
Rida is an orphan out of California who dances for the troops in the USO. Spencer is a naval officer with roots deep in New England's upper crust. They meet during World War II at an Officer's Club dance, and Spencer might have been dissuaded if he saw just one engagement ring on her finger, but instead, he sees four. The courtship is easy, Rida wins him and wears his ring alone. But Rida is a wild card, and Spencer's family can't accept her unconventional approach to marriage, motherhood, and life. Even Rida's four daughters struggle to understand her, but for them it becomes a quest—to untangle the mystery of their stubborn, off-beat, clear-sighted, loving, and above all mesmerizing mother. Award-winning author Cynthia Voigt has penned a novel for readers who grew up loving her Newbery Award-winning novels for children and young adults. By Any Name features an indelible woman who sees lines as meant to be crossed, changing the lives of all who come into contact with her indefatigable spirit. From the award-winning author of Homecoming and Dicey's Song comes a heartfelt adult novel perfect for readers of Judy Blume.
Author

Cynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse. Awards: Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008 The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003 The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003 The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995 Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990 Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990 The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988 Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988 Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987 A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984 The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984 Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983