Private Lessons Contributor(s): Salaysay, Cynthia (Author) |
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ISBN: 1536209600 ISBN-13: 9781536209600 Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA) OUR PRICE: $16.19 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: May 2020 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Young Adult Fiction | Performing Arts - Music - Young Adult Fiction | People & Places - United States - Asian American - Young Adult Fiction | Social Themes - Dating & Sex |
Dewey: FIC |
Lexile Measure: 620 |
Physical Information: 1.2" H x 5.5" W x 8.1" (1.10 lbs) 320 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: In a standout debut for the #MeToo era, a young pianist devotes herself to her art -- and to the demanding, charismatic teacher she idolizes. After seventeen-year-old Claire Alalay's father's death, only music has helped her channel her grief. Claire likes herself best when she plays his old piano, a welcome escape from the sadness -- and her traditional Filipino mother's prayer groups. In the hopes of earning a college scholarship, Claire auditions for Paul Avon, a prominent piano teacher, who agrees to take Claire as a pupil. Soon Claire loses herself in Paul's world and his way of digging into a composition's emotional core. She practices constantly, foregoing a social life, but no matter how hard she works or how well she plays, it seems impossible to gain Paul's approval, let alone his affection. Author Cynthia Salaysay composes a moving, beautifully written portrait of rigorous perfectionism, sexual awakening, and the challenges of self-acceptance. Timely and vital, Private Lessons delves into a complicated student/teacher relationship, as well as class and cultural differences, with honesty and grace. |