4.15

5

Dec 10, 2016

Okay so when I first stumbled across this as a deal on Amazon and read the blurb I was more inclined to pass it by than to pick it up. I honestly did not think I was ready to deal with a burned out teacher and recovering alcoholic who is still dealing with the tragic loss of his son. This did not exactly sound like uplifting fare, but after reading a couple of reviews on goodreads that raved about it, I bit the bullet so to speak and grabbed it.

Thank you Goodreads!

This story is so fantastic and Okay so when I first stumbled across this as a deal on Amazon and read the blurb I was more inclined to pass it by than to pick it up.  I honestly did not think I was ready to deal with a burned out teacher and recovering alcoholic who is still dealing with the tragic loss of his son.  This did not exactly sound like uplifting fare, but after reading a couple of reviews on goodreads that raved about it, I bit the bullet so to speak and grabbed it.  

Thank you Goodreads!

This story is so fantastic and while yes, it does feature a burnt out school teacher who is a recovering alcoholic dealing with the loss of his son, it is so not about that, while still being about just that.  Confused?  What I am trying to say is that while the book does not focus on these elements, over the course of the story, amidst the trips to the national parks, culminating in Yellowstone, other life events are reflected back to the reader through the eyes of the man who is all of these things.  

August Schroeder spends his summers on the road in America visiting the various national parks and outdoor nature reserves of this great land.  This year he plans to go to Yellowstone, a place that both he and his late son Phillip wanted to visit.  On the way, with his feisty little dog Woody as co-pilot,  the RV breaks down and August fears that the cost of the repair will prohibit him from reaching Yellowstone this year.   Little does he know that the mechanic who is making  the repairs has problems of his own, problems that involve the care of his two sons Seth and Henry.  A deal is soon struck between the two men and August, with his trusty dog Woody, together with Seth and Henry head out on the road to visit Yellowstone with other stops planned enroute.

And it is on this trip that the story soars.  Seth is a very serious lad who takes his own responsibility for the things that happen around him way too seriously for his age.  He is so cautious and concerned about how his own behaviour is affecting August, he can scarce relax and enjoy the bounties of the trip.  Henry is another responsibility that Seth takes upon himself.  Henry is quiet and shy,  making himself as small as humanly possible, while still actually being with them.  Point of fact is Henry does not speak at all, except perhaps maybe just to Seth but August has not seen any sign of that either.  

In an effort to get these boys to relax and enjoy nature’s awesome bounty without coming across as preachy or overbearing August adapts a gentle, friendly, non confrontational approach that is ever mindful of the responsibility he has accepted.   As Seth and Henry begin to unwind and become more comfortable with him and begin to actively participate in the adventure, the tables slowly turn and August finds himself gaining as much sound practical advice as he is giving.  He also learns a great deal more about their home lives and how it was that their father was prepared to make the unheard of deal with August that he has.  

Never preachy or maudlin and without even a hint of saccharine this camping trip builds a foundation on which the boys will build the rest of their lives while providing August with enough emotional sustenance to see him safely to shore.  

An incredibly heart warming camping trip through America’s stunning parklands and outdoor reserves .  An absolute must read.  

5 fan freakin tastic stars! ...more

5

Jul 23, 2014

Got caught in my throat more than once in this story. Thank you for making me feel human. If you have another that touches me like this did, I'll be reading it soon. Hopefully many more. Like August, I want to savor every minute of this journey you've put together. It's even more impressive that you make August and the boys real feeling beings and not standardized males.

4

Jun 11, 2014

Four and a half stars.
I fell in love in this book. Not just with Seth and younger brother Henry, but with August and felt for him in his grief at the death of his son. Woody, August’s little Jack Russell won his way into my heart too. From the first page I knew this book would hook me right in. It is simply but powerfully written and shows clearly that it is often the family that suffers along with the alcoholic. This is perhaps not a book where the reader will be wowed by the beautiful prose. Four and a half stars.
I fell in love in this book. Not just with Seth and younger brother Henry, but with August and felt for him in his grief at the death of his son. Woody, August’s little Jack Russell won his way into my heart too. From the first page I knew this book would hook me right in. It is simply but powerfully written and shows clearly that it is often the family that suffers along with the alcoholic. This is perhaps not a book where the reader will be wowed by the beautiful prose. It is the characters that make this story so memorable.
The story is told simply and honestly. There were some passages filled with wisdom like this from a relatively minor character, Emory. ‘I’ve see a lot of people walk a lot of roads. Some not so happy. And it makes them what they are. So if you run around putting a pillow under people to cushion their fall… well, I’m just not sure it’s quite the favor we think it is.’ And this from August, the recovering alcoholic. ‘I drove when I’d been drinking too. But I never got into an accident. And now who the hell am I to act like I’m better than her (his ex-wife) because she was sitting at a red light when someone ran it? And I wasn’t? That’s luck. That’s not to my credit. We’re responsible for everything. Everything we do. Not just when it backfires on us.’ I could have quoted plenty of others.
This book relies on involving the emotions and it sure did with me. I laughed, I was teary at times and at other times downright angry. To begin with I struggled to believe a man would hand his children over so readily to someone they had just met and expect him to care for them during the summer. But then I have never been as desperate as Wes. Once you accept this fact on which the plot hinges, the rest falls into place. For me, the only part where I lost concentration a little was later in the book with the emphasis on climbing, and just a couple of things I thought could have been resolved a little better at the end. Still, well worth reading if you like a book that tugs at the emotions, makes you think and has well drawn characters that you will care about. I will definitely be seeking out more books by this author. ...more

4

Jul 09, 2014

The main character of this book is August, a man of a certain age, a science teacher who is taking an RV trip. Just those two facts – the science and the RV meant that throughout this read I had Walter White in my head and read all of August’s dialogue in Walter’s voice.

But, to be serious, this is the second book that I have read by the author lately and, like Where We Belong, the main theme of this book is a friendship between the generations. Similarly, we have a man who is intrinsically good, The main character of this book is August, a man of a certain age, a science teacher who is taking an RV trip. Just those two facts – the science and the RV meant that throughout this read I had Walter White in my head and read all of August’s dialogue in Walter’s voice.

But, to be serious, this is the second book that I have read by the author lately and, like Where We Belong, the main theme of this book is a friendship between the generations. Similarly, we have a man who is intrinsically good, doing the right thing for other people, even though he may have serious doubts about the wisdom of what he is doing.

Oh, and there is also another cute dog – this time a Jack Russell called Woody.

August, a recovering alcoholic, is mourning the death of his son Phillip two years ago, and as a memorial to him is taking an RV trip from California to Yellowstone Park. What he hasn’t bargained for is being “coerced” into taking along two young children, Seth and Henry. He unwittingly becomes a role model for the boys and, in turn, we see him learning how to move forward in his mourning of his son. I really enjoyed reading about their road trip, the scenery and places they visited. I really felt quite envious of everything they saw and experienced.

The book also studies “risk”. It encourages you to live life to the full because you never know what is around the corner, and if your passions run to activities that could be risky then to take calculated risks; enjoy the moment as safely as possible. I have a fear of heights, but I was still intrigued by the climbing section of the book. I read some of it wincing.

It is a very uplifting, feel good read with nice characters that you cannot help liking. A couple of times I did think the book was about to stray into “twee territory” but the author managed to turn it round, so it didn’t get sickly sweet, just a darn good read.

Thanks to the publishers for the copy in return for an honest review.
...more

5

Apr 02, 2014

If you're the type that enjoys character rich stories, and you haven't read a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, then I suggest you start right here.
I have never been disappointed in her work.
This is the story of a teacher named August who travels each summer in his RV. He meets up with 2 young boys, Seth and Henry who end up traveling with him. The 3 of them share a summer of camping, and learn quite a lot from each other.
It is a heartwarming story, that had me choked up a few times. I always feel If you're the type that enjoys character rich stories, and you haven't read a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, then I suggest you start right here.
I have never been disappointed in her work.
This is the story of a teacher named August who travels each summer in his RV. He meets up with 2 young boys, Seth and Henry who end up traveling with him. The 3 of them share a summer of camping, and learn quite a lot from each other.
It is a heartwarming story, that had me choked up a few times. I always feel so attached to her characters. Nothing overly dramatic happens in this book, but it doesn't need to. The characters alone create a book to love. ...more

2

Sep 01, 2014

I was engaged and interested in the beginning of "Take Me With You." The conversations felt natural and genuine; I believed what the characters said and their behavior began to express their personalities. But then I began to lose interest and the story lost a lot of its magic. I liked Seth, the 12-year-old, but once August begins his summer excursion with him and his little brother, Henry, Seth's conversation sometimes becomes unnatural (it didn't sound like a 12-year-old speaking) and I was engaged and interested in the beginning of "Take Me With You." The conversations felt natural and genuine; I believed what the characters said and their behavior began to express their personalities. But then I began to lose interest and the story lost a lot of its magic. I liked Seth, the 12-year-old, but once August begins his summer excursion with him and his little brother, Henry, Seth's conversation sometimes becomes unnatural (it didn't sound like a 12-year-old speaking) and repetitive. When Seth kept saying certain emotional things over and over again the words lost their meaning and Seth didn't come across as genuine. It seemed like the words' only purpose was to evoke pity or sympathy - they didn't add anything to the story nor move the plot forward. The children and their situation naturally demand readers' concern and sympathy - I can't comprehend how anyone with a heart wouldn't feel deeply for these children (and August), so the repetition only succeeded in distracting and distancing me from the story.

I know it's petty, but the overuse of the sigh (the title should be, "Take Me With You, and Sigh Every Step of the Way") made me a little crazy, also. Is there truly no other way to describe a character's reaction to a frustrating or difficult situation?

Despite being annoyed, I did stick with this book and read all of it. I admit to being a fan of Henry, the younger brother, who at 7 would go long periods of time without speaking at all. It was very satisfying when he takes a stand and speaks up for himself. I also understood the value of several other issues (how do you know when you're an alcoholic? how do you make a difference in a child's life when you're not a blood relative and the adult doesn't want you around? how do you stage an intervention, and what do you do if it doesn't work?) that were discussed rather well: I particularly liked what was said in one of the AA meetings, about if one goes around with a pillow trying to break others' falls, it might not be the great thing one thinks it is. Issues are handled with compassion and a strong dose of reality: It was nice to see how someone might deal with a problem that persists.

Overall, there was some good stuff here, but (sigh), I struggled to get through it. ...more

5

Feb 03, 2015

Fantastic Book!! Another great book by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

I am very surprised that I didn't find this author long ago! I did see the movie "Pay it Forward" based on her book by the same name many years ago and loved it. When I came across this book and read the description I thought it sounded pretty good. However, it more than exceeded my expectations. I devoured it and since then I've been a huge fan.

As I read her books I often find myself nodding along and agreeing with something a Fantastic Book!! Another great book by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

I am very surprised that I didn't find this author long ago! I did see the movie "Pay it Forward" based on her book by the same name many years ago and loved it. When I came across this book and read the description I thought it sounded pretty good. However, it more than exceeded my expectations. I devoured it and since then I've been a huge fan.

As I read her books I often find myself nodding along and agreeing with something a character is saying....about love or life or many other things. These characters got into my heart and I have no doubt this book will stay with me a very long time. I was moved to tears on a few occasions.

The plot was fantastic as were the characters. I was gripped from the time I started until I finished the last page. I think it would also make a great movie!

I highly recommend this book!

I am excited to continue reading more from Catherine Ryan Hyde. ...more

3

Jul 12, 2019

This book was a little confusing and hard to rate, for me. I'm a little suspicious of authors who release 3 or 4 books a year, thinking that surely they write to a formula. The first two thirds of the book seemed to prove me wrong, as it was a captivating story of a man who had lost his 19 year old son in an accident, and got stuck with taking a stranger's two sons on a summer long trip to several national parks. Not a romance, as there were not even any female characters in the novel, not an This book was a little confusing and hard to rate, for me. I'm a little suspicious of authors who release 3 or 4 books a year, thinking that surely they write to a formula. The first two thirds of the book seemed to prove me wrong, as it was a captivating story of a man who had lost his 19 year old son in an accident, and got stuck with taking a stranger's two sons on a summer long trip to several national parks. Not a romance, as there were not even any female characters in the novel, not an abuse story, but a discovery, by the boys and the man, of things they had not known before, and a relationship that became important to them all. I was pleasantly surprised, and vowed to stop pre-judging authors before giving them a chance.

Then I got to Part Three, and it completely fell apart for me. It was set eight years after the first events, the characters were different people (literally), roles were reversed, the action seemed rushed and glossed over, and melodrama and improbability ruled the day. I was really disappointed, because up to that point it had been so good. I'm going with three stars, because the majority of the book was an enjoyable read, and I'm deducting a star for the last section. ...more

1

Nov 19, 2015

Oh man. I think I only finished this book because it was the only book I had with me several times. I have never read anything by this author but many of her works have crossed my path. People seem to like her.

After finishing it, my thought are "ugh". Lowercase. I can't even give it an exclamatory "Ugh!" because the stupid book elicited almost zero feelings from me.

Almost nothing happens at all. A man takes a couple of kids on a road trip to see many of America's national parks. The children are Oh man. I think I only finished this book because it was the only book I had with me several times. I have never read anything by this author but many of her works have crossed my path. People seem to like her.

After finishing it, my thought are "ugh". Lowercase. I can't even give it an exclamatory "Ugh!" because the stupid book elicited almost zero feelings from me.

Almost nothing happens at all. A man takes a couple of kids on a road trip to see many of America's national parks. The children are WAY too well behaved. The man is WAY too patient and reasonable.

A huge chunk of the book consists of well mannered, thoughtful and very insightful conversation between the man and the older boy. About mostly nothing. There was not one single "poopy" and absolutely zero nose-picking humor. The man may as well have been traveling with other adults and not 7 and 12 year old boys.

Well, they do fill a bunch of the drone with discussion of how to define an alcoholic. This was boring. It also felt sort of forced. Like, the author had her own idea on this and just wanted a platform with which to share it with the world. Much of this reading occurred while I was sipping my wine.

I can't figure why so many people gave this book 5 shining stars. Almost nothing happened. It was long and preachy. It felt pathetically and screamingly unrealistic. It was boring. BORING! ...more

5

Jul 25, 2014

Catherine Ryan Hyde's books are readily addictive if you want to read about people and their lives, their relationships and their stories, and care about what happens to all of them. I started reading her books and soon became obsessed with reading everything she had written. Many of her books make me think that her original idea comes from a small 2" blurb from Page 4 of the local paper and that she then tells the story behind the blurb. Whether it is the story of Grace alittle girl, whose Catherine Ryan Hyde's books are readily addictive if you want to read about people and their lives, their relationships and their stories, and care about what happens to all of them. I started reading her books and soon became obsessed with reading everything she had written. Many of her books make me think that her original idea comes from a small 2" blurb from Page 4 of the local paper and that she then tells the story behind the blurb. Whether it is the story of Grace alittle girl, whose mother is too befuddled by drugs to care for her.(Don't let me go) She makes a community of her building by befriending the agoraphobic former Broadway dancer who hasnt left his home in a decade. Or When I Found You, about Nathan, the middle aged childless man who finds a new born in the woods while he is duck hunting. She generally features children in her stories, children who are in large measure raising themselves, but are not pathetic. They are resourceful and have been lucky enough to encounter adults who are willing to step in to their lives to help them grow to productive adults. The children have the resourcefulness and resiliance we wish that all kids in those circumstances and the adults most often grow into the people that the children need.

Take Me With You is that kind of a book. Their father is not a horrible person, just a flawed one, who really wants to do right by his kids but alcohol gets in the way. August too is flawed and damaged...but has learned,too late for his own son, that alcohol is not his friend. Almost against his will, he finds himself with a second chance to make a difference in a child's life.

Ms Hyde's books are not maudlin or sappy but instead are filled with believable characters that make us want to root for their success. I look forward to each new release to help to shape me into a person who will reach out my hand when someone needs it. These books will enhance your life and your reading. I have read almost all of Ms Hyde's books and highly recommend all of them.

...more

5

Mar 29, 2014

A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for introducing me to such a talented author, and providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Take Me With You was totally Amazing!! This is one of those rare books you will want to Pre-Order or purchase the day it is released.

From the first page, this heartwarming story, grabs you and pulls you in, with a strong hold until the ending, and thereafter in your thoughts. My only issue was having to stop and finish work – and this is A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for introducing me to such a talented author, and providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Take Me With You was totally Amazing!! This is one of those rare books you will want to Pre-Order or purchase the day it is released.

From the first page, this heartwarming story, grabs you and pulls you in, with a strong hold until the ending, and thereafter in your thoughts. My only issue was having to stop and finish work – and this is the type of book, you want to savor every word, as it will transform your life, as you cry and laugh with characters you learn to love and care for.

My favorite part was learning to “Just BE.” We all are guilty of rushing to arrive at our destination and do not enjoy the journey, and the experience of the present time.

This engaging story begins with a guy named August (a former alcoholic) divorced, school teacher, still grieving his teenage son Philip who died in a car accident. Now he is taking his motorhome, alone for the summer to visit the national parks, hike, and scatter his son’s ashes for his final goodbye.

However, fate steps in when he has problems with his RV and calls a towing company (man named Wes, also an alcoholic raising two small boys). Little does August know, while he is awaiting the repair of his RV, in order to get back on the road, this connection with this man and these two small boys, will change the course of his life forever, as well as the lives and destiny of these two small boys (Seth and Henry).

An unexpected twist of fate lands August with two extra passengers for his journey, two half-orphans with nowhere else to go. This poignant novel reaches to the heart and soul with love, redemption, trust, transformation, and rediscovery, as the impact of this profound relationship will forever bond and shape the lives of two boys and a man, which nothing can break.

There are so many takeaways from this book, as would be ideal for book clubs or discussions. If you are a hiker, camper, or a nature lover you can appreciate this well researched book. If you are an alcoholic, a friend, parent, or family member involved, this book will give you much insight into the importance of support and mentors. (could see a sequel to followup with characters Seth and Henry, as they are too good to end)

I was blown away by this newfound author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, with her incredible attention to detail with places, moods, facial expressions, and rich character development. After I finished the book, discovered she actually hikes, kayaks, and visits national parks, as well as doing her research for Take Me With You, in her own 22’ motorhome. Wow, this made the book even more special, as her passion for nature is reflective throughout the book.

As an avid hiker and cycler, I have traveled most of the places in the book and can definitely appreciate the beauty of mountain areas and waterfalls (even though I have never taken up rock climbing). I have even stayed at a few of the campground cabins along a bike trail, which is quite relaxing—ah, this book was so for me. (I wanted to adopt these boys) and take a road trip.

I highly recommend Take Me With You, as an inspiring, compelling, and heartfelt story which will change your life. Catherine Ryan Hyde has been added to my favorite author list, and looking forward to reading more of her work!

Judith D. Collins Must Read Books

TOP 30 BOOKS OF 2014

...more

4

Jun 16, 2015

This was a nice story even though a little far fetched. Two boys spend a summer with an elderly gentleman teacher who had tragically lost his son fairly recently. They travel in a motorhome through well known campgrounds exploring and learning about life, love and forgiveness. It is a coming of age story that touches on alcoholism and how each individual deals with it. By the end of the summer they had formed a lifelong friendship. The characters were well developed and the landscape This was a nice story even though a little far fetched. Two boys spend a summer with an elderly gentleman teacher who had tragically lost his son fairly recently. They travel in a motorhome through well known campgrounds exploring and learning about life, love and forgiveness. It is a coming of age story that touches on alcoholism and how each individual deals with it. By the end of the summer they had formed a lifelong friendship. The characters were well developed and the landscape descriptions were accurate. ...more

4

Sep 21, 2018

August is a middle-aged science school-teacher on a summer break. He used to travel in the motorhome every year with his family, but since his divorce and his son's death, this was going to be his first solo road trip. Plans change though, and he is charged with temporarily caring for two young boys. So they travel along around all the National parks for 3 months. We see this relationship develop and flourish.

Take Me with You had a feeling of a TV drama for some reason - it was so, you know, August is a middle-aged science school-teacher on a summer break. He used to travel in the motorhome every year with his family, but since his divorce and his son's death, this was going to be his first solo road trip. Plans change though, and he is charged with temporarily caring for two young boys. So they travel along around all the National parks for 3 months. We see this relationship develop and flourish.

Take Me with You had a feeling of a TV drama for some reason - it was so, you know, dramatic, but also heartwarming and cute. It deals with death and loss, alcoholism, aging, disability, having an unreliable adult in one's life, the challenges and joys of caring for children, the challenge of having to receive care etc. Seems like it would be heavy, packed as it was with complex issues. But no. It had a glossed-over Chicken Soup for the Soul feel. The problems have solutions, lies are contrasted with truths, troubled children who had no one to lean on find a great father-figure, a strong, honorable, responsible man who puts their needs first, even though he's not even a relative. A lonely, heartbroken man is brought back to life and finds new meaning. All of this on a backdrop of roads and mountains. The great outdoors. Straight to the heart.

The book is dialogue-heavy, most of the story and character development is contained in their talks along the way. So reading it in audiobook format felt authentic and fitting. The author did a great job creating realistic children characters.

It's the kind of book that makes one tear up in a good way. I don't think I've ever read a novel where the relationship between children and their caregiver is at the center. Refreshing and unusual for me. ...more

2

Sep 03, 2014

I can't for the life of me remember why this was something I wanted to read and now that I've read it, I still can't figure it out. It started out okay - a teacher who hates teaching heads out on a national parks summer vacation in his RV. When the RV breaks down a jail bound mechanic offers to fix it for free if August - the teacher - will take his two boys with him for the summer while he does his stint in jail for yet another DUI. A bit unlikely, but okay. August is divorced following a I can't for the life of me remember why this was something I wanted to read and now that I've read it, I still can't figure it out. It started out okay - a teacher who hates teaching heads out on a national parks summer vacation in his RV. When the RV breaks down a jail bound mechanic offers to fix it for free if August - the teacher - will take his two boys with him for the summer while he does his stint in jail for yet another DUI. A bit unlikely, but okay. August is divorced following a tragic accident in which his teenage son, his only child, was killed while riding in the car with his buzzed mother. August never took another drink and started attending AA.

So August and the two boys set off on a summer long national park adventure that goes predictably well until summer's end starts looming large on the horizon and the realization that the boys must return to jailbird/alcoholic dad sets in. From this point, the book degenerates into just too much self-pitying melodrama. The book is surprisingly emotionless considering how emotional everyone is. It had a very brittle feel. Everyone was always on edge, too much conflict, and no one ever seemed to grow or flourish. Even the ending - which, I believe, was meant to offer a glimmer or two of hope only depressed me. Maybe it was just too real for me. ...more

5

Jul 30, 2014

Once in a blue moon one encounters a book that just demands to be read and for me this was such a book. The storyline involves Alcoholism, coming of age, grieving the death of a child, and camping in an RV. The description of scenes from Joshua Tree, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands brought back memories and the other parks a desire to see new lands. With all the grammar and spell-checking software available today I’m mystified as to why so many errors still evade publishers and authors but this volume Once in a blue moon one encounters a book that just demands to be read and for me this was such a book. The storyline involves Alcoholism, coming of age, grieving the death of a child, and camping in an RV. The description of scenes from Joshua Tree, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands brought back memories and the other parks a desire to see new lands. With all the grammar and spell-checking software available today I’m mystified as to why so many errors still evade publishers and authors but this volume is better than most. Highly recommended. Kudos to Goodreads for directing me to this book.
...more

3

Jul 11, 2019

2.5 - 3 “I liked some parts better than others” stars. The beautiful cover of my edition and the title perfectly fit the eight-year span of this emotional story about a grieving man named August Schroeder who loses his only child in a car accident and sets out with his dog in a well-traveled RV to visit Yellowstone National Park in his son’s honor. He picks up some unexpected company for the trip when his RV breaks down and needs repair.

The characters here are well drawn, particularly motherless 2.5 - 3 “I liked some parts better than others” stars. The beautiful cover of my edition and the title perfectly fit the eight-year span of this emotional story about a grieving man named August Schroeder who loses his only child in a car accident and sets out with his dog in a well-traveled RV to visit Yellowstone National Park in his son’s honor. He picks up some unexpected company for the trip when his RV breaks down and needs repair.

The characters here are well drawn, particularly motherless young brothers Seth and Henry and the loving, loyal Jack Russell terrier mix named Woody. Hyde’s descriptions of the magnificent national parks in the western U.S. made me want to buy my own RV and set off on a road trip. But the plot, for me, suffered from too much focus on the agenda of Alcoholics Anonymous and entirely too much sentiment at the end. Overall a bit too soft for my hard-edged reading taste, but Hyde inspired me to add Utah and Wyoming to my burgeoning bucket list. ...more

5

Jul 27, 2014

Reading again with my granddaughter July 2019.

After reading When I Found You and Pay It Forward I was eager to read more of Catherine Ryan Hyde's work. She writes flawed characters who seek better relationships and try to do the right thing. Sound simplistic? Yes. It's also refreshing. Many of her books revolve around family and inter-generational relationships. writing. She uses words sparsely and concisely. The premises of her books are wholesome. I will be reading more!

A burned out science Reading again with my granddaughter July 2019.

After reading When I Found You and Pay It Forward I was eager to read more of Catherine Ryan Hyde's work. She writes flawed characters who seek better relationships and try to do the right thing. Sound simplistic? Yes. It's also refreshing. Many of her books revolve around family and inter-generational relationships. writing. She uses words sparsely and concisely. The premises of her books are wholesome. I will be reading more!

A burned out science teacher develops an usual bond with two boys he meets while on summer vacation. He travels in an RV and takes us on an informative tour of many national parks in the southwest.

Read with Clara 2019.
She has just re-issued Pay It Forward in an edition appropriate for middle school children.

I borrowed this book from the Kindle Lending Library. ...more

5

May 31, 2017

Another one I came into blind. (I read the synopsis when I originally put it on my To Read list, but had completely forgotten by the time I read it.)

August is a grieving high school teacher using his summer off to take a road trip from San Diego to Yellowstone, just him and his Jack Russell Terrier, Woody.
His plan starts to go off course when vehicle trouble puts a wrench in his time line and in his travel budget. He reluctantly gets some new traveling companions and his pilgrimage is adjusted. Another one I came into blind. (I read the synopsis when I originally put it on my To Read list, but had completely forgotten by the time I read it.)

August is a grieving high school teacher using his summer off to take a road trip from San Diego to Yellowstone, just him and his Jack Russell Terrier, Woody.
His plan starts to go off course when vehicle trouble puts a wrench in his time line and in his travel budget. He reluctantly gets some new traveling companions and his pilgrimage is adjusted.

This was a beautifully written road trip book. The growth of the characters through their relationships with one another was credible and heartwarming.

I noticed afterward that this author also wrote Pay it Forward, which my 6th grader read and enjoyed this year. ...more

1

Mar 12, 2015

I don't know if it's fair to review a book before finishing but I can't take one more page of this drivel. It reads like a Highlights magazine story for grade school children. The premise is unrealistic, which most times I can overlook, but the author seems to be banging you over the head with her "lessons" about alcoholism, abandonment and letting go. This would be fine if she was reading to small children in a library, not enjoyable if you're over age 12.

3

Mar 16, 2018

Take me with you is a coming of age story, a healing story, and very rich is it's characters! The story follows August as he takes on 2 boys.....from a stranger....and brings them along on his summer RV trip. The scenery is so vivid, as is the awe and amazement of seeing America through children's eyes. For me the book lacked a fast moving, wow type of plot - it was more of a slower journey!! A good 3 stars, not gonna brag about it.

3

Sep 09, 2014

The first half of this book was amazing and I enjoyed every word of it. I was completely absorbed in the story and the characters, feeling such a sweetness coming from Seth especially. And the visits to the AA meetings were fascinating to me, especially seeing how Seth was trying to come to terms with his dad's alcoholism. When August returns the boys to their father at the end of the summer, I wondered what would happen in the rest of the book, since it felt like the story was over and there The first half of this book was amazing and I enjoyed every word of it. I was completely absorbed in the story and the characters, feeling such a sweetness coming from Seth especially. And the visits to the AA meetings were fascinating to me, especially seeing how Seth was trying to come to terms with his dad's alcoholism. When August returns the boys to their father at the end of the summer, I wondered what would happen in the rest of the book, since it felt like the story was over and there was still half to go. This is why I give it 3 stars. The last half felt contrived and false, like two stories stuck together just to get the word count in to make what would have made a fabulous novella into a novel. In fact, the last half just kind of ruined the magic of the first half for me. ...more

5

Oct 28, 2014

Captivating

I did not know what I was getting into but I couldn't put it down. It is such a simple story but the author does a splendid job keeping you on your toes. She manages to write about all these emotions without ever sounding overbearing or non believable. Just a great book.

3

Aug 29, 2018

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book but my enthusiasm waned as the book dragged on, and on, with nothing really ever happening except travelogues of national parks. I found it to be a depressing & somewhat sappy tale of redemption that just didn't live up to its potential.

4

Apr 05, 2017

Every now and I then I like to take a break from all the murders/psychological thrillers and crime books and read a book that takes me on a different journey altogether. Take Me With You was certainly that book! August Schroeder is a grieving father on his way to Yellowstone Park in his motorhome with his son's ashes when he breaks down in the middle of nowhere and Wes the mechanic tows him to his garage. Finding himself agreeing to look after the mechanic's 2 young boys for the summer the trio Every now and I then I like to take a break from all the murders/psychological thrillers and crime books and read a book that takes me on a different journey altogether. Take Me With You was certainly that book! August Schroeder is a grieving father on his way to Yellowstone Park in his motorhome with his son's ashes when he breaks down in the middle of nowhere and Wes the mechanic tows him to his garage. Finding himself agreeing to look after the mechanic's 2 young boys for the summer the trio set off on an adventure of a lifetime. Seth is the most adorable 12 year old, eager to please, polite, thoughtful and so observant and little 7 year old Henry who has chosen to not speak to anyone due to his childhood trauma's broke my heart in two. This is a wonderfully descriptive and emotional novel which proves that even wrong turns can change your life for the better. This is a real story of love, friendship, forgiveness and understanding. I also shed a couple of tears during this beautiful journey too. ...more

5

Jun 13, 2014

My Take:
5 STARS!
Another "knocked-it-out-of-the-ballpark" novel again! Written by the AMAZING by best selling author, Catherine Ryan Hyde! You probably know her best from her book (and movie), "Pay It Forward", a household phrase for doing good for others! That, she has done again! BRAVO! +Catherine Ryan Hyde ! BRAVO! She truly understands and knows the true spirit of humanity! She nails it every time in the countless novels she has written. There is no romance in this book, so if you're looking My Take:
5 STARS!
Another "knocked-it-out-of-the-ballpark" novel again! Written by the AMAZING by best selling author, Catherine Ryan Hyde! You probably know her best from her book (and movie), "Pay It Forward", a household phrase for doing good for others! That, she has done again! BRAVO! +Catherine Ryan Hyde ! BRAVO! She truly understands and knows the true spirit of humanity! She nails it every time in the countless novels she has written. There is no romance in this book, so if you're looking for that you'll have to find another book, but if you are looking for love, you've hit the nail on the head in this one. Love between strangers.
In this story, we have a truly burned-out teacher, August, who is out of school from teaching, for the summer. Maybe a better way to describe August would be to say in addition to being burned-out as a teacher, perhaps he is also 'still grieving' for his own young son who was killed in an automobile accident several years ago, and for his wife who suddenly left him. In tragedies such as these, it is often hard on a couple, and sometimes they split like these two did. When it rains, it pours, and this poor man has had a downpour. Now, this summer his one single goal is to go to Yosemite Park in his RV, (he often refers to it as his rig) and his dog, Woody, to release some of his son's ashes there in the park in certain areas as he had promised his son they would be going there together that summer. Unfortunately, that summer never came for that family, but now August was on his way with the ashes at least, to spread them out in several places in Yosemite.
Easier said than done because now his 'rig', as he refers to it, breaks down along the way. He has no choice but to stop and get it fixed, so he does. While his rig is being fixed, he the mechanic befriends August, he seems to be getting friendly towards him. Once he is ready to hit the road again, the mechanic, Wes, asks August a question. He has to do jail time for three months, over the summer. Would August mind taking his two sons with him while he serves his time? You can imagine how August feels. He is full of questions and is in disbelief that this mechanic, a stranger really, is asking him to take his two children on his vacation with him while he serves time in jail? This guy hardly knows him! August questions Wes some more. It's up to August to decide whether or not to do this. August agrees.
Now August has two young boys to care for. Henry, 7, and Seth, 12. Off they go heading towards Yosemite. August is going to make this the best summer vacation for these boys possible, however, it takes a while for the boys to warm up to him, and Henry won't even talk to anyone. He only communicates with his brother, but that's all. Somehow something comes up when Seth says something about his Dad having to be in jail for six months, not just three. August is going out of his mind imagining . They have the phone number to the jail, they call Wes, but August can't ever get a clear answer out of him.
August feels the need to go to a meeting one night. The boys don't understand. Is this a work meeting, and how would his work know where he was? They had a ton of questions for him. Finally August fesses up to the boys that he goes to AA meetings. No, not AAA, that's auto insurance. August goes to AA meetings - Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. So starts August's story. August figures out Wes is an alcoholic and now Seth wants to go to meetings with August, Open meetings because he realizes just how much of an alcoholic his father really is, that is until he can get to Alanon meetings. Would Wes let him go?
Everything has spiraled. One things leads to another, but the one constant thing is August falls in love with these boys, or is it the other way around? Do the boys fall in love with August? It doesn't matter who it is who falls in love with who, it just happens.
Years later, the boys, now ages 15 and 20, come to take August out on a trip in the same RV, without their father's (Wes') knowledge, and it turns out to be quite a trip! Augusts' health has taken a turn for the worse, but the boys don't care, they help August, and he was in heaven that the boys did this for him in reciprocation! The drama picks back up again after all these years once Wes finds out the boys took August on this trip that just the boys were supposed to be on. They are good boys, with kind, gentle, loving hearts. The one who has no heart is the one with all of the problems, or causes all of the problems. Wes. Alcohol, alcohol, alcohol. Look at the problems it can cause, or, solutions to the problems such as in this story.
This is only a very small look into this story, but it is one that will stay with you forever. Don't miss this one!
I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, in exchange to read and write a review about it. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to do so, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it and giving my own honest opinion no matter whether it is positive or negative. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the law set here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...., The Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, 16 CFR 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising Federal Acquisition Regulation.

This book doesn't release until July 22, 2014 ...more