This personal memoir is from a critical time in relations between the United States and the Soviet Union in the mid-1980's, just as the "Cold War" was beginning to thaw. Written by a noted scholar of Russian cultural and artistic history,  Massie reveals her personal relationships with and insights into then-President Ronald Reagan and such Soviet leaders as Andrei Gromyko and Mikhail Gorbachev.  It also details the fascinating role Massie played as a private citizen who unofficially communicated directly between President Reagan and Soviet officials, and whose insight into the Russian people informed President Reagan's understanding of and approach to Soviet leaders.  Highly recommended.

Stewart, a nerdy, thoughtful intellectually gifted, and socially awkward 13-year-old boy and Ashley, a 14-year-old vain, shallow, self-absorbed girl become part of a blended family when their single parents move in together.  With different attitudes toward each other and their new “family,” they both face valuable growing-up lessons. Through humor, Nielsen is able to raise important issues that hit an emotional core in all of us. ​