It's so fascinating how some writers —their writing style/storytelling/characters —pull you in instantly.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of those writers for me. I can easily call her one of my favourite storytellers. There's something about her writing, it hits you right in the feels.
My first book I read by her is ‘My Name is Anton’, and it's still my favourite.
'Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe' is about two people: a sixty two years old woman, Addie and a seventeen-year-old Jonathan. Addie is recovering from an alcohol addiction (along with some other personal agonies) and Jonathan is homeless, carrying the weight of an unhappy, broken home. Then, one day the Universe makes a plan so that these two lonely people come across each other and bond so dearly.
‘Do you believe in Karma?’
‘I don’t know. I don’t suppose I do, no. Why? Do you?’
‘I’m not sure,’ he said. ‘But just now I got bowled over by how much I want it to be true right now. I want the universe to give you some big, wonderful thing as a reward because you were kind tonight to somebody who really, really needed it.’
The writing is neat, engaging and quietly powerful. It's an uplifting and heartwarming story, not really packed with twists and turns, and yet the storytelling somehow keeps you hooked.
Addie and Jonathan’s bond is tender and genuine, their conversations endearing. Addie is flawed yet real and her goodness shines through her scars and toughness. Jonathan is too good to be true but I’m not complaining at all.
Secondary characters have real presence too. Wendy is so nice and thoughtful, someone who doesn't pamper Addie but guides Addie through her rough patch. Jeannie is a striking and unpredictable character. Even Bill, Addie’s brother who pops in briefly, leaves a soft mark.
All in all, like previous three books from the author, I loved this one too.
My favourite quotes:
‘There are two parts to a genuine, useful sorry. One is that you regret what you did and the other is that you’ll do better next time. The first part is easy. Most people never get the second part right. Or even try to.’
'A crutch is a useful tool. Just don’t forget to put it down when your leg is healed.’
This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon
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