"Say Goodbye for Now" was sitting on a five-star rating until the novel's third part. It felt too rushed - eight years flew by over a few chapters and the ending was flat and disappointing. However, the rest of the novel was fabulous.

I loved young Pete and Justin, Dr Lucy, Clavin and Prince, the injured wolf Pete found, and the relationship that was built between them all. I hated how Calvin and Justin were treated simply because of the colour of their skin and the way Pete's father treated him because of his friendship with Justin was disgusting. For me, Pete was the hero of this novel. He was a caring, kind, loyal young man, and wise beyond his years. His story was heartbreaking.

Although overly sentimental, I did enjoy reading "Say Goodbye for Now". It dealt with some serious issues but ultimately it was a story of love, hope, caring and family. A sweet read. ( )

I just wish these books would go on and on....I love Hyde's novels and really hate to finish one! She has such a wonderful and detailed presentation of all of her main characters. I am thrilled with how many she has written and how she is continuing----I am looking for her newest one right now. ( )

What a wonderful book to pull on heartstrings, set in Texas in 1959. Young Pete finds an injured dog/wolf on the side of the road, and when the local vet refuses to help, a helpful nurse sends him to the reclusive Dr. Lucy, who cares for injured or unwanted animals. Pete befriends Justin, neither of whom has a mother; however, Pete lives in a loveless home, while Justin lives in a loving one, with father Calvin. Pete and his father's relationship deteriorates over his friendship with Justin because of race, and Dr. Lucy finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom with three houseguests after Justin is badly beaten by racists. There are some great moments of bonding and parting between people and between people and animals. Recommended. Hyde's top rated novel. ( )

Wonderful book!!

Catherine Ryan Hyde is an excellent writer. I could feel the emotions all throughout the story. Love does not see color. Calvin and Lucy have a unique bond. Pete and Justin also develop a special friendship that grows stronger during the rough times. Beautiful story. So glad I read it. ( )

I enjoyed this book. I really thought that this was going to be a book about a dog based on the cover. I obviously did not read the book's summary prior to starting this audiobook. There is a dog in the book but that dog is really not the main focus of the story. This was a story about race, love, and what really makes up a family. I am so glad that I stumbled upon this wonderful story.

This book is told from two points of view. Dr. Lucy takes care of animals and the occasional human that comes to her for help. She lives a rather isolated life on her ranch and likes it that way. Pete is a 12 year old boy that happens upon a wounded dog laying on the side of the road and feels compelled to help. Pete finds help for the dog in Dr. Lucy and so much more.

The characters in this book were wonderful and they all had their own complex story to tell. Dr. Lucy has been through a lot. The book is set in a time where people do not want to take a female doctor seriously so Lucy uses her skills to help animals. Pete has had a lot to deal with in his short life. Despite the way he is treated, he is still such a good kid and works hard to do what he feels is right. Justin and his father, Calvin, are new in town. The town has not been welcoming to them and has treated them poorly because of the fact that they are African American.

I loved the way that the relationships between these characters developed. If the rest of the world would simply go away, these four people would be very happy. Pete and Justin have so much in common and I loved watching their friendship progress. Lucy goes from being alone most of the time to have a real connection to Pete, Justin, and Calvin. Everything about their interactions seemed natural and it made me very angry that the local citizens did everything they could to not allow any of the connections to exist.

The narrators both did a great job with this story. I really do enjoy it when audiobooks utilize multiple narrators. Nick Podehl did a great job with Pete's point of view which was no small task since the character is a 12 year old boy. Teri Schnaubelt voices the parts that were told from Dr. Lucy's point of view. Both narrators were able to bring a lot of emotion into the story telling and were very pleasant to listen to for long periods of time. I would not hesitate to listen to either of these narrators again in the future.

I would recommend this book to others. This was a very well told story that really care about the characters. This was the first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde that I have read but I wouldn't hesitate to read more of her work in the future. ( )