Write your own review!
JMarie S./Tn.
Walk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The characters come alive and draw the reader into the action of the story.The plot is filled with a depth of understanding of the realities and tragedies that occur as a result of dysfunctional families. Sorrow , and injustice is replaced by the kindness of the characters that interact with the two teenagers along the way to finding home. As fiction, it offers book clubs a great opportunity to explore personalities, choices made by the characters, and decisions that are made based upon what you want to believe versus facts.
It also provides for a good discussion of bias and prejudice. The finality of the choices made leaves one a little sad , but also leaves the reader with hope for the future in spite of the past.
Lisa G. (Riverwoods, IL)
Walk Me Home
I loved this book and think it would make a wonderful book club discussion. It takes the concept of family one step further and addresses ingenuity, resourcefulness, self worth and most importantly trust. All gifts do not have to have strings attached and sometimes "thank you' is all that is needed. Learning this does not always come easy as in the case of the main character Carly.
Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Walk Me Home
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, the characters are believable, and I felt connected to them right from the very beginning.
Two sisters, sixteen and eleven, are left on their own after the death of their mother. They begin trying to get back to their mother's last boyfriend, the only family they have known, and make their way to a Native American reservation before they are forced to stop. There the 16 year old is forced to make some painful decisions.
It is a heartbreaking and touching story, and the pace of the writing makes it an easy read. It is a feel good story.
Marta M. (Santa Ana, CA)
Walk Me Home
Carly and Jen are very smart teenage girls. They are independent and extremely street smart and at the same time they are vulnerable and loving. To even have a plan like theirs is remarkable. I thought that the book was interesting and the ending was very good, though I kind of guessed what had happened to Jen. I recommend this book to all readers of Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Jean G. (Rockford, IL)
Where is "home"?
A surprisingly good novel considering its simply written, unadorned prose and brevity of descriptions. I found it to be more character driven, telling the story of two sisters, a teenager and a soon to be teenager. In its simplicity it is a fast read, but its many short sentences are thought provoking and meaningful. I found it held my interest and at times I could not put it down. Part One I felt was not very feasible, maybe it was more symbolic, but it will win the reader over as you start to care for the two sisters whose lives have been uprooted, through no fault of their own, leaving them to fend for themselves. A novel about tough choices, choices influenced by family history, past and present. As everyone goes about the business of daily living, you are drawn into their lives. enjoying the people they meet along the way. Book clubs should love to dissect the topics of family situations, decision making, and maturity. They may want to answer the questions "Is there a mythical or magical hand guiding us in the right direction?" and "Is there more than one meaning for "home?".
Molinda C. (Suffolk, VA)
A good read
Walk Me Home is a story about 2 sisters who are making their way to what they wish/hope will be a new home. Throughout their long walk they learn what home and love really are. Though this is a young adult novel, I was gratified to see that the children/young adult are not smarter than the grown ups. Though this book is somewhat predictable, it is a heart warming read that ends exactly how it should.
Kathleen S. (New Smyrna Beach, FL)
Walk Me Home Review
From the author of "Pay It Forward" comes a good read for a week at the beach. It is the story of two sisters whose Mother dies suddenly. The girls are trying to avoid foster care if they can locate an former friend of their Mom's. The trip the girls make is almost entirely on foot from Arizona to northern California. It seems sometimes too unbelievable to digest. The girls develop as independents though, and it is a good read.
Penny P. (Santa Barbara, CA)
A long walk
I didn't realize this book was for younger readers but I am happy I read it anyway. While it was hard to imagine girls this young out on their own it did speak to how resourceful and resilient people can be when necessary. It also showed that when life dosen't turn out as expected, we can move forward and find a new and different life. This book was an easy and quick read.