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jennie_cole's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was a beautiful book about how the people we least expect can have the biggest impact on us.
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
3.0
this was a sweet book - it tells the story of yuri and his teacher maggie. i definitely preferred yuri's story and his family's history over maggie's romance/story. she added some light-heartedness to an otherwise sad story, but some of her story was just simplistic and cliched. an enjoyable read though!
rochelleweinstein's review
5.0
I'm only sorry it took me this long to read this book. I met Alyson in Miami at a book event, and what I remember most about her (other than she is elegant and tall) is how she moved me to tears when she spoke of her experiences. She accomplishes the same in this gorgeous book as teacher, Maggie, tutors Yuri, a young boy with a rare health condition.
The moving friendship between Yuri and Maggie portrays the beautiful ways in which teacher and student give to one another. Richman does a brilliant job creating a compelling, unforgettable story of friendship and family that spans from past to present.
The moving friendship between Yuri and Maggie portrays the beautiful ways in which teacher and student give to one another. Richman does a brilliant job creating a compelling, unforgettable story of friendship and family that spans from past to present.
lblattttt's review
5.0
The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman is a beautifully written story about love, friendship, heartbreak and trust between a teacher and student. Students always surprise you and as a teacher you never know when one will change your life for the better.
If you are a teacher you will live this book, if you are a sports fan you will live this book and if you are an avid book reader like me you will be delighted by the book.
Give it a read you won't be disappointed!
A novel that will make readers examine what it means to live life with a full heart.
If you are a teacher you will live this book, if you are a sports fan you will live this book and if you are an avid book reader like me you will be delighted by the book.
Give it a read you won't be disappointed!
A novel that will make readers examine what it means to live life with a full heart.
winelovingbooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
This book had me at line 1 with "Let me tell you a secret." The story is told largely from the viewpoint of Maggie Topper, a young 6th grade English teacher who, in addition to her regular class, also has agreed to tutor a young boy named Yuri whose health condition doesn't allow him to attend school with the other kids. We also learn about Sasha and Katya, Yuri's parents, who grew up in Kiev which made the book an interesting blend of contemporary and historical fiction. Alyson Richman's poetic prose drew me in and kept me turning the pages through this tender story of friendship and compassion and the lasting impact that great teachers can have on our lives.
miszjeanie's review against another edition
3.0
e-ARC from Berkley Pub.
In The Secret of Clouds, young teacher Maggie Topper begins tutoring a sick young boy, Yuri, at home when the school asks her. At first, Maggie is hesitant due to some past experience with a sick child. However, as she tutors Yuri, the two bond closely. The novel alternates between past and present. In the past, we meet Katya and Sasha, Yuri parents and discover the unfortunate circumstances that lead them to their present.
I loved reading about Kiev, Ukraine, especially in such a historical context because I went to medical school in Ukraine. Author Richman also paints an interesting picture of Katya as a ballerina, and I found the couple’s lives in Ukraine to be the most interesting parts of the story. Close enough are the scenes with Maggie’s parents — her eccentric violin-making father and food-loving mother.
Despite being terribly clichéd at multiple points, The Secret of Clouds is a moving book about the power of a good teacher and living life to the fullest. I did not regret reading this one and would recommend to anyone who needs a mostly predictable tearjerker. If you’re curious about the Chernobyl disaster or life in Ukraine in the 1980s, this might be the pick for you.
Full review here https://readingmiddlegrade.com/the-secret-of-clouds-review/
In The Secret of Clouds, young teacher Maggie Topper begins tutoring a sick young boy, Yuri, at home when the school asks her. At first, Maggie is hesitant due to some past experience with a sick child. However, as she tutors Yuri, the two bond closely. The novel alternates between past and present. In the past, we meet Katya and Sasha, Yuri parents and discover the unfortunate circumstances that lead them to their present.
I loved reading about Kiev, Ukraine, especially in such a historical context because I went to medical school in Ukraine. Author Richman also paints an interesting picture of Katya as a ballerina, and I found the couple’s lives in Ukraine to be the most interesting parts of the story. Close enough are the scenes with Maggie’s parents — her eccentric violin-making father and food-loving mother.
Despite being terribly clichéd at multiple points, The Secret of Clouds is a moving book about the power of a good teacher and living life to the fullest. I did not regret reading this one and would recommend to anyone who needs a mostly predictable tearjerker. If you’re curious about the Chernobyl disaster or life in Ukraine in the 1980s, this might be the pick for you.
Full review here https://readingmiddlegrade.com/the-secret-of-clouds-review/
alliepeduto's review
3.0
While I loved the overall story here, something about it didn’t work for me the way I thought it would. I’m not sure if it was the change in first and third person between perspectives or if it was the non-linear storytelling and then aggressive fast forward, but something was missing. I didn’t feel for the characters, and in a story like this one, you just miss the point if you don’t connect with the characters. This is my first go around with this author, so I’m not sure if I’m just getting used to her style, but I actually own her earlier novel The Velvet Hours that I will absolutely still be reading.
This is still a very touching story, it just missed the mark for me.
This is still a very touching story, it just missed the mark for me.
ondbookshelf's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
shellroch285's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Very speedy read! Loved the prose and the emotion. Thought the main character was a teensy bit flat but generally loved her interaction with her family and community :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
ellestew's review
2.0
Girls only know about sports if their boyfriends/dads/brothers taught them.
It's a little tough for me to warm to this completely, because there are so many times here that unnecessary gender stereotypes pulled me out of the narrative. It's a charming story, and I even felt compelled to stay up late to finish, but it also just made me so mad.
It's a little tough for me to warm to this completely, because there are so many times here that unnecessary gender stereotypes pulled me out of the narrative. It's a charming story, and I even felt compelled to stay up late to finish, but it also just made me so mad.