Just What You'd Expect

The author has a predictable formula; some weird, quirky, good-hearted people, most of whom are just getting by, one or two steps above the Tom Joabs of the world come to a crossroads in their lives. Initially they fight the inevitable and each other; then they come together realizing that connection is not just what makes not just happier; but what makes us human. In this case it the presence of a dog and the memory of a man special to them both that brings a fifty six year old woman and a twenty three year old man together.
This isn't a cougar and the kid romance story. It is a fictional rendition of two battered but not broken people who find love where they least expected it. A boy who has no memory of ever having had a mother, finds one; and a woman finds the boy she had once planned on being a stepmother to. Despite the summary that might give the impression that she is so formulaic that she's just phoning it in most of her books receive five star ratings form our little group.
The characters become almost human to the reader/ listener. She has no one dimensional, and very few two dimensional characters; the main characters especially are nuanced three dimensional to the point that you can imagine talking to and interacting with them. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an author in the tradition of John Steinbeck; bringing to life the type of people we see everyday and do not notice. Perhaps these characters are us; in any case her books are very good listening experiences.

37 people found this helpful

Heartwarming stroy

This story is heart warming to listen to and very well presented by the readers. It is one of those books that makes me sad when it is finished as I will miss the characters. Highly recommended especially to dog lovers.

23 people found this helpful

When Fur Fills the Hollow Places . . .

A sweet and redeeming story of how a dog can bring healing . . . a dog doesn't ask questions, make demands, get mad when you cry . . . the story starts out with loss . . . almost more loss than a person should have to endure . . . I was rooting for it to go another way . . . but it didn't . . . just like life sometimes . . . you play the hand that is dealt you . . . you suck it up and go on . . . but you NEVER lose hope . . . and that's what I always like best about Catherine Ryan Hyde's books . . . she gets that . . . love and hope endure, in unconventional, improbable ways . . . people heal . . . and in the process YOU feel better, too . . .

15 people found this helpful

Sweet

This is such a sweet story. I found that it touch my heart. The unlikely journey that the reader takes with these characters is well worth the ride.

12 people found this helpful

Definitely Worthy of a credit!

This was an awesome story. It warmed my heart with characters you want to call your friends. The performance was great as well. I'm sad that it's finished. Don't bypass this one!

11 people found this helpful

Predictable

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Sure...very predictable but a good story

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Characterization is strong

What does Nick Podehl and Tanya Eby bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Their voices were a good match of my personal picture of the characters

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably would be a better movie than a book.

Any additional comments?

Not Hyde's best book by a long shot but I loved the thread that the dog...Worthy...wove through time and twists of the plot.

11 people found this helpful

Terrific Story

This author does a great job of developing a picture of the characters in the tale. A simple beginning the death of a father and then a 19 year gap and the tale begins again with the changes brought about by age. I was able to guess at how it would all end but there's was some unique bends and twists to finally get there. I really the audible as it better helped my imagination see the characters and both male and female voices were used. I really looked forward each time I went back to read more. Very enjoyable read,thoroughly recommend

9 people found this helpful

A book Worthy of its title!

I really enjoyed this book, good story, well developed characters, & great narration! Highly recommend!!!

7 people found this helpful

<br /><br /> HOOF HEATS

This book was awesome an would suggest to anyone from young to old.It was hard to put down an hated it when it ended.

6 people found this helpful

Sweet story - I love dogs

I enjoyed this book. The two female leads, originally waitresses at the diner, were good characters. The first male lead and his son were also good characters. The deputy sheriff was great. My favorite character is the dog originally named T-Rex. His name was changed but I think I liked T-Rex better.

The son, originally named Buddy, grew up into an emotional mess. He was afraid of everything. He needed love. There were people there to give it. The dog was eager to give love.

The narrators were very good.

4 people found this helpful