In answer to some questions I've been getting, yes, this site is maintained by me personally (many thanks to Shooting Stars Magazine for helping me get it set up). It's not a fan site, and I didn't have it tossed up here by a publicist or an assistant. I'm out here just about every day, hoping to meet people who read. If you are such a person, message me. I will reply.
I'm the author of the newly-released novels Chasing Windmills and The Day I Killed James, The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance, Love in the Present Tense, Becoming Chloe, Funerals for Horses, Earthquake Weather, Pay it Forward (adapted into a movie starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment), Electric God (on its way to being a film), Walter's Purple Heart (could also be a film), and the forthcoming YA novel Diary of a Witness (Knopf '09). My brand new adult novel When I Found You is due out in the UK in August of '09. US release T.B.A.
Chasing Windmills video excerpt
Video excerpt of The Day I Killed James
Becoming Chloe video excerpt 2
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GREAT AUTHOR INTERVIEWS:
REVIEWER X
PAPERXXFLOWERS
GREAT REVIEWS OF MY BOOKS BY TEEN BOOK BLOGS:
"I was completely enraptured from the beginning and was so until the last page. I think I experienced every possible emotion while reading, and it only made the experience more enjoyable. Be prepared for an unbelievable story, you may shed a tear or more, I know I did, but it is well worth it. Catherine Ryan Hyde has an unbelievable talent for writing and creating a story with such depth and meaning, I know it will be one I will not soon forget."..
-THE STORY SIREN'S BLOG (WINDMILLS)
"I can’t say enough good things about Hyde as a writer. She gets me everytime! The moral of this story is simple, be careful with other peoples hearts. The story, however, is anything but. The plot is intense, and the sporadic journal entries by Theresa add significant depth. Once again Ryan has superbly crafted a compelling tale that I soon won’t forget."..
-THE STORY SIREN'S BLOG (JAMES)
"I found Becoming Chloe to be an intense and heartfelt book. There’s very little time spent on unneeded detail and I enjoyed reading about the experiences Jordy and Chloe share, This is one book I won’t be forgetting soon and I really hope you give it a chance too."
-HARMONY BOOK REVIEWS (CHLOE)
"This surreal novel is indelible. It will cling stubbornly to your memory, and will refuse to be shaken free. The plotline is wonderfully drawn out, and the characters fallible and familiar. Each one is unique, expressive, and entirely candid. Theresa's journal entries are interspersed throughout the course of the novel, giving it immense depth and significance. In this gripping, exquisite, and uplifting multi faceted read, Catherine Ryan Hyde is at her very best, forcing you to re-examine exactly how deep and powerful love is, along with the disappointments and wonders that come with it."
-THE COMPULSIVE READER (JAMES)
"Author Catherine Ryan Hyde tells the story of Sebastian and Maria in altering chapters. The fear and pain of their loveless lives scream from the pages. I found myself feeling the absence of one when the chapter I was reading focused on the other. Even though CHASING WINDMILLS somewhat parallels several famous love stories of the past, it has its own unique voice and interpretation. It will most certainly touch your heart."
-READING JUNKY (WINDMILLS)
"The writing, while rich in detail and imagery, is very tight and doesn't linger anywhere. The characters are well-rounded and distinct--I felt like I knew Chloe and Jordy, as much as possible, by the last page. This book goes in my top ten favorite books of all times. It blew my mind. I challenge anyone to see if it has the same effect on them."
-REVIEWER X (CHLOE)
"This book just, I don't know, grabbed me and registered with me. The writing here was still sharp as ever, but very introspective, because of the few people Cynnie allows herself to trust. The characters, even the secondary ones, were super well-developed and had not three, but four dimensions each. And best of all, the ending gave me hope for Cynnie. It wasn't too pessimistic or too optimistic--it was just right.I wouldn't change a thing in this novel, and couldn't recommend it more."
-REVIEWER X (REAPPEARANCE)
"Becoming Chloe was a great novel that I feel teens and adults can enjoy equally. Here are two teens thrown together by horrible circumstances, and yet they find themselves able to notice the beauty and kindness in the world. By doing this for Chloe, Jordy is helping her in unimaginable ways, but he’s also leading himself to a better life as well.This novel is not very long, but it’s packed with a lot of heart."
-SHOOTING STARS MAGAZINE (CHLOE)
"This. Book. Is. Amazing. I don't know how else to put it. It's a wonderful read that gripped me from the beginning and did not let go until I finished it. This is one of the BEST books that I have read this year. Be warned: once you begin this book, no other tasks will be done until it is finished. Okay, now go out and buy it. Seriously. I'm waiting…"
-WRITER'S BLOCK REVIEWS (WINDMILLS)
"This book about guilt and the fragility of the heart took my own heart and made it patter, squeeze, and burst throughout the entire novel. It was an emotional ride, but one filled with meaning and importance. Theresa was a strong, yet vulnerable character that I could somehow relate to, and the other characters in the novel had an unmatched depth and authenticity to them. Catherine Ryan Hyde truly understands people, and this touching story shows that."
-THE PAGE FLIPPER (JAMES)
"Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing will pull you in-her writing is simply intoxicating. In fact, as soon as I started this book I had to finish it.
The author’s writing brings the characters to life. Their issues, their reactions-all seem so real. I’d say that even her secondary characters are well fleshed out. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s strengths lie in making the reader care about the characters. The entire book is laced with emotion and the author never skates around any issues. And I’m just going to mention that I loved, loved, the ending!"
-READER RABBIT (WINDMILLS)
"Another splendid thing about this story (other than Ms. Hyde's positively brilliant writing) was that it was familiar and new at the same time. Like Romeo and Juliet or West Side Story, it was a tale of "star crossed" lovers and the tragedies that pursued them. But presented in such a modern way, the entire story was much easier to follow and just as epic.I highly recommend this novel with the very rare, very elusive...*Drum roll* 7 out of 7 lightnings! ZIIIIING! SHOOM! CRACK!"
-MAELSTROM (WINDMILLS)
"Chasing Windmills is a beautiful retelling of West Side Story, although a much more hopeful one. Both Maria and Sebastian were well-developed characters and I sometimes felt I was inside their heads; the story was that realistic.I really enjoyed how Chasing Windmills was more optimistic than West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet and the self journeys Maria and Sebastian went through. The story was truly unforgettable and I had a hard time putting the book down. I definitely recommend it, especially to fans of unique love stories, and I look forward to reading more of the talented Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels."
-THE BOOK MUNCHER (WINDMILLS)
"Catherine Ryan Hyde writes with raw, strong, realistic feeling. The romance between Maria and Sebastion turned out to be the best fictional relationship I've yet to read about. It's scary. It's well-told. It's perfect. In every sense of that impossible word, it's perfect.Like I said, I'm getting a bit tired of the constant fives, but there is no way I can't give this amazing work of literature the full 5/5 cups of coffee."
-PLENTY OF PAPER (WINDMILLS)
"It is hard to find words to describe The Day I Killed James. It is a compelling and absorbing book in many ways. The characters are what really propels this book forward. Catherine Ryan Hyde is able to reveal many truths about people and life through the protagonist's journey."
-THE RAVENOUS READER (JAMES)
"Every single character in this brilliant book is fully developed, with clear motives, goals, and senses of purpose. The book explores human relationships and fallibilities. What actions are forgivable, and which must be never be forgotten. The fragility of some relationships and the unexpectedly strong bonds that can be overlooked in others.Catherine Ryan Hyde uses words the way a musician uses an instrument…and what a beautiful and bittersweet song she’s composed!"
-YA BOOKS CENTRAL (WINDMILLS)
"Becoming Chloe was such a thought provoking novel. While Hyde’s character Jordy seemed older than what he really was, Chloe was just the opposite. She had an almost childlike innocence around her. However, Chloe amazed me again and again with her strength and knowledge. I continued to be drawn into pondering the deep discussions that I would not have expected from a novel such as this. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing did not fail to deliver with this great novel."
-PAPERXXFLOWERS (CHLOE)
"This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an amazing author. She writes how love can be both a great and bad thing. It also shows how love can be hurtful. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book."
-BOOKLUVER (JAMES)
"I loved this story. I lived inside this book for a couple of days. You know how sometimes you can get really into a book and the storyline and characters just grab you? This is what happened while I read this story. The plot was really good and I found myself not wanting to put this book down."
-THE BOOKWORM (WINDMILLS)
"The characters were absolutely perfect. I don't say that often, but I feel the need to say it now because it's true. They all had such realistic qualities and reactions to the heart wrenching events and were just all around perfect. Chasing Windmills comes highly recommended from me. I had trouble putting it down."
-FRENETIC READER (WINDMILLS)
"Catherine Ryan Hyde's writing style is short and to-the-point, which I like. I'd recommend this book to both boys and girls. I think this would appeal mostly to teenagers, but it's also a good, quick read for adults."
-MRS MAGOO READS (JAMES)
"This book was simply amazing. Hyde proves her writing abilities and paints a vivid story with her words. I absolutely recommend this book. I loved it from start to finish and I love Hyde's writing style, quite personally."
-JANE of BOOKED!:JJP! (WINDMILLS)
"Overall, I thought the book was a great book. I enjoyed the style of writing and I think the author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, captured the emotion a person would go through when someone they care for commits suicide perfectly. I think if you haven't read this book you should, as it is a fantastic read."
-BOOK NYMPH (JAMES)
"Hyde did a remarkable job with 'The Day I Killed James.' The emotions were well-written and heartfelt and the storyline flowed smoothly though never without surprises. I commend Hyde and express my utmost pleasure at reading this fantastic YA novel. I cannot wait to read her other works."
-READRAVEREVIEW (JAMES)
"If you can't get enough of star-crossed lovers who will defy all odds to be together, this is the book for you. It's a sweet, moving ode to first love in all its simplicity ... and complexity."
-BLOGGIN' 'BOUT BOOKS (WINDMILLS)
"The Day I Killed James is a powerful story that from cover to cover is amazing. It will take you through a world wind of emotions. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an exceptional writer, from the intense plot to the insightful journal entries, The Day I Killed James is a story once read will not soon be forgotten."
-TEMPPATT (JAMES)
"Definitely one of my favorite books so far this year. I would describe it as a poignant, off-beat romance that is very refreshing. I encourage those of you in book clubs to add this to the list of choices for your club. I assure you there would be interesting discussions based on the material."
-BOOKS AND COOKS (WINDMILLS)
"I really enjoyed this book. It kept me thinking, kept me feeling, and kept me rooting for the main character to find her way to self-forgiveness. Catherine Hyde Ryan weaves a tender and beautiful story in The Day I Killed James."
-YA FRESH (JAMES)
"After reading Pay it Forward i knew Catherine Ryan Hyde was a brilliant writer, but this book blew me away. The plot flawlessly twisted and took some turns that i never would have expected, but seemed prefect for this story. Anyone who hasn't read this book really needs to."
-MIDNIGHT TWILIGHT'S BOOK BLOG (JAMES)
"Love in the Present Tense is absolutely fantastic. Catherine Ryan Hyde explores complicated relationships, children growing up too quickly, and glimmers of light in the dark...I'd recommend this to pretty much everybody"
-MRS MAGOO READS (LOVE IN THE PRESENT TENSE)
"I didn't want to read this one, because I had already seen the movie when I was a lot younger. I vaguely remembered details, but distinctly recalled the plot of the story, and didn't think I would enjoy reading it after already knowing it. I was wrong. Once again, [Catherine Ryan Hyde] does not fail to astonish, and I one-hundred-percent suggest this novel--even if you've seen the movie, even if you haven't. I think the Mr. Coffee made 5/5 cups for this one."
-PLENTY OF PAPER (PAY IT FORWARD)
PRINT REVIEWS:
THE DAY I KILLED JAMES
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--Kirkus said, "Journal entries and brief chapters keep readers engaged...the quiet, powerful admonition permeates this novel: Be careful with other people’s hearts. Teens who have experienced crushing rejection or who have laughed at the ardent feelings of a classmate will devour this original, gripping story."
--VOYA said, "In this starkly told story of grief, guilt, loss and redemption, Hyde uses first-person diary entries and third-person narration to tell a deeply moving tale...the emotional honesty of the work will keep readers interested until the end. Anyone who has been hurt by someone they love or has hurt another carelessly will find an echo of self in this story."
--Kliatt said, "The provacative title of this novel will attract the attention of many a YA reader, and the carefully crafted unraveling of the events will keep them reading. Theresa's voice is both raw and witty, capturing the emotion and ambiguity of a young woman in pain, but it is the unwanted friendship with Georgia that helps her sort through responsibility and recovery."
READ SYNOPSIS
CHASING WINDMILLS
--Publisher's Weekly called it "Simple and Captivating," and said that "...while it is being billed as an adult novel, its closest sylistic relative is S.E. Hinton's YA classic The Outsiders."
--School Library Journal called it, "...a page-turning read" and said, "...the distinct voices are sweet, soul-baring, and honest. Hyde writes evocatively of the visceral nature of first love. The ending is realistic and satisfying. Chasing Windmills will appeal to teens who enjoy realistic fiction and a good story about relationships."
READ SYNOPSIS
READ COMPLETE REVIEWS
THE YEAR OF MY MIRACULOUS REAPPEARANCE
--The Philadelphia Inquirer said, "This book is very close to perfect. It's hard for me to imagine anyone feeling too grown-up for this story."
READ SYNOPSIS AND COMPLETE REVIEWS
BECOMING CHLOE
--Kirkus called it, "Tender, amazingly hopeful," and "Gorgeous."
--Publishers Weekly called it, "Deeply affecting," and, "eloquent storytelling about how two troubled teens find redemption."
READ SYNOPSIS
READ COMPLETE REVIEWS
LOVE IN THE PRESENT TENSE
--Daily Express (UK) called it, "A remarkable story of the magic of love."
--Publishers Weekly said, "Hyde excels in her story of a love that transcends time, place and human weakness."
READ SYNOPSIS
READ COMPLETE REVIEWS
PAY IT FORWARD
There isn't enough space! Try:
THE PAY IT FORWARD FOUNDATION
THE PAY IT FORWARD MOVEMENT
THE PAY IT FORWARD PAGE OF CRYANHYDE.COM
MY WEBSITE
While you're out there, check out the Pay It Forward wristbands. They're free!
SEE WHERE I'M GOING TO APPEAR NEXT
READ MORE ABOUT CHASING WINDMILLS AT RANDOM HOUSE.COM
READ MORE ABOUT THE UK EDITIONS AT RBOOKS.CO.UK
MORE INFO ON BACKLIST TITLES
FUNERALS FOR HORSES
EARTHQUAKE WEATHER
ELECTRIC GOD
WALTER'S PURPLE HEART
Teen Literature Day was on my birthday (April 17th)! We definitely rocked the drop!
