Chasing Windmills

By: Catherine Ryan Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: Jesse Bernstein, Amber Sealey

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Sebastian, a lonely 17-year-old, is suffocating under his dominant father’s control. In the 10 years since his mother passed away, his father has kept him “safe” by barely allowing him out of their apartment. Sebastian’s secret late-night subway rides are rare acts of rebellion. Maria, a young mother of two, is trying to keep peace at home despite her boyfriend’s abuse. When she loses her job, she avoids telling him by riding the subways during her usual late-night shift. She knows she needs to “live in the truth.” But she still hasn’t been able to bring herself to do it. And soon he will expect her paycheck to arrive.

When Sebastian and Maria wind up on the same train, these two strangers find a connection that neither can explain or ignore. Together they dream of a new future, agreeing to run away. But Maria doesn’t know Sebastian is only 17. And Sebastian doesn’t know Maria has children until the moment they leave. Ultimately, Maria brings one child, her daughter. But can she really leave her little boy behind?

In this tremendously moving novel, Catherine Ryan Hyde shows us how two people trapped by life’s circumstances can break free and find a place in the world where love is genuine and selfless.

©2008 Catherine Ryan Hyde (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

“A sweet tale openly modeled on West Side Story...a gentle tale centering how how people come to grip with their pasts.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Hyde writes evocatively of the visceral nature of first love. Her characters are well developed, and she describes settings economically but effectively. The ending is realistic and satisfying. Short chapters make for a page-turning read and the distinct voices are sweet, soul-baring, and honest.” (School Library Journal)

“Simple and captivating. It is [Sebastian's and Maria's] voices - at once utterly credible and heartbreakingly naive - that make the book, and while this is being billed as an adult novel, its closest stylistic relative is S.E. Hinton's YA classic The Outsiders.” (Publishers Weekly)

Really good plot and character development

This book, Chasing Windmills, offers insight into women who have been raised or endured intimidation and control and the resulting difficulty of being able to know themselves and think independently. It is well worth reading.

Endearing

I really enjoy this Author. It amazes me how she captures the thoughts and deep feelings of each charcter in the story. I love how she brings things in and sheads little lights then , Bam. I hope to listen to every book. I had missed this one. So inspiring.

Corny ending, but a good story up until then.

Narrators and presentation are excellent. Storyline and characterization are well done. So why the overall 3? it's because the ending is not believable. I understand the message, this author always has a powerful message, but the novel is wrapped up in a way that I can't swallow. It's like she couldn't SHOW her message so she TOLD it in a quick, 'I better get this done, my dead line is tomorrow' kind of way. I don't believe someone like Maria would decide what she did at the end and do it. It's a great story up until the last two chapters. it left me feeling, "well that was stupid".

Great story

This Young man fell in love and wanted to grow up fast and be an adult. He had ups and downs and he learned a great deal about real life and how things turn out. Good Story.

Chasing Windmills

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

Yes.

Would you recommend Chasing Windmills to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes because the two main characters were both underdogs when the story started. It was satisfying to see them grow as people & find others who would stand by them.

What does Jesse Bernstein and Amber Sealey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jesse Bernstein did a great job with all his voices but especially with Sebastian/Tony. He did a great job of sounding like an overprotected, young man struggling to break free from the bonds which held him captive. Amber Sealey was the perfect voice for Maria.

Do you think Chasing Windmills needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The book ended in a good place.

Picking up this book again, after so many years...

I've read this book twice before and now listening to it, it still remains one of my absolute favorites books. I would recommend this to anyone who asked. Five Stars, hands down. 😊😊😊🥱

Underdogs unite

The story was good, just a bit rushed at the end. I liked the characters, but wanted more at the end. The narrator did a great job with the voices, for the most part. I will try another book by this author.

Great story

I couldn’t stop listening to this. The readers were excellent and the story line was one of the best.