"Chasing Windmills" by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Random House, ISBN
9780385521277, $22.95)
The author of "Pay it Forward" has done it again. "Chasing Windmills" is
another winner. In this book, Catherine Ryan Hyde chronicles the lives of
two star-crossed lovers. They are normal kids who face very difficult
circumstances and who must rely upon the natural kindness of the people
around them.
"Maria" is a young mother of two, stuck in an abusive relationship with her
boyfriend. She is afraid to tell him that she recently lost her job and has
already been lying about it for a week.
"Tony" is a young man home-schooled and sequestered by his father, a very
formal and controlling man, who he must indeed refer to as "Father."
According to his father, Tony's mother died when he was an infant, although
something is not quite right about this story.
Tony and Maria are not their real names, but Maria thought they were more
fitting, more exciting. Tony and Maria first see each other on the subway
and are instantly intrigued with one another. They continue to ride the
subway on subsequent nights in the hope of running into each other again.
They do finally meet, fall in love, and come up with a plan to run away
together.
However, both of their lives are more complicated than just running away
together can solve. They must come face to face with each others problems.
With the help of Tony's next door neighbor, Maria's sister, and Tony's
estranged grandmother, they finally each confront the secrets and troubles
of their lives.
This is a story about reality, kindness, and truth that will both entertain
you and make you think.
Recommended for Young Adults.
Review by
Laura Flaugher, April 24, 2008
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