Catherine Ryan Hyde has written a poignant novel about the power of friendship and kindness.
Lucas, 14, runs miles every day to burn off anxiety and excess energy. His parents constantly fight, and he’s worried about his brother who is a soldier in Viet Nam. Lucas’s best friend, Conner, is depressed and Lucas doesn’t know how to help him.
While running through the woods, Lucas comes across a little run-down cabin. Two large dogs emerge from a make-shift shelter and, much to Lucas’ joy, they join him on his run. This pattern goes on for many days when he finally meets their owner, Zoe, an older woman with an unfortunate past. They become friends and Lucas is able to unburden his worries to this no-nonsense woman.
The story is told in first-person by Lucas as an adult, and at the end the reader sees the whole picture of Lucas, his family and his friends. As in her other novels, this author brings the reader into the story as she unflinchingly describes the consequences of addiction, suicide, the terrible toll war inflicts, and the hardship of children caught in family strife.
Stay is a heartfelt novel that I enthusiastically recommend for teens and adults.