*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*
I selected this book to review because one of the main characters is a teacher. I was curious to see if the author would have a true understanding of what a teacher's life was like, and how they would portray a teacher in today's world. I needn't been concerned, Alyson Richman does beautifully in looking at how a teacher's life can be intertwined with her students.
From the publisher:
Katya, a rising ballerina, and Sasha, a graduate student, are young and in love when an unexpected tragedy befalls their native Kiev. Years later, after the couple has safely emigrated to America the consequences of this incident cause their son, Yuri, to be born with a rare health condition that isolates him from other children. Maggie, a passionate and dedicated teacher agrees to tutor Yuri at his home, even though she is haunted by her own painful childhood memories. As the two forge a deep and soulful connection, Yuri's boundless curiosity and unique wisdom inspires Maggie to make difficult changes in her own life. And she'll never realize just how strong Yuri has made her — until she needs that strength the most......
A novel that will make readers examine what it means to live life with a full heart.
A novel that will make readers examine what it means to live life with a full heart.
This is my first novel by Alyson Richman. What a gift it was to read her delicious prose. The characters, a caring and compassionate teacher, a gifted and mature-beyond-his-years student, and a married couple with a tragic past. The story is artfully woven, showing us the life of a young teacher as she navigates teaching and a relationship, then introducing us to a student suffering from a disease that does not allow him to attend school and then his parents, stricken with their son's illness, a past that is difficult to understand is still happening in the world. We get to watch the story unfold as the teacher brings her skills to work to improve the life of her student. While the story is so much more than a teacher and her student, it was through this lense that I read the story, having been a teacher myself.
I highly recommend this book to all those who love an endearing story. This is a deeply personal story of courage, love, and the circle of life.
