Review: Ask Him Why by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Title: Ask Him Why
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: December 8, 2015


Ask Him Why by Catherine Ryan Hyde

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Joseph is a soldier in the U.S. Army. He returns home three months after going to Iraq, much to the surprise of his younger sister and brother, Ruth and Aubrey. Something is wrong, and before the details are explained, Joseph is gone from the family home, and stories about what he had supposedly done begin to appear in the newspapers and on television. It is a confusing time for Ruth and Aubrey which ultimately changes the entire family's dynamics and their very lives.

This is the first book I have read by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I will be returning to read more of her books. The depth of emotion in the characters is authentic, so much so, I forgot these are fictional people. I wanted to hug them all. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character, but the story is knitted together from common experiences Joseph, Ruth and Aubrey share to form an intricate mosaic of family relationship that is complex, yet held together with the strength of an unbreakable bond. It's a story of principle and loyalty, and also one of misunderstanding, disdain and profound regret.

Reading this book caused me to reflect on my own relationships with family members, and made me wonder what my reaction would be to the circumstances experienced by these characters. Not only is Ask Him Why a good story, it is also thought provoking and intense.

I received and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this digital book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.





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