Dreaming of Flight: A Novel

Dreaming of Flight: A Novel

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  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-02-25 11:21:53
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Catherine Ryan Hyde
  • ISBN:171364732X
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

An unexpected connection becomes the saving grace for two unlikely friends in a heart-stirring novel about love, loss, and moving forward by a New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author。

Never knowing his parents, eleven-year-old Stewie Little and his brother have been raised on a farm by their older sister。 Stewie steadfastly tends the chickens left by his beloved late grandmother。 And every day Stewie goes door to door selling fresh eggs from his wagon—a routine with a surprise just around the corner。 It’s his new customer, Marilyn。 She’s prickly and guarded, yet comfortably familiar—she reminds the grieving Stewie so much of the grandmother he misses more than he can express。

Marilyn has a reason for keeping her distance: a secret no one knows about。 Her survival tactic is to draw a line between herself and other people—one that Stewie is determined to cross。 As their visits become more frequent, a complicated but deeply rooted relationship grows。 That’s when Stewie discovers how much more there is to Marilyn, to her past, and to challenges that become more pressing each day。 But whatever difficult times lie ahead, Stewie learns that although he can’t fix everything for Marilyn or himself, at least he’s no longer alone。

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Reviews

Pauline

I always enjoy reading Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books and I was delighted to receive a copy of her new book Dreaming of flight。Some really great characters in this story about people struggling to fit in and make peace with their situation。A feel good story that kept me entertained。Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review

Laurie

This is the "usual" type of Catherine Ryan Hyde book。 You have an older and a younger character forming a friendship and helping each other。 It is a coming of age book。 This was a beautiful story, and really well written。 I could visualize this as a movie in my head the entire time。 One thing that I loved is the writing style made me FEEL the characters and the times。 It all had a hazy feel。 Much like a gothic story has a dark feel, this one wasn't dark, but it was not a vivid, vibrant book - bu This is the "usual" type of Catherine Ryan Hyde book。 You have an older and a younger character forming a friendship and helping each other。 It is a coming of age book。 This was a beautiful story, and really well written。 I could visualize this as a movie in my head the entire time。 One thing that I loved is the writing style made me FEEL the characters and the times。 It all had a hazy feel。 Much like a gothic story has a dark feel, this one wasn't dark, but it was not a vivid, vibrant book - but it is not meant to be。 This book is one of those that is about the journey, not the destination - although that's a pretty great place too。 So why not 5 stars? I don't know if it was the book, or my mood or something else, but I didn't get that emotional sense of connect。 I didn't close the book and go "wow", which I need for 5 stars。 Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which dd no impact my review。 。。。more

Marsha

As someone who generally reads Christian fiction, the decision to keep returning to a secular author like Catherine Ryan Hyde is not always an easy one for me。 My personal preference is to read books about Christians or books where the characters have a literal come-to-Jesus moment。 I know that I will find none of that in a Catherine Ryan Hyde book。 Even so, I know that when I read four out of five of her books, I can expect to meet new characters with everyday challenges -- characters who will As someone who generally reads Christian fiction, the decision to keep returning to a secular author like Catherine Ryan Hyde is not always an easy one for me。 My personal preference is to read books about Christians or books where the characters have a literal come-to-Jesus moment。 I know that I will find none of that in a Catherine Ryan Hyde book。 Even so, I know that when I read four out of five of her books, I can expect to meet new characters with everyday challenges -- characters who will present me with unique insight into the human experience。 Am I, a proponent of Christian fiction, going to find characters whose lives, challenges, and resolutions of those challenges are going to encourage me to seek a deeper relationship with Christ in the pages of most CRH books? Probably not。 Am I going to find encouragement about how to view some of my own challenges? Yes。 Am I going to find nuggets of wisdom that will help me to take another step forward? Yes。 Am I going to find sentences or paragraphs that make me want to be a better human being who treats human beings better? Yes。 The last two CRH books that I read (which were not necessarily the last two she published) didn't resonate with me。 In fact, for the first time, I recently had to add one of them (Walter's Purple Heart" to my DNF (Did-Not-Finish) shelf。 I just couldn't relate to the characters or their challenges。 Did that stop me from requesting this latest book on NetGalley? No。 Why? I will keep returning to CRH because I USUALLY learn a lesson about MYSELF that is going to impact my life and my relationships going forward。 "Dreaming of Flight" didn't have a complex plot; however, the characters really "spoke" to me。 I think this book could be really encouraging to someone who is dealing with a loved one battling Alzheimer's, dementia, or a similar medical/mental issue。 For me, the most profound line, was: "the reason people aren't happy is because they have these ideas about what the world should be。 And the world is never just what they think it ought to be。 If the world has to be a certain way for you to be happy, then you'll never be happy。" That line is going to be handwritten and place on my bulletin board。 That message alone is worth reading this book for。 。。。more

The Cats’ Mother

Dreaming of Flight is a gentle contemporary coming of age story about a lonely 11 year old boy who befriends a crotchety old lady who reminds him of his late grandmother。 I’ve read and adored the last six or so Ryan Hyde books, which all seem to feature astonishingly stoic and kind young people, and animals, but they are in no way formulaic。 In this case, the animals are chickens, and the young person is Stewie Little, who sells their eggs to his neighbours to help support his family。 While I ad Dreaming of Flight is a gentle contemporary coming of age story about a lonely 11 year old boy who befriends a crotchety old lady who reminds him of his late grandmother。 I’ve read and adored the last six or so Ryan Hyde books, which all seem to feature astonishingly stoic and kind young people, and animals, but they are in no way formulaic。 In this case, the animals are chickens, and the young person is Stewie Little, who sells their eggs to his neighbours to help support his family。 While I adored intense, serious little Stewie, and enjoyed his story, I wasn’t as hooked as I usually am by her books, perhaps because I didn’t like Marilyn’s character。 This was still a great read, for me it just didn’t reach the high bar she’s set with her previous books。Stewart Little (yes, like the book/movie - which is an important plot point) lost his parents when he was a baby, and his grandmother “Gam” more recently。 His older sister works tirelessly to support Stewie and his teenaged brother Theo, who has cerebral palsy。 Stewie doesn’t have (or seem to want) any friends - his main passion is caring for his Gam’s chickens, and selling their eggs - “the freshest around”。 Marilyn is a retired senior lodging with a stressed out single mother because she’s hiding from the authorities。 One day he knocks on her door, beginning a relationship which will change both their lives。“the reason people aren’t happy is because they have these ideas about what the world should be。 And the world is never just what they think it ought to be。 If the world has to be a certain way for you to be happy, then you’ll never be happy。 Heck, I’m only twelve and even I know that。”This was another thought-provoking look at non-traditional family relationships and the impact of bereavement。 Stewie and Marilyn each have a secret problem which keeps them isolated, and the way he patiently nudges his way into her life was sweet without being sickening。 I thought the fact that Marilyn is not remotely loveable - but that Stewie persists with her anyway - was clever and made the plot more interesting。 My favourite character was actually Dr Briggs the wise old psychologist who steers Stewie through his complicated emotional maze。 I liked the optimistic ending although am not sure how healthy it is for a nearly teenaged boy to have no friends his own age。 4。5 rounded up for another unforgettable young character。Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC。 I am posting this honest review voluntarily。Dreaming of Flight is published on May 3。 。。。more

Susie

This was such a lovely story, a real delight to read。 Written with such sensitivity。 Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review。

Alison

This author has always had such a keen sense and knowledge of human nature, and that is what draws me to her books over and over。 I always learn a good lesson, that I may not have encountered or have come in contact with。This story follows a young boy, Stewie Little, who lives with his sister, who takes care of him and his brother after losing his parents when he was too young to remember them, and also losing his only grandmother when he was young。He, Stewie has certain things about him, especi This author has always had such a keen sense and knowledge of human nature, and that is what draws me to her books over and over。 I always learn a good lesson, that I may not have encountered or have come in contact with。This story follows a young boy, Stewie Little, who lives with his sister, who takes care of him and his brother after losing his parents when he was too young to remember them, and also losing his only grandmother when he was young。He, Stewie has certain things about him, especially after losing his Grandma that hold him back in life and bring out certain behaviors。He took on tending to his Grandmothers hens and making a small business from selling their eggs in his neighborhood。 One day he goes to a new home, where an eccentric older woman lived who kind of reminds him of his grandma, and they become unlikely friends。From here the story becomes part mystery as they begin to visit more and more。I have to say I love her books and these characters are all so interesting。 I loved to see Stewie, and others growth as we go through this story。I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book。 。。。more

Annie Heredia-brown

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of Dreaming of Flight in exchange of my honest review。 Catherine Ryan Hyde is becoming a must read for me。 This book was filled with so many heartbreaking and heartwarming moments。 Stewie is a young boy that has dealt with so much loss in his life already and doesn’t quite know how to process it all。 Losing his parents as an infant, he and his siblings were left to be raised by their grandmother。 After losing his grandmother, his goal was Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of Dreaming of Flight in exchange of my honest review。 Catherine Ryan Hyde is becoming a must read for me。 This book was filled with so many heartbreaking and heartwarming moments。 Stewie is a young boy that has dealt with so much loss in his life already and doesn’t quite know how to process it all。 Losing his parents as an infant, he and his siblings were left to be raised by their grandmother。 After losing his grandmother, his goal was to keep her chickens alive。 One day, while delivering eggs to neighbors, he meets an elderly lady and from there, a friendship blooms。 We watch as Stewie learns how to process his feelings and learns that sometimes, there are things beyond his control。 。。。more

Tee Mauk

Another of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books that packs an emotional punch。 The character development and warmth of the story are beyond measure。 This is my fourth book by this author and I love the persistent theme of characters who teach us to look for ways in which we can impact the lives of others, often by the simplest of means! This is a poignant story of intergenerational people helping meet each other's needs, each benefiting greatly from the relationship。 Eleven-year-old Stewie, whose parents Another of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books that packs an emotional punch。 The character development and warmth of the story are beyond measure。 This is my fourth book by this author and I love the persistent theme of characters who teach us to look for ways in which we can impact the lives of others, often by the simplest of means! This is a poignant story of intergenerational people helping meet each other's needs, each benefiting greatly from the relationship。 Eleven-year-old Stewie, whose parents died when he was an infant, was raised by his grandmother who has recently passed。 He makes a connection with an older neighbor while selling eggs, and together they learn from each other。 Themes of Alzheimers, grief, anxiety, love, loss, childcare ,and more are woven through the story。 Add this one to your to-be-read pile! You can thank me later! Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Gathering Ryan Hyde for the Advanced Readers Copy。 。。。more

Aline Miller

Another wonderful book by this author。 It’s so hard enough for an adult to deal with death let alone a child。 This child had lots of loses in his young life。 He always seemed to manage his feelings。

Peggy Wagner

This was a marvelously poignant book that depicted intergenerational love and how each generation can meet other’s needs。 I was extremely touched by Stewie’s loving heart and how Marilyn connects to him even though she is losing her memory。 As an adult child of a mother who suffered from dementia, I found the portrayal of Marilyn honest and believable。 How we cling to freedom!! And the wonder of a young man’s good heart when he meets and befriends Marilyn, in part because he lost his parents and This was a marvelously poignant book that depicted intergenerational love and how each generation can meet other’s needs。 I was extremely touched by Stewie’s loving heart and how Marilyn connects to him even though she is losing her memory。 As an adult child of a mother who suffered from dementia, I found the portrayal of Marilyn honest and believable。 How we cling to freedom!! And the wonder of a young man’s good heart when he meets and befriends Marilyn, in part because he lost his parents and is struggling with his own identity。 Brought together because Stewie is selling eggs from his hens (who he loves with a passion) and Marilyn starts buying them, they unknowingly support each other。 He provides company and eggs; she teaches him to read。 In Marilyn, Stewie finds his “Gram” who has also passed away and when Marilyn is returned to the healthcare setting, Stewie finds other wonderful older people who support him。 Pairing youth with age, perhaps the answer to many problems。 This is a great book and deserves to be read, especially by anyone with an aging parent。 。。。more

Terry

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a master of stories with depth of characters and emotions。 If you loved “Have You Seen Luis Velez?”, then “Dreaming of Flight” should be on your to be read list! “Dreaming of Flight” is the story of Stewie, a young boy who sees the world a bit differently than most。 He’s had a lot of loss in his life and struggles with connection。 He wants to fix everything for everyone。 That’s exhausting。 The connection he feels to his Gam’s hens and an unlikely friendship with Marilyn fr Catherine Ryan Hyde is a master of stories with depth of characters and emotions。 If you loved “Have You Seen Luis Velez?”, then “Dreaming of Flight” should be on your to be read list! “Dreaming of Flight” is the story of Stewie, a young boy who sees the world a bit differently than most。 He’s had a lot of loss in his life and struggles with connection。 He wants to fix everything for everyone。 That’s exhausting。 The connection he feels to his Gam’s hens and an unlikely friendship with Marilyn frame a story of hardship but goodness shines through as does perseverance and love。 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily。 。。。more

Kelly Hughes

What a fantastic heartwarming story! I love Catherine Ryan Hydes books and this one is no different。 Her characters are so real and so easy to relate to。 This story about a young boy and an older woman will tug at your heartstrings!

Terresa

Every time I read a new Catherine Ryan Hyde book, I'm convinced yet again that the new story is my favorite。 How can each one be my favorite? Because each story simply is just that good! Dreaming of Flight is no exception。 A heartwarming story of young Stewart Little (like the mouse) and his innocent yet profound journey from sadness to joy, loss to love, and loneliness to friendship and family like he's never known before。 Truly another 5-star read from Catherine Ryan Hyde that I cannot recomme Every time I read a new Catherine Ryan Hyde book, I'm convinced yet again that the new story is my favorite。 How can each one be my favorite? Because each story simply is just that good! Dreaming of Flight is no exception。 A heartwarming story of young Stewart Little (like the mouse) and his innocent yet profound journey from sadness to joy, loss to love, and loneliness to friendship and family like he's never known before。 Truly another 5-star read from Catherine Ryan Hyde that I cannot recommend enough。 Brava! 。。。more

Linda Metzger

What a wonderful story about a young boy, his hard life and memories of his Grandmother。 The grandmother raised hens and sold eggs。 Stewie carried on after she passed away, going door to door carrying the eggs in his wagon selling the high quality eggs。 The most precious, caring relationship Stewie develops with an elderly neighbor first then with the residents of the nursing home is absolutely precious! A lovely story one that leaves you with a bigger heart and a smile on your face! I still thi What a wonderful story about a young boy, his hard life and memories of his Grandmother。 The grandmother raised hens and sold eggs。 Stewie carried on after she passed away, going door to door carrying the eggs in his wagon selling the high quality eggs。 The most precious, caring relationship Stewie develops with an elderly neighbor first then with the residents of the nursing home is absolutely precious! A lovely story one that leaves you with a bigger heart and a smile on your face! I still think about sweet Stewie and wish he were my grandson ~I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a "feel good story" 。。。more

Cindy

I read this novel while in a cozy little loft in a rental near Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio where there was such a deep quiet that I was able to full immerse myself into this heart warming story。 So much wisdom and strength from a young boy。 Each character was well developed and there was nothing superficial to the story。 Just a delight to read。Thank you to NetGalley for for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review。

Marne - Reader By the Water

Sadly, I decided to DNF this at 45%。 I typically give a book to the 30% mark, but truly wanted to connect with this one。 Alas, I don’t think I’m a target reader for Catherine Ryan Hyde (a prolific author)。 She tends to “tell,” rather than “show,” and usually with dialog。 (e。g。, Stewie learns his sister is concerned about him by overhearing a very wordy phone call。) I loved the concept, but the telling of the story left me unfulfilled。 Thanks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review Sadly, I decided to DNF this at 45%。 I typically give a book to the 30% mark, but truly wanted to connect with this one。 Alas, I don’t think I’m a target reader for Catherine Ryan Hyde (a prolific author)。 She tends to “tell,” rather than “show,” and usually with dialog。 (e。g。, Stewie learns his sister is concerned about him by overhearing a very wordy phone call。) I loved the concept, but the telling of the story left me unfulfilled。 Thanks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Carla

I received this book in an author giveaway。 Thanks CRH!Another winner by one of my favorite authors! Quirky, loveable characters。 Thought-provoking conversations。 Unexpected twists。 Satisfactory ending。Would love to be on Stewie's egg route。。。and be adopted grandmother。。。 I received this book in an author giveaway。 Thanks CRH!Another winner by one of my favorite authors! Quirky, loveable characters。 Thought-provoking conversations。 Unexpected twists。 Satisfactory ending。Would love to be on Stewie's egg route。。。and be adopted grandmother。。。 。。。more

Cheryl

It was an absolute honor (and many happy dances) that I received this book as an ARC from #Netgalley and #Lake Union。 I thank them and the author。Wow。 I will likely update this review but I literally just closed the Kindle and felt the need to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this book。 No spoilers and read the details。Stewie and Marilyn will live in my heart forever。 They are in good company of other characters from Ms。 Hyde's books。 The simplest way to put it is each one touched my heart。 What It was an absolute honor (and many happy dances) that I received this book as an ARC from #Netgalley and #Lake Union。 I thank them and the author。Wow。 I will likely update this review but I literally just closed the Kindle and felt the need to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this book。 No spoilers and read the details。Stewie and Marilyn will live in my heart forever。 They are in good company of other characters from Ms。 Hyde's books。 The simplest way to put it is each one touched my heart。 What is not to love about a 12 year old boy。 They are curious, excitable, loveable etc etc etc。 Stewie Little (yes spelled differently from another adorable literary character Stuart Little) is still open hearted enough to embrace a friendship with Marilyn, a snarky type of grandmother who has her own secrets she is hiding。 This is a book you WANT to make sure you read every word。 It is expected out mid-2022 and I will definitely be recommending it to my book club!! 。。。more

Kathy

Eleven-year-old Stewie Little prides himself on the freshness of the eggs that he sells to his neighbors。 Never knowing his parents, Stewie and his brother are being raised by their older sister, Stacey, who was forced into her role when their grandmother died。 Stewie is a sensitive little boy who tends to his grandmother’s chickens with loving care and gathers their eggs each morning。 While selling his last dozen of the day, Stewie meets a cranky, old woman who reminds him of Gram。 "Four dollar Eleven-year-old Stewie Little prides himself on the freshness of the eggs that he sells to his neighbors。 Never knowing his parents, Stewie and his brother are being raised by their older sister, Stacey, who was forced into her role when their grandmother died。 Stewie is a sensitive little boy who tends to his grandmother’s chickens with loving care and gathers their eggs each morning。 While selling his last dozen of the day, Stewie meets a cranky, old woman who reminds him of Gram。 "Four dollars? That's a bit steep, don't you think? They're only two dollars a dozen at the market" Stewie convinces Marilyn to try a dozen and while making a sale, Stewie makes a friend。 Marilyn and Stewie bond over the book Stuart Little and the secrets they keep。 He knows that she isn't his grandmother, however, Stewie cares about Marilyn as if she were and he doesn't know how to stop caring。 When I start a Catherine Ryan Hyde book, I know I am in for a heart-warming story that usually includes an animal。 In Dreaming of Flight, I learned about chickens and their eggs。 Stewie is grieving in this story even if he doesn't know what the big words mean and his common sense, literal outlook on life is one to be emulated and admired。 The characters in this story come to life through Ryan's pen and I mourned alongside of Stewie。 Ryan shows us people at their best and worst, however, always giving the reader hope for a better way to be。 Do not pass this one by, we all need Stewie in our lives。 。。。more

Rachel Axford

A simple and easy to read book about love and loss。 How can you not love and want to adopt Stewie!

Ruth

I picked this ARC (thanks #Netgalley) because I've been a fan of Ms。 Hyde's feel-good books for years。 Although the premise was good, the story read like it was written for a fourth or fifth-grade audience, which I didn't expect。 Maybe it was a youth book and I didn't see that information? Reading level issue aside, the main character (a loveable 12 year old, highly sensitive boy) is struggling to get over the death of his grandmother who copes by trying to 'fix' everything that may be wrong in I picked this ARC (thanks #Netgalley) because I've been a fan of Ms。 Hyde's feel-good books for years。 Although the premise was good, the story read like it was written for a fourth or fifth-grade audience, which I didn't expect。 Maybe it was a youth book and I didn't see that information? Reading level issue aside, the main character (a loveable 12 year old, highly sensitive boy) is struggling to get over the death of his grandmother who copes by trying to 'fix' everything that may be wrong in his world or prevent problems from before they occur (which is ultimately unsustainable and unhealthy thing after a while)。 His pet chickens balance out this this need to control everything and also bring new friends into his world。 I think many of us can relate to the characters and most adults will not be surprised at the last four or five chapters, which is definitely smile-making。 3。5 stars 。。。more

Judy Christiana

I want to begin with how much I love the book cover and how appropriately it fits the story。 The boy on the cover is exactly how I picture the main character, Stewie。 I have read several of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books and all have hit me deeply in my heart。 She brings to life characters and their world through her excellent writing。 This book is a perfect example of what I am stating。 I care so much for Stewie, as most people that meet him do。 I am missing him now that the story has ended。 A sig I want to begin with how much I love the book cover and how appropriately it fits the story。 The boy on the cover is exactly how I picture the main character, Stewie。 I have read several of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books and all have hit me deeply in my heart。 She brings to life characters and their world through her excellent writing。 This book is a perfect example of what I am stating。 I care so much for Stewie, as most people that meet him do。 I am missing him now that the story has ended。 A sign of a great book, is that the story does not end when you finish the book。 It is still with me in my mind, and I am thinking about Stewie and how he is doing。 Even though I read this early in 2022, I know this will be in my top five favorite books of this year, quite possibly my number one favorite。 I highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone!I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review。 My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC。 。。。more

Jenni Ogden

Loved this beautifully written story of a lonely boy who desperately misses his grandmother。 and is determined to look after her chickens for her。 Selling fresh eggs, he finds connections,。 His eggs lead to rest home resident, Marilyn, who reminds him of his grandmother。 His grief softens and his life is enriched as he enriches the lives of not only Marilyn, but all the residents of the rest home。 A beautiful, uplifting story that I think would appeal to all ages, but perhaps especially grandmot Loved this beautifully written story of a lonely boy who desperately misses his grandmother。 and is determined to look after her chickens for her。 Selling fresh eggs, he finds connections,。 His eggs lead to rest home resident, Marilyn, who reminds him of his grandmother。 His grief softens and his life is enriched as he enriches the lives of not only Marilyn, but all the residents of the rest home。 A beautiful, uplifting story that I think would appeal to all ages, but perhaps especially grandmothers! Thankyou to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance digital review copy。 。。。more

Heather

Another amazing Catherine Ryan Hyde story! I love little Stewie。 Highly recommend this book。

Zoe H Wright

What an amazing book!The story follows little Stewie who lives with his siblings after the death of their grandmother whom they affectionately call Gam。 Their parents had died when Stewie was tiny, so he never knew them。Stewie takes it upon himself to look after Gam's chickens, and starts to sell eggs to the locals。 He soon meets Marilyn who starts to buy eggs from him。 He prides himself on the eggs freshness。After a rocky start, the two become friends of a sort, and so begins a tale of loss, lo What an amazing book!The story follows little Stewie who lives with his siblings after the death of their grandmother whom they affectionately call Gam。 Their parents had died when Stewie was tiny, so he never knew them。Stewie takes it upon himself to look after Gam's chickens, and starts to sell eggs to the locals。 He soon meets Marilyn who starts to buy eggs from him。 He prides himself on the eggs freshness。After a rocky start, the two become friends of a sort, and so begins a tale of loss, love, friendship & chickens!I can't quite work out what audience this book is aimed at, but all I know is, that as a 54 year old, chicken keeping woman, I loved it!Well recommended。 。。。more

Ellen

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Dreaming of Flight" and all opinions expressed are my own。 I definitely like the main character Stewie。 The overall story was good but I felt like something was missing。 I received a complimentary copy of this book "Dreaming of Flight" and all opinions expressed are my own。 I definitely like the main character Stewie。 The overall story was good but I felt like something was missing。 。。。more

Nan Williams

Dreaming of Flight is yet another beautifully written and heart warming story from Catherine Ryan Hyde。 I enjoyed it thoroughly in spite of the fact that it seemed to have been written for the 10-15 year old crowd。Regardless of her target audience, her books have wide appeal to all ages。 Like most of her novels, this one focuses on kind, gentle people and how they impact the lives of others。 Her characters are realistic and have real, everyday problems。 Her characters look outside themselves to Dreaming of Flight is yet another beautifully written and heart warming story from Catherine Ryan Hyde。 I enjoyed it thoroughly in spite of the fact that it seemed to have been written for the 10-15 year old crowd。Regardless of her target audience, her books have wide appeal to all ages。 Like most of her novels, this one focuses on kind, gentle people and how they impact the lives of others。 Her characters are realistic and have real, everyday problems。 Her characters look outside themselves to see how they can help others。I’m indebted to NetGalley and the publisher, Lake Union, for an early release of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review。 I recommend Dreaming of Flight as well as all her other books, most enthusiastically。 。。。more

Tonya

Catherine Ryan Hyde has done it again! I loved this book along with the wonderful characters。 Stewie Little is a young boy who lives with his brother Theo and sister, Stacy。 Stacy is raising the boys after their parents died shortly after Stewie's birth。 Stewie is a very loveable and determined character。 He collects eggs every day from the hens he took over caring for after his grandma passed away, and sells them to his neighbors to help his sister provide for them。 Stevie meets one cranky neig Catherine Ryan Hyde has done it again! I loved this book along with the wonderful characters。 Stewie Little is a young boy who lives with his brother Theo and sister, Stacy。 Stacy is raising the boys after their parents died shortly after Stewie's birth。 Stewie is a very loveable and determined character。 He collects eggs every day from the hens he took over caring for after his grandma passed away, and sells them to his neighbors to help his sister provide for them。 Stevie meets one cranky neighbor named Madeline but is not put off by her attitude, because she reminds him of his grandma。 They strike up an interesting friendship, and this journey has a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming。 What a great read! You will not want to put this down! Loved the characters and the storyline!I was grateful to netgalley for an advanced copy to read and review 。。。more

Lorene

“Dreaming of Flight” was another winner by Catherine Ryan Hyde。 This book tells the story of Stewie/ Stuart Little, who is a very sensitive eleven year old who has known much loss in his life。 He lives with his older sister and handicapped brother。 His grandmother (“who wasn’t very nice”) lived with them until she died。 Stewie was very close to her and missed her immensely。 Through interesting circumstances, he becomes close to an older woman。 There is so much more to this story and it is a book “Dreaming of Flight” was another winner by Catherine Ryan Hyde。 This book tells the story of Stewie/ Stuart Little, who is a very sensitive eleven year old who has known much loss in his life。 He lives with his older sister and handicapped brother。 His grandmother (“who wasn’t very nice”) lived with them until she died。 Stewie was very close to her and missed her immensely。 Through interesting circumstances, he becomes close to an older woman。 There is so much more to this story and it is a book I wanted to keep reading but my eyes kept closing! I really enjoyed this book as I have with all of her books。 This is my honest review with my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC。 。。。more

Christine

A no-brainer 5 stars!Unbelievable! CRH hits yet another one out of the park。 I never cease to be amazed by this author who continues to up her game after 40 plus novels。 And she publishes them twice a year no less。 Needless to say, she remains as always on my Top Five favorite authors list。This story is about 11-year-old Stewie Little。 Stewie is probably one of those “Highly Senstive People” you read about in today’s psychology self-help section。 He never knew his parents and lives with his olde A no-brainer 5 stars!Unbelievable! CRH hits yet another one out of the park。 I never cease to be amazed by this author who continues to up her game after 40 plus novels。 And she publishes them twice a year no less。 Needless to say, she remains as always on my Top Five favorite authors list。This story is about 11-year-old Stewie Little。 Stewie is probably one of those “Highly Senstive People” you read about in today’s psychology self-help section。 He never knew his parents and lives with his older brother and sister who struggle to make ends meet。 The only adult family member he ever knew was his grandmother Gam, who was “not quite all there。” He loved Gam dearly even though she wasn’t a very nice lady。 Stewie promised Gam he would care for her egg-laying chickens till they got old and died。 When Gam dies, Stewie takes over the chicken chores。 He cares deeply for Gam’s chickens and provides them with loving care。 Stewie starts an egg-selling route where he meets Marilyn, a crocthety old woman that reminds him a lot of his Gam。 At this point, we settle in for a hallmark CRH tale with a young person, an older person, and life lessons to be learned。 Even though I’m an older person too, I love receiving these pearls of wisdom from Ms。 Hyde。 The story revolves around Stewie’s highly sensitive nature and his struggles to cope, not only with Gams’s death, but with life in general。 He feels it’s unfair that he never knew his parents, lost his only grandmother, and has no other family members but his two siblings。 Also, somehow, he thinks it’s his role to help fix things for others, even when it seems impossible to do so。 With time, Stewie and Marilyn grow closer, and Stewie takes it upon himself to help Marilyn even when her issues seem unsurountable and her own family won’t help。 This isn’t a one-way street though。 Stewie gets a lot of help in turn from Marilyn as well as from Dr。 Briggs and others that come into his life。This is yet another feel-good, heartwarming, life-affirming book of wisdom with great depth and poignancy by Ms。 Hyde。 Don’t be fooled into thinking she simply plugs different characters into the same story time and again。 Each CRH book has its own personality and insights to share。 TBR shelves are overwhelming for everyone。 How do we pick what to read with the little time we have on earth to get through our books? I’ve settled on one thing, and that is to read every one of Ms。 Hyde’s books—all 40 plus。 What a joy that will be! I highly recommend Dreaming of Flights and all the Hyde books I have read to date to everyone。I’d like to thank Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Ms。 Catherine Ryan Hyde for an ARC。 Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way。 。。。more