The Secret of Clouds

February 4, 2026
Historical Fiction

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Home Runs and Heart in The Secret of Clouds

Soar into The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman, a moving story about Maggie, a teacher with a big heart, and Yuri, her student who can’t attend school because of a serious heart condition. What starts as weekly writing assignments soon grows into something much more as they build a bond through trust, stories, and the simple act of showing up. It reminds us that the stories we share and the people we meet can shape our lives in ways we never expect.

“…in the sky above us, every family has its own special cloud.”

The Menu: The Secret of Clouds

This menu is inspired by the foods Yuri’s parents, Katya and Sasha, cooked after coming to America. It blends the comforting Ukrainian dishes they brought with them and the new flavors they tasted along the way. From crisp potato fritters to tangy beet salad and hearty kielbasa with sauerkraut, each dish offers a little taste of where they’ve been and where they’ve landed. It’s a warm and flavorful way to connect with their story.

Drinks

Raise your glass with a Pepper Collins, made with Ukraine’s top-selling Nemiroff Honey Pepper Vodka. This bold, zesty cocktail combines sweet honey, spicy chili, pineapple syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of bubbly Prosecco. Pour your guests a glass and toast to Katya and Sasha’s journey with a cheerful “Budmo!” (Ukrainian for “let’s be”). Check out the full recipe here.

Appetizer

Kick off your book club with Babaganosh’s deruny, Ukrainian potato fritters that were a favorite in Yuri’s home. Crispy and golden, they’re similar to latkes or draniki and bring all the cozy, comforting vibes of Katya and Sasha’s cooking. Serve them warm, just like Katya might have made in their American kitchen for Yuri.

Salad

Up next on the menu is a vibrant Ukrainian Vinaigrette Beet Potato Salad. This colorful mix of beets, potatoes, carrots, and pickles tossed in tangy vinaigrette is a staple in Ukrainian homes. It adds a bright pop to your table and a flavorful link to Yuri’s family roots. Find the recipe at T atyana’s Everyday Food.

Main

Bite into a true ballpark classic with Aimee Mars’ kielbasa and sauerkraut. Tuck it into a slice of white bread, add a generous squeeze of mustard, and pair it with crunchy potato chips for that game-day feel. In the novel, this was Yuri’s favorite meal after reading Shoeless Joe. It made him feel like he was right there in the stands, cheering on his team. Grab a plate, pile it high, and enjoy a bite of the joy books can bring.

Dessert

Wrap up your book club with a fun twist on a classic: Golden Spiced Tiramisu. Inspired by the night Maggie brought Daniel home to meet her parents, this version swaps the usual coffee and chocolate for turmeric and cozy spices. It’s a bold spin on the Italian favorite that’s sure to end the night on a high note. Grab the recipe from Food Network and enjoy a slice of this sweet, aromatic treat with friends.

This menu celebrates The Secret of Clouds by bringing Yuri’s Ukrainian roots and his bond with Maggie straight to your table. Each dish reflects a part of their story, blending tradition with the comfort of new beginnings. And as you cook, eat, and share, may it remind you that small moments like a meal, a story, or simply showing up can leave a lasting mark.