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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Another winner by this author

While written post 9-11 this book brings a message that is worthy of a refresher course in 2017. In addition to tackling this subject, as usual Catherine R H brings surprises with her character development as they struggle with inner demons and growth. In this case the underlying themes are family and loyalty. Also disability and the value of life. She always leaves me thinking. When I need encouragement regarding the human condition I go find a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I don't know what I will do when I run out.

Where were you Sept 11, 2001?

This book was a fun read. I enjoyed these characters so very much. I felt the reader was excellent. You will enjoy it to keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Could not put it down

A sad, relatable, beautiful story with a satisfying ending, read by the most perfect narrator. I thoroughly appreciated every word, and left me a better person.

Excellent

Really enjoyed another one of Hyde’s books!
It was a little hard to re-live 9/11. But worth it.