This is How It Begins is a very good book. I thought it was so good I read it twice.

I will sometimes re-read books but usually after a good interval has passed. I think this may be the first that I have read a book twice within a few weeks. It is definitely the only one that I read twice before the book was released.

It is that good.

In a very readable fashion Joan Dempsey weaves a number of stories together. At the center of the book is Ludka Zeilonka, an eighty-five year old art professor, who has flashbacks to her youth in Nazi occupied Poland and her role in the Resistance while dealing with secrets from that time as well as contemporary issues including the firing of her grandson from his teaching position because of his homosexuality.

In addition to being a good story, This is How It Begins is a very thought-provoking book. For example, I think no matter what your position is on homosexual teachers in public schools, you will gain a greater understanding of the opposite position. You may or may not change your mind, but you will re-examine your position and have a better understanding of other positions. The author brings you to this understanding by presenting both sides through well developed and often likeable characters, with whom the reader may empathize.

I thank Netgalley for the chance to read this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of This is How It Begins which is to be released October 3. You might want to pre-order this book or add your name to the request list at your local library. You’ll be glad you did.