A review by shelleys_book_nook
Life, Loss, and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I love Catherine Ryan Hyde's books she is an auto-buy author of mine because she always manages to give me all the feels. The main character in this one is thirteen-year-old Ru. Ru reminded me so much of my younger son, not just because they are both freakishly smart but because their attitudes and struggles are very much the same. Needless to say, I adored Ru. She is funny, charming and honest to a fault.

This book sucked me in right away and was such a fast-paced read I read it two sittings. Catherine Ryan Hyde never shies away from hard-hitting topics and in this one not only is Ru dealing with going away to University (she's 13 remember) but she's also dealing with her mother's unexpected death and then having to go live with a much hated aunt in Kentucky. Thankfully she has Gabriel in her corner. Gabriel is the seventeen-year-old child of the woman who allows Ru to board in her home while at school. Ru and Gabriel become fast friends having a connection like no other.

When Ru's aunt wants to take her to Kentucky Gabriel and Ru hatch a plan to make the three of her college list (not bucket list) wishes come true. Although sad in some parts this one also made me feel lots of joy and hope and was such a pleasure to read. All. The. Stars.