When You Were Older

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

By the best-selling author of Don't Let Me Go and Pay It Forward, When You Were Older is the heartrending, thought-provoking, and life-affirming story of two very different brothers who try to build a new life together against the backdrop of an uncertain and uneasy time in our shared history.

Russell Ammiano works on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center. On the morning of September 11, 2001, the phone rings while Rusty is rushing to work. The news is devastating: his mother has died of a stroke, leaving his brain-damaged older brother, Ben, alone. This news also saves Rusty's life. He's still at home when two planes hit the World Trade Center--and only one of his friends and colleagues survives.

In a single day, the life Rusty built in New York crumbles to the ground. Rusty returns to his tiny hometown and the brother he was more than happy to leave behind. Ben hasn't changed a bit, but the town has. Tensions are running high in the wake of the terrorist attack while Rusty struggles to put the past behind him and care for the exasperating brother he loves. He finds refuge in drinking coffee in the early morning with beautiful Egyptian-American Anat in her father's bakery. Rusty is beginning to get his life back...until one awful night threatens to take it all away again.

©2012 Catherine Ryan Hyde (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Critic reviews

"A fantastic read which will have people talking about it for many weeks and months to come." ( Sarah's Book Reviews)

"The award for the amount of humanity woven into a book goes to Catherine Ryan Hyde." (Ivana of Willing to See Less)

Amazing Narator

Was a wonderful story on many levels . It was difficult to listen to the goiter of the events of the time . But needed to be addressed

Emotional philosophical roller coaster

This book is hard to listen to. It made me laugh and cry, despair and then hope anew. It will make you re-evaluate you life and your goals. Just read it.

Great Story Extremely Well Performed.

This story started with a bang that just kept going. The interaction between Russel and his older brother Ben was great.
Sometimes funny and a little sad that brought tears to my eyes. it kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
I would recommend this to everyone.

Unique

The story of brothers with an interesting twist. Fantastic narration. As much as I’d love just one more chapter, the ending is perfect as it is!

I’m a fan!

I’m a Catherine Ryan Hyde fan!
I’ve lost count of how many books I’ve listened to. Sometimes the narration is a bit whiny. This book was well narrated.

Lovely book

Delightful albeit serious story. Good believable characters. Reader portrayed each of them perfectly, especially Ben.

Fantastic narrator

I have a new favorite narrator! He brought the characters to life in a way that I haven't experienced very often. Nick made a really good story even better!!!

Another great story

This book is another great story by Catherine Ryan Hyde! She has a way of pulling me into her story right from the beginning and I don't want to stop until the book is over. This narrator did a fantastic job and was excellent with the different characters. I'd keep using him! Can't wait to read my next one by this author

The people are so real.

Enjoyed the whole book. My favorite author.
Living with an autistic family member it gives me hope that someday he will have Ben’s heart for kindness.

Wow....just wow,...100 stars!

Loved this book. I felt for the characters in the book and read, well listened (love you Audible), every second I could. An absolute page turner and must read!!!!! Kudos to another great book by one of my favs-Catherine Ryan Hyde! YOU are AMAZING