Have You Seen Luis Velez?

Such a sweet story about Raymond Jaffe, a teen who feels that he doesn’t fit in anywhere, including his own home, now that a stepfather and step siblings have moved in. His best (only) friend is moving away soon and he is despondent about his lonely future. One day, as he is leaving his apartment, he is accosted by an elderly woman, disheveled and desperate, querulously asking anyone who passes by “Have you seen Luis Velez?” He thinks she is crazy and tries to ignore her, but after another encounter, he digs deep to overcome his judgment and fear and stops. Turns out she is a hallway neighbor, blind, and very dependent upon Luis, a volunteer who hasn’t shown up for a week. Mildred Gutermann is down to her last can of soup and show more Raymond accompanies her to the store and bank. He continues to fill Luis' place, and then starts to hang out in her apartment just for company and solace. Though Mildred cannot see physically, she can see that Raymond is struggling and unhappy in his life. The two form an unlikely friendship as Raymond becomes her new helper, and also tries to help her find out what happened to Luis. He looks up all the men by that name in the city and slowly calls or visits, until he connects with the right one. This part of the story is a whole other arc that explores prejudice and class, something Mildred has had experience with as she narrowly escaped the Holocaust as a girl. Gut-wrenching in the best possible way. show less

On the way out of his apartment to go to school, Raymond hears someone call “Have you seen Luis Velez?” and he sees an elderly woman. When Raymond returns he sees the same woman, and as he visits with her he learns she is blind. She explains she is looking for Luis Velez, who used to come by weekly and help her with her shopping and banking. She has been unable to contact him. Raymond volunteers to help Millie by taking her to the bank and going grocery shopping with her. As Raymond and Millie become friends Raymond decides to try to help find Luis Velez for Millie. As their friendship deepens Raymond’s life begins to change along with his relationship with his family. This is a heartwarming story about kindness and stepping in to show more help. show less

I saw this book recommended in many book groups on Facebook and people loved it. I thought it was good, but somewhat unrealistic. I would LOVE to believe that there are good people like Raymond and Mrs. G., and Luis Velez, but sadly, they are few and far between. I struggled to believe that a 17-year old teen would do all the things he did, but perhaps there are some people who would. (Let's hope so!)
I liked the storyline of the trial, and the prosecutor's reaction.
I liked the story - other than the fact that I found the goodness in Raymond an anomaly in this world. I truly hope I am wrong!

An uplifting and beautiful story about humanity, friendship and Kindness. The sort of book that inspires good deeds in readers and a novel that will stay with me long after I have finished it.

Life gives us nothing outright, It only lends. Nothing is ours to keep. Quote by Catherine Ryan Hyde

This is my first novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde and I loved the time spent with this book and the special memories it awoken in me. I had an aged friend as a young girl and she was an inspiration and a strong influence in my life and Mildred Guterman reminded me of this lady.

When 17 year old Raymond Jaffe’s best friend moves away he fees alone and left out, he doesn’t feel his family understand him and his awkwardness stands in the way of him show more making friends. He helps out a 92 year old neighbor and the experience changes both their lives.

Beautiful characterization give this story an edge as you will totally fall in love with both Raymond and Mrs G and they will restore your faith in humanity. It’s a slow burn story but beautifully written and full of hope. The story is not without little moments of disbelief and there were situations that I felt were a little far fetched or too contrived but still I just loved this story and how it made me feel.

I listened to this one on audible and I really enjoyed the experience. The narrator was excellent and I felt Raymond and Mrs G were my friends by the end of this story.
I think everyone had a Raymond or Mrs G in their lives its just taking the time to stop and chat with them

If you are looking for a book to escape the world and its madness right now then I think this is one that is kind of special. show less

I do not know why I doubted Catherine Ryan Hyde. I should have known better. I completely judged this story. Even after starting it I was thinking I was going to DNF this. The more I read though, the more I loved this feel good story.

I loved Ms. G and all of her wisdom. I also loved the relationship between Ms. G and Raymond. Their story was one of kindness and love (she is 90 so not a romantic love). I love their conversations and how Ms. G was really helping Raymond to find himself with no judgement.

There is still good in this world, and stories like these just touch your heart. I laughed and I cried. I did not see some turns coming at all and did not realize this was going to take a legal turn. It covers so many different topics from show more sexuality, relationships, family, friendship, racism, and more. I do feel it went on a little too long at times. It is not a fast moving story at all, but more of one of those reads that will stick with you well after reading the last page.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and highly recommend picking it up if you love those types of reads. show less

I keep thinking I don't have favorites, I love all of Hyde's books...but this one? I was in tears, too, along with Raymond. What a perfectly wonderful, lovely story. How, how, how does Hyde come up with these remarkable ways to tell about people living lives but finding out how to care for each other and themselves? There is always a beautiful substance to her characters. Yes, be kind---that needs to be in every human being.

Have You Seen Luis Velez is the third book I've read by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I have quickly become a fan of her writing.
Set in the backdrop of New York City, this coming of age story will speak to everyone. The multi-faceted plot of friendship, family, privilege and injustice, is both thought provoking and socially relevent.
Despite the heavy themes, this is a feel good story that shows how one act of kindness ultimately inspired an entire community.
If you're looking for a book to restore your faith in humanity, this is it.