Ethan has been estranged from his father ever since he and his mother caught him 'entertaining' his secretary at home. But when his mother needs to help her ailing parents her only choice is to send Ethan to live with his father who has moved into the wilderness.Ethan has never received his dad's approval. City boy Ethan is small and timid and book smart. His dad is athletic, a risk taker, a womanizer. Their reunion is not going well.
One day Ethan's dad doesn't return from his typical twenty mile run. The local police can't find him and are not convinced he didn't just skip town. Ethan could have walked away but he can't leave until he has gone on his own search for the man he hates and loves.
With the help of three local misfits Ethan takes a journey into the Blythe River National Wilderness on an adventure that brings him self-knowledge, revelation, and personal growth.
Catherine Ryan Hyde 's latest book Leaving Blythe River will appeal especially to YA readers who will identify with Ethan's struggle for parental approval. His personal growth is the focus of the story. The supporting characters are well drawn and memorable. The wilderness journey will propel readers to keep reading. The ending is realistic.
There were some unanswered questions, such as how was Ethan's dad supporting himself while living in the wilderness and going on runs. As a mom, I was not convinced why mom was so accepting of her son's going on the dangerous quest into the wilderness.
I have been a fan of the author for several years. The author's last book was Worthy which you can read about at http://theliteratequilter.blogspot.com/2015/06/worthy-by-catherine-ryan-hyde.html
I received a free ebook through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Leaving Blythe River
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date May 24, 2016
$14.95 paperback
ISBN:9781503934467
