Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde follows biracial teenager Raymond Jaffe as he helps Millie Gutermann, a blind 92-year-old widow, search for her missing caretaker, Luis Velez. Through his quest, Raymond forms a deep bond with Millie, faces personal challenges, and grows in understanding and empathy while navigating significant life changes in present-day New York City. The novel involves a courtroom description of a fatal shooting.

Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a touching and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the impact of kindness. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and compelling characters, though some find the plot predictable. The author’s writing style is praised for its simplicity and accessibility, making it an engaging read.

Readers who enjoy poignant, character-driven stories of human connection and kindness will cherish Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde. It's ideal for fans of Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, focusing on intergenerational friendship and personal growth.

Heartwarming / Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful / Contemplative

**Raymond Jaffe**  
The main character who is the son of a mixed-race couple and lives with his white stepfather and stepsisters; he struggles with loneliness and a sense of being different.

**Millie Gutermann**  
A blind, elderly German immigrant who relies on others for assistance and carries a lifetime of survivor guilt from her experiences before and during World War II.

**Isabel Velez**  
The widow of Luis Velez who makes significant connections with Raymond and Millie, embodying the spirit of kindness and fortitude.

**Luis Velez**  
A large, young Hispanic man remembered through the narrative by others for his kindness and positive impact on the lives around him.

Catherine Ryan Hyde

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Have You Seen Luis Velez? Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

Have You Seen Luis Velez? Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-10

Have You Seen Luis Velez? Part 1, Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 11-15

Have You Seen Luis Velez? Part 2, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-19

Have You Seen Luis Velez? Part 2, Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Have You Seen Luis Velez? Character Analysis

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Have You Seen Luis Velez? Themes

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Have You Seen Luis Velez? Symbols & Motifs

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Have You Seen Luis Velez? Literary Devices

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Have You Seen Luis Velez? Important Quotes

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Have You Seen Luis Velez? Essay Topics

Have You Seen Luis Velez? Further Reading & Resources

Have You Seen Luis Velez?

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