{"product_id":"private-lessons-by-cynthia-salaysay-9781536230413","title":"Private Lessons","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“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.” —\u003cem\u003eBooklist\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor 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, \u003cem\u003ePrivate Lessons\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Walker Books Australia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46739559579884,"sku":"9781536230413","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/26554273482734.jpg?v=1755504055","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/products\/private-lessons-by-cynthia-salaysay-9781536230413","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}