I really enjoyed this book. Some tears at the end. What a sad life this little boy lived. Great writing again from Catherine Ryan Hyde. I love her books! They never disappoint. One of my favorite authors!

What a poignant narrative. Remy lost his mom after which his dad took him up to the forest to live off the grid. It was obvious that his dad had mental issues and it was sad and scary to see the kind of life that Remy was being forced to live. Things got even sadder and more desperate when he was left alone to fend for himself.

I enjoyed this story and was curious about Remy's life in the woods and afterwards. I liked all the character development in this story and was especially drawn to Anne's family. My only niggle with this story of how fast Remy got over his experiences. I mean, I did want him to be okay but the portrayal of this seemed a little unrealistic. However, with the suspension of disbelief, this was an enjoyable, emotional read. I especially enjoyed the themes of second chances, motherhood and family.

3.5 stars rounded up.

To start, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances is one of my favorite books, so I was predisposed to enjoy this. This is a more surface level exploration of trauma and how it forms and shapes us; the difficulties are more environmental than what lies deep underneath. And I think core to Remy is that he never was unloved, he knew he was wanted despite the survivalist father and the depths of trauma/survival he needed to get to when he meets Anne.

It's a quick read, that speaks to the best of who we are and can be and the worst when fear and misunderstanding take over. It doesn't really break new territory but honestly sometimes we just need a balm, a story to remind us that there are happy endings in our bleak world. And that's why we keep moving.

This book was wonderful! It touches on a bunch of issues such a long COVID, the pandemic, school shootings, normalizing of therapy, marriage issues & adoption/fostering both people & pets all interwoven with the story of Remy and what happens to him. Catherine Ryan Hyde has this knack for writing the most lovely little boy characters & Remy was so great. As a parent of a son I could not imagine a little guy going through that but thank God for Anne, Chris, Peter and Janie who helped him process and heal from his trauma.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the chance to read this beautiful story in exchange for my review.

This beautifully written story will tug at every one of your heartstrings, while reminding you that there are still good people in this world.

Remy was raised by his survivalist father and taught to hide from the chaos of the outside world. So they go to live in a remote area of the woods where they hunt and live off of rations his father has stockpiled. But just before his eighth birthday, Remy’s father dies unexpectedly and he is left to fend for himself. When supplies run out, Remy is forced to set out on foot and eventually he finds himself near the rural town of Blaire.

Anne is a mother of two adopted children and she too is dealing with her own childhood rejection, which may be why she doesn’t see Remy as a lost cause. Taking in a nearly feral and silent child brings its own challenges, but Anne and her family want to show Remy that he can trust the world around him.

I think I enjoyed this story so much because it showed that people are always trying to navigate their way through this crazy world, and it’s okay to ask for help. It was no surprise that Remy had issues, especially considering how his father raised him to be afraid of so much, but by helping him, Anne was also helping herself and her family heal from their pasts traumas and rejections. This was such a deeply moving story, full of heart-wrenching moments, and I can’t recommend it enough!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a copy of this book to review.*

"Just a Regular Boy" is a story of survival, hope and unconditional love. Imagine a young boy who has been isolated from the world and left to fend for himself in the wilderness, since he had been five years old and a special family formed through the bonds of the heart rather than of blood. What will happen when these people are brought together - will there be discord or loving acceptance? What will it do to a child when they grow up in such extreme circumstances? And this is the story of "Just a Regular Boy"

Anne, the mother of two adopted children, begins to feel that she wants to foster and potentially adopt one more child, in order to fulfill her idea of a complete family. When she gets to know about Remy Blake, an eight year old boy who seems wild and feral because of his years long ordeal in the wilderness, she doesn't seem to stop herself from volunteering to foster him.

She expects that the arrangement will be quite challenging to both her and their family. The child requires a lot of physical and emotional support and the family rallies behind her to give their best. But something else happens which not one of them expected; Remy becomes the last piece of the puzzle which holds the family together.

Author Catherine Ryan Hyde has woven together a lovely tale portraying the best side of human beings, their potential for hope and goodness. The various ordeals Remy goes through were so very heartwrenching and the connections that he forges with the new members of his family was so very heartwarming to read. Hyde successfully manages to pull the reader completely into Remy's mind thus creating a totally engrossing and engaging story.

I can't recommend this book enough; most particularly if you are in the lookout for something which can engage your mind and heart completely.

I couldn't get into it. I think there is too much that is slow developing and maybe would be better for a person who likes comforting, slower books

This book kept making me cry, so for the few days I was reading it, I had to keep explaining to people I wasn't sick I was reading a really good book!
Remy is only five when his mother passes away, and his father takes him to live in a remote area in a tiny wood cabin. Remy is scared, cold and hungry. He doesn't think his father is right to take him away from the life and people he knew but he is too young to question his father's motives and force a change. So he has to accept his father's 'survivalist' ways and make do. Yet, he wonders if the world really is so bad, and if there is anyone out there that could help him.
Anne, is the mother of two foster children and suspects her husband is having an affair. When she confronts him he is offended but doesn't outright deny the accusation. She finds herself at an impasse and wondering how to get herself out of it. Then she hears about a young boy reportedly living wild and her curiosity is piqued.
This is a story with a big heart and it gave me a new appreciation for all that I have.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

I only read about 50% of this book. The story line was great, I just got fed up with all th COVID references.. Too many mask and vaccination card things. There wasn't any reason for these, only the authors views of what she thinks is important ( politically)

Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde
A week after finishing this book, I am still thinking about it. I loved the strong characters in the book and the roles each played.
Remy’s dad is a survivalist. He moves Remy (age 5) and himself high in the mountains, off the grid, to live. He believes the world is coming to an end. They live in a one room cabin, with enough food and supplies for about 2 years. Remy’s life as he knows it is ripped away from him as he tries to survive along with his father in this isolated location. They hunt and fish for the food they need in addition to the basic supplies that Remy’s dad brought up to the cabin. Things are not easy, especially in the winter. Remy has to be as independent as he is able to be at this young age. He often gets injured but is left to take care of them healing on their own (ex. broken ribs, broken leg). Just before his eighth birthday (although he doesn’t know his true age), his father dies unexpectedly. How will he survive without the only person who knows where they are?
Remy has been brought up to fear civilization and any person he comes in contact with. When he realizes that he will starve if he stays in the cabin, he sets out on foot to find food. Along the way, he begins to see lights on in houses and comes to the realization that people are still alive. He is finally found, frightened like a feral animal, injured, dirty, starving, and thirsty. He is brought to a nearby hospital where his recent as well as his old injuries are taken care of. He is fearful of everyone because they all wear masks- Covid is underway.
Anne is a foster mom to two children. She is contacted by the agency to possibly take in Remy while he heals (both physically as well as emotionally). She immediately takes a liking to Remy and the feeling seems mutual. It will be up to Anne as well as a wonderful psychologist to help Remy enter the world of civilization again. He husband Chris and her two foster children play important roles in Remy’s healing.
I could go on and on, but you need to read this book yourself to see the relationships between all the characters and how they all play a part in Remy’s new life. I loved the calm, nurturing and understanding voice of Anne. She takes on the hardest foster case ever.
The title of this book is perfect- all Remy desired when he was healing, was to be thought of as “just a regular boy”.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of Just a Regular Boy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Very readable. Remy is taken deep into the woods by his survivalist father, and then left to his own devices when his father dies. He’s taken in by Anne and her family, where he finds his forever home. I enjoyed this, but would have preferred a more in-depth examination of what drives those who believe that society will break down, to the extent that they endanger the lives of their children as well as more about the psychology of such children. Remy just seemed a little too unscathed after his traumatic experiences. Nevertheless, this was a satisfying, touching read with a host of really wonderful characters. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

Shortly after his mother's death, five year old Remy Blake is taken away from all he knows by his father Roy. Roy believes that society is coming to an end. The only way to stay safe is to live off-grid in a cabin he has readied in the woods. For years he struggles to learn the things his father tries to teach him. They have a good stash of supplies & once a year Roy goes to replenish them. Each year he seems less & less inclined to go. Just before his eighth birthday his father dies. Remy does his best to bury him. As supplies dwindle Remy struggles to decide what to do. Eventually he has to look for food. It is after breaking into a small store & being bitten by a dog that he is found.

Anne is the mum of two adopted once fostered teens. When she hears about this damaged, feral & terrified child she immediately wants to foster him. Will Remy ever recover & find his place in the real world?

This was a really touching story. The descriptions of Remy's life were very harrowing & my heart went out to that wee boy. It was well written & I couldn't put it down. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this moving book.

I really enjoyed this story of a hopeless and lost boy and the family that found him. It was a beautiful story of hope, motherhood, found family, and survival. I thought the writing was compelling and put me right in the story with these characters. The only thing that bugged me was that there was definitely quite a bit of suspension of disbelief I had to have as a reader, and it seemed like the author tried too hard to include current events (like covid... did that have to be in there?) that didn't really add to the story and just felt like too much. Overall though, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend!

What a wonderful book. It is both hopeful and heart wrenching. The story follows little Remy who lives off the grid until his father dies and it suddenly thrown back into the world. The writing and characters are so well drawn. Loved this book

This is another touching, heart warming story from this incredibly talented author. Just when I think I have a favorite, she outdoes herself once again. This is a book not to be missed.

It's beautifully written; so emotional and makes you think long and hard. An exceptional piece of writing by an author who doesn’t shy away from hard subjects!

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I really enjoyed this book. I normally read psychological thrillers so it's nice to read something totally different than that. Remy is a little boy who loses his mom and just lives with his dad, Roy. Roy is a survivalist and takes five years old Remy to live in a tiny and isolated cabin. There he teaches his son that everyone is bad and not to trust anyone. The book is told in parts by Remy and Anne, who later becomes an important person to him. I liked the characters and enjoyed the storyline.

"I'm just human, among billions of other humans, and I'm alive, and it's really hard being alive, and I don't want to admit it, because nobody around me is admitting it, and most of the time I don't know what I'm doing, and I'm scared"

Wow!!!! This book. I'm thing thing guys!!! I have recommended you this author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, before and I will just say this is another sign for you to go get her books!!! Just go read this author's books!!!

My respect goes to this author for this book. My most sincere respect!!! Wow!!! The way she always mix all subjects is amazing BUT with this book she made magic!!!! The way she was able to mix it all to present this perfectly written book amazes me.

"I know he figured people can hurt you, and probably that's true, but usually they don't, and anyway, nothing is worse than being all alone..."

I'll just tell you to get ready to love the characters and to be ready to bring the best of yourself. I didn't cry but I was about to a few times, I'll admit. The book is beautiful and brings up this unconditional love in the characters. I simply loved them. Even the ones at fault, because you get to know the why of everything.

Beginning to end, my respect goes to the author and this amazing story. For the way subjects like covid, school shootings, survivalist, trauma, fostering... were mentioned.

I will clap standing!!!!

I LOVED this book! "Just a Regular Boy" by Catherine Ryan Hyde is extraordinary. A moving story about a boy raised in the wilderness and a mom that is eager to foster, this book brought me to tears and played at my heartstrings. Told in the calm voice of this wonderful author, it's one of my new favorites. Highly recommend! Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Catherine Ryan Hyde never shies away from tackling a touch subject. Just a Regular Boy is the story of a child caught in tragedy and experiencing life as no little boy should. It’s also the story of a brave, compassionate and strong woman and her family. With the courage and love to reach the unlovable this story demonstrates what a difference an individual can make and how what appears to be is not always what is truth. Anne pours herself into Remy. A story you won’t soon forget.
I am thankful for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.