Life, Loss, and Puffins is the coming-of-age story about two young people, who don't quite fit the mold. The MC's are 17 Y/O Gabriel, who refers to himself as non-binary, and 13 Y/O genius named Rumaki(Ru). After Ru's mother dies, her horrid, uncaring aunt becomes her custodian. She and Gabriel decide to run away and to go north to see the aurora borealis in the cold wilds of Canada. As they face life's struggles together their friendship grows. Hyde is always a good read. This was a preview book provided to me by NetGalley.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story about two young people having an adventure as they grapple with different losses, self-acceptance, and accepting life on its own terms. And when I say ADVENTURE, I mean . . . adventure! I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights and as this was part of their adventure, I feel like I've been there- that is how descriptive and real that part of their journey was.

As always, Catherine Ryan Hyde's dialogue is perfect. She really has an ear for the way people really talk and I found it easy to keep turning page after page to find out what happens to Ru and Gabriel.

The only confusing thing was the references to the fact that Ru was telling her story to "the girls" and it wasn't clear until the end what that was all about.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! I loved the characters and their unique qualities. I felt for both characters and the relationship that they had with their moms. I was cheering them on during their adventure to complete their list. It was light but meaningful reading.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is an auto-read author for me, and her stories are almost always 5 stars. I don't know how she does it, but she makes me care about each and every character in her books, no matter the story. This book was no exception! I was skeptical reading the summary, but I LOVED this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Life, Loss and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde is the story of an emotional rollercoaster ride a young teen girl experiences as she learns to grieve the loss of her mother. Ru, a freakishly intelleigent young girl begins attending a university at the age of 13. She boards in a home with 17 year old Gabriel who just doesn't fit the "cookie cutter" mold of who he should be in society. Together, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Though, a little far fetched, the story has an innocent quality to it. The two main characters seem to understand each other in a way nobody else in their social circles can. They learn and grow together and develop a friendship that no one could possibly understand. The story also allows the reader to question their own reason for being and helps them to understand that to be our true selves, we cannot only be a sum of what society expects us to be. Overall, a story I would recommend to others.

I always go to Catherine Ryan Hydes book when I am looking for a feel good story. She always delivers. I thought this book was good, not great, but she is an author I will continue to follow.

Another page turner by CRH. I read each of her books as soon as they are available to me. They have never failed to be entertaining and thought provoking.
Like most CRH books, this one involves young people in times of distress. In most of her books, an older wiser person comes to the rescue. This one is different. A 13 year old savant befriends a 17 year old who is non-binary. They find themselves adrift in modern society with adults and authorities actively against them. It is a thoughtful story about how we treat those who don’t fit into the norms of society.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing An advance reader edition in exchange for an honest review.

Catherine Ryan Hyde writes a joyous novel, brimming with emotional heart, inhabited by characters she creates and develops beautifully with her trademark abilities, focusing on the themes of loss, grief, friendship, eidetic memory, identity, what it is to be human, of living with spontaneity and in the moment, hope, band the adventures that unfold that make life worth living. Ru 'Rumiko' Evan is far from 'normal', she is freakishly smart, an unwanted label ensuring that there are expectations attached to it, which sees her at the age of 13 with a scholarship to go to college, which puts her in orbit of the bright 17 year old Gabriel, another 'misfit' outsider who does not fit in, and his mother.

Given their differences, the pair form a surprisingly strong connection, of a protective brother/sister nature, a relationship that makes the world a better place to be in with each other. Ru is hit hard when her mother dies, a situation exacerbated in that she is now expected with an Aunt who fails to see her and has attitudes and perspectives that threaten to derail Ru's life and what matters to her. Ru has dreams and ambitions, she is captivated by astronomy, the skies and stars, understanding and accepting it is impossible to know everything, she wants to see the Aurora Borealis and Atlantic puffins. Ru and Gabriel embark on a road trip from California to Canada that brings unforgettable life, adventure, along with other people into their lives, and the inevitable emotional and mentally expansive changes that follow.

There is magic, warmth and magnificence sprinkled in this purposeful and illuminating narrative, the author gives us remarkable characters and interactions, human complexities, what it is to really live, and awe inspiring locations that engage and enthrall. I have no doubt fans of the author are likely to love this too, as indeed are readers new to her. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Life Loss and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde is another hit, as usual, a highly emotive story is delivered. The setting of this story was my favourite, perfect for the winter season. If you are a fan of the author, do not miss this one, as there really is no negatives to mention here.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book on exchange for my honest review.

Life, Loss, and Puffins was an easy-to-read book that I didn’t have to think too much about. The storyline itself was not believable for me, but if you’re reading simply for the story and not to fact-check and poke holes in the plot, it was a laid-back, cute read. Ru and Gabriel’s friendship and commitment is admirable and a lovely idea.
It also made me want to pack up the car and go on a road trip (a little more prepared than they were) and take a vacation away from the world to see the Northern Lights.

I also forgot that the narrator was speaking to children multiple times while I was reading and had feelings about the sporadic way that the story was suddenly addressed to “girls” or “ladies,” etc.

If you are looking for a non-romance, wintery vibes, friendship story you’ve come to the right place!

Loved! Catherine Ryan Hyde delivers again! I could not put it down just like her other books. I felt like I was carried away!

Catherine Ryan Hyde did not disappoint in this book. This story was sweet and sad at the same time.
Ru is a very intelligent 13-year-old girl who lost her mother too soon. Ru’s mom agreed to have her go to college and stay with Gabriel, a 17-year-old boy and his mother.
Ru and Gabriel run away and complete a “college list” which they created like a bucket list.
The brother/sister friendship that is created between Ru and Gabriel is so sweet.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy for my honest review.

Catherine Ryan Hyde has the ability to create characters in impossible situations that just draw you in from the very beginning. After Ru loses someone she loves, she teams up with Gabriel to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Even though some parts of the story are hard to believe, I loved the characters and seeing how they grew and bonded during this journey. I read the story in 2 days and really enjoyed it.

Another character-driven entry by an author who understands craft and the human condition. Catherine Ryan Hyde does not disappoint.

I so hope this book was based on someone's life events and not 100% made up (although fabulous)! Ms Ryan Hyde has the best way of cutting through the BS of life to write about the things that matter on the inside of us. Just read.this.book, preferably with an open mind..

Catherine Ryan Hyde has outdone herself yet again! Such a great storyline. 13 year old Ru is wise beyond her years, or "freakishly smart" as her mom calls her. Ru feels no one understands her except her best friend, Gabriel. This was such a wonderful adventure to be able to follow along with them. This is a must read! Thank you to Netgalley and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the ARC to read and review

Life, Loss, and Puffins is a good read, but there were a few too many things I questioned as to the characters and storyline believability. That being said, it was an emotional and wondrous adventure with ups and downs, sadness and joy.

This is a story of childhood to adulthood that includes psychological and social challenges. The nervousness to a new school, people and environment. This is really a turning point of her life. The grief and loss. Going away, for adventure. Meeting people and learned from their experience. Like a leap of faith of finding what she really wants for herself and life. My favorite part is this line " I will never tell you to grieve her loss more, and I will never tell you you’re overdoing it. Your own grief is a path you know better than I ever will. I support you with not so much as a word. Like what Gabriel did, a brother who accompany and help her. What a friend he is.

I really like Catherine Ryan Hyde stories about life. Intelligent writing, everytime I read your story I always find something interesting that I didn't know about. Her character comes across as entirely believable. I also put myself in Ru's shoes to feel and to understand her feelings. This is really a good read. Unputdownable!

I went into this book blind, and I’m so glad I did. Ru is an intellectually gifted 13 year old who billets with 17 year old Gabriel and his mother when she starts university. Following a reflective conversation with her lecturer, and the unexpected passing of her mother, Ru runs away with Gabriel to complete her ‘college list’ road trip.

I found the unique narrative style a little off putting at first, but quickly fell into the rhythm, which provided a compelling insight into Ru’s thoughts and experiences. I loved the gentle commentary on friendship, loss, identity and maternal relationships, set against the backdrop of a road trip through the USA and Canada. The author has a beautiful way of describing characters and settings in a way that quickly immerses you in the story. I read this in a single sitting, and I’m looking forward to delving into Catherine Ryan Hyde’s other books.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book . This author is good at crafting a well rounded engaging heart touching story. She draws you into the story and melts your heart .
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book