Seven Days of Possibilities: One Teacher, 24 Kids, and the Music That Changed Their Lives Forever

This is an exceptionally well-written work of non-fiction. The author, a noted columnist and reporter for the New York Times, distinguishes herself further with this book, which is her first. Writing with all the assurance and polish of a first class investigative reporter, the author, having covered education for five years for the New York Times, is in her element with the subject matter of this book. The book focuses on Johanna Grussner, a young Finnish woman, whose love for music took her from her native Aland Islands, an archipelago in the Baltic Sea located between the coasts of Finland and Sweden, to the United States, ultimately landing her in New York City. While furthering her quest to become a professional jazz singer, happenstance found her working as a music teacher in the Bronx at P.S. 86. There, in an inner city school that was run like a tight ship by its principal, a man who cared deeply for the school in his own rigid, uncompromising way, she was to defy all odds and make an impact that many will remember for years to come. Ms. Grussner would demonstrate to all what a determined, though idealistic, person can do to bring joy into the lives of children who may have their options for such limited by their own personal circumstances, as well as by a society that looks to pigeonhole students as if one size does, indeed, fit all. The author grounds Ms. Grussner's efforts to form a school choir in the context of the political and racial milieu of the New York City public school system, replete with all the political chicanery and requisite skullduggery involved in the running of a school in such an environment. The author's narrative is seamless and unsentimental, letting the strength of the story itself soar, rewarding the reader with a richness of detail about the school and those involved in its day to day activities. She provides the reader with three dimensional portraits of those who contributed to the seven days of possibilities, whereby twenty-four of Ms. Grussner's most musically gifted students traveled with her to her hometown in order to perform in a gospel concert. There, they discover that music is a universal language, and the week spent in the Aland Islands would be one that would long linger in their collective memories. This is truly an excellent book, beautifully written and immensely readable. It is a book that will keep the reader turning its pages until the very last one is turned. Bravo!

I approached this book with some trepedation, worried that it might be just another pat, feel-good story. What a surprise and pleasure to find myself immersed in an enaging, memorable read, filled with characters who came alive and stayed with me. It was also a carefully wraught cautionary tale of all that's not right (and a bit that is) in inner-city public schools. I've since recommended it to friends and colleagues, all of whom have shared my enthusiasm.

In this beautifully written and very moving book, Ms. Hartocollis not only tells the story of a young woman from Finland who, through her character, talent, and personality affected many children--and others--in a short time; she also, with a talent that many novelists would envy, captures inexorable human conflicts that, despite good instincts, can poison even the closest relationships. Anyone who cares about education, anyone who wants to be a teacher, and most of all, anyone who's looking for a great story about the most interesting people in the world--real people--should not miss this book.

As a mom, I was fascinated by the descriptions of children in this book. The book goes deep into the lives of working-class kids, their struggles to be recognized, and their parents' hopes for them. The author brought real sensitivity and insight to these stories. Terrific writing, studded with little jewels of details and observations. The part of the book that takes place in Finland was like taking a vacation to a strange wonderful place. And the ending was a real page-turner. A highly original book.

I read "Seven Days..." in the closest I can come to a single sitting as a working parent. I had read the New York Times articles on which it was based, and cried as I read them. I found the expanded story in the book fascinating and moving, with a surprising ending. Ms. Hartocollis tells a beautiful and gripping story. She writes of some truly heroic people - both children and adults -- and describes their work and dedication appreciatively. In the late 60s, I was one of the middle class white children who were bused in to attend a voluntary magnet integration project elementary school serving some federal housing projects. The principal and staff were creative and committed, the academic programs were innovative yet utterly absurd for kids of those ages, and the school was chaotic. The experience was exhilarating, frightening and eye-opening, and has continued to affect me ever since: race is the biggest social issue in this country, and until we can eliminate economic divides, racial divides will persist no matter how well we integrate our schools and workplaces. Reading this book reminded me of how little that school did for most of my classmates. Having worked for a Swedish company for the last several years, the descriptions of the lives and people of Aland were charming and familiar. I can't imagine what the arrival of the chorus did to characteristic Scandinavian reserve! Although I have a particular connection to both of the obvious aspects of this book, it is hard to imagine that those experiences are necessary to enjoy it. I recommend it highly to anyone who is interested in reading about complex problems in the US.