I love when a book grabs my attention immediately. When I don't want to put the book down and keep reading, I know its a good one! Most of that comes from great writing from the author! They have to be able to grab your attention and Ruta does that! Cristian questions everything in his communist country. He loves poetry and many more things that are illegal. When Cristian is forced to become a spy to save his family, which side will he choose and what may he face? The author is able to add in new characters in interesting ways that keep you wanting to get to know them. From Cristian's courageous banu, to his beautiful sister, his scared mother, and absent father what happens to them. What happens to them in the constantly watched communist country, where food is scarce, money is hard to come by and everything is illegal. It is wonderful when a great author can bring attention to something that many may not have known with an engaging story! Read it, you won't be disappointed!