Becoming Chloe
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
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Reviewed by Jennifer Peacey
In Becoming Chloe, Catherine Ryan Hyde's second novel, we meet Jordan and Chloe--two of society's broken and castaway children trying to survive on the streets of New York City.
Jordy is 17, gay, runaway, part-time prostitute and occasional thief.
One night, while sleeping in the cellar of an anonymous city
building, he overhears a gang rape happening in the alley outside
his window. By shouting out and scaring off the attackers, he
manages to rescue Chloe. Chloe, 18 yet childlike, is hiding behind
a facade of innocence, but occasionally the traumas she has faced
in her past loom to the surface. Jordy and Chloe quickly find in
each other a comfort and security that they both are lacking, and
become firm friends.
The simple and naive Chloe views Jordy as a safety net, and Jordy
faces this responsibility with a maturity and wisdom beyond his
years. Together they endure illness, violence, and the grinding
horrors of life on the streets. Although their situation begins to
improve, thanks to Jordy's perseverance and hard work, Chloe is
unable to cope and suffers a breakdown that alters their plans.
When Chloe decides that life has nothing beautiful to offer her,
Jordy begins a one-man campaign to show her otherwise...and it is
here that the true power of the story lies. Jordy becomes beauty
personified as he races to bring the world to Chloe before it's too
late, and they set out on a journey that will challenge them like
nothing before.
To Jordy, mountains, deserts and even the Grand Canyon are no
obstacles when it means saving someone you love. As they finally
reach the West Coast and Chloe sees the ocean for the first time,
both she and Jordy find themselves learning things about each
other and themselves that will test their friendship and alter their
lives forever.
This powerful novel about life, love, and growing up is from a
perspective that is fresh and unerring.
Armchair Interviews says: Catherine Ryan Hyde has again managed
to dazzled us with her uncanny ability to write about teens in a
down-to-earth and totally believable manner.