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Stay  By  cover art

Stay

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
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Publisher's summary

An unforgettable novel about the power of friendship and kindness by the New York Times bestselling author of Pay It Forward.

In the summer of 1969, 14-year-old Lucas Painter carries a huge weight on his shoulders. His brother is fighting in Vietnam. His embattled parents are locked in a never-ending war. And his best friend, Connor, is struggling with his own family issues. To find relief from the chaos, Lucas takes long, meandering walks, and one day he veers into the woods.

There he discovers an isolated cabin and two huge dogs. Frightened, he runs. And the dogs run with him. Lucas finds unusual peace in running with the dogs, and eventually he meets their owner, Zoe Dinsmore. Closed off and haunted by a tragic past, Zoe has given up. She doesn’t want to be saved. She wants out. But Lucas doesn’t want her to go, and he sees an opportunity to bring more than one friend back into the light. It’s either the best or worst idea he’s ever had, but Lucas isn’t giving up on Zoe or Connor.

Their unexpected connection might be the saving grace that Zoe thought she’d lost, that Connor needs, and that Lucas has been running toward.

©2019 Catherine Ryan Hyde, Trustee, of the Catherine Ryan Hyde Revocable Trust created under that certain declaration dated September 27, 1999. (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Delivering this coming-of-age audiobook about friendship, healing, and love, narrator Nick Podehl brings many fascinating characters to life." (AudioFile)

“Charting Lucas’ journey from a sheltered teenager to a worldly young adult, Hyde (Have You Seen Luis Velez?, 2019) brings signature compassion to her characters and highlights the relationships that allow us to feel a deeper sense of connection to the world around us. Fans of Hyde’s previous novels and those who enjoyed Meg Donohue’s You, Me, and the Sea (2019) will adore this ode to unlikely friends.” (Booklist)

What listeners say about Stay

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  • 06-09-20

Sweet Story

Loved this book, the story line and the narrator. If you need a bit of belief in humanity this is the book to read or listen to.

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Impressed

I really enjoyed listening to the story. The narrator Nick Podehl did an absolutely amazing job.

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Enlightening and endearing in equal measure.

A story of substance; exposing the flaws lying just beneath the surface of all humans and demonstrating the synchronicity of those flaws to benefit each other. Brilliant use of spiritual values without being preachy, Nick Podehl’s narration is astounding as always. He gives each character its own voice. Highly recommend this book!

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Through the Eyes of a Child

Complicated relationships, things are not as they may seem, or maybe they are. Caring for one an other can be tough. “Stay” is a coming of age story that describes what so many kids are going through with their parents, friends and family. An entertaining story told with passion. Glad I chose the one.

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Great reader and great story

A wonderful story of friendship and healing. The reader did a great job. I’m going to recommend it to many people.

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Great audio.

Great audio book. sorry its over,. Now to find another audio as good as this one.

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Great story!

This is a heartwarming story, perfect for Veterans Day and the holidays. I loved it.

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A wonderful story

This was a heartwarming story that really touched my heart. I wasn’t sure when I first started listening whether I would like it or not, and I am really grateful that I selected this book and continued reading it. The characters were interesting and very believable. The author captured how difficult it can be growing up in a dysfunctional family. I also have to add that the near raider was perfect for the story. I don’t know what else to say other than it was an amazing book that I think a lot of people would really enjoy.

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Summer of 1969

Such a very good book. I enjoyed going back to the summer I was born and gaining a little more perspective on what the world was like then through this coming of age tale.

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Great!

I laughed I cried and I completely enjoyed this book!! Real life that is relatable.

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