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Leaving Blythe River: A Novel Paperback – May 24, 2016

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 18,547 ratings

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From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes an unforgettable story of courage and finding forgiveness in an unforgiving wilderness.

Seventeen-year-old Ethan Underwood is totally unprepared to search for his father in the Blythe River National Wilderness. Not only is he small, scrawny, and skittish but he’s barely speaking to the man after a traumatic betrayal. Yet when his father vanishes from their remote cabin and rangers abandon the rescue mission, suddenly it’s up to Ethan to keep looking. Angry or not, he’s his father’s only hope.

With the help of three locals―a fearless seventy-year-old widow, a pack guide, and a former actor with limited outdoor skills―he heads into the wild. The days that follow transform Ethan’s world. Hail, punishing sun, swollen rapids, and exhausting pain leave him wondering if he’s been fooled yet again: Is his father out here at all? As the situation grows increasingly dire, Ethan realizes this quest has become about more than finding his dad.

From the bestselling author of Pay It Forward comes a story of nature revealing human nature―the trickiest terrain. Navigating an unforgiving landscape, Ethan searches himself for the ability to forgive his father―if he finds him alive.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Leaving Blythe River is a thoughtful tale of self-discovery set among the brutal and beautiful mountainous wilderness of the Blythe River Range. Beautiful and breathtaking, this novel stays with readers long after the last page is read.” RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

“Catherine Ryan Hyde is back with an adventure read that tugs at the heart.”
Sunset Magazine

“This courageous story of nature and a tumultuous father-son relationship is one of this year’s most moving reads.”
Working Mother magazine

About the Author

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of thirty-three published books. Her bestselling 1999 novel, Pay It Forward, adapted into a major Warner Bros. motion picture, made the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults list and was translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in more than thirty countries. Her novels Becoming Chloe and Jumpstart the World were included on the ALA’s Rainbow List; Jumpstart the World was also a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards and won Rainbow Awards in two categories. The Language of Hoofbeats won a Rainbow Award. More than fifty of her short stories have been published in many journals, including the Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, the Virginia Quarterly Review, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train, and the Sun, and in the anthologies Santa Barbara Stories and California Shorts, as well as the bestselling anthology Dog Is My Co-Pilot. Her short fiction received honorable mention in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest, a second-place win for the Tobias Wolff Award, and nominations for Best American Short Stories, the O. Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize. Three have also been cited in Best American Short Stories.

Hyde is the founder and former president of the Pay It Forward Foundation. 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. An avid equestrian, photographer, and traveler, she lives in California.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (May 24, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1503934462
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1503934467
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 18,547 ratings

About the author

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Catherine Ryan Hyde
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Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 40 published and forthcoming books.

An avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer and astrophotographer, she has a published book of photos, 365 DAYS OF GRATITUDE: PHOTOS FROM A BEAUTIFUL WORLD.

She is co-author, with fellow author and publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of HOW TO BE A WRITER IN THE E-AGE: A SELF-HELP GUIDE.

Her novel PAY IT FORWARD was adapted into a major motion picture, chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than 23 languages for distribution in over 30 countries. The paperback was released in October 2000 by Pocket Books and quickly became a national bestseller. Simon & Schuster released PAY IT FORWARD: YOUNG READERS' EDITION in August of '14. It is suitable for kids as young as eight. A special Fifteenth Anniversary Edition of the original PAY IT FORWARD was released in December of '14

LOVE IN THE PRESENT TENSE enjoyed bestseller status in the UK, where it broke the top ten, spent five weeks on the bestseller lists, was reviewed on a major TV book club, and shortlisted for a Best Read of the Year award at the British Book Awards. 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.

New Kindle editions of her backlist titles FUNERALS FOR HORSES, EARTHQUAKE WEATHER AND OTHER STORIES, ELECTRIC GOD, and WALTER'S PURPLE HEART are now available. Also available is THE LONG, STEEP PATH: EVERYDAY INSPIRATION FROM THE AUTHOR OF PAY IT FORWARD, her first book-length creative nonfiction.

More than 50 of her short stories have been published in The Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, The 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 Best American Short Stories, the O'Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize. Three have been cited in Best American Short Stories.

She is founder and former president (2000-2009) of the Pay It Forward Foundation, and served on its board of directors for over 20 years. 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.

For more information and book club questions for most backlist titles, please visit the author at catherineryanhyde.com (Note: The newer titles have book club questions included at the back of the book.)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
18,547 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They appreciate the likable characters and their realistic portrayal of animal personalities. The writing style is described as polished and prolific. Readers describe the book as heartwarming, touching, and inspirational. They mention that the book explores human relationships and father-son bonds. They also praise the characters' courage and perseverance. Overall, customers describe the adventure as enjoyable and worthwhile.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

932 customers mention "Story quality"875 positive57 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it well-written, believable, and adventurous. The characters are interesting and bring the story to life. Readers describe the book as a great coming-of-age story with a good family drama and adventure.

"...I felt the story was a little slow at first but the 2nd half was exciting and adventurous...." Read more

"...This makes for an excellent read. I know teens like this and the plot kept me reading way past my bed time...." Read more

"I enjoyed this story of a boy and his complicated relationship with his father...." Read more

"I enjoyed the story and the progression the characters made as they interacted between the scary adventure and the growth of the relationships...." Read more

277 customers mention "Character development"257 positive20 negative

Customers enjoy the book's characters. They find the horse and mule personalities accurate. The characters are likable and relatable, with Ethan being described as human and a good person.

"...All of her books are well written and have memorable characters. I'm thankful she is a prolific writer too!" Read more

"...There are some interesting characters in the book that the author describes well." Read more

"...The characters in this book are loaded with personality. Ethan is a typical teenager whose life is compounded by a self- absorbed father he hates...." Read more

"...Excellent read, the characters brought this story to life ! There is humor, heartbreak , as well as suspense and drama...." Read more

259 customers mention "Writing style"232 positive27 negative

Customers appreciate the author's writing style. They find it polished and easy to read. The book has well-defined characters and a great setting. It is not difficult for them to picture the adventures, challenges, and difficulties.

"...It gives me hope for the human race. All of her books are well written and have memorable characters. I'm thankful she is a prolific writer too!" Read more

"...There are some interesting characters in the book that the author describes well." Read more

"...Lovely descriptions." Read more

"I enjoyed the sequence of events to tell about the physical beauty of the surroundings as well as the interaction between father and son...." Read more

174 customers mention "Heartwarming"171 positive3 negative

Customers find the book touching and inspiring. They appreciate the depth of the characters' feelings and thoughts, as well as the author's knowledge of the human condition. The book focuses on real-life issues and emotional experiences.

"...It gives me hope for the human race. All of her books are well written and have memorable characters. I'm thankful she is a prolific writer too!" Read more

"...This book had it all and keeps you entertained while also dealing with sensitive subjects." Read more

"...This was a good story, it had the life lessons that Ms Hyde elequantly puts in her books...." Read more

"...in the midst of fear, love in the midst of hate, and hope in the most dire of circumstances, once again Hyde pulls at our heartstrings and brings a..." Read more

94 customers mention "Family ties"90 positive4 negative

Customers find the book relatable and heartwarming. They appreciate the father-son relationships and friendships that grow into family. The story is about learning to be yourself and dealing with a difficult relationship with a parent.

"This book deals with inner growth as well as building relationships. Excellent read, the characters brought this story to life !..." Read more

"...unexpected it’s a coming of age story but it’s also a book about complicated relationships. Another winner for Ms. Hyde" Read more

"...A story of courage in the midst of fear, love in the midst of hate, and hope in the most dire of circumstances, once again Hyde pulls at our..." Read more

"...the physical beauty of the surroundings as well as the interaction between father and son...." Read more

67 customers mention "Strength"67 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's strength. They find the characters brave and perseverant, showing strength and love in the midst of hardships. The story is about survival, relationships, and courage in the face of fear. Readers enjoy the true-to-life scenarios and the transformation of an oppressed teenager into a confident young man.

"...But will they be too late? A story of courage in the midst of fear, love in the midst of hate, and hope in the most dire of circumstances, once..." Read more

"...writes a beautifully-developed story about self-acceptance, overcoming personal fears and learning just how far we are really able to stretch beyond..." Read more

"Such true to life scenarios. People you can see by their description, can like for being real and for being genuine enough to say it like it is...." Read more

"...only a dairy of growing up, but psychological growth, truth, and metal strength." Read more

66 customers mention "Adventure"66 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's adventure. They find it insightful and realistic, with situations that draw them in. The story is about learning and finding oneself, and is a good introduction to relationships and personal growth.

"This book deals with inner growth as well as building relationships. Excellent read, the characters brought this story to life !..." Read more

"...Her characters are realistic, and the situations draw you in so much you cannot put the book down...." Read more

"...It gave a lot of insight to what made his dad tick and not be a great guy a lot of times" Read more

"...If you aren’t familiar with Catherine Ryan Hyde, this is a wonderful introduction. I highly recommend Leaving Blythe River...." Read more

91 customers mention "Pace"57 positive34 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's pacing. Some enjoyed it and read it quickly, finding it well-paced and refreshing. Others felt the story was a bit slow at first with frustrating time jumps.

"...of the craft that moves writing beyond entertainment to deep literature at its best...." Read more

"...I felt the story was a little slow at first but the 2nd half was exciting and adventurous...." Read more

"...I would read another of her books if it was my type. It was not slow reading. Enjoy your read!! 😄..." Read more

"...Still, I enjoyed it and read it though quickly, and it led me to more of her novels." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
    In a world that's been high jacked by political,.economic, and racial divisions Catherine Ryan Hyde's books gives breath to compassion and empathy. It gives me hope for the human race. All of her books are well written and have memorable characters. I'm thankful she is a prolific writer too!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2024
    I enjoyed reading this book about a teenage boy coming of age in the wilderness. It's about his relationship with his parents and specifically his father whom he does not get along with. It's ironic that he comes of age in the wilderness living with his father as he did not want to be there. I felt the story was a little slow at first but the 2nd half was exciting and adventurous. There are some interesting characters in the book that the author describes well.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
    CATHERINE Ryan Hyde just may become my favorite author. The characters in this book are loaded with personality. Ethan is a typical teenager whose life is compounded by a self- absorbed father he hates. This makes for an excellent read. I know teens like this and the plot kept me reading way past my bed time. I'm going to work on getting my friends hooked on this author also.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
    I enjoyed this story of a boy and his complicated relationship with his father. After several traumatic experiences, the boy, despite his fears, sets out to find his father in the wilderness.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
    I enjoyed the story and the progression the characters made as they interacted between the scary adventure and the growth of the relationships. Lovely descriptions.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
    This book deals with inner growth as well as building relationships. Excellent read, the characters brought this story to life ! There is humor, heartbreak , as well as suspense and drama.This book had it all and keeps you entertained while also dealing with sensitive subjects.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2019
    I love Catherine Hyde's writing and I have read almost every SINGLE one of her books. This was a good story, it had the life lessons that Ms Hyde elequantly puts in her books. The story line in this book had so many NON FEASIBLE problems that it made me irate. 1. You DO NOT TAKE a dog into bear country without a leash, even just out for its to releave itself . 2. You DO NOT TAKE a dog in the mountainous region without A LEASH, (for walking) and WITH A HARNESS AND A LIFE VEST WHEN they were crossing the water with the horses. (the only thing that they had was a rope... seriously,,,a rope around what, his collar that can be pulled off with not much pressure. 3 AND WHY IN GODS NAME DID IT TAKE so long before they realized the dog should have been put on the mule with him to save the poor dog from exhaustion and bloody feet. 4. And this is what I take exception to the most. the writer leaves the reader hanging for an entire chapter while the boy is lowered down over a cliff,,,the other person in the search party has taken off on horse back, and THE WHOLE TIME THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE RESCUE TEAM, YOU ARE COMPLETELY IN THE DARK WONDERING WHERE THE DOG IS ! SERIOUSLY IT WAS SO IRRESPONSIBLE AND STRESSFUL FOR ME TO SIT THERE AND WONDER HOW IN THE WORLD THIS DOG IS SAFE. I am sitting there through the whole ordeal wondering if the dog is sitting on the cliff by itself or if it wandered off or how the heck anyone can be so stupid as to leave it there to begin with alone. Its just not a feasible that anyone could think that this was responsible pet ownership or writing. I found it very surprising since she has written about horses with such love and great care. Other than that it was a good story. It just was very stressful
    64 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
    I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. The unfortunate part of that is I read it in a day & a half. I like a good book to last a bit longer. I loved some of the characters in the story as well.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lorrisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome story!!
    Reviewed in Canada on August 31, 2022
    What an amazing story. All of her books are so well written and engaging. So descriptive I could see it all. Highly recommend this book!
  • gerri
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2024
    Absolutely Incredible and I loved this book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
    Exploring relationships between father and son and others that the son comes into contact with was a true learning curve for the teenager.
  • Neethi Shastry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in India on February 26, 2023
    Great read. Love the emotional journeys of Catherine's books.
    Every story is touching and full of life and human emotions.
  • J. Manning
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very good read
    Reviewed in France on April 3, 2019
    This author grips the reader's attention from page one to the end of the book. The characters, description and action are skillfully drawn and the writing-style makes the story flow along. This is the second book I've read from this writer and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A very good read.
  • Margy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Australia on October 3, 2021
    As usual Catherine Ryan Hyde explores and unearths the human frailties and unexpected strengths in ordinary people. To both love and hate someone seems now only logical - I get it! Thank you.