not meant to be.

This book is one of those that is about the journey, not the destination - although that's a pretty great place too.

So why not 5 stars? I don't know if it was the book, or my mood or something else, but I didn't get that emotional sense of connect. I didn't close the book and go "wow", which I need for 5 stars.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which dd no impact my review.

As someone who generally reads Christian fiction, the decision to keep returning to a secular author like Catherine Ryan Hyde is not always an easy one for me. My personal preference is to read books about Christians or books where the characters have a literal come-to-Jesus moment. I know that I will find none of that in a Catherine Ryan Hyde book. Even so, I know that when I read four out of five of her books, I can expect to meet new characters with everyday challenges -- characters who will present me with unique insight into the human experience.

Am I, a proponent of Christian fiction, going to find characters whose lives, challenges, and resolutions of those challenges are going to encourage me to seek a deeper relationship with Christ in the pages of most CRH books? Probably not. Am I going to find encouragement about how to view some of my own challenges? Yes. Am I going to find nuggets of wisdom that will help me to take another step forward? Yes. Am I going to find sentences or paragraphs that make me want to be a better human being who treats human beings better? Yes.

The last two CRH books that I read (which were not necessarily the last two she published) didn't resonate with me. In fact, for the first time, I recently had to add one of them (Walter's Purple Heart" to my DNF (Did-Not-Finish) shelf. I just couldn't relate to the characters or their challenges. Did that stop me from requesting this latest book on NetGalley? No. Why? I will keep returning to CRH because I USUALLY learn a lesson about MYSELF that is going to impact my life and my relationships going forward.

"Dreaming of Flight" didn't have a complex plot; however, the characters really "spoke" to me. I think this book could be really encouraging to someone who is dealing with a loved one battling Alzheimer's, dementia, or a similar medical/mental issue.

For me, the most profound line, was: "the reason people aren't happy is because they have these ideas about what the world should be. And the world is never just what they think it ought to be. If the world has to be a certain way for you to be happy, then you'll never be happy." That line is going to be handwritten and place on my bulletin board. That message alone is worth reading this book for.

This author has always had such a keen sense and knowledge of human nature, and that is what draws me to her books over and over. I always learn a good lesson, that I may not have encountered or have come in contact with.
This story follows a young boy, Stewie Little, who lives with his sister, who takes care of him and his brother after losing his parents when he was too young to remember them, and also losing his only grandmother when he was young.
He, Stewie has certain things about him, especially after losing his Grandma that hold him back in life and bring out certain behaviors.
He took on tending to his Grandmothers hens and making a small business from selling their eggs in his neighborhood. One day he goes to a new home, where an eccentric older woman lived who kind of reminds him of his grandma, and they become unlikely friends.
From here the story becomes part mystery as they begin to visit more and more.
I have to say I love her books and these characters are all so interesting. I loved to see Stewie, and others growth as we go through this story.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.

Dreaming of Flight is a gentle contemporary coming of age story about a lonely 11 year old boy who befriends a crotchety old lady who reminds him of his late grandmother. I’ve read and adored the last six or so Ryan Hyde books, which all seem to feature astonishingly stoic and kind young people, and animals, but they are in no way formulaic. In this case, the animals are chickens, and the young person is Stewie Little, who sells their eggs to his neighbours to help support his family. While I adored intense, serious little Stewie, and enjoyed his story, I wasn’t as hooked as I usually am by her books, perhaps because I didn’t like Marilyn’s character. This was still a great read, for me it just didn’t reach the high bar she’s set with her previous books.

Stewart Little (yes, like the book/movie - which is an important plot point) lost his parents when he was a baby, and his grandmother “Gam” more recently. His older sister works tirelessly to support Stewie and his teenaged brother Theo, who has cerebral palsy. Stewie doesn’t have (or seem to want) any friends - his main passion is caring for his Gam’s chickens, and selling their eggs - “the freshest around”. Marilyn is a retired senior lodging with a stressed out single mother because she’s hiding from the authorities. One day he knocks on her door, beginning a relationship which will change both their lives.

“ the reason people aren’t happy is because they have these ideas about what the world should be. And the world is never just what they think it ought to be. If the world has to be a certain way for you to be happy, then you’ll never be happy. Heck, I’m only twelve and even I know that.”

This was another thought-provoking look at non-traditional family relationships and the impact of bereavement. Stewie and Marilyn each have a secret problem which keeps them isolated, and the way he patiently nudges his way into her life was sweet without being sickening. I thought the fact that Marilyn is not remotely loveable - but that Stewie persists with her anyway - was clever and made the plot more interesting. My favourite character was actually Dr Briggs the wise old psychologist who steers Stewie through his complicated emotional maze. I liked the optimistic ending although am not sure how healthy it is for a nearly teenaged boy to have no friends his own age. 4.5 rounded up for another unforgettable young character.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Dreaming of Flight is published on May 3.

This was such a lovely story, a real delight to read. Written with such sensitivity.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of Dreaming of Flight in exchange of my honest review.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is becoming a must read for me. This book was filled with so many heartbreaking and heartwarming moments.

Stewie is a young boy that has dealt with so much loss in his life already and doesn’t quite know how to process it all. Losing his parents as an infant, he and his siblings were left to be raised by their grandmother. After losing his grandmother, his goal was to keep her chickens alive. One day, while delivering eggs to neighbors, he meets an elderly lady and from there, a friendship blooms.

We watch as Stewie learns how to process his feelings and learns that sometimes, there are things beyond his control.

I love Catherine Ryan Hyde and this is not exception. I love the tale between Stewie, the young boy who lost his grandmother and the reserved older woman who reminds him of his grandmother. It’s heartwarming and real. Thanks for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books that packs an emotional punch. The character development and warmth of the story are beyond measure. This is my fourth book by this author and I love the persistent theme of characters who teach us to look for ways in which we can impact the lives of others, often by the simplest of means! This is a poignant story of intergenerational people helping meet each other's needs, each benefiting greatly from the relationship. Eleven-year-old Stewie, whose parents died when he was an infant, was raised by his grandmother who has recently passed. He makes a connection with an older neighbor while selling eggs, and together they learn from each other. Themes of Alzheimers, grief, anxiety, love, loss, childcare ,and more are woven through the story. Add this one to your to-be-read pile! You can thank me later! Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Gathering Ryan Hyde for the Advanced Readers Copy.

Another wonderful book by this author. It’s so hard enough for an adult to deal with death let alone a child. This child had lots of loses in his young life. He always seemed to manage his feelings.

This was a marvelously poignant book that depicted intergenerational love and how each generation can meet other’s needs. I was extremely touched by Stewie’s loving heart and how Marilyn connects to him even though she is losing her memory. As an adult child of a mother who suffered from dementia, I found the portrayal of Marilyn honest and believable. How we cling to freedom!! And the wonder of a young man’s good heart when he meets and befriends Marilyn, in part because he lost his parents and is struggling with his own identity. Brought together because Stewie is selling eggs from his hens (who he loves with a passion) and Marilyn starts buying them, they unknowingly support each other. He provides company and eggs; she teaches him to read.

In Marilyn, Stewie finds his “Gram” who has also passed away and when Marilyn is returned to the healthcare setting, Stewie finds other wonderful older people who support him. Pairing youth with age, perhaps the answer to many problems.

This is a great book and deserves to be read, especially by anyone with an aging parent.

Some great life lessons…. The people who surround Stewie are very supportive and loving and makes him realize that its alright to feel like he does after someone dies and goes away.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a master of stories with depth of characters and emotions. If you loved “Have You Seen Luis Velez?”, then “Dreaming of Flight” should be on your to be read list!

“Dreaming of Flight” is the story of Stewie, a young boy who sees the world a bit differently than most. He’s had a lot of loss in his life and struggles with connection. He wants to fix everything for everyone. That’s exhausting. The connection he feels to his Gam’s hens and an unlikely friendship with Marilyn frame a story of hardship but goodness shines through as does perseverance and love.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a fantastic heartwarming story! I love Catherine Ryan Hydes books and this one is no different. Her characters are so real and so easy to relate to. This story about a young boy and an older woman will tug at your heartstrings!

I read a Catherine Ryan Hyde book last year for book club and absolutely fell in love with her writing style. With "Dreaming of Flight", she kicked it out of the park again! This book immediately captured my heart. This was such a heart warming, beautiful book that every one should read! I seriously could not put it down.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!