Just a Regular Boy: A Novel

Written by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by Michael Crouch and Kate Rudd

An orphaned boy raised by a survivalist wends his way into the real world in an emotional novel about hope, fears, and found family by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Out there is chaos, the collapse of society, and so much to be afraid of. All that matters is freedom.

That’s what Remy Blake has been taught by his survivalist father. Raised off the grid in the middle of nowhere, his own survival skills not yet honed, Remy is days shy of his eighth birthday when his father unexpectedly dies. As seasons pass, supplies run out, and fending for himself grows more desperate, Remy sets out on foot, unprepared for the great unknown of civilization.

He is found—near feral, silent, and terrified—in the small rural town of Blaire. To Anne, a nurturing mother of two adopted teenagers who’s still dealing with her own childhood rejections, Remy is not a lost cause. Just a challenging one. As Remy cautiously adapts to his new foster home, his family wants nothing more than to reassure him that he can trust the world. But to do so, they must first reexamine how much they trust the world themselves, and how much they should. As Remy’s journey into the real world begins, figuring out how to navigate it becomes a path they will have to learn to walk together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: May 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798400100406

Catherine Ryan Hyde

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of twenty-five books, which include Where We Belong, When You Were Older, Walk Me Home, When I Found You, Don’t Let Me Go, The Language of Hoofbeats, and Take Me With You, among others. More than fifty of her short stories have been published in various literary magazines. Following the success of Pay It Forward, Catherine founded the Pay It Forward Foundation and served as president until 2009. She lives in California with her dog, Ella, and their cat, Jordan. To learn more about the foundation and other forthcoming books, visit CatherineRyanHyde.com.

Reviews for Just a Regular Boy

[Cindy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book, it really made me think!
The only reason I rated it a 4 rather than a 5, was very often, the words spoken by the very young boy were not written truly for a child. But overall this story was very entertaining and thought provoking indeed.

[Joyce Harout · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this story. The only problem I had with it (hence the 4 stars) was the propaganda of Covid and mass shootings. They were very triggering. Especially the "should I wear a mask?" "Not if you're vaccinated" - very triggering. Made me uncomfortable. That's all.

[dmaloney651 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! The characters were very interesting too. A story of a very young boy left in the middle of nowhere to survive on his own. So sad, the things he had to endure, but he was a survivor!! A

[Vickie Anderson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is amazing. I wanted to listen to it without a taking a break. Well written from beginning to the end.

[kimkimkim-7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There was so much I loved about this book but at the very top are the conversations Remy has with himself. In exploring his rationale for his actions while remembering that he is a very young child he has the logic of someone who hasn’t been tainted by social pressures. Six or seven years old he is left to survive on his own with few physical resources other than his ability to reason and discover his limitations. He deals with pain, with being alone and totally cut off from society not knowing who to trust, believing that the world is on the brink of destruction. Broken bones and broken in spirit he is a little boy facing at best despair and at worst death.

There is a woman, Anne, who is damaged in her own way, but her salvation, or so she believes, is saving children, especially those no one else wants. She desperately wants Remy, this terribly damaged child. And Remy needs to be wanted so is this going to be a miraculous match or a spectacular failure?

There is no going back - this story will haunt you. Amazing, incredible story, writing, characters, thoughts. Brava Catherine Ryan Hyde. A million thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a copy.

[fredreeca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Remy’s mother has passed away. His dad has gone off the deep end and has decided the world is a terrible place. He has taken 5 year old Remy to a remote area to live off the land. But, after a few terrible years Remy’s dad dies and leaves him all alone. Remy does all he can to survive but he is eventually tragically injured and he has no idea how to relate to people.

Remy tore my heart out! His struggles to survive at such a young age is horrific. This story is heartbreaking, terrifying and then joyful. I wish I could have taken Remy and just hugged him. And Anne! I swear that woman has an amazing heart. I would love to see a sequel made because I felt there was something more to Anne’s situation. Plus, I would love to see Remy succeed!

This book is incredible, as most of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books are! I have only read a few of her books but I have loved every one. And I honestly think this is the best one I have read so far.

Talk about strong characters and an amazing tale which will have you crying and jumping for joy!

Need an emotional read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.