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Say Goodbye for Now
On an isolated Texas ranch, Dr. Lucy cares for abandoned animals. The solitude allows her to avoid the people and places that remind her of the past. Not that any of the townsfolk care. In 1959, no one is interested in a woman doctor. Nor are they welcoming Calvin and Justin Bell, a newly arrived African American father and son.
When Pete Solomon, a neglected twelve-year-old boy, and Justin bring a wounded wolf-dog hybrid to Dr. Lucy, the outcasts soon find refuge in one another. Lucy never thought she’d make connections again, never mind fall in love. Pete never imagined he’d find friends as loyal as Justin and the dog. But these four people aren’t allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them.
With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive…waiting for the world to catch up with them.
When Pete Solomon, a neglected twelve-year-old boy, and Justin bring a wounded wolf-dog hybrid to Dr. Lucy, the outcasts soon find refuge in one another. Lucy never thought she’d make connections again, never mind fall in love. Pete never imagined he’d find friends as loyal as Justin and the dog. But these four people aren’t allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them.
With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive…waiting for the world to catch up with them.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2016
6808 people are currently reading
16835 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
70 books6,062 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 1,835 reviews
December 13, 2016
4.5 stars
Say Goodbye for Now is a beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long while. While the summary for the book focuses on the relationship between Dr. Lucy and Calvin, I felt the main character was actually Pete Solomon, who has become my favorite adolescent character in fiction today. Pete is such a kind and caring individual whose story is heart-breaking; I was rooting for him the entire book and was so thankful that he met Dr. Lucy.
The story opens in 1959 in a small West Texas town. Dr. Lucy has lived on her own for a long time and has become very comfortable with her solitary lifestyle. Pete finds a wounded wolf-dog on the side of the road and eventually ends up on Dr. Lucy’s doorstep seeking treatment for the poor animal. On his way to Dr. Lucy’s house, Pete befriends an African-American boy named Justin. Numerous town residents including Pete’s horrible father harass Pete for befriending Justin. Pete’s visit to Dr. Lucy and his friendship with Justin set off a chain of events that will change all of their lives forever.
Hyde's characters are carefully crafted, and the protagonists are exactly the type of people I would enjoy getting to know. Their relationships evolve authentically, and Dr. Lucy and Pete develop a beautiful connection with each other, as do Dr. Lucy and Calvin, Justin’s father. Racial tensions in the 1950’s and 1960’s in the South frequently ran high, and Hyde realistically portrays this issue. My one small quibble was the novel’s resolution was wrapped up a little too quickly.
This was my first time to read a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I cannot wait to read some more. Years ago I saw the movie Pay it Forward and thoroughly enjoyed it. Until I picked up Say Goodbye For Now to actually read it, I didn’t realize she had written the book that movie was based on. I have some catching up to do with regard to her numerous books!
I highly recommend this heartbreaking but redemptive tale. Plan to have plenty of Kleenex nearby when you read it. Thanks to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Say Goodbye for Now is a beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long while. While the summary for the book focuses on the relationship between Dr. Lucy and Calvin, I felt the main character was actually Pete Solomon, who has become my favorite adolescent character in fiction today. Pete is such a kind and caring individual whose story is heart-breaking; I was rooting for him the entire book and was so thankful that he met Dr. Lucy.
The story opens in 1959 in a small West Texas town. Dr. Lucy has lived on her own for a long time and has become very comfortable with her solitary lifestyle. Pete finds a wounded wolf-dog on the side of the road and eventually ends up on Dr. Lucy’s doorstep seeking treatment for the poor animal. On his way to Dr. Lucy’s house, Pete befriends an African-American boy named Justin. Numerous town residents including Pete’s horrible father harass Pete for befriending Justin. Pete’s visit to Dr. Lucy and his friendship with Justin set off a chain of events that will change all of their lives forever.
Hyde's characters are carefully crafted, and the protagonists are exactly the type of people I would enjoy getting to know. Their relationships evolve authentically, and Dr. Lucy and Pete develop a beautiful connection with each other, as do Dr. Lucy and Calvin, Justin’s father. Racial tensions in the 1950’s and 1960’s in the South frequently ran high, and Hyde realistically portrays this issue. My one small quibble was the novel’s resolution was wrapped up a little too quickly.
This was my first time to read a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I cannot wait to read some more. Years ago I saw the movie Pay it Forward and thoroughly enjoyed it. Until I picked up Say Goodbye For Now to actually read it, I didn’t realize she had written the book that movie was based on. I have some catching up to do with regard to her numerous books!
I highly recommend this heartbreaking but redemptive tale. Plan to have plenty of Kleenex nearby when you read it. Thanks to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2021
I started listening to this as an audiobook before switching over to reading it. Listening to it I missed an important detail: I had to go back and check the year and geographic setting of the novel because I was confused when there was an issue with a twelve-year-old white kid befriending the new black kid in town. When I realized it was set in 1959 small-town Texas, it made more sense, and is in fact what the entire novel is about: The racism of the citizens means that Pete is not supposed to be friends with Justin.
They become friends when Pete discovered a half-wolf, half-dog who had been hit by a car. The local vet won’t help him, but a woman tells him about a doctor who takes in injured stray animals. Lucy is a medical doctor for humans, but she doesn’t actually like most humans. She’s right not to like them: When Pete and Justin are seen together, Justin gets beaten within an inch of his life. Pete takes him to Dr. Lucy because going to the hospital would bring even more trouble. Dr. Lucy is attracted to his father, Calvin, who has been a widower since Justin was born. If friendships bring out the venom in the locals, you can imagine how popular a romantic relationship between a white woman and black man might be.
Another reason Dr. Lucy doesn’t treat humans is the sexism of small-town Texas in 1959—they don’t trust female doctors.
The book covers eight years, which includes the Supreme Court decision on Loving vs. Virginia, in which a white man and a black woman had to flee Virginia where their marriage was a crime.
Despite the difficult issues Catherine Ryan Hyde covers—child abuse in addition to racism and sexism—this is ultimately a happy and uplifting read.
They become friends when Pete discovered a half-wolf, half-dog who had been hit by a car. The local vet won’t help him, but a woman tells him about a doctor who takes in injured stray animals. Lucy is a medical doctor for humans, but she doesn’t actually like most humans. She’s right not to like them: When Pete and Justin are seen together, Justin gets beaten within an inch of his life. Pete takes him to Dr. Lucy because going to the hospital would bring even more trouble. Dr. Lucy is attracted to his father, Calvin, who has been a widower since Justin was born. If friendships bring out the venom in the locals, you can imagine how popular a romantic relationship between a white woman and black man might be.
Another reason Dr. Lucy doesn’t treat humans is the sexism of small-town Texas in 1959—they don’t trust female doctors.
The book covers eight years, which includes the Supreme Court decision on Loving vs. Virginia, in which a white man and a black woman had to flee Virginia where their marriage was a crime.
Despite the difficult issues Catherine Ryan Hyde covers—child abuse in addition to racism and sexism—this is ultimately a happy and uplifting read.
March 31, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I enjoyed this book. I really thought that this was going to be a book about a dog based on the cover. I obviously did not read the book's summary prior to starting this audiobook. There is a dog in the book but that dog is really not the main focus of the story. This was a story about race, love, and what really makes up a family. I am so glad that I stumbled upon this wonderful story.
This book is told from two points of view. Dr. Lucy takes care of animals and the occasional human that comes to her for help. She lives a rather isolated life on her ranch and likes it that way. Pete is a 12 year old boy that happens upon a wounded dog laying on the side of the road and feels compelled to help. Pete finds help for the dog in Dr. Lucy and so much more.
The characters in this book were wonderful and they all had their own complex story to tell. Dr. Lucy has been through a lot. The book is set in a time where people do not want to take a female doctor seriously so Lucy uses her skills to help animals. Pete has had a lot to deal with in his short life. Despite the way he is treated, he is still such a good kid and works hard to do what he feels is right. Justin and his father, Calvin, are new in town. The town has not been welcoming to them and has treated them poorly because of the fact that they are African American.
I loved the way that the relationships between these characters developed. If the rest of the world would simply go away, these four people would be very happy. Pete and Justin have so much in common and I loved watching their friendship progress. Lucy goes from being alone most of the time to have a real connection to Pete, Justin, and Calvin. Everything about their interactions seemed natural and it made me very angry that the local citizens did everything they could to not allow any of the connections to exist.
The narrators both did a great job with this story. I really do enjoy it when audiobooks utilize multiple narrators. Nick Podehl did a great job with Pete's point of view which was no small task since the character is a 12 year old boy. Teri Schnaubelt voices the parts that were told from Dr. Lucy's point of view. Both narrators were able to bring a lot of emotion into the story telling and were very pleasant to listen to for long periods of time. I would not hesitate to listen to either of these narrators again in the future.
I would recommend this book to others. This was a very well told story that really care about the characters. This was the first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde that I have read but I wouldn't hesitate to read more of her work in the future.
Initial Thoughts
I thought that this was going to be a book about a dog. I obviously didn't read the blurb about the book before reading it probably because I was distracted by the pretty dog on the cover. There is a dog in the book. A wolf-dog but the dog isn't the main point of the book. This book is about race, love, and what makes a family. The narrators did a good job with the story.
Book source: Audible purchase
I enjoyed this book. I really thought that this was going to be a book about a dog based on the cover. I obviously did not read the book's summary prior to starting this audiobook. There is a dog in the book but that dog is really not the main focus of the story. This was a story about race, love, and what really makes up a family. I am so glad that I stumbled upon this wonderful story.
This book is told from two points of view. Dr. Lucy takes care of animals and the occasional human that comes to her for help. She lives a rather isolated life on her ranch and likes it that way. Pete is a 12 year old boy that happens upon a wounded dog laying on the side of the road and feels compelled to help. Pete finds help for the dog in Dr. Lucy and so much more.
The characters in this book were wonderful and they all had their own complex story to tell. Dr. Lucy has been through a lot. The book is set in a time where people do not want to take a female doctor seriously so Lucy uses her skills to help animals. Pete has had a lot to deal with in his short life. Despite the way he is treated, he is still such a good kid and works hard to do what he feels is right. Justin and his father, Calvin, are new in town. The town has not been welcoming to them and has treated them poorly because of the fact that they are African American.
I loved the way that the relationships between these characters developed. If the rest of the world would simply go away, these four people would be very happy. Pete and Justin have so much in common and I loved watching their friendship progress. Lucy goes from being alone most of the time to have a real connection to Pete, Justin, and Calvin. Everything about their interactions seemed natural and it made me very angry that the local citizens did everything they could to not allow any of the connections to exist.
The narrators both did a great job with this story. I really do enjoy it when audiobooks utilize multiple narrators. Nick Podehl did a great job with Pete's point of view which was no small task since the character is a 12 year old boy. Teri Schnaubelt voices the parts that were told from Dr. Lucy's point of view. Both narrators were able to bring a lot of emotion into the story telling and were very pleasant to listen to for long periods of time. I would not hesitate to listen to either of these narrators again in the future.
I would recommend this book to others. This was a very well told story that really care about the characters. This was the first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde that I have read but I wouldn't hesitate to read more of her work in the future.
Initial Thoughts
I thought that this was going to be a book about a dog. I obviously didn't read the blurb about the book before reading it probably because I was distracted by the pretty dog on the cover. There is a dog in the book. A wolf-dog but the dog isn't the main point of the book. This book is about race, love, and what makes a family. The narrators did a good job with the story.
Book source: Audible purchase
June 3, 2023
You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello.*
I was drawn to this book because I love animals and people who devote themselves to assisting them are my heroes.
At the center of the story is a doctor who treats other species in addition to humans when they aren’t able to receive help elsewhere. What’s not to love about that?
I had expected a sanctuary to be the crux and I had prepared myself for someone saying goodbye to their pet because of the cover and title. I'm easily moved regarding pets and at movie theaters I find myself snuffling when I’m the only dry eyed patron regarding two legged characters.
However, I needn’t have worried because relationships between people filled the majority of the pages. This is a book about different types of love and creating family outside the norm. At times heartwarming and others sad, I liked the balance and never found it to be too syrupy.
If you have an opportunity, read the author’s impressive resume. She’s quite accomplished!
From Amazon.
*Beatles / Paul McCartney 1967
I was drawn to this book because I love animals and people who devote themselves to assisting them are my heroes.
At the center of the story is a doctor who treats other species in addition to humans when they aren’t able to receive help elsewhere. What’s not to love about that?
I had expected a sanctuary to be the crux and I had prepared myself for someone saying goodbye to their pet because of the cover and title. I'm easily moved regarding pets and at movie theaters I find myself snuffling when I’m the only dry eyed patron regarding two legged characters.
However, I needn’t have worried because relationships between people filled the majority of the pages. This is a book about different types of love and creating family outside the norm. At times heartwarming and others sad, I liked the balance and never found it to be too syrupy.
If you have an opportunity, read the author’s impressive resume. She’s quite accomplished!
From Amazon.
*Beatles / Paul McCartney 1967
June 13, 2017
3.5 stars
Family...that can be those you are related to or those you choose to surround yourself with. For 12 yr old Pete Solomon his family became those he choose. Dr Lucy Armstrong had chosen a solitary life sans family and friends, until she met Pete. An injured wolf hybrid brought them together. Then Justin and Calvin Bell entered the picture and the family became larger. It is the 1950's and miscegenation rears its head. Years go by, life goes on, and the world catches up to this family.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is a superb author. She can take an everyday happening and make it into a story. This book is a great example of why she is a New York Times Bestselling author.
Family...that can be those you are related to or those you choose to surround yourself with. For 12 yr old Pete Solomon his family became those he choose. Dr Lucy Armstrong had chosen a solitary life sans family and friends, until she met Pete. An injured wolf hybrid brought them together. Then Justin and Calvin Bell entered the picture and the family became larger. It is the 1950's and miscegenation rears its head. Years go by, life goes on, and the world catches up to this family.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is a superb author. She can take an everyday happening and make it into a story. This book is a great example of why she is a New York Times Bestselling author.
March 4, 2022
3.5
This had all the hallmark Catherine Ryan Hyde bits to it, animals, children, difficult moral situations and love. The book was uneven and at times dragged a bit, but the story of Pete, an abused 12 year old finding a hurt wolf/dog on the side of the road, finding an eccentric remote doctor who mostly took care of wild and domestic animals, is the core of the book. Mixed of course with Calvin and Justin an African American father and son, who were not welcomed in this Texas town in 1959.
Lots of themes of unfairness in US society, especially in Texas in 1959 (has it improved?) including racism and parental abuse, are sometimes difficult to fathom and read. Once again Ms Hyde has written an engaging tale of love and growing up. And of course Prince, our original catalyst in getting everyone together.
This had all the hallmark Catherine Ryan Hyde bits to it, animals, children, difficult moral situations and love. The book was uneven and at times dragged a bit, but the story of Pete, an abused 12 year old finding a hurt wolf/dog on the side of the road, finding an eccentric remote doctor who mostly took care of wild and domestic animals, is the core of the book. Mixed of course with Calvin and Justin an African American father and son, who were not welcomed in this Texas town in 1959.
Lots of themes of unfairness in US society, especially in Texas in 1959 (has it improved?) including racism and parental abuse, are sometimes difficult to fathom and read. Once again Ms Hyde has written an engaging tale of love and growing up. And of course Prince, our original catalyst in getting everyone together.
March 10, 2025
Twelve year old Pete Solomon was going fishing with his mate Jack on the first morning of their summer break, when Pete spied what looked like a wounded dog by the side of the road. Jack wasn't interested in helping but Pete couldn't leave an injured animal without helping him. Getting his old toy cart from home, Pete somehow loaded the dog onboard and headed for the vet. But the vet sent them away - "it wasn't a dog, it was a wild animal". After being given an address, Pete headed to Dr Lucy's home - and his life, and others around him, changed forever.
Pete's rescue dog was in fact a wolf-dog, but Dr Lucy repaired the broken bones, making sure he would be unable to move for some time, while they healed. Prince, as Pete named him, always watched warily, but didn't attempt to harm. Pete's home life was abominable, with a cruel and brutal father who continually whipped Pete. One morning as Pete was heading for Dr Lucy's, he met a new friend. Justin and his father had just moved to his small town in Texas, but they were African-American and the townsfolk didn't want them there. They also didn't approve of Pete and Justin's friendship...
Say Goodbye for Now is another well written, fabulously characterised novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, an author I know I can go to if I need a guaranteed top read. I felt I knew the characters, they are so well described. The situation of race, prejudice and anger back in the 1950s and '60s was heartbreaking, but it was on top of their agenda back then. I thoroughly enjoyed Say Goodbye for Now and recommend it highly.
Pete's rescue dog was in fact a wolf-dog, but Dr Lucy repaired the broken bones, making sure he would be unable to move for some time, while they healed. Prince, as Pete named him, always watched warily, but didn't attempt to harm. Pete's home life was abominable, with a cruel and brutal father who continually whipped Pete. One morning as Pete was heading for Dr Lucy's, he met a new friend. Justin and his father had just moved to his small town in Texas, but they were African-American and the townsfolk didn't want them there. They also didn't approve of Pete and Justin's friendship...
Say Goodbye for Now is another well written, fabulously characterised novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, an author I know I can go to if I need a guaranteed top read. I felt I knew the characters, they are so well described. The situation of race, prejudice and anger back in the 1950s and '60s was heartbreaking, but it was on top of their agenda back then. I thoroughly enjoyed Say Goodbye for Now and recommend it highly.
May 24, 2017
Master storyteller, Catherine Ryan Hyde returns following Leaving Blythe River (2016) with another heartfelt powerful message with SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW.
—With highly charged topics, from untraditional families; love, loss, racial tension, animals, and the chance meetings of four unique souls drawn together by an unbreakable bond. Lives which will be enriched by one another.
Top 50 Books of 2016!
Interweaving a story of a heartbreaking, forbidden love in the South 1950s-60s Texas, with an unlikely friendship. From heartbreak to healing. The broken pieces. Finding deep compassion for the flaws that make us human. Patience, love, and redemption.
An unforgettable journey with characters you will not soon forget! They will touch you and continue to pull on your heartstrings. When love plays a part in letting go; relationships, animals, and friendships. When saying, "Goodbye For Now" may not be forever. Until we meet again.
Broken out in three parts from 1959 to 1967, a reminder of the changing laws of our country; however, it may not always change the hearts and minds of the people. From civil rights, segregation, a divide, to the overturning of bans on interracial marriage. The patience to wait, while protecting those we love. Timing.
Texas 1959 Dr. Lucy (Lucille Armstrong) is a regular doctor, not a veterinarian, yet she takes in animals and lost souls. She lives in a remote area, a southern small town.
Some may think she is eccentric and cold-hearted. She is strong and outspoken. She lives in a time when there were not very many women doctors. She likes the solitude and prefers the company of animals versus humans. She has her own painful past. She went to medical school and her life did not go as planned. Now she prefers to shut herself off from others.
Many of Lucy’s patients never leave, once they cross through her door. She has sixteen dogs, eleven horses, a pig, and an owl. Soon she will take in yet another animal, and three strangers under her wing while trying to keep the law away from her front door.
Pete Solomon, age twelve, liked dogs provided they were healthy and alive. However, when he sees a wounded large dog along the highway, he had to help. Of course, his friend Jack is more interested in fishing than a helpless stray dog. This dog is a cross between a wolf and a dog. The dog seemed to listen and his life depended on Pete.
Without Jack’s help, Pete gets the dog in a wagon and earns its trust, to a “so called” vet. They are not nice and inform they do not treat wild animals. However, someone gives him a tip. There is a Dr. Lucy which may help. After all, everything and everyone wants to live. It is called "survival."
Little does Pete, his soon to be loyal friend Prince (dog) and Dr. Lucy know --how they will become connected for years to come.
Pete also has his own pain, too much for a boy of his age to bear. An abusive father. No mother. Dr. Lucy is like no one he has ever met. He wishes he could remain with her, the animals and his new wolf-dog friend, Prince, while he heals. He never wants to leave. (he is an old soul).
He also meets another boy his age, Justin Bell (African American) and they become instant friends. Justine has a great heart and he likes this new friend and ditches his old selfish friend, Jack.
However, soon Justine and Pete learn the world of grownups are not so nice. People do not like this newfound friendship. Shortly, thereafter Pete’s dad discovers this friendship and beats him for being gone (while looking after the stray dog at Dr. Lucy’s house—he keeps a secret), and second, for walking in public with his new friend, Justine down the highway.
Hurt, and down on his luck, Pete decides to return to Dr. Lucy’s house. He cannot go on like this. He has to keep his visits a secret as well as his friendship with Justine. On his way, he discovers Justin badly beaten on the side of the road. He immediately goes to his rescue. Justine says he cannot go to the hospital or police. He has been warned.
He has no one to turn to but Dr. Lucy. She immediately takes both boys under her wing, no questions asked. A woman who thought she liked living alone, cut off from the world. She is their protector, a rescuer; even when she thought there was no feeling left in her.
When she calls the dad, Calvin to let him know of his son’s issues, she soon discovers he is also a caring soul and is drawn to his kindness for his son. Calvin’s wife died years earlier and he raises his son with love, and compassion; unlike Pete’s dad. Pete sees this bond between father and son, and wonders why his life is so different.
Yet despite the couple's strong attraction, the town and those around them (outside of Lucy, Calvin, Justine, and Pete), are unkind. From racial tension and injustice. The boys learn the adult world is quite cruel and full of hatred.
Soon there is more violence and Dr. Lucy once again is there to help. The couple soon falls in love; however, they know they cannot have a future or act upon their feelings until the laws change. After all, this is Texas in 1959.
Patience. In addition, Pete’s father and the people in the town are violently against interracial friendship and relationships. Pete is around some great new role models; however, he still has to face his own father. Why should a child’s life be so difficult? He has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
With the special love of strangers, Pete now has a family, as well as the others. Each has hope. Strong bonds are formed. Both human and animals. However, each one may have to say "goodbye for now" in hopes they will meet again. Things are not always so simple and straightforward. Great themes and parallels here.
Between a loyal dog named Prince and a woman who may find a soft place in her heart, and just maybe a shot a love and motherhood once again. Plus a boy who finds there can be love somewhere beneath all the hatred- a new family, and new friends. Four people who bond and learn many life lessons. This unlikely group may just help Dr. Lucy find her own way. A powerful, moving novel of family loss and redemption.
Inspiring! What an emotional and beautifully written story. A huge Hyde fan, each of her books bring characters together in life’s messy circumstances.
The courage of Pete and unwavering love of Dr. Lucy, a woman who has isolated herself, hiding from society finds herself changing, in positive ways. Calvin, a man of wisdom and patience, and a role model for his son Justin.
Hyde illuminates racial tensions, which still exist in our country today, while at the same time a perfect example of how small acts of faith can make big inroads to acceptance. A mix of love story and coming-of-age.
These four "gave" without expecting anything in return. Each had been disappointed by the world. Losses can be restored. "Things can turn out, long after you had accepted they never would." When you are willing to do what’s best for others. Putting our own feelings aside.
Enjoyed the tie in, with the Supreme Court ruling Loving vs. Virginia case. A timely story even in today’s world of racial injustice, evil, and violence. Plus our world of "need it now." Rushing, immediate gratification. We all need a lesson in patience and waiting. (Myself included). Just finished Waiting for Wonder: Learning to Live on God's Timeline A great example of waiting!
In SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW, there is unwavering love, kindness, faith, and caring. Sometimes things or people we meet, may not be entirely random nor accidental encounters. Life knows exactly what it is doing. People are put in our lives for a reason and purpose, when our own family and friends may let us down. Strangers become an integral part of our lives and hearts while teaching us valuable lessons. .
When "Goodbye For Now" is not forever. A true journey of the heart. A must read! For fans of Bette Lee Crosby, Diane Chamberlain, Heather Gudenkauf, Fredrik Backman, Jodi Picoult, and David Johnson.
No one tells a powerful moving story like Catherine Ryan Hyde. I loved Pete! Ideal for book clubs and further reading discussions (guide included).
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
—With highly charged topics, from untraditional families; love, loss, racial tension, animals, and the chance meetings of four unique souls drawn together by an unbreakable bond. Lives which will be enriched by one another.
Top 50 Books of 2016!
Interweaving a story of a heartbreaking, forbidden love in the South 1950s-60s Texas, with an unlikely friendship. From heartbreak to healing. The broken pieces. Finding deep compassion for the flaws that make us human. Patience, love, and redemption.
An unforgettable journey with characters you will not soon forget! They will touch you and continue to pull on your heartstrings. When love plays a part in letting go; relationships, animals, and friendships. When saying, "Goodbye For Now" may not be forever. Until we meet again.
Broken out in three parts from 1959 to 1967, a reminder of the changing laws of our country; however, it may not always change the hearts and minds of the people. From civil rights, segregation, a divide, to the overturning of bans on interracial marriage. The patience to wait, while protecting those we love. Timing.
Texas 1959 Dr. Lucy (Lucille Armstrong) is a regular doctor, not a veterinarian, yet she takes in animals and lost souls. She lives in a remote area, a southern small town.
Some may think she is eccentric and cold-hearted. She is strong and outspoken. She lives in a time when there were not very many women doctors. She likes the solitude and prefers the company of animals versus humans. She has her own painful past. She went to medical school and her life did not go as planned. Now she prefers to shut herself off from others.
Many of Lucy’s patients never leave, once they cross through her door. She has sixteen dogs, eleven horses, a pig, and an owl. Soon she will take in yet another animal, and three strangers under her wing while trying to keep the law away from her front door.
Pete Solomon, age twelve, liked dogs provided they were healthy and alive. However, when he sees a wounded large dog along the highway, he had to help. Of course, his friend Jack is more interested in fishing than a helpless stray dog. This dog is a cross between a wolf and a dog. The dog seemed to listen and his life depended on Pete.
Without Jack’s help, Pete gets the dog in a wagon and earns its trust, to a “so called” vet. They are not nice and inform they do not treat wild animals. However, someone gives him a tip. There is a Dr. Lucy which may help. After all, everything and everyone wants to live. It is called "survival."
Little does Pete, his soon to be loyal friend Prince (dog) and Dr. Lucy know --how they will become connected for years to come.
Pete also has his own pain, too much for a boy of his age to bear. An abusive father. No mother. Dr. Lucy is like no one he has ever met. He wishes he could remain with her, the animals and his new wolf-dog friend, Prince, while he heals. He never wants to leave. (he is an old soul).
He also meets another boy his age, Justin Bell (African American) and they become instant friends. Justine has a great heart and he likes this new friend and ditches his old selfish friend, Jack.
However, soon Justine and Pete learn the world of grownups are not so nice. People do not like this newfound friendship. Shortly, thereafter Pete’s dad discovers this friendship and beats him for being gone (while looking after the stray dog at Dr. Lucy’s house—he keeps a secret), and second, for walking in public with his new friend, Justine down the highway.
Hurt, and down on his luck, Pete decides to return to Dr. Lucy’s house. He cannot go on like this. He has to keep his visits a secret as well as his friendship with Justine. On his way, he discovers Justin badly beaten on the side of the road. He immediately goes to his rescue. Justine says he cannot go to the hospital or police. He has been warned.
He has no one to turn to but Dr. Lucy. She immediately takes both boys under her wing, no questions asked. A woman who thought she liked living alone, cut off from the world. She is their protector, a rescuer; even when she thought there was no feeling left in her.
When she calls the dad, Calvin to let him know of his son’s issues, she soon discovers he is also a caring soul and is drawn to his kindness for his son. Calvin’s wife died years earlier and he raises his son with love, and compassion; unlike Pete’s dad. Pete sees this bond between father and son, and wonders why his life is so different.
Yet despite the couple's strong attraction, the town and those around them (outside of Lucy, Calvin, Justine, and Pete), are unkind. From racial tension and injustice. The boys learn the adult world is quite cruel and full of hatred.
Soon there is more violence and Dr. Lucy once again is there to help. The couple soon falls in love; however, they know they cannot have a future or act upon their feelings until the laws change. After all, this is Texas in 1959.
Patience. In addition, Pete’s father and the people in the town are violently against interracial friendship and relationships. Pete is around some great new role models; however, he still has to face his own father. Why should a child’s life be so difficult? He has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
With the special love of strangers, Pete now has a family, as well as the others. Each has hope. Strong bonds are formed. Both human and animals. However, each one may have to say "goodbye for now" in hopes they will meet again. Things are not always so simple and straightforward. Great themes and parallels here.
Between a loyal dog named Prince and a woman who may find a soft place in her heart, and just maybe a shot a love and motherhood once again. Plus a boy who finds there can be love somewhere beneath all the hatred- a new family, and new friends. Four people who bond and learn many life lessons. This unlikely group may just help Dr. Lucy find her own way. A powerful, moving novel of family loss and redemption.
Inspiring! What an emotional and beautifully written story. A huge Hyde fan, each of her books bring characters together in life’s messy circumstances.
The courage of Pete and unwavering love of Dr. Lucy, a woman who has isolated herself, hiding from society finds herself changing, in positive ways. Calvin, a man of wisdom and patience, and a role model for his son Justin.
Hyde illuminates racial tensions, which still exist in our country today, while at the same time a perfect example of how small acts of faith can make big inroads to acceptance. A mix of love story and coming-of-age.
These four "gave" without expecting anything in return. Each had been disappointed by the world. Losses can be restored. "Things can turn out, long after you had accepted they never would." When you are willing to do what’s best for others. Putting our own feelings aside.
Enjoyed the tie in, with the Supreme Court ruling Loving vs. Virginia case. A timely story even in today’s world of racial injustice, evil, and violence. Plus our world of "need it now." Rushing, immediate gratification. We all need a lesson in patience and waiting. (Myself included). Just finished Waiting for Wonder: Learning to Live on God's Timeline A great example of waiting!
In SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW, there is unwavering love, kindness, faith, and caring. Sometimes things or people we meet, may not be entirely random nor accidental encounters. Life knows exactly what it is doing. People are put in our lives for a reason and purpose, when our own family and friends may let us down. Strangers become an integral part of our lives and hearts while teaching us valuable lessons. .
When "Goodbye For Now" is not forever. A true journey of the heart. A must read! For fans of Bette Lee Crosby, Diane Chamberlain, Heather Gudenkauf, Fredrik Backman, Jodi Picoult, and David Johnson.
No one tells a powerful moving story like Catherine Ryan Hyde. I loved Pete! Ideal for book clubs and further reading discussions (guide included).
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2016
It's 1959 and the country is still prejudiced against anyone of color. When an abused 12 year old boy, Pete, finds what he thinks is a dog injured alongside the road he tries to help it and his best friend abandons him. Turned away from the vets because the animal is a cross between a wolf and dog he tries to make it several miles out of town to get help at a lady doctor who he has learned helps animals. Along the way he meets an African American boy by the name of Justin his own age and they strike up an allegiance. His father forbids him to be friends with the young man but he cannot bring himself to tun his back on the boy. When Justin is attacked and Justin's father arrested the young men become even closer and when he is released they move out of town but he and the doctor remain in contact. Pete's dad throws him out and he goes to live with the doctor and against all odds they become a family. This is a great coming of age story and about how love can overcome prejudice off all kinds. Great read. I would like to thank the Publishers and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
January 15, 2024
Tare mult mi-a plăcut povestea asta. Felul în care este scrisă mi-a dat o stare de liniște. Orice nenorocire nara, autoarea a păstrat încontinuu luminița de la capătul tunelului, luminiță care mi-a adus zâmbetul pe buze si m-a făcut să citesc cu emoție.
Este o carte despre oameni, despre rasism și despre relațiile atât de complicate ai anilor 50.
Este o carte cu cinci personaje, scrisă bine, care m-a prins fără să îmi dau seama și care mi-a intrat în suflet.
După ce am închis cartea, mi-am spus că aș mai fi vrut. Parca a fost prea puțin.
Îi dau 5 stele și aterizează în lista mea de favorite ale acestui an.
O recomand cu căldură.
Este o carte despre oameni, despre rasism și despre relațiile atât de complicate ai anilor 50.
Este o carte cu cinci personaje, scrisă bine, care m-a prins fără să îmi dau seama și care mi-a intrat în suflet.
După ce am închis cartea, mi-am spus că aș mai fi vrut. Parca a fost prea puțin.
Îi dau 5 stele și aterizează în lista mea de favorite ale acestui an.
O recomand cu căldură.
December 26, 2016
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
As much as I adore my creepy and intense thrillers and mysteries, over the Christmas holiday I wanted to snuggle up with a book that didn’t have a serial killer as a main character. I won a copy of Say Goodbye For Now from the author and was so exited as I’ve had several of her books in my TBR and hadn’t gotten around to them before now. I’m kicking myself now that I waited this long to read one of Ryan Hyde’s novels and I’m vowing here and now to read some of her other work in the new year. This book totally hit the spot and was just the type of feel good read that I was craving.
It’s 1959 in small town Texas and though Lucy and Pete have both lived there for years, they haven’t crossed paths before. Lucy is a doctor who quit practicing after many people had objections to being treated by a woman. She’s distant and isolated, both physically and emotionally and surrounds herself with stray animals no one else wants. Pete is the sweetest kid and when he finds a dog hurt in the side of the highway he takes it to Dr. Lucy for help. Justin and Calvin are father and son and new to town and the young boys become fast friends. These four have no idea how their chance encounters will shape and define their lives in the future, but they all have lessons to learn and things to teach each other.
Ryan Hyde sure knows how to write a page turner, I couldn’t wait to see how this story would turn out. She wove a story that was both beautifully tender and brimming with heavy issues, but she managed to convey a strong message without leaving me feeling like I had read something emotionally draining. There is Lucy who is dealing with the loss of her son and husband as well as sexism, Pete who is an abused child, and Justin and Calvin who are African American in the fifties, enough said there. As these four struggle with their own issues, they manage to find solace in each other and it was a truly gorgeous thing to witness.
This was an effortless read, the chapters alternate between Dr. Lucy’s point of view and Pete’s. The bulk of the story is told within the first few months the four meet, then the last half spans the course of eight years. I feel in love with all four of them, but Pete especially left a mark on my heart, he is a special kid who is wise beyond his years. This is begging to be picked for a book club read, there is so much to discuss and explore. Also, if you’re an animal lover there are some really great moments here with all kinds of creatures.
As much as I adore my creepy and intense thrillers and mysteries, over the Christmas holiday I wanted to snuggle up with a book that didn’t have a serial killer as a main character. I won a copy of Say Goodbye For Now from the author and was so exited as I’ve had several of her books in my TBR and hadn’t gotten around to them before now. I’m kicking myself now that I waited this long to read one of Ryan Hyde’s novels and I’m vowing here and now to read some of her other work in the new year. This book totally hit the spot and was just the type of feel good read that I was craving.
It’s 1959 in small town Texas and though Lucy and Pete have both lived there for years, they haven’t crossed paths before. Lucy is a doctor who quit practicing after many people had objections to being treated by a woman. She’s distant and isolated, both physically and emotionally and surrounds herself with stray animals no one else wants. Pete is the sweetest kid and when he finds a dog hurt in the side of the highway he takes it to Dr. Lucy for help. Justin and Calvin are father and son and new to town and the young boys become fast friends. These four have no idea how their chance encounters will shape and define their lives in the future, but they all have lessons to learn and things to teach each other.
Ryan Hyde sure knows how to write a page turner, I couldn’t wait to see how this story would turn out. She wove a story that was both beautifully tender and brimming with heavy issues, but she managed to convey a strong message without leaving me feeling like I had read something emotionally draining. There is Lucy who is dealing with the loss of her son and husband as well as sexism, Pete who is an abused child, and Justin and Calvin who are African American in the fifties, enough said there. As these four struggle with their own issues, they manage to find solace in each other and it was a truly gorgeous thing to witness.
This was an effortless read, the chapters alternate between Dr. Lucy’s point of view and Pete’s. The bulk of the story is told within the first few months the four meet, then the last half spans the course of eight years. I feel in love with all four of them, but Pete especially left a mark on my heart, he is a special kid who is wise beyond his years. This is begging to be picked for a book club read, there is so much to discuss and explore. Also, if you’re an animal lover there are some really great moments here with all kinds of creatures.
December 30, 2016
Catherine Ryan Hyde knows how to write characters that I connect with better than anyone. I felt as though I personally knew Pete, Dr Lucy, Calvin & Justin. I thought this was going to be mostly about a dog, and though that's what brings these unlikely friends together, the dog is not central to the story. It's about being a good friend, helping someone, and doing the right thing. It's also about unfairness & cruelty. I was in tears after a certain hospital scene.
This makes my last book of 2016, and also my top ten of the year. A great deal at $4.99 on kindle, and one I'll highly recommend for everyone!
This makes my last book of 2016, and also my top ten of the year. A great deal at $4.99 on kindle, and one I'll highly recommend for everyone!
September 3, 2018
I completely fell in love with this book and the characters within it. Catherine Ryan Hyde is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Her stories are so emotional and touching, and her characters are so endearing and adorable, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. This is a great story for animal lovers too.
I actually bought this on Kindle ages ago, but kept not getting round to reading it. So when I spotted it available as an audiobook on Kindle Unlimited, I jumped at the chance to listen to it.
I actually bought this on Kindle ages ago, but kept not getting round to reading it. So when I spotted it available as an audiobook on Kindle Unlimited, I jumped at the chance to listen to it.
July 20, 2017
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was one of those books that you just didn't want to end. This was my first experience with this author. I can't wait to read more from her.
January 2, 2017
3.5 Stars. So, I love this author and have read several of her books. However, this one left me a little flat. It's an awesome story, though. I just could not reach the level of emotion I should have felt while reading this. Some really horrendous events occurred here, but the characters' reactions were not realistic. They should have been "mad as hell", about some of the things which happened, but I just didn't get that while reading their dialogue.
In fairness, this book has received almost all positive reviews, so this is purely my opinion.
In fairness, this book has received almost all positive reviews, so this is purely my opinion.
May 4, 2023
Another book ( see my recent review of The Songbook of Benny Lament) took me back to the 1960s. Well, our story first begins in Texas in 1959. In Say Goodbye For Now we meet a female doctor that has kept herself away from the prying eyes of the population, a young boy who lives with an abusive father, a newly arrived father, and a son that are targeted because of the color of their skin and a wolf-dog who keeps watching over them all. Catherine Ryan Hyde used the real-life U.S. civil rights case Loving vs. Virginia as the inspiration for telling her story.
A lot of people only see the world the way they want it to be. They see what agrees with the thinking they’ve already got. The rest just falls away unnoticed.
If I am going to be up at 2:30 in the morning and unable to go back to sleep, this book was the perfect remedy to fix what ailed me. Catherine Ryan Hyde has this unique way of bringing a cast of characters together that are each endearing in their own way despite being mismatched at first. Dr. Lucy, Calvin, Justin, Pete, and the dog, Prince were all very memorable characters. I will assure you that although Pete meets Prince when he is injured, no other misfortunes befall the canine character.
A heartwarming and captivating book!
Goodreads review published 05/04/23
A lot of people only see the world the way they want it to be. They see what agrees with the thinking they’ve already got. The rest just falls away unnoticed.
If I am going to be up at 2:30 in the morning and unable to go back to sleep, this book was the perfect remedy to fix what ailed me. Catherine Ryan Hyde has this unique way of bringing a cast of characters together that are each endearing in their own way despite being mismatched at first. Dr. Lucy, Calvin, Justin, Pete, and the dog, Prince were all very memorable characters. I will assure you that although Pete meets Prince when he is injured, no other misfortunes befall the canine character.
A heartwarming and captivating book!
Goodreads review published 05/04/23
December 10, 2020
4.4 stars
December 17, 2016
This story grazes upon on a number of sensitive subjects. There was the issue of a female doctor, Lucille “Lucy” Armstrong, whose husband left her as her professional standing exceeded his. In addition, her adolescent son resented her because of her work schedule. Adding insult to injury, Dr. Armstrong was lacking in respectable patients as many people in the rural area of Texas refused to be treated by a woman. Then author also deals with the issue of child abuse and abandonment as the reader was introduced to the life of twelve-year-old Pete Solomon. When Pete took pity on an injured wolf dog and got help from a ten-year-old black boy Justin Bell to carry the dog to Dr. Lucy, the author introduced animal abuse, racism and hate crimes into the story.
I enjoyed how the author weaved the story together although I felt she didn’t really delve deep into any of those issues. It was enough for the reader to consider each character’s plight and how they dealt with their lot in life. These four people were outcasts or not part of the acceptable society’s circle, but they found in each other an anchor. Many times, people say blood is thicker than water, but many families are “chosen” or “formed” by necessity. This was one of those times that a makeshift family provided love, acceptance, support and encouragement in a situation where it was badly needed.
Once I started this book, I didn’t put it down. It wasn’t exactly tear inducing but there was a small dose of angsty. I definitely had an emotional connection to the characters because I felt bad for Pete, Justin and for Calvin and Lucy as a couple. That journey to lasting love certainly touched me. There were different kinds of love expressed in this book and it made up for the pain and hatred shown to the characters. There was an encouraging evolution in this book that gave me hope for society today.
I didn’t give this book a five-star rating because while the author did a great job developing the heroine Lucy as well as Pete, but I had a surface grasp on Justine, his father Calvin and Pete’s father. I would have liked more information regarding Pete’s father, especially from his own perspective. Still, this book was really a moving and poignant read.
*Special Thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the e-book given in exchange for an honest review."
I enjoyed how the author weaved the story together although I felt she didn’t really delve deep into any of those issues. It was enough for the reader to consider each character’s plight and how they dealt with their lot in life. These four people were outcasts or not part of the acceptable society’s circle, but they found in each other an anchor. Many times, people say blood is thicker than water, but many families are “chosen” or “formed” by necessity. This was one of those times that a makeshift family provided love, acceptance, support and encouragement in a situation where it was badly needed.
Once I started this book, I didn’t put it down. It wasn’t exactly tear inducing but there was a small dose of angsty. I definitely had an emotional connection to the characters because I felt bad for Pete, Justin and for Calvin and Lucy as a couple. That journey to lasting love certainly touched me. There were different kinds of love expressed in this book and it made up for the pain and hatred shown to the characters. There was an encouraging evolution in this book that gave me hope for society today.
I didn’t give this book a five-star rating because while the author did a great job developing the heroine Lucy as well as Pete, but I had a surface grasp on Justine, his father Calvin and Pete’s father. I would have liked more information regarding Pete’s father, especially from his own perspective. Still, this book was really a moving and poignant read.
*Special Thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the e-book given in exchange for an honest review."
November 23, 2016
Four lonely people find each other in a small, Texas town in the stifling time-period of 1959. When Pete finds a hurt dog/wolf on the side of the road, he takes the animal to Dr. Lucy, who lives alone on a small ranch and cares for injured and unwanted animals. Reluctantly, she helps the dog, and soon, her life becomes complicated as she becomes involved in the lives of Pete, his new friend, Justin, and then Justin’s father, Calvin. Normally, this would be a good thing, but in 1959, a white woman befriending an African American man and his son was not very well accepted. And the people of the town make their feelings loud and clear.
Author Catherine Ryan Hyde once again brings together a unique cast of characters who aren’t looking for anything or anyone to change their lives and then slowly find each other and can’t help but grow close. She creates perfectly flawed characters who sneak into your heart and make you care about them. And she takes on a tough topic with grace and candor. Say Goodbye for Now is not about perfect people living perfect lives—and that is why it is such an amazing story.
(I received an copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Author Catherine Ryan Hyde once again brings together a unique cast of characters who aren’t looking for anything or anyone to change their lives and then slowly find each other and can’t help but grow close. She creates perfectly flawed characters who sneak into your heart and make you care about them. And she takes on a tough topic with grace and candor. Say Goodbye for Now is not about perfect people living perfect lives—and that is why it is such an amazing story.
(I received an copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
March 1, 2017
What a wonderful book to pull on heartstrings, set in Texas in 1959. Young Pete finds an injured dog/wolf on the side of the road, and when the local vet refuses to help, a helpful nurse sends him to the reclusive Dr. Lucy, who cares for injured or unwanted animals. Pete befriends Justin, neither of whom has a mother; however, Pete lives in a loveless home, while Justin lives in a loving one, with father Calvin. Pete and his father's relationship deteriorates over his friendship with Justin because of race, and Dr. Lucy finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom with three houseguests after . There are some great moments of bonding and parting between people and between people and animals. Recommended. Hyde's top rated novel.
December 2, 2016
I picked this book up after reading one which led to a huge reading slump and little did I know this book would be all I needed to cure it. I have previously read another book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, "Worthy," and although I adored it as well, I had no idea this one would be so much better.
One early summer day Pete and his friend are headed out fishing. Along the way, they run into a large dog alongside the road who has been hit. Pete immediately wants to help the dog, because that's just the type of kid he is, while his friend decides to go ahead fishing. It takes Pete all day to rescue this dog. The town vet refuses to treat him since he is part wolf so he has to trek 4 miles out of town, wheeling the pup on a makeshift wagon, to seek out a recluse of a woman doctor who lives alone and rescues strays, both human and animal, from time to time.
Pete's excursion changes his life. He meets Dr. Lucy and soon makes a new friend, Justin, whom he immediately likes after he quizzes him on whether he would help an injured animal or go fishing and Justin chooses the animal. The only problem if that Justin is black and it's Texas, 1959. While this is not an issue for Pete or Dr. Lucy, it is for the rest of the town and Dr. Lucy, who soon becomes attached not only to Pete and Justin, but to Justin's father, Calvin, soon learns what lengths people will go to make sure people "stick to their own kind."
This is a beautiful book about friendship and family. The dog actually mirrors Dr. Lucy in that he apparently has lived alone most of his life and is afraid to let people in. Even once he heals and Pete releases him back into the wild, he knows Pete loves him dearly and he takes it upon himself to continue to keep an eye on the boy from the fringes and make sure Pete is safe. This book covers a long time period and we get to see both the people and the rescued dog grow old both together and apart. Hyde does a wonderful job of showing how even in 1959, some didn't see the world as strictly black and white and also how people can make chose to make their own families despite what society dictates.
I think this is a perfect book for this time of year. It's touching yet it sparks thought. It's also pretty ugly at times and it reaffirms my belief that sometimes the scariest monsters in the world are actually human beings. If you love great storytelling and the bond between people and their pets, please consider reading this book. I doubt you'll regret it!
One early summer day Pete and his friend are headed out fishing. Along the way, they run into a large dog alongside the road who has been hit. Pete immediately wants to help the dog, because that's just the type of kid he is, while his friend decides to go ahead fishing. It takes Pete all day to rescue this dog. The town vet refuses to treat him since he is part wolf so he has to trek 4 miles out of town, wheeling the pup on a makeshift wagon, to seek out a recluse of a woman doctor who lives alone and rescues strays, both human and animal, from time to time.
Pete's excursion changes his life. He meets Dr. Lucy and soon makes a new friend, Justin, whom he immediately likes after he quizzes him on whether he would help an injured animal or go fishing and Justin chooses the animal. The only problem if that Justin is black and it's Texas, 1959. While this is not an issue for Pete or Dr. Lucy, it is for the rest of the town and Dr. Lucy, who soon becomes attached not only to Pete and Justin, but to Justin's father, Calvin, soon learns what lengths people will go to make sure people "stick to their own kind."
This is a beautiful book about friendship and family. The dog actually mirrors Dr. Lucy in that he apparently has lived alone most of his life and is afraid to let people in. Even once he heals and Pete releases him back into the wild, he knows Pete loves him dearly and he takes it upon himself to continue to keep an eye on the boy from the fringes and make sure Pete is safe. This book covers a long time period and we get to see both the people and the rescued dog grow old both together and apart. Hyde does a wonderful job of showing how even in 1959, some didn't see the world as strictly black and white and also how people can make chose to make their own families despite what society dictates.
I think this is a perfect book for this time of year. It's touching yet it sparks thought. It's also pretty ugly at times and it reaffirms my belief that sometimes the scariest monsters in the world are actually human beings. If you love great storytelling and the bond between people and their pets, please consider reading this book. I doubt you'll regret it!
November 29, 2018
Say Goodbye For Now has a lot to say. Taking place in rural Texas for 1959 through 1967, the author beautifully brings together a disparate group of people. Writing from the perspectives of a child and an adult, bound together by an injured wolf/dog.
The perspective of the twelve year old boy is juvenile as it should be, laced through with that uncanny ability of the young to be wise beyond their years. Lucy, the purposefully isolated doctor, runs the gamut of emotion from suspicion and exasperation to a slow growth of love and respect as the youngster and the injured animal take up residence in her heart.
Hard topics are dealt with;child abuse,biracial friendships and relationships and basic human decency. This book has taken up residence in my heart. Days after finishing it, I find myself reflecting back on the story and it's unforgettable characters.
This is the second read for me from this author. I love the interweaving of canine and human relationships. Reader beware, she'll break your heart. But stick with it and I suspect you'll find yourself smiling through your tears.
The perspective of the twelve year old boy is juvenile as it should be, laced through with that uncanny ability of the young to be wise beyond their years. Lucy, the purposefully isolated doctor, runs the gamut of emotion from suspicion and exasperation to a slow growth of love and respect as the youngster and the injured animal take up residence in her heart.
Hard topics are dealt with;child abuse,biracial friendships and relationships and basic human decency. This book has taken up residence in my heart. Days after finishing it, I find myself reflecting back on the story and it's unforgettable characters.
This is the second read for me from this author. I love the interweaving of canine and human relationships. Reader beware, she'll break your heart. But stick with it and I suspect you'll find yourself smiling through your tears.
May 4, 2020
O carte superba! Am tras doua concluzii: în viața nimic nu este întâmplător, totul se intampla cu un motiv si răbdarea este o virtute.
L-am adorat pe Pete, un băiat asa simplu, modest, bun si altruist, de care m-am despărțit cu greu. M-am atasat de el inca din primele pagini, e omul pe care oricine si l-ar dori prin preajma si a cărui prietenie este nepretuita.
Mi-a plăcut ca ne-a arătat cum erau tratati oamenii de culoare, prejudecățile albilor si vremurile potrivnice iubirii interrasiale. Acțiunea se petrece înainte ca o căsnicie interrasiala sa fie legală. M-a impresionat răbdarea lui Lucy si a lui Calvin de a astepta, vorbim de câțiva ani buni. Determinarea de a astepta niste vremuri mai bune si mai favorabile lor, desi nimic nu prevestea ca acestea vor veni. Asta m-a făcut să vad inca odata cat de superficial trăim în ziua de azi, cum avem senzatia ca totul ni se cuvine si cum ne dorim sa primim totul de-a gata, imediat.
Pe lângă diferenta de rasa, cartea ne arata ce frumoasa e prietenia cu animalele. Un animal iti poate schimba viata si sa ai un suflet loial lângă tine, e o binecuvântare. Neapărat să citiți cartea!
L-am adorat pe Pete, un băiat asa simplu, modest, bun si altruist, de care m-am despărțit cu greu. M-am atasat de el inca din primele pagini, e omul pe care oricine si l-ar dori prin preajma si a cărui prietenie este nepretuita.
Mi-a plăcut ca ne-a arătat cum erau tratati oamenii de culoare, prejudecățile albilor si vremurile potrivnice iubirii interrasiale. Acțiunea se petrece înainte ca o căsnicie interrasiala sa fie legală. M-a impresionat răbdarea lui Lucy si a lui Calvin de a astepta, vorbim de câțiva ani buni. Determinarea de a astepta niste vremuri mai bune si mai favorabile lor, desi nimic nu prevestea ca acestea vor veni. Asta m-a făcut să vad inca odata cat de superficial trăim în ziua de azi, cum avem senzatia ca totul ni se cuvine si cum ne dorim sa primim totul de-a gata, imediat.
Pe lângă diferenta de rasa, cartea ne arata ce frumoasa e prietenia cu animalele. Un animal iti poate schimba viata si sa ai un suflet loial lângă tine, e o binecuvântare. Neapărat să citiți cartea!
May 27, 2017
I keep forgetting how good Catherine Ryan Hyde writes. This story starts off slow with Dr Lucy by herself. Not able to practice medicine because the town wont accept her as a woman doctor; she resorts to taking care of wounded animals and lives alone in the house her father left her.
But one day that all changes with Pete, a little boy who found a wolf-dog injured and when the vet would not help him, he takes the animal to Dr Lucy. And that is when a friendship starts with not only the doctor but also the boy who helped him with the animals....who happens to be black - living in a town that is violently against interracial friendships.
This is definitely a cant-put-down book.
But one day that all changes with Pete, a little boy who found a wolf-dog injured and when the vet would not help him, he takes the animal to Dr Lucy. And that is when a friendship starts with not only the doctor but also the boy who helped him with the animals....who happens to be black - living in a town that is violently against interracial friendships.
This is definitely a cant-put-down book.
December 25, 2019
For the most part, I loved this book. It is a heartwarming story about imperfect people living imperfect lives. I loved the message that there is always hope and that at any given time there CAN be change. Sometimes doing what is right can be the hardest thing, ever! In the end, though, it's the only thing worth fighting for. I adored the wolf/dog, Prince! Loved him. My only complaint is that I found the book to sometimes be a wee bit too sentimental. All in all, I recommend it, however!
December 14, 2016
Another brilliant book by a very talented writer that keeps giving us stories that we cannot put down! Say Goodbye for Now was another book of hers that I was completely engrossed by. It kept me engaged and turning pages. She mixes characters, both human and four legged into a story that warms the heart, gives back hope and promise in the world. I highly recommend this book and know for certain it would be a book club hit!
November 26, 2022
Sorry, I didn’t love the book. Saw this book on Wesley Bank’s site for ‘100 Best Dog books of all Time,’ but THE BOOK IS ABOUT RACE RELATIONS WHEN PEOPLE WERE STUPID ABOUT RACE. Hopefully everyone now knows judging people by the color of their skin is stupid. I don’t like reading how hateful and mean people used to be. The topic also reminds me of powerful people who currently try to divide this country up by race in order to try to control people instead of put more effort into uniting people. Seems like in my everyday interactions to people, we seem to get along well with each other although of course people will still find ways to be stupid.
So, I didn’t like the book because I was looking for another good dog story and got one about the characters in the book having to deal with exceptionally mean and racist people. It seems like in writing 101 authors are told, put an element in the book involving a dog, and a dog on the cover, because the dog people will read anything with a dog in it. There are hundreds of ‘dog’ books I would recommend instead of this one.
With that off my chest, I can now review the book. I actually really liked the book at the start. The boy Pete is so earnest and a person of good character you can’t help but love him. He finds a dog on the side of the road who has been hit by a car and doesn’t want to leave him even if the dog seems aggressive and Pete is afraid of him. So he talks to him as he is going to load him onto an old Radio Flyer wagon with a distinctive squeak on each revolution of the wheels:
“I’m scared of you. I’ll just say it straight out. I got no idea how to get you on this wagon. If I can get you on it I can get you to the vet. But I don’t figure you can get on it by yourself, things being what they are with your hip. And I can’t imagine how to get it through to you to try on your own anyway. After I pick you up and put you in it, I figure you’ll try to bite the hell out of me, sorry for the cuss.”
Pete keeps talking to the dog to gain his trust:
“I swear I only want to get you somewhere. I couldn’t bear to just leave you here, all hurt and scared. Now that I seen that look in your eyes, if I didn’t do what I could to help you, I’d never stop seeing that look as long as I lived. I’d be lying in bed at night trying to get some sleep and when I closed my eyes all I’d see was that look. I bet you defend yourself real good when you’re not hurt. I bet this must be real different for you, feeling like you can’t defend yourself hardly at all.”
In talking to the dog, Pete makes a promise to him:
“This is stupid,” he said. “I been here for hours, telling you practically my whole life story. If you don’t know me by now, I guess you never will. I’m just putting off ‘cause I’m scared. I’m tired of being scared. I’m just gonna get it over with. But before I do, I’m gonna tell you something important. So listen real good, okay? I promise you … if you go with me, you’re gonna be okay. And that’s a cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die promise. I know you don’t really know the words I just said but I hope you can tell something by the way I said ‘em.”
Pete then makes a new friend, who says:
“You know, you can just say if you don’t want to be friends.”
Pete stopped. Justin stopped. The silence of no squeaking wheel resonated.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Pete asked. But he thought he might know.
“Well, you know.”
The rest of the book was good. It is thought-provoking to think about a time when relations between races was against the law in places. I learn from my psychology books that people don’t like to think and they are easily influenced. Here is a nice interchange between Dr. Lucy and William, a visitor sent by Calvin:
“I mean, I’ve known for a long while that people could be pretty awful sometimes,” she said. “But now I see that I only had part of the picture.”
“It’s good that you see that,” he said, accepting the lighter from her. “Not everybody sees that when it’s right in front of their face. A lot of people only see the world the way they want it to be. They see what agrees with the thinking they’ve already got. The rest just falls away unnoticed.”
It is human nature to be that way; to not think, accept what we are told, not to want to put the mental effort into considering if what they have been led to believe is true and complete. And people in power people still use this trait to not discuss issues but just use slap some deplorable label on someone or some group to shut down people questioning things.
The last chapters skip through time in what feels like a little awkward way to play out the relationship of Dr. Lucy and Calvin. The book leaves you feeling that the racist and mean people never change, but the good people win out in the end.
The dog does get to help later in the book in a way that is predictable but we always enjoy. His part was written to be a good catalyst for everything that follows. Letting him run free seemed dumb but I get it from the context of the book.
I will leave just saying it was a well written book but not one of my favorite ‘dog books.’
So, I didn’t like the book because I was looking for another good dog story and got one about the characters in the book having to deal with exceptionally mean and racist people. It seems like in writing 101 authors are told, put an element in the book involving a dog, and a dog on the cover, because the dog people will read anything with a dog in it. There are hundreds of ‘dog’ books I would recommend instead of this one.
With that off my chest, I can now review the book. I actually really liked the book at the start. The boy Pete is so earnest and a person of good character you can’t help but love him. He finds a dog on the side of the road who has been hit by a car and doesn’t want to leave him even if the dog seems aggressive and Pete is afraid of him. So he talks to him as he is going to load him onto an old Radio Flyer wagon with a distinctive squeak on each revolution of the wheels:
“I’m scared of you. I’ll just say it straight out. I got no idea how to get you on this wagon. If I can get you on it I can get you to the vet. But I don’t figure you can get on it by yourself, things being what they are with your hip. And I can’t imagine how to get it through to you to try on your own anyway. After I pick you up and put you in it, I figure you’ll try to bite the hell out of me, sorry for the cuss.”
Pete keeps talking to the dog to gain his trust:
“I swear I only want to get you somewhere. I couldn’t bear to just leave you here, all hurt and scared. Now that I seen that look in your eyes, if I didn’t do what I could to help you, I’d never stop seeing that look as long as I lived. I’d be lying in bed at night trying to get some sleep and when I closed my eyes all I’d see was that look. I bet you defend yourself real good when you’re not hurt. I bet this must be real different for you, feeling like you can’t defend yourself hardly at all.”
In talking to the dog, Pete makes a promise to him:
“This is stupid,” he said. “I been here for hours, telling you practically my whole life story. If you don’t know me by now, I guess you never will. I’m just putting off ‘cause I’m scared. I’m tired of being scared. I’m just gonna get it over with. But before I do, I’m gonna tell you something important. So listen real good, okay? I promise you … if you go with me, you’re gonna be okay. And that’s a cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die promise. I know you don’t really know the words I just said but I hope you can tell something by the way I said ‘em.”
Pete then makes a new friend, who says:
“You know, you can just say if you don’t want to be friends.”
Pete stopped. Justin stopped. The silence of no squeaking wheel resonated.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Pete asked. But he thought he might know.
“Well, you know.”
The rest of the book was good. It is thought-provoking to think about a time when relations between races was against the law in places. I learn from my psychology books that people don’t like to think and they are easily influenced. Here is a nice interchange between Dr. Lucy and William, a visitor sent by Calvin:
“I mean, I’ve known for a long while that people could be pretty awful sometimes,” she said. “But now I see that I only had part of the picture.”
“It’s good that you see that,” he said, accepting the lighter from her. “Not everybody sees that when it’s right in front of their face. A lot of people only see the world the way they want it to be. They see what agrees with the thinking they’ve already got. The rest just falls away unnoticed.”
It is human nature to be that way; to not think, accept what we are told, not to want to put the mental effort into considering if what they have been led to believe is true and complete. And people in power people still use this trait to not discuss issues but just use slap some deplorable label on someone or some group to shut down people questioning things.
The last chapters skip through time in what feels like a little awkward way to play out the relationship of Dr. Lucy and Calvin. The book leaves you feeling that the racist and mean people never change, but the good people win out in the end.
The dog does get to help later in the book in a way that is predictable but we always enjoy. His part was written to be a good catalyst for everything that follows. Letting him run free seemed dumb but I get it from the context of the book.
I will leave just saying it was a well written book but not one of my favorite ‘dog books.’
December 10, 2016
Wow this was a wonderful book! It was a thoughtful, heartwarming story that tackled the difficult subject of racial prejudice in the late 1950’s. Hyde handled the subject well and with a lot of dignity.
I absolutely loved the main characters. Petey was a great kid showing such honor and bravery in each difficult situation he encountered. I enjoyed watching Dr. Lucy’s guarded heart open up to much needed healing. With the addition of Calvin and his son Joseph we have four hurt and oppressed human beings who find love and acceptance as they struggle with the hate and prejudice of this small community.
I highly recommend it – be sure to get your copy after its publication date of December 13th. It was a solid five star read for me! I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy and an opportunity to review this book.
I absolutely loved the main characters. Petey was a great kid showing such honor and bravery in each difficult situation he encountered. I enjoyed watching Dr. Lucy’s guarded heart open up to much needed healing. With the addition of Calvin and his son Joseph we have four hurt and oppressed human beings who find love and acceptance as they struggle with the hate and prejudice of this small community.
I highly recommend it – be sure to get your copy after its publication date of December 13th. It was a solid five star read for me! I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy and an opportunity to review this book.
January 1, 2018
Loving wins
The 1950's seem too recent to call this a historic fiction story. And yet, the antiquated views on race relations that were common in those times make it feel further away than it was. (Or, even sadder, that some still hold those views. But I digress.)
This is the sort of book that pulls you into another time while making you happy that those times are (somewhat, anyway, we're learning) in the past. A boy finds an injured dog, a friend, and a new family, the story developing slowly, with grace. Major characters are well developed, while minor characters are drawn well enough to make them believable, with no excessive details that bore. A group of broken people - and animals - find each other and heal together, stronger for knowing each other.
The 1950's seem too recent to call this a historic fiction story. And yet, the antiquated views on race relations that were common in those times make it feel further away than it was. (Or, even sadder, that some still hold those views. But I digress.)
This is the sort of book that pulls you into another time while making you happy that those times are (somewhat, anyway, we're learning) in the past. A boy finds an injured dog, a friend, and a new family, the story developing slowly, with grace. Major characters are well developed, while minor characters are drawn well enough to make them believable, with no excessive details that bore. A group of broken people - and animals - find each other and heal together, stronger for knowing each other.
March 27, 2017
This book gave me all the feels. It may take a few moments to get them back in check.
Set in the late 1950s 4 people who aren't supposed to be seen together try to form a close knit family and friendships. Driven away by racism, hatred and violence they will have to work their hardest to try to make things work.
If you've not read this book. Get your hands on It ASAP.
Set in the late 1950s 4 people who aren't supposed to be seen together try to form a close knit family and friendships. Driven away by racism, hatred and violence they will have to work their hardest to try to make things work.
If you've not read this book. Get your hands on It ASAP.
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