Kissing Tolstoy (Dear Professor Book 1)

It’s ridiculous. Penny Reid made me want to read Tolstoy. Not even my HS AP English teacher could do that!
Once again her use of smart characters, interesting slices current events, and intellectual humor made this an amazing book. Every time I come away learning something and with a huge smile on my face. This book is no exception.

I really love pretty much everything this author writes. Her characters are so wonderfully diverse and interesting. I just wish she could write more faster. I highly recommend this book, though shorter than her usual novels, it feels like a complete story. Really well done.

I subscribe to the newsletter, so had a free preview of most of the book. In my mind, the purchase was totally worth it. The extra scenes make all the difference. It still left me wanting to read more about Luca's family and their reaction to Anna. I love the poetic man that Luca is. Swoon.

I really liked and enjoyed this story about Anna, who falls in love with her Russian lit professor. It is not a full novel so sometimes I felt like I was missing some depth in their relationship. Bot overall this is an intelligent story which I read in a couple of hours.

Penny Reid’s heroines are always quirky, with ‘Anna’ no exception. My only gripes are that: wanted it to be longer, with more detail containing Anna and Luca going to trivia night together, more weirdness that Luca rolls with. It’s a novella so short and sweet, but a goodie.

I had read the chapters in the her newsletters and wanted more. So I purchased the full version with Luca’s point of view adding to the story. I do wish this was a full length novel. I have enjoyed the characters and their finding each other. Sadly, it ended to soon.

I wanted something quick to read but Penny gets the last laugh because I just wanted to start another re-read after I finished! Her books always leave me feeling smarter, happy, and re-confirming that being nerdy and quirky and being yourself is always the way to go.

While I honestly love everything Penny writes, this book in particular really caught me. The characters are lovable, interesting, and engaging. She really has a way of hooking you in and taking you on the ride with the characters. There is a perfect balance of wit, snark, romance, angst, and intelligence. As usual, with her nerdier romances, I was thankful for the ability to highlight a word and get a more thorough definition.

I love anything by Penny Reid, and I’ll include Kissing Tolstoy in that list. I like that Anna doesn’t just ‘roll over’ when Luca shows interest in her. She shows great self awareness and is a strong female character- we need more of this type of book!!!

What a provocative novel this is from Penny Reid. It's so sophisticated and delectable romantic - old leather, a Russian lover and intellectual banter that is reminiscent of the 1930s- old school and old fashion romance.

Another homerun for Ms. Reid!!! The characters are so real, true to life. I had a crush on Professor Kroft myself. Ha Ha. I really enjoyed this book and her knitting series. Can wait til next year. Last knitting book will be available to read.

Kissing Tolstoy made me smile through out the entire read. Anna and Luca were the perfect blend of confidence and unsurety. I loved their back and forth with each other. I also love Penny Reid and her silly words. I want all her words!

Only Penny Reid can take Russian literature and spin a love story (no tragic death needed). Can't wait for the next book in the series . She weaved many Tolstoy themes and I felt I got an education as well as a contemporary story. Smart fun story

This story may be compared to the iceberg theory where one sees something great but is not able to truly appreaciate it because the only thing visible is what's on the surface. In simple terms the author introduces great characters but doesn't delve into their developing relationship hence leaving the book lacking.

I just love Reid's characters. Even in this novella, they've got depth and complexity: they're funny, neurotic, anxious, and finally, happy. They're people I know and I have a wonderful time reading their stories.

I absolutely love this story, I started reading it as it came out in Penny's newsletter, but managed to avoid reading the latest instalments because I wanted to save it, and I'm not sorry. I love both Luca and Anna, their story is very romantic and witty in true Penny style.

Overwhelmingly awesome!!! Sooooooo good! Just sad it's over. I love all of Penny Reid's books but Luca was by far my favorite. Nothing is sexier than a smart man. Especially one who can banter and debate. *Swoon*

I started reading about Anna and Luca in Penny Reid's newsletter and from the start I was hooked. I am in awe of how lovably awkward Anna is, yet how well she compliments Luca's character. This is certainly worth buying and reading. Once you start, you won't stop until the end!

Penny Reid writes interesting stories with educated and erudite characters. In this storyLuca is a dark and broody professor and Anna is an electrical engineering student who has a love of Russian Literature.

Loved it! Penny Reid has a fantastic way of giving you intelligent, fully developed characters that you want to read about. My only complaint, in the best way possible, was that it was too short. I could read about Anna and Luca forever (and that's only slightly exaggerated).

As always, this novella is my current favorite. Each book I read from Ms. Reid ( and I have read them all!) is my favorite though. I love romantic comedies but often get irritated by the, to put it nicely, lack of intelligence of the heroine. Anna is complex, thought provoking, and refreshing. Luca was mysterious and just.... yummy! Read it now!! You will love it!!

I really enjoyed this as light hearted romance (although a little shorter than I would like). Both the main characters are extremely likeable, quirky and, for me, quite believable. I really loved Anna's nerdy pursuits - who doesn't love a good jigsaw puzzle or a trivia night. Reid manages the professor/student conflict well. Overall a lot of fun.

Penny writes smart. Ask anyone. But that doesn't mean her books aren't also hilarious and sexy because let me tell ya, they are. This book is no different and with 100% of proceeds going to charity I felt it was the best money I spent all week!

As usual Penny doesn't disappoint. I have been following this book's excerpts in her emails, but I reread the book anyway. Penny has made me want to read Russian literature. She always makes me want to expand my horizons.