Alyson Richman effectively shuffles between past and present, between two worlds, and between two starkly different female characters ... Through Maggie’s portrait of Yuri’s ups and downs, intelligence, and courage, Richman brings him fully to life ... Richman handles Maggie’s growth as a teacher faultlessly. If there is one element of the book that stands out, it is the respect the author shows for the teaching process and the value of skilled, committed educators ... Richman’s great strength in designing the emotional ebb and flow of her engaging narrative should win accolades and a heap of new readers.
Affecting ... a powerful statement on the effect that teachers and students can have on one another. With lyrical writing and a compelling story, and featuring discussion topics and even recipes, this book is tailor-made for book groups.
A captivating and heartrending contemporary novel of making unexpected friendships and living life to its fullest. For fans of Marie Bostwick and Karen White.
Devastating ... Their inevitable relationship is predictable, but this tear-jerker is bolstered by Richman’s perspective on how teachers and students can learn from each other, resulting in a heartening tale.
