Ivan Doig (1939–2015)

This is a heartwarming, inspiring, uplifting story of courage and optimism as told through the eyes of a seventh-grade boy in Montana in 1909 and the one-room schoolhouse that serves as the center of his community. Doig's writing is superb, drawing the reader ever forward at an even pace with creative uses of language and humorous plays on words. In a way, the book is an ode to great teachers, no matter their credentials, such as the one who leads the Marias Coulee school for most of the story.

I wondered if he could possibly maintain the momentum of the previous two books, in terms of pacing, plot, and interest. He did all that and more. By half-way through I could not put this book down. So, so good. Right to the very last page, I was spell-bound.

Thank you Ivan Doig, for some of the most engaging, thoughtful fiction I have read in ages. The three "Morrie" books were a total pleasure!

I was shocked that this could top "Whistling Season." But it did. Following the next adventures of Morrie, and in his voice this time, it was a joy from start to finish.

Where have you been all my life, Ivan Doig??? Gorgeous writing, wonderful pacing (notice the bags under my eyes for staying up all hours), and fascinating story-telling about something I knew nothing about.