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Always Chloe and Other Stories
"Tender, amazingly hopeful." -Kirkus Reviews, of Becoming Chloe
"Vibrant and heartbreaking." -Publishers Weekly, of Becoming Chloe
By the bestselling author of Don't Let Me Go and Pay It Forward, this captivating short story collection features ALWAYS CHLOE, the long-awaited novella sequel to Becoming Chloe, Hyde's award-winning novel.
Jordy and Chloe are living above a restaurant in Morro Bay, the first place they landed after their trip down the Big Sur Coast. But Jordy has a boyfriend now, an old flame who's come back into his life in a big way.
Chloe stretches herself as far as she can go to give them her blessing, but her issues about living--or even sleeping--alone turn this happy reunion into a potential disaster. Chloe stops eating, stops sleeping, stops paddling her beloved and battered blue kayak in the bay.
No one knows how to help her. When her friend Old Ben, the man who runs the fuel dock nearby, gives her some advice, his words could either save the day or send her out to sea forever, depending on her unique mind's understanding of them.
A heart-wrenching stand-alone novella, and an answer to the many readers who asked for a sequel to Becoming Chloe, ALWAYS CHLOE is ultimately about the struggle to balance others' needs with our own--and exactly how expansive and forgiving the human heart can be.
This collection also includes four previously published short stories, including Breakage, which won honors in the Tobias Wolff award, and The Lion Lottery, which was cited in Best American Short Stories.
"Vibrant and heartbreaking." -Publishers Weekly, of Becoming Chloe
By the bestselling author of Don't Let Me Go and Pay It Forward, this captivating short story collection features ALWAYS CHLOE, the long-awaited novella sequel to Becoming Chloe, Hyde's award-winning novel.
Jordy and Chloe are living above a restaurant in Morro Bay, the first place they landed after their trip down the Big Sur Coast. But Jordy has a boyfriend now, an old flame who's come back into his life in a big way.
Chloe stretches herself as far as she can go to give them her blessing, but her issues about living--or even sleeping--alone turn this happy reunion into a potential disaster. Chloe stops eating, stops sleeping, stops paddling her beloved and battered blue kayak in the bay.
No one knows how to help her. When her friend Old Ben, the man who runs the fuel dock nearby, gives her some advice, his words could either save the day or send her out to sea forever, depending on her unique mind's understanding of them.
A heart-wrenching stand-alone novella, and an answer to the many readers who asked for a sequel to Becoming Chloe, ALWAYS CHLOE is ultimately about the struggle to balance others' needs with our own--and exactly how expansive and forgiving the human heart can be.
This collection also includes four previously published short stories, including Breakage, which won honors in the Tobias Wolff award, and The Lion Lottery, which was cited in Best American Short Stories.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2013
929 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,173 followersCatherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 27, 2022
As much as I love the author, this short story collection was very underwhelming.
2 stars. The novella "Always Chloe" is a sequel to the 2006 novel Becoming Chloe and so I felt it hard to connect with characters that the reading audience was expected to have met. Arguably the author does a good job of filling in some of the blanks but I failed to love the titular character. I found Chloe very annoying instead of percusious and inquisitive.
The other stories are The Lion Lottery, Pet Care, Tarot readings, Maid Service, Breakage, and Fortunate Son. Of these only Fortunate Son, a story about a grieving father who loses his son after a Russian Roulette game was memorable to me.
Goodreads review published 27/12/22
2 stars. The novella "Always Chloe" is a sequel to the 2006 novel Becoming Chloe and so I felt it hard to connect with characters that the reading audience was expected to have met. Arguably the author does a good job of filling in some of the blanks but I failed to love the titular character. I found Chloe very annoying instead of percusious and inquisitive.
The other stories are The Lion Lottery, Pet Care, Tarot readings, Maid Service, Breakage, and Fortunate Son. Of these only Fortunate Son, a story about a grieving father who loses his son after a Russian Roulette game was memorable to me.
Goodreads review published 27/12/22
January 6, 2024
Chloe
always Chloe. I’m glad for the sequel and enjoyed it for the most part. I don’t feel as hopeful for her as I did at the end of the initial book. I realized that Jordy would find someone eventually, one who passed his litmus test, I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. Maybe it will really all work out but given their educations and what California is, the idea of finding another place on the ocean just isn’t an idea with legs.
Maybe they stay a long while, but the apartment is barely big enough for the three of them, what happens if Jordy and Kevin decide they want a family? The thing is, Chloe’s trauma, and maybe she’s on the spectrum too (which seems entirely possible to me), is never treated. She deserves more than that and I know it’s her that refuses treatment, or at least pills, but this is not a thing she will grow out of. Ever. There are far too many people, especially young people who have aged out of the foster care system (not that it was ever good for her) who are like her in many ways. At least she’s in California which is far more humane than most states. If it had concluded with her having what she does AND a good therapist, I would have been far more satisfied.
So, I’m not left with a good feeling for her future and that leaves me without a good feeling about the novella. It is well written and I’m glad it’s out here, but I almost wish I’d been left with the hope I felt at the end of Becoming Chloe and I’m just not. I’d still recommend it and the other stories but lacking a bit of the settled feeling I had before reading this. I know people care about her, but I’m just not at all sure that’s enough - in real life, I’d be 90% certain of that. So mixed feelings is what I’m left with and I find that unsettling myself. There are far too many Chloe’s out there, and I don’t like that either though I can’t do a thing for any of them either.
always Chloe. I’m glad for the sequel and enjoyed it for the most part. I don’t feel as hopeful for her as I did at the end of the initial book. I realized that Jordy would find someone eventually, one who passed his litmus test, I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. Maybe it will really all work out but given their educations and what California is, the idea of finding another place on the ocean just isn’t an idea with legs.
Maybe they stay a long while, but the apartment is barely big enough for the three of them, what happens if Jordy and Kevin decide they want a family? The thing is, Chloe’s trauma, and maybe she’s on the spectrum too (which seems entirely possible to me), is never treated. She deserves more than that and I know it’s her that refuses treatment, or at least pills, but this is not a thing she will grow out of. Ever. There are far too many people, especially young people who have aged out of the foster care system (not that it was ever good for her) who are like her in many ways. At least she’s in California which is far more humane than most states. If it had concluded with her having what she does AND a good therapist, I would have been far more satisfied.
So, I’m not left with a good feeling for her future and that leaves me without a good feeling about the novella. It is well written and I’m glad it’s out here, but I almost wish I’d been left with the hope I felt at the end of Becoming Chloe and I’m just not. I’d still recommend it and the other stories but lacking a bit of the settled feeling I had before reading this. I know people care about her, but I’m just not at all sure that’s enough - in real life, I’d be 90% certain of that. So mixed feelings is what I’m left with and I find that unsettling myself. There are far too many Chloe’s out there, and I don’t like that either though I can’t do a thing for any of them either.
April 15, 2022
Wondferul sequel to Becoming Chloe. Chloe and Jordy have found place they call home and live together above a restaurant. They basically get free rent in exchange for working in the restaurant and Chloe is the happiest she's ever been.
Then Jordy decides to call his ex, Kevin, to see if they can mend their relationship. To say Chloe is not happy when Kevin comes to visit is an understatement. She doesn't want things to change and knows that Kevin coming into their lives will change everything.
This is the story of how she handles things and we get a little more of Chloe's backstory along the way. Excellent followup which is a basically a very long epilogue.
Then Jordy decides to call his ex, Kevin, to see if they can mend their relationship. To say Chloe is not happy when Kevin comes to visit is an understatement. She doesn't want things to change and knows that Kevin coming into their lives will change everything.
This is the story of how she handles things and we get a little more of Chloe's backstory along the way. Excellent followup which is a basically a very long epilogue.
March 21, 2021
The short stories were the best parts
“A home isn’t always a place, Wyatt. Sometimes, it’s a person.”
+ • + • + • +
After reading "Becoming Chloe " I was hyped there was a follow-up, but, as great as the first book was is how unimpressive this one is to me. It lacjed the narrative, development & engagement that connected you to Chloe & Jordan in spirit. Keeping it 💯, the short stories at the end where the much more intriguing & compelling parts of this book. & I would love to see a couple of these in linger length & great depth tales.
“A home isn’t always a place, Wyatt. Sometimes, it’s a person.”
+ • + • + • +
After reading "Becoming Chloe " I was hyped there was a follow-up, but, as great as the first book was is how unimpressive this one is to me. It lacjed the narrative, development & engagement that connected you to Chloe & Jordan in spirit. Keeping it 💯, the short stories at the end where the much more intriguing & compelling parts of this book. & I would love to see a couple of these in linger length & great depth tales.
July 28, 2019
Chloe follow-up
I don’t usually read short stories, but this book included a sequel to BECOMING CHLOE. It was actually more than just a short story, more of a short novel.Chloe is still broken, and I guess there’s really no fixing her, but her story in first person made me cry. I really wanted her to be a lot better, but you know she’ll always be just Chloe, and that’s alright. Loved it.
I don’t usually read short stories, but this book included a sequel to BECOMING CHLOE. It was actually more than just a short story, more of a short novel.Chloe is still broken, and I guess there’s really no fixing her, but her story in first person made me cry. I really wanted her to be a lot better, but you know she’ll always be just Chloe, and that’s alright. Loved it.
March 30, 2023
This book, featuring the novella 'Always Chloe', along with several short stories, is a sequel to Catherine Ryan Hyde's 'Becoming Chloe'. It is a follow-up on the special relationship between Jordy and Chloe, two young people who came together through their traumatic pasts. This is a very important time in Jordy's life and a big step in growth for Chloe in coping with the balance between her own happiness and that of others. Can she find common ground?
May 6, 2025
I loved CRH and was eager to read more about Chloe and Jordy. Although their story was good, it was a tad too simplistic for me. If found the other four stories in this book to be much better. As is typical for CRH, her stories show us snippets of human lives, but will very profound and moving inner dialogues. Although not typically a short-story reader, these was very well written, insighful, and at times, heartbreaking.
October 8, 2019
Always Chloe
I didn’t read the first book on Becoming Chloe, but even so, this one held my attention and made me want to read it! About two lost and battered souls who find comfort and healing in one another. When a third is involved it becomes more complicated but worth the ending.
I didn’t read the first book on Becoming Chloe, but even so, this one held my attention and made me want to read it! About two lost and battered souls who find comfort and healing in one another. When a third is involved it becomes more complicated but worth the ending.
August 2, 2017
Always Chloe is a story about the triumph over a troubled past and how the human mind and body can keep going even after much abuse. Always Chloe is recommended to those who need encouragement to move on from troubled pasts.
December 9, 2017
Wonderful...
These short stories are both hearrbtreakong and inspiring in equal measure. Never doubt the power of faith or the relentless spirit that exists in us all...summed up beautifully in these vignettes.
These short stories are both hearrbtreakong and inspiring in equal measure. Never doubt the power of faith or the relentless spirit that exists in us all...summed up beautifully in these vignettes.
April 13, 2020
I've read many books by the author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and most were excellent 5 star reads. This collection of short stories fails to meet that ranking. It reminded me of crumbs and leftovers, snippets of unfinished songs or poems that should have stayed inside a notebook somewhere.
April 17, 2020
Didn’t realize this was going to be several short stories.... the first one, which was 50% of the book was about Chloe, and was really good. Then, the little short stories were about quirky characters with maybe a theme of empathy - just did’t excite me at all.
July 18, 2020
Empathic stories
Enjoyed how vivid and concise the characters points of view were expressed. Each story was gripping for various reasons. I was introduced to new perspectives and I truly enjoyed it.
Enjoyed how vivid and concise the characters points of view were expressed. Each story was gripping for various reasons. I was introduced to new perspectives and I truly enjoyed it.
August 8, 2020
Always Chloe and other stories
I enjoyed reading the first story Always Chloe . It had a good story line but the other stories I didn't because of the curse words and using God's Name in vain.
I enjoyed reading the first story Always Chloe . It had a good story line but the other stories I didn't because of the curse words and using God's Name in vain.
January 31, 2024
I loved the first story (about Chloe). The rest of them were okay.
June 6, 2024
Sorry I read this book
I have read so many books by this author. I loved them all! But, I am so sorry, this was really bad (except for the Chloe story).
I have read so many books by this author. I loved them all! But, I am so sorry, this was really bad (except for the Chloe story).
June 27, 2024
Meh -- not crazy about her short stories
November 16, 2025
Enjoyable but not like her longer reads. Good author.
September 27, 2016
Loved it.
I've read most of Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels, and have enjoyed every one. Her works pull me back from the dark and twisted tales I also read. I have to say that this book is my favorite. Always Chloe is a tale to be experienced, while the shorter stories show a depth worthy of a remarkable storyteller.
I've read most of Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels, and have enjoyed every one. Her works pull me back from the dark and twisted tales I also read. I have to say that this book is my favorite. Always Chloe is a tale to be experienced, while the shorter stories show a depth worthy of a remarkable storyteller.
July 17, 2013
Novellas and short story collections are extremely underrated. I always keep a book in my purse for those times in life when you can't get out of waiting around for something or someone, and most of the times it's a short story collection. Even around the house there are times when I know I'm not going to have time to get into a thick book, so I grab one I can read quickly.
About 50% of this book is the novella Always Chloe, and picks up where Becoming Chloe leaves off. This was Chloe's turn to really decide if the world was beautiful or not. On her own. Not because someone was pointing it out to her, or because someone told her she should think it was. She's tried that, but until she finds it herself, she'll never really see it and be happy with life. We all know that change can be scary and adapting isn't always easy, but it's up to Chloe to find the beauty in letting Jordy love someone and letting them into her life too. I love that there was more to read about Jordy and Chloe, and Always Chloe leaves you satisfied with the direction their lives took and with it being the end of their story.
This book can be read as a stand alone, although I definitely recommend reading Becoming Chloe...like highly recommend it..it's not necessary in order to understand this one.
I rate Always Chloe a 5 star read!
Included short stories are 'The Lion Lottery', 'Pet Care, Tarot Readings, Maid Service' (I really liked this one), 'Breakage', and 'Fortunate Son'.
About 50% of this book is the novella Always Chloe, and picks up where Becoming Chloe leaves off. This was Chloe's turn to really decide if the world was beautiful or not. On her own. Not because someone was pointing it out to her, or because someone told her she should think it was. She's tried that, but until she finds it herself, she'll never really see it and be happy with life. We all know that change can be scary and adapting isn't always easy, but it's up to Chloe to find the beauty in letting Jordy love someone and letting them into her life too. I love that there was more to read about Jordy and Chloe, and Always Chloe leaves you satisfied with the direction their lives took and with it being the end of their story.
This book can be read as a stand alone, although I definitely recommend reading Becoming Chloe...like highly recommend it..it's not necessary in order to understand this one.
I rate Always Chloe a 5 star read!
Included short stories are 'The Lion Lottery', 'Pet Care, Tarot Readings, Maid Service' (I really liked this one), 'Breakage', and 'Fortunate Son'.
December 28, 2013
I read this for the Rainbow Awards.
The main story in this anthology is actually a sequel (novella) to the original book Becoming Chloe. My personal opinion is that unless you have read Becoming Chloe, don't bother reading this. The opening is so depressing. I stopped and started it about 5 times before I finally got to a point that there was enough interest for me to continue. Ms. Hyde captures a slice of Moro Bay beautifully. She also captures a portion of Jordy and Kevin's relationship. There is also Old Ben who is a wonderful friend to Chloe.
I like to read stories written from the point of view of "damaged" or "challenged" people. It helps me understand that my perception of the world is just a tiny bit of life and that there are enormous differences between all of us. Some things we share and some are very hard to truly understand.
But this story didn't go very far. I'm sure if I had read Becoming Chloe I might have a different opinion. The opening scene just set the story up for failure on my part. This is my personal opinion and others may love the beginning.
The rest of the stories were just not interesting to me. The people were too flawed and the stories so short that I just couldn't relate.
The main story in this anthology is actually a sequel (novella) to the original book Becoming Chloe. My personal opinion is that unless you have read Becoming Chloe, don't bother reading this. The opening is so depressing. I stopped and started it about 5 times before I finally got to a point that there was enough interest for me to continue. Ms. Hyde captures a slice of Moro Bay beautifully. She also captures a portion of Jordy and Kevin's relationship. There is also Old Ben who is a wonderful friend to Chloe.
I like to read stories written from the point of view of "damaged" or "challenged" people. It helps me understand that my perception of the world is just a tiny bit of life and that there are enormous differences between all of us. Some things we share and some are very hard to truly understand.
But this story didn't go very far. I'm sure if I had read Becoming Chloe I might have a different opinion. The opening scene just set the story up for failure on my part. This is my personal opinion and others may love the beginning.
The rest of the stories were just not interesting to me. The people were too flawed and the stories so short that I just couldn't relate.
September 6, 2013
Catherine Ryan Hyde has built on the distinctive character she developed so well in Becoming Chloe. The first person account, this time told from Chloe’s point of view, continues and is consistent with the first book. Chloe tho limited in some ways learns more and more about life and how to live as Jordy hooks up with an old boyfriend. The setting of Morro Bay on California’s Central Coast is beautifully detailed through Chloe’s eyes as she paddles about the estuary in her kayak. The successive chapters are basically chronological and laced with another thing we can expect from Catherine, tidbit gems of life philosophy. Several short stories complete the book and display well the author’s gift for characterization. Frankly, good as it was to visit other characters, I wanted more of Chloe.
April 1, 2014
$0.0
I'm not usually a fan of short stories, and so the only reason I read this book (other than I like the author) was because the first short story (novella actually) was a sequel to Becoming Chloe. I think it is important to read the book first even though the author says the story can stand on its own. After reading the book, I've really wanted to know what happened to Chloe and Jordan, and now I have a better idea.
The other short stories were interesting, but I like more character development, plot lines, and stories that have more meat to them. Still if you only have a little bit of time one day, then a short story can be handy.
I'm not usually a fan of short stories, and so the only reason I read this book (other than I like the author) was because the first short story (novella actually) was a sequel to Becoming Chloe. I think it is important to read the book first even though the author says the story can stand on its own. After reading the book, I've really wanted to know what happened to Chloe and Jordan, and now I have a better idea.
The other short stories were interesting, but I like more character development, plot lines, and stories that have more meat to them. Still if you only have a little bit of time one day, then a short story can be handy.
January 20, 2014
Anyone that knows my reading preference knows that I am not a fan of short stories. Seriously. I just would not buy them. Felt like I was being cheated because I'd be left wanting more. That's until I read Always Chloe (thinking it was part 2 of Becoming Chloe and that was it). WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE! Well, I then thought, "what the heck!" and read Subway Dancer. LOVELY! I especially enjoy coming across shorts with characters I've already read, such as Viva. Puts a smile on my face. Now onto Earthquake Weather. By the way, The Day I Killed James and Funerals for Horses - AWESOME AWESOME! Did I mention that already, Catherine Hyde?
December 10, 2015
I read "Becoming Chloe" several years ago. I was looking for a good book to read and happened upon this one. I couldn't believe that there was more to Chloe and Jordy's story that I didn't know! I was not disappointed. What a fantastic read. I wish the whole book was about Chloe and Jordy (because I just love those characters), but there are four short stories included. The short stories were fantastic (of course), I just wanted to read more about Chloe and Jordy. If you haven't read "Becoming Chloe," read it. Then you need to read this one.
September 10, 2023
I chose this book because I am familiar with the author. I generally really like the author's work. Needless to say, I was disappointed in this book. Wasn't sure what the title was implying when I read "and other stories." Had I also realized that there was a book preceding this one about Chloe, I would have read it first. I liked the story about Chloe. I did not enjoy reading any of the other stories.
June 10, 2016
This is the very first book by CRH that I have not liked. The main character was just not sympathetic at all. And the other characters are not developed well enough to feel anything about one way or another. I confess to not having read "Becoming Chloe", which may have helped with my critique. So if you are a fan, as I remain, and you are considering "'Always Chloe", I recommend you read the other first, or pass on this altogether.
March 19, 2014
Beautifully written stories about outsiders facing moral dilemmas. The "Chloe" stories make up most of this book. Chloe is an unusual, quietly affecting protagonist, and the descriptions of her encounters with various sea creatures (pelican, oyster, seal, whale, etc.) and terrestrials (all human) are wonderfully convincing. The other tales are also good.
November 29, 2013
When I started the novella I didn’t realize it was a sequel to Becoming Chloe. The references to her past and the relationship background seemed random and forced. Perhaps if I read Becoming Chloe first I would have enjoyed this more. It was a freebie and an easy fast read.
October 26, 2014
Horrid
if you want a few short stories to fall asleep to (because of), this is the book for you.
very disappointed, because I've loved most of the other six or so books I've written by her.
I finished each story with a raging "I don't get the point" pounding in my head.
if you want a few short stories to fall asleep to (because of), this is the book for you.
very disappointed, because I've loved most of the other six or so books I've written by her.
I finished each story with a raging "I don't get the point" pounding in my head.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews