One Thing Stolen by Beth Kephart

"Our story begins, every story begins with the possibility of rescue, the goodness that is absolute, and waits for tragedy to find it."
Nadia and her brother Jack accompany their parents to Florence where Nadia's world begins to unravel in ways that neither she nor those who love her can understand. 
This triptych of narratives is a fascinating glimpse into history, an introduction to the wonders of Florence, a puzzle to untangle, and a testament to the power of hope.

 My Nest of Nine from One Thing Stolen:

1. The beautiful art of Florence, especially Uccello's fresco of Noah: The Flood and the Waters Subsiding.
2. Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore has a commanding presence in the city as well as the story. Scroll down the page to view a webcam tour of this architectural marvel.
3. Arno River: Check out the spectacular view on Google Maps.
4. Gorgeous writing of Beth Kephart.  Here is her description of Nadia and Maggie's  winter outing in Philadelphia: " she's disappearing into the night and the snow tumbles in and I see all this through crystal stars that have been set between my lashes, through the melting of the blue night"
5.  Ravel's Bolero makes a cameo, but important appearance in the story. Have a listen.
6. Hope "is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - "  Emily Dickinson
7. Mud Angels during the 1966 flooding in Florence
8. Capacity of the human brain to change. 
9. The strength of friendship. "I hug her. I say nothing. She is my best friend. She trusts me most. We are each other's miracle."

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