A beautifully written tale of life and friendship, a story that while entertained it taught life lessons and made me ponder current issues from racial profiling to gun violence and the importance of a community that will support each other.
I love how the author often in her stories matches two unlikely people who will find the common ground, while gently teaching the readers the important lesson of not looking at the surface, not judging by the appearance of people, but looking beyond the obvious and behind the walls and categories the society often likes to hide us.
There is so much heart in this story, in the friendship between Raymond Jaffe and Mildred Gutermann, in Raymond's search for the correct Luis Velez.
I loved how Raymond's encounters with the different Luis Velez named men affected the people he met and inspired them to do good, be better, spread the love. There is something special about Raymond, the way just his presence, and even more so his attitude and good heart made an impact on his environment. He himself might think he is invisible, unfitting to the norm, to his family, to his school, to his father's life, but most people he meets he makes a positive impression on.
I cherished the friendship forming between Raymond and Millie, despite their differences or maybe because of them, they have one of those rare yet so precious friendships where people grow and learn from each other in an atmosphere of respect and love. They both have equal value in the relationship, they both learn from each other, and they help the other to find the peace of mind that helps them accept life, themselves, their past, and the possibilities still a front of them.
Ms. Hyde has left me in awe yet another of her books. She has a true gift to take the most sensitive yet topical issues, twine them into a storyline, demonstrating two sides to each matter, making the readers to think, evaluating their own beliefs and habits and culture, while gaining some understanding to both sides of the matter, and maybe learn to make better judgement calls or to see a bit wider horizon.
This is a story for everyone, regardless of age or gender. It touches the hearts and minds of the readers, giving them a raw and real picture of today's society. It entertains, it teaches valuable lessons, it connects on an emotional and on an intellectual level, it challenges the values, ideas, and the culture we live in while telling a heartfelt tale two people supporting each other through some heartache and loneliness while helping each other to be the best possible version of themselves. Another home run from the author, whose books somehow manage to shatter my mind and heart yet leave me having a better, wider understanding of the world we live in.
A must read
~ Five Spoons!

Catherine Ryan Hyde has done it again. When I first read the title of the book, 'Have You Seen Luis Velez?', I thought, "Well, that's an odd title. I don't think I'd like it." Which is just as bad (or worse) than judging a book by its cover. I'm so glad I listened to my other inner voice that screamed, "But you LOVE her books!" And I loved this story. I couldn't put it down.
You'll read about a young, 17-year old African American boy who befriends a 92-year old white lady who lives in his building. He takes it upon himself to go on a quest on her behalf - one she doesn't know about. The people he meets throughout this journey will make you see so much goodness in the world. Sometimes it's hard to see - but Hyde shines a light on people who come into your life for maybe just a short season, and make it infinitely better. Go out and get this book for yourself, for a friend, for your teenager, for a school. I would love to see this one turned into a movie!

This is a wonderful, heart warming book which I feel sure many different readers will enjoy!

When 16 year Raymond meets Millie, a 92 year old blind woman who lives in his apartment block, she is outside her apartment looking for Luis Velez, a young man who has been coming weekly for the last four years to take her to the bank and the shops. It's been more than two weeks since he last visited and Millie is worried something bad has happened to him - and she's down to her last can of soup. Raymond not only takes over Luis' role in helping Millie with her shopping but starts to look for Luis. Raymond is the mixed race son of divorced parents, his mother white and his father African American. He lives with his mother and her new (white) husband and three step sisters but feels he doesn't fit in there. Although he gets on well with his father, his new wife resents him and he doesn't feel welcome when he visits. He's also a bit of a loner at school and his only friend has just moved interstate. In Millie he finds a new friend, someone who is non-judgemental and sees him for who he is.

Through his search for Luis Velez, Raymond meets other people who become his friends and see him for the kind and thoughtful boy that he is and he becomes a catalyst for others to do good deeds. His friendship with Millie is beautiful as she becomes the kind and wise older person that has been missing from his life and Raymond realises that family does not have to be restricted to those you are related to. Although there are some sad events in the book, this is ultimately a very uplifting, life-affirming story.

It’s feel good and uplifting, a story about finding kindness and the goodness of people when and where it’s least expected. It was just what I needed. I’ve read so many tough stories last month and watched way too much news reflecting the nastiness of our current political discourse. I needed a break. However, this is not what I would consider a light read. There are some serious and thought provoking themes, but the goodness of people that is reflected here gives one a little hope and confidence that “our better angels” can prevail.

I loved the characters. Raymond Jaffe, a lonely, misfit, sixteen year old boy has no friends since his only friend moved away. He doesn’t fit in with his mother’s and stepfather’s new family. He’s black and they are white and no one seems to care enough about him to listen when he talks to them. His father’s wife barely tolerates him. Raymond discovers that Mildred Gutterman, his ninety two year old blind neighbor is in need of help when she asks him if seen Luis Velez. Luis Velez is the man who used to look in on her and help her with errands to the bank and for groceries. But he’s disappeared. We don’t get to meet the Luis Velez of the title, but we get to know what kind of man he was . His kindness can be found in Raymond who takes over Luis Velez’s care of Mrs. G. His kindness can be found in a couple of other men named Luis Velez that Raymond meets while on his quest to find out what happened to the Luis Velez of the title.

It isn’t just about what Raymond does for Mrs. G, it’s also about the friendship and understanding that she lends to him at a time when he needs it. It’s about racism and preconceived ideas that people have, and about intolerance, but ultimately how people have the capacity to lift each other up. Reading this couldn’t have come at a better time.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book. This book begins with a teenage boy starts helping an older woman who is looking for her last caregiver Luis Velez who has not showed up in a while. This story starts simplistically with Raymond on a mission and it metamorphoses into a very timely story that takes on Race and our legal system. This was an excellent read. This is my first book from Hyde that I have read, but look forward to reading more.

What a book. This was such an inspirational story. It was very sad and also very happy at the same time. Raymond was a young boy, 16 years old, who was somewhat lost. He didn’t feel like he fit into his family life. His mom and stepdad and three sisters didn’t seem to understand him at all and his dad and stepmother were only there every other weekend and then his stepmother didn’t want him so he just felt as though he didn’t belong anywhere. His best friend was gone and he didn’t have any friends at school.

Raymond befriended an elderly woman who was also blind, in the building he lived in. She was looking for Luis Velez, who had been helping her. Raymond became a good friend to Mildred Gutermann, who he calls Mrs G. She becomes somewhat totally dependent on Raymond and so they form an unlikely friendship. Raymond learns a lot from Mrs G, part of which is how she came to America as a young girl fleeing the Germans during the war. He meets so many people in his quest for looking for Luis Velez. Most are very nice but there are a couple that are not so nice. But he is resilient in his search. Even after he decides to stop he can’t. He feels it’s his duty to help Mr G in anyway he can.

This book contains so many great topics that will leave you thinking. Leave you wondering what this world is truly coming too. The bigotry, murder, fear, lies, friends, love, kind hearts and understanding. Family who are not always so nice to each other and at times are there in ways that truly matter. This book tells the story of what Mrs G went through when she came to America. Leaving her friends behind and feeling the guilt of being a survivor. While she is always telling Raymond that he should not be sorry for every little thing, she blames herself for things that were totally out of her control. A family who loses something so important to them and how they will survive. A woman who should not have done a thing but she did it anyway. A boy who just wants to belong. People from all walks of life can pull together and make a difference in a small way.

I admired Raymond so much. He was not your typical young man. He had such a huge heart and would do anything to make others happy. He did everything he could to help Mrs G and to find Luis Valdez. He had a heart of gold, even saving a cat that another boy wanted to hurt. He didn’t seem to have a selfish bone in his body. Yet you know others would judge him because he was different.

This book made me have many many tears. It was such a heartfelt book that will touch you deep inside. Deep in there where you don’t usually see yourself. It will make you stop and think. Ask yourself questions about your own heart. Your own feelings toward others. At least it did me and I am very happy to know that I do not judge others. I accept people as they are. I know I am by no means perfect, but I do not judge. Raymond was the kindest person I’ve read about in ages for a kid his age especially.

This book will make you feel lots of emotions. Some good, some sad, but feel you will.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #Lake Union Publishers for this copy. This is my own review as I see the book.

I give it a big 5 stars and highly recommend it to others. I have read and loved several of this author’s books but this one is my favorite by far.

This book was one that really made me stop and think about how I develop impressions of people I see as I go about my normal day. Do I make racial judgments based on the color of someone's skin? Do I feel that other people make judgments about me...based on my physical characteristics, my religious beliefs, etc.?

Raymond Jaffe is an amazing young man. His maturity is impressive; his willingness to tackle a project on behalf of one of his neighbor's is admirable. If there were more people like Raymond in the world today, we would be in a much better place.

I fell in love with Mildred Guterman. She had a wonderful way of looking at life and the things that go on around her. She is one tough cookie and is a good influence on Raymond.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing you into the story and making you care about so many of the characters as you turn the pages and get sucked into the search for Luis Velez. What a wonderful story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is my new favorite book by Catherine Ryan Hyde! In an epic tell of friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness Raymond and Millie find a friendship with the mostly unlikely people. 5 stars doesn’t seem like enough for this thought provoking and gripping novel.

There is not enough great things I can say about Catherine's newest book!! If you have to pick one book of hers to read -- pick this one!! The relationship between a teenage boy and a 92 year old women - only she could make it work!!

If you love a book about overcoming obstacles and a book that will make you cry and make you smile, you will love Catherine Ryan Hyde’s new book. I loved it! The character development of seventeen-year-old Raymond and his friendship with a 92 year-old blind neighbor, Millie, is a beautiful journey of overcoming obstacles and forming a deep friendship. Raymond, who is bi-racial, lives with his mother, stepfather, and three step-sisters. He is bi-ratial. Twice a month he goes to his father’s who has a new wife.

Raymond meets Millie, by chance, one day in the hall. She hawk him if he has seen Luis Velez. Luis has not been to Millie’s in seventeen days. Luis helps Millie by running errands, bringing her food etc. You owe it to yourself to read this beautiful story. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Not may favorite of her books which are alway thought provoking. Just couldn’t get any feelings for the characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel. Any time you get a chance to read one of her books, it's a good day and you know you have a 5 star read awaiting you.

Raymond lives with his mother, stepfather, and 3 stepsisters - all of whom are white while he is African American like his dad. He spends every other weekend with his dad and his stepmom, who is not happy with his visits. His best and only friend is moving to CA from NY. Raymond just doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere. By chance, he meets his 92-year-old neighbor, Millie, in the hallway of their apartment building. Millie is blind and she asks Raymond if he has seen Luis Velez. Raymond takes the time to meet this neighbor and discover that Luis came to take her to the stores and bank and just to check on Millie quite often. Luis hasn't shown up in the last weeks and Millie is alone and scared for him. Raymond starts helping Millie get out and navigate the world and makes it a mission to find Luis. This mission will change both of their lives.

As always with this author's works, you will see both sides of a situation and you will be forced to examine your beliefs and how you can do better. All done with a beautiful story of love, friendship and caring for others without prejudice. Highly recommended!

I was drawn to this book by the title and cover. I did not know anything about it. Sometimes things come to you for a reason and I guess I know the type of book I would enjoy.

The little I read about the plot was enough for me to know that this book was meant for me. I have always befriended people older than me. Most women have their hearts overflowing with love for a newborn. That is not me. Yes, they are cute, cuddly and little angels, but my heart is always touched more by an older person.
They are wise and know from all the years of living that there are so many things in life that are not important. They know what is important and do not sweat the small stuff. I learn so much from them. I have been very fortunate in my life to always have the grounding that an older friend gives to me.

When I read that this book revolved around the relationship of Raymond, a seventeen-year-old young man and Millie, a ninety-two year old blind women, I was already hooked. I love stories that have an older person in them. I adore the relationships that can be developed, if people would just open their hearts.

I went into reading the book with no other knowledge and I want the same for other readers. I would suggest that you do not dig deeper into reviews to find out more. The story is best experienced with no knowledge of it. Knowing too much is not good sometimes.

I absolutely loved this book and I hope many people find their way to read it. If the world had more Raymonds and Millies in it, it would be a much better place for us all.

I want to thank NetGalley.com and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the wonderful gift of allowing me to read the ARC. My opinion was not influenced at all by them.

Please read this excellent story and open your heart to the special friendship of Raymond and Millie.

Another winner from one of my favorite authors

I've read a lot of author Hyde's books and enjoyed them all. They make the reader FEEL - happiness, sadness and all points in between.

HAVE YOU SEEN LUIS VELEZ? is a mix of sad and feel good.

17 year-old Raymond lives with his mom, stepdad and sisters in a walk up apartment in New York City. Every other weekend he spends with his dad and his new wife elsewhere in the city.

One day one of his neighbors, a 92 year old blind woman, Millie, who is concerned about a man who used to help her with errands - Luis Velez. She hasn't seen or heard from him for 17 days and is worried about him.

This is the start of an unusual friendship between Raymond and Millie. Raymond helps her with her errands and takes it upon himself to try to track down Luis.

I loved this story. I loved the characters, the storyline, the settings. It is a story of friendship, of empathy, of hope but also of despair and prejudice.

I highly recommend this book by the best-selling author of PAY IT FORWARD.

I received this book from Lake Union Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

In this crazy world, we all need that light in all the dark. This book will shine some peace into your soul.

Raymond Jaffe lives with his mom, stepdad, and sisters in the same apartment building as 92 year old Mildred Gutermann. One day, he sees her outside asking if he knows Luis Velez. Something about her sticks with him and he goes back to talk to her. Luis used to stop by and do errands for Mildred, who is blind and alone. Raymond strikes up a friendship with Mildred and makes it his mission to find Luis. It takes him to places he has never seen and in the process, he finds himself in ways he never knew he could.

There is just so much hope in this story. Even in the sadness, the kindness in the people Raymond meets , brings joy. Mildred imparts such simple yet profound truths to Raymond and watching him grow was perfect. You cannot read this without walking a way with a ray of hope.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.

In the book, a cellist is playing a song that he describes as just the right balance of beautiful and sad. That also describes this book. It tackles some very ugly issues that plague the world but shows the beauty of the world as well. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be inspired!

This was a joyous book to read. Like it said in the book, most older folk seemed to have given up on young people. Their indifference, their attitude to very old, slow folk is degrading and some of them look through them as if they didnt exist. Then you come across someone like Raymond and your entire view of life changes. You think there is hope for the human race.

Millie is old and blind and dependent on a young man called Luis Velez for assistance - to the bank, to the grocery. When he does not turn up for three weeks, she is on the point of starvation but she does not want to worry social services or anyone for that matter. She steps out of her apartment and for her good fortune and also for our young man, they meet and the rest is the story

The search for Luis Velez goes on privately by Raymond who is horrible conflict at home. He is the odd one out in a family of white, he is black and is made to feel alone by all, including his mother who shows no empathy and particularly no sensitivity to her son who is struggling to just fit in. At his father's house, his father's second wife shows no hesitation in showing her dislike that he is part of her husband's responsibilities even though it is only twice a month. She resents this and shows it.

That Raymond turns out the way he did, is a marvel. He could have been a grouch, he could have been frustrated, angry and annoyed at the deal the world dealt him but he just handled it and went on with it.



The story was descriptive, detailed and though there were no entirely happy endings it ended on a note of hope and love.

If you’re searching for a book to give you all the feels and one that will also restore your faith in humanity my friends then look no further. I’ve become a super fan of CRH over the past few years and this is my favorite of hers to date. Well, of the ones I’ve actually read because have you seen her backlist?! Impressive. But seriously, this is a special book and one that I won’t soon forget.

The driving force behind what makes a CRH fantastic is the incredible characterization, no doubt about it. She also has an incredible knack for telling stories about unlikely friendships that will tug at your heartstrings like no other and this was no exception. Raymond is a teenaged kid who I wanted to mother myself after just a few pages, this kid 😍 He is not your typical boy, he’s more mature and self aware than many adults, the kind of kid that would make every parent extremely proud, except for his own parents, which is such a shame. Millie lives in the same building as Raymond and the relationship between these two was beautiful and just so so special. What could a ninety year old and a sixteen year old possibly have in common? You’ll have to read yourself to truly understand, but the short answer is they have just enough in common to forge an amazing bond.

Yet another one of my favorite things about CRH is her ability to address current societal issues head on, but at the same time she’s not pushing a personal agenda or shoving things in the readers face. She’s exploring problematic issues in a sensitive and respectful manner and she always makes me think. As always this would be ideal for a book club or a buddy read, there is much to discuss, I know I’ve been dying to talk about this one with someone since I’ve finished! (If you’ve read it please let me know) Highly recommended by me, really to anyone who just likes a really well written and engaging story!

Have You Seen Luis Velez? in three words: Moving, Encouraging and Special.

A heartwarming, unique, and inspiring story of an unlikely friendship. Have You Seen Luis Velez has the just-right balance of "sad-to-beautiful ratio". Loved the life lessons and humanity. Thank you NetGalley for the e-reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I think I fell in love with this one about 20 pages or so in when Raymond takes some food to a stray cat he's been caring for. It's such a sweet and honest moment that broke my heart and made me feel a bit warm fuzzy at the same time. Raymond is in some ways a typical teenager. He's uncomfortable and awkward and desperately wants to fit in somewhere but is so insecure about just where that place might be. But that need to fit in makes him pay attention to those that need help - to that stray cat and finally to the lonely elderly woman in the hallway.



This book is powerful in its simplicity. Two people with seemingly nothing in common are united on the surface by the search for Luis Velez but more importantly by the need to have someone to connect with and to care for. This book is heartwarming and poignant and I loved it. These are people that I'm grateful to have met and spent time with and that I miss now that I've finished the book.