Some of life’s big questions Are there limits to forgiveness? When was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend? And what are the best places for breastfeeding mothers to pump in New York City? In Dear Alastair and the Twenty-One, Shanna Lipp tells a remarkable true story, written in letters, of how she courageously navigated some of life’s most trying surprises as a young mother and teacher. Deftly and hilariously weaving together multiple storylines through poignant letters to her firstborn son (Alastair), her first 21 students (the Twenty-One), and others, Shanna offers a candid behind-the-scenes journey of faith, grief, and forgiveness. A teacher carries a breast pump and all hope is not lost in this epistolary tour de force that will leave you laughing out loud, crying tenderly, and grabbing your pen to write a few letters to those who matter most in your life. Dear Alastair and the Twenty-One also includes a 22-day active journal at the back of the book with plenty of space for jotting down your thoughts and guided questions written by Shanna herself to engage your own story on a deeper level as you encounter hers.