August 2022 - The Secret of Clouds

[Kristie, Moderator]

One of the group reads for August is The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Janice will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during August 2022.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

[Janice, Moderator]

I will be starting the book this week. I need to finish my current book first. I'm looking forward to the book because I've enjoyed the other books of Alyson Richman's that I've read.

[Marnie]

I plan on taking this on a trip I’m taking this weekend. Will be my first by this author.

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm glad you are going to join us Marnie. I have 2 hours left on my current audiobook so I should finish tomorrow or the next day. I have a hair appointment in the afternoon so I may not get much time to listen.

[Roz]

I started reading the book this morning. I was so happy that I got
a library notification that a copy was ready for me. I'm enjoying it so far especially since it takes place (mainly) on Long Island. After spending 40 years there, places are very familiar (Stony Brook, eastern Long Island with its farm stands) and memories of life there are near and dear.
I'm on Chapter 7 now (short chapters and a quick moving plot). The backstory about Yuri's parents and why they left Ukraine and came to the US is still a mystery to me at this point. (view spoiler)[Then I notice the date attached to those parts of the narrative: April 1986. After looking it up I realized that that April 26 1986 was the date of the Chernobyl disaster. That could explain a lot. I'm thinking it may also explain Yuri's condition. (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

It always seems to be more interesting when you are familiar with the area. It's more relatable.

[Roz]

Exactly, Janice. When the author starts talking about going to a place you've been (like a specific farm stand) and doing what you remember doing yourself (like buying apple cider and pumpkins to decorate) it makes it very personal. You can see yourself doing the same things the characters are doing. It brought back things I miss about living on Long Island.

[Janice, Moderator]

I was reading a harlequin romance years ago, and the girl started talking about reaching the Claremont Corner, and I thought, "Hmmm, just like here." Then the character drove the 2 miles into Grande Prairie. I was amazed. It was all about the fire watch towers near my home. I was so excited. I kept that book up until about 10 years ago.

[Sharon]

I just started reading this book a bit ago. I realize I am not far in the story having just finished Chapter 1. That being said, I am very much enjoying the almost lyrical descriptions and the author’s use of language. (view spoiler)[ There is so much in just the first chapter that I can relate too: the beauty of teaching and the joy of finding that child that you know will be “the one” that you will help do outstanding things, the home visits to a sick child and the amount of soul searching that has to be done to protect your own heart, and the gifts that a true storyteller can wrought. I loved the descriptions of Maggie’s mother and her gifts of food and music. I have also had a very real flare up of arthritis in my hands the last few days as they are quite swollen and knotted from arthritis. I am familiar with ice baths and Ibuprofen. Hearing Maggie’s dad talk about not giving up what you love because of the pain is both inspiring and comforting. (hide spoiler)]

I am 25% through. I must admit that this book speaks to me on many levels. I love the descriptive writing. I identify with many things about Maggie and her teaching. (view spoiler)[ I have to admit that I felt a sharp discomfort when realizing why the river was warm when Sasha and Katya went swimming. I have seen the documentaries and reports on Chernobyl and how the government kept the true effects secret. It makes me so angry to know! And I can see that things are not positive for the future for Sasha and Katya…at least healthwise. I am assuming that Yuri’s heart defect is a side effect and I am afraid where this is headed. I must admit to a guilty pleasure in the descriptions of the weather, seasons and food. I loved the baseball pumpkin that Maggie brought Yuri and the sharing of the hot kasha that Sasha shared with Maggie. I am a little concerned about Bill and Maggie’s relationship and wonder how the music director will play into all of this. (hide spoiler)]

[Marnie]

I am through the first chapter. The writing is very descriptive which helps pull me into the story right away.

(view spoiler)[ I just got back from a trip to Poland and because of recent world events/ Ukraine’s history is fresh on my mind. The date of the prologue (April 26, 1986) is important historically so I’m assuming will play a role in the story.

Chapter 1. I like Maggie. I think her and Bill are doomed as a couple- they seem to want different things so bye Bill lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Marnie wrote: "I am through the first chapter. The writing is very descriptive which helps pull me into the story right away.

I just got back from a trip to Poland and because of recent world events/ Ukraine’s ..."

I agree Marnie…about everything.

[Katrisa]

I am starting this one today

[Sharon]

I am 60% of the way in. (view spoiler)[ Well, Bill is history. I can’t say I am sorry to see him go. I didn’t like him. Truth be told, his views on the teaching profession rankled me. Try as I could, I couldn’t find the spark between him and Maggie. I think she summed it up beautifully when she said, “Bill looked outward to find happiness; I looked inward. Suddenly everything that seemed murky before now appeared crystal clear.” I think Maggie is a bit of an old soul as that lesson is unusual, I think, in one so young. Fortunately, I have found that to be true and look inwardly as well.

I loved all the descriptions of the holidays as I am ever curious of how others celebrate. I did find myself saddened as Sasha talked about Katya’s love for mushrooms and how many she consumed unknowing of the consequences. So, we are starting out next in the new year and hopefully, Yuri will continue to do well. But, I am afraid he won’t. (hide spoiler)]

I have finished. I meant to parse this out over a week or so for discussion, but the book drew me in and wouldn’t let me go. (view spoiler)[ I greatly dislike books that seem designed to make me cry. I don’t do so often. But this book! I think that this books hit me on so many levels that I was helplessly taken along for the ride. As feared, Yuri dies young and quickly and although I wasn’t surprised, I still held out hope that he would make it. I was glad that Maggie and Daniel found each other as they were so well suited for each other. I loved that when struggling with not being able to get pregnant, that they came to realize how much they meant to each other and it was enough. I think that one of the themes of the story was love through food. I certainly felt that. My mother was German and not Italian but understood the love is food concept completely. Finally, I know that this story will stay with me because so much of it found it’s way inside me. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

I am going to be reading this one too but I have an audiobook to finish listening to and a buddy read to finish before I can start. I will be reading an ePub version from my library.

[Katrisa]

I finished the first 2 chapters. I loved the writing about teaching. As a teacher getting ready for back to school I loved her descriptions about finding those special children that just make all the tough parts of the job worth it. I am already gearing up to be weeping by the end!

[Sharon]

Katrisa wrote: "I finished the first 2 chapters. I loved the writing about teaching. As a teacher getting ready for back to school I loved her descriptions about finding those special children that just make all t..."

Exactly! I think this is a great read for anyone, but it sure does speak to a teacher’s heart. Have a great year!

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm starting this today. I'm sorry that I didn't discuss it with you while you were reading it Sharon. I'm happy that you gave it 5 stars. I like Alyson Richman's writing.

[Sharon]

Janice wrote: "I'm starting this today. I'm sorry that I didn't discuss it with you while you were reading it Sharon. I'm happy that you gave it 5 stars. I like Alyson Richman's writing."

I have never read her work before, but I will read something else by her. No worries about discussion. I was just jumping the gun and read it quickly.

[Janice, Moderator]

Sharon. The first book of hers that I read was The Lost Wife and gave it 5 stars. If you'd like to read more of her work, I would suggest that one.

[Sharon]

Janice wrote: "Sharon. The first book of hers that I read was The Lost Wife and gave it 5 stars. If you'd like to read more of her work, I would suggest that one."

Adding it now. Thank you!

[Roz]

@ Sharon: I'm just past the 60% point so I've only opened the first spoiler. That said, (view spoiler)[I wasn't sorry to see Bill go. You could see for a while he was half way out the door and didn't know it. Funny, when you're dating someone you're always on your best behavior -- smell good, no spinach in your teeth, laugh at lame jokes, courteous -- but then, for some, the next step comes along, and you move in together. That's when all the dirty laundry falls out of the bag, and we see who this other person (and ourselves to be honest) really is. Best of all, we're always so surprised!!?! So now that Maggie is "single" maybe she can hook up with Daniel. (hide spoiler)]

Backtracking a bit to other thoughts:

I love the food/holiday traditions. Reading about pierogies, homemade spaghetti sauce and kasha (I make mine with sauteed onions, mushrooms and bowtie pasta - kasha varnishkas) made me hungry. And who doesn't like Mallowmars? Even though our food/cultures/traditions may be different, we all have them. It's what makes us different yet the same.

Chapter 21 - 22: (view spoiler)[I thought A Letter from the Past with a Message for the Future was brilliant. I don't know what hopes and dreams and visions, I would have written my 18 year old self when I was 12, but I'm not sure It would have been anywhere near where I found myself. I'm curious to find out what Yuri wrote. Did he even see a future? I worry about him reaching 18. (hide spoiler)]

Yuri: (view spoiler)[Here is a mature, smart, curious and insightful young man who is leading a very insulated life. He needs a friend and Maggie has been wise and observant enough to find him one in Finn. Today, with Zoom and the ability to remotely include homebound students into the classrooms, his life would be somewhat less isolated. Unfortunately, in 1999 it wasn't yet possible. I love reading about his relationship with his father and the connection they have through baseball. It reminds me of my own sons when they would have lively conversations with their dad (and still do) about sports and collecting baseball cards in binders.
Something needs to done for Katya. She's off in a corner. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

I hope you are enjoying the book, Roz. (view spoiler)[ I worried about Sasha too. She lost so much: leaving her family, ballet, her health and now a very, very sick child. She needs a friend!

I grew up in South Florida where it was always hot and we always had Mallowbars. But I hadn’t thought about them in years!

I was definitely glad to see Bill go out the door. Good riddance! Hard to believe he was jealous of Yuri! (hide spoiler)]

[Katrisa]

Fridays in the summer is when I help Kevin get everything he harvests ready for sale at the farmers market on Saturday, so I had a long stretch to finish the book today while cleaning a billion onions. I have a bit of mixed feelings about the book as a whole.
(view spoiler)[ First - the goods - I LOVED the teacher part. I thought the author did a really good job capturing the teacher heart. I can't imagine having to deal with the death of any of my students, let alone a favorite. I was a complete wreck this last year when one of the students at my school took his own life even though it wasn't even a student I had known.
This book made me tear up when Maggie had to speak at the funeral and again when she took out Yuri's letter when it was time to send them. I was glad that she had a chance to speak with Katya again because I am glad that they could share the letter and that Katya was in a place where she was able to speak from a place where she wasn't drowning in her grief.
I loved Finn's and Yuri's friendship. It was really sweet that they got to share that before Yuri died.
Now for what I didn't like - I was not a fan of the love story. It was too convenient and romance novel-y and I am not a fan. I love a good love story, but this one was bleh to me. Every time the book went to either talking about Bill or Daniel I just wanted them to get along and go back to the part of the story I cared about. (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

I read to the end of Chapter 9. It seems to be a quick read. It's not what I expected. I think I will enjoy the sections in Kiev better than the present time period, but it's early to say yet. I like the discussion of the Ukrainian food. My mother-in-law made baska bread (Easter bread) all the time and I loved it toasted with butter and honey. She never used a recipe, but she wrote one down for me. Needless to say I could never replicate it.

[Janice, Moderator]

Marnie wrote: "I am through the first chapter. The writing is very descriptive which helps pull me into the story right away.

I just got back from a trip to Poland and because of recent world events/ Ukraine’s ..."

(view spoiler)[ I'm also thinking it's a doomed relationship. Bill seems to be a non-entity at this point. (hide spoiler)]

[Marnie]

Janice wrote: "I read to the end of Chapter 9. It seems to be a quick read. It's not what I expected. I think I will enjoy the sections in Kiev better than the present time period, but it's early to say yet. I li..."

Now I want Baska bread. I agree about liking the historical sections better.

[Janice, Moderator]

Marnie wrote: "Now I want Baska bread..."

Me too. But, the only Baska bread that I want is my mother-in-law's and at 103, she's not baking any more.

[Cherie]

I finished the two books that I wanted to finish before I started this one, so I am starting the book now while I wait for it to cool down before I can go outside and tackle a few things I need to do.

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished to the end of Chapter 48.


Bill - (view spoiler)[ I'm glad to see the end of him. There were too many red flags in that relationship for me. Why do women to that to each other? There's Suzie passing off his behaviour as men just needing to blow off steam. It's sort of like saying to a child that if a boy is mean to you it's because he likes you. Why wouldn't she acknowledge Maggie's feelings and concerns? (hide spoiler)]

This book is naming several books, and would be a great one for the "book named in another book task". I like these because they are naming more contemporary books than the usual chassics. See if I can remember some of them:
Bridge to Terabithia
A Fine Balance Oops, was thinking of A Suitable Boy
Shoeless Joe

Ukraine - (view spoiler)[ Chernobyl does factor into the storyline. I wondered if the fallout from that would be what was responsible for Yuri's birth defect. Terrible what the Russian government did to cover it all up. (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

In response to Roz & Sharon at 60% mark. (view spoiler)[ I think Maggie is an awesome teacher. She has some great ideas. I'm glad she went ahead with the letter idea. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Janice wrote: "In response to Roz & Sharon at 60% mark. [spoilers removed]"

Me too!

[Roz]

I finished reading the book yesterday.
My thoughts (don't read these until you've finished:(view spoiler)[As sad as it was that Yuri died, I think it was predictable. How could he not? But he was such a mature young man for his age. His message to us was that life must be lived, not observed from the sidelines, regardless of how long or short one has to do so. It's a lesson for all of us, imo.
I was disappointed that with the lack of Katya/Sasha story. I wanted something more for Katya. Yuri did too. But it was good that they were able to move on and have another child.
The whole Maggie/Bill/Daniel story was meh for me. Bill was so bad, it was clear he'd have to go, and how convenient that someone like Daniel was around to take his place. I think the "romance" part of the book was the weakest part.
All in all, I liked the book with its strong parts (the Yuri sections) and the weaker ones (romance) and would give it a rounded up 4 stars. (hide spoiler)]
I agree with you, Janice. I thought of the "books named in other books" task and made a list of them:
A Separate Peace
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The God of Small Things
A Suitable Boy
Where the Red Fern Grows
Shoeless Joe
Paradise
Number the Stars
...I Never Saw Another Butterfly...
Tuck Everlasting

[Cherie]

I am at page 3 of 11 in chapter 8. (view spoiler)[ It had not dawned on me until Yuri’s father answered the door to Maggie that the Kataya in Kiev 1986 was Yuri’s mother. I feel so slow!
(hide spoiler)] I have to say that I loved sixth grade. In my school though, sixth grade was the last grade in elementary school and we did not start going to separate classes until we went to the middle school across the street. Our middle school was 7th and 8th grand and we had a 4 year high school. I loved my sixth grade teacher but I cannot remember my 7th grade language arts teacher. I remember the school library more, because I was always in there checking out a new book to read. I discovered Science Fiction that year.

[Cherie]

I should be in bed but I can’t seem to want to stop yet. I am on page 13 of 19 in chapter 31.
(view spoiler)[ We have had the history of how Yuri’s mother and father immigrated to the United States and why. We have learned about Kataya’s dancing accident and how Sasha connected to Yuri’s via baseball. I liked Yuri’s “wonder” writing assignment about his mother’s ballet shoes. He wants to know more about his parents and their history but does not seem able to ask them. I wonder why he is reluctant to ask? I liked the statement that he made about trusting the person reading your writing and then it was ok to share. (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

Cherie wrote: "I should be in bed but I can’t seem to want to stop yet. I am on page 13 of 19 in chapter 31.
[spoilers removed]"

All good observations, Cherie. (view spoiler)[ Yuri seems to understand that his mother's ballet slippers are a sensitive thing to his mother. He seems to be quite intuitive. (hide spoiler)]

I was listening to the audiobook yesterday and didn't want to stop. When I finally did, it was after 6:00 PM.

[Marnie]

I’ve read to chapter 25.

(view spoiler)[ The letter assignment ( write a letter to your 18 year old self) was done for my kids from their first grade teachers. It was lovely to receive them at graduation time. Also each birthday my husband and I wrote a letter to our kids not to be opened until they turned 21. We read them together on their birthday. I can tell my kids enjoyed them because my son talks about starting that tradition with his daughter who will turn one in October. (hide spoiler)]

I am still enjoying the historical story the best.

[Janice, Moderator]

Marnie wrote: "I’ve read to chapter 25.
."

What a great idea, Marnie!

[Marnie]

I’m up to chapter 40.

(view spoiler)[ Talking about the radiation in the mushrooms makes me sad. The government assured them they were safe but we know that is a lie. It’s hard not to compare it to present day events. I read a report that in the U.S. faith in public health was at an all time low. Anyways, the talk of mushrooms made me sad. (hide spoiler)]

[Marnie]

Cherie wrote: "I should be in bed but I can’t seem to want to stop yet. I am on page 13 of 19 in chapter 31.
[spoilers removed]"

I noted that too Cherie. (view spoiler)[ Maybe she kept her ballet stories secret so he didn’t feel more sad about missing out on playing sports? (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished the book this afternoon. I enjoyed the story. It seems to be a departure from her usual style. (view spoiler)[ I was really hoping that Yuri would survive. I liked how the letters came into play at the end of the story. (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

Marnie wrote: "I’m up to chapter 40.

[spoilers removed]"

It was infuriating. (view spoiler)[ The people of Ukraine were given such a false sense of security. And why? To save the government face? (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

Sharon wrote: "I have finished.

I had many of the same thoughts. I really enjoyed (view spoiler)[the discussion of food and the different roles it plays - expression of love, family tradition, even cultural tradition. It seemed like it was a character of its own.

I agree about wringing out the emotions. I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator was contriving to elicit that response. She was "crying" in her narration, which was a little over the top. Let me decide for myself if I'm going to get emotional. I did cry.
It was sad when Yuri died. (hide spoiler)]

[Janice, Moderator]

Katrisa wrote: "Fridays in the summer is when I help Kevin get everything he harvests ready for sale at the farmers market on Saturday, so I had a long stretch to finish the book today while cleaning a billion oni..."

I agree with all your points. (view spoiler)[ The love story was almost unnecessary, except that it gave Maggie a good support system in the end. And their problems in conceiving probably gave her a little more insight in Kataya and Sasha's concerns. Being pregnant also gave common ground for Kataya and Maggie at the end. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Yes, Janice! I don’t like it when the author tries to manipulate my feelings. (view spoiler)[ That being said, I admit to crying when Yuri died and when Maggie finally got to read his letter. I felt so very sad at the dimension of grief that Katya and Sasha had. I did like that when Maggie visited with the lasagne that Katya was so angry. That felt real to me. I do not think I would like the crying of the narrator on Audible at all!!

I am not a romance reader at all, so I just kind of got through that part because I really didn’t think it had a lot to do with the story. Unless, they needed a reason for Maggie to name her son, George (Yuri) (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Again, I should be in bed but I was still reading.
I am on page 11 of 14 in chapter 49.
(view spoiler)[ Yuri has a friend in Finn and Bill is gone. It feels like this story is all over the place.
It is February and Maggie and Daniel are at her parents house. I admit that I had looked forward to this “event”. I am stopping here to report and say that I hope it goes well and to say that I looked up “Mr. Tanner - song” on You Tube and listened to it. I cannot recall ever having heard it nor did know Harry Chapin. I liked it though and it was a fun aside to Mr. Topper. (hide spoiler)]
I can’t wait to log onto my laptop after getting some work done and read the spoilers.

[Roz]

Cherie, I was introduced to Harry Chapin when I moved to Long Island thanks to my husband. I've liked listening to him (and Dan Fogelberg). His songs always tell stories, not just a bunch of rhyming words.

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm surprised you'd not heard of Harry Chapin. He was famous for Cats in the Cradle.

This is my favourite of his: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dwk...

He always told stories in his songs.

[Cherie]

Janice wrote: "I'm surprised you'd not heard of Harry Chapin. He was famous for Cats in the Cradle.

This is my favourite of his: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dwk...

He always told stories in his songs."

I definitely know Cats in the Cradle. I guess my statement about not knowing him was true as far as it went. I can never name the artists when it comes to most songs. My kids used to drive me crazy because they could name the author and singer of every song they ever listened to, and they are still that way. I know the OLDIES, but I am talking 40s and 50s. I have been enjoying some of Chapin's songs today, while I was working, so it was not all bad. :o)

[Cherie]

Marnie wrote: "I’ve read to chapter 25.

[spoilers removed]

I am still enjoying the historical story the best."

I loved your letters to your kids, Marnie and what a wonderful idea that your son wants to do it too.

[Cherie]

Oh, darn! I just read a spoiler I should not have and now I am crushed.

Back to work to forget it for a while. :o(