Private Lessons

By Cynthia Salaysay

Book Overview

"Beautifully explores topics not often addressed. . . . Claire's need for affection and acceptance leads her into entirely believable and utterly sad encounters, while the strength she musters carries her through to an uplifting conclusion." --Booklist (starred review)

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. Now in paperback with an updated cover, Private Lessons is a timely and vital story that delves into a complicated student/teacher relationship, as well as class and cultural differences, with honesty and grace.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1536230413
• ISBN13: 9781536230413
• Release Date: May 2024
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher