Loved it!! It was so interesting to see the overlapping ideas - crazy to think that in a book with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Lili Kraus, and Glenn Gould youLoved it!! It was so interesting to see the overlapping ideas - crazy to think that in a book with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Lili Kraus, and Glenn Gould you would see common threads and ideas about music and pianism...but there they are! Really recommend to pianists, not sure anyone else would find it at all interesting. ...more
Inspired!!! Inspiring!!! I love it when people who love music and understand music also happen to be great writers and communicators and can put into Inspired!!! Inspiring!!! I love it when people who love music and understand music also happen to be great writers and communicators and can put into words the things that musicians understand but struggle to explain. It was even more special that he was interviewing so many great musicians and we got to see some behind the scenes from their lives. Highly recommend!...more
It was still delightful because it was Veronica and Stoker but it wasn't as delightful because it (view spoiler)[ wasn't actually Veronica and Stoker.It was still delightful because it was Veronica and Stoker but it wasn't as delightful because it (view spoiler)[ wasn't actually Veronica and Stoker. Since they were quarreling the whole time we didn't get to see much of them together which was disappointing. And despite their reconciliation, Veronica's grand gesture really wasn't that grand, I was kind of wishing for more. (hide spoiler)] But still a decent entry in the series, and I liked getting to know Stoker's brothers more, specifically Tiberius and Merryweather. ...more
This was a really fun fantasy adventure novel, written with Sanderson's trademark wit and penchant for storytelling, but without some of his usual comThis was a really fun fantasy adventure novel, written with Sanderson's trademark wit and penchant for storytelling, but without some of his usual complications or long length. It's still a long book (almost 500 pages), but it's very plot focused and has forward momentum basically the whole time. He very rarely gets bogged down in world-building or explaining magic systems and when he does, I honestly just skimmed those parts. I tried to understand but it went over my head so I just didn't worry about it, and honestly it wasn't an issue for me enjoying the story.
My favorite thing about this book was the humor - I laughed out loud the whole way through. I highlighted so many funny passages, but also a lot of quotes that were really thoughtful or insightful. He had really poignant ideas about people's capacity and talents vs. the opportunities they are given to rise to their natural abilities that were highlighted through Tress's journey, but will make anyone think. He also speaks to what makes a person or story extraordinary, or exciting vs. "boring," and how the "boring" lives and stories are just as important as anything else.
One of the great tragedies of life is knowing how many people in the world are made to soar, paint, sing, or steer - except they never get the chance to find out. There are, unquestionably, musical geniuses of incomparable talent who died as street sweepers because they never had the chance to pick up an instrument. He wasn’t so boring after all. Secretly, I’ll tell you that you aren’t either. Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to lower your value. Don’t trust them. They know they can’t afford you otherwise. ...more
I loved these! Accessible, heartwarming, thoughtful poems about love in all of its forms - of course romantic love takes the majority but friendship, I loved these! Accessible, heartwarming, thoughtful poems about love in all of its forms - of course romantic love takes the majority but friendship, family, and other forms of love are all celebrated. I can't even do my normal thing of posting my faves from the collection below because I highlighted and tabbed basically every poem. I will say that I cried and/or read multiple times: "The Only True Lovers are Chefs or Happy Birthday, Edna Lewis," "A Greater Love of God and Country," and "Resignation." Must reads!!
cooking///now that's something you learn from your heart then make your hands do what your grandmother's hands did
we must learn / to bear the pleasures / as we have born the pains
I love you / because it's been so good / for so long / that if I didn't love you / I'd have to be born again / and that is not a theological statement ...more
A truly exceptional piece of scholarship. An indispensable resource for those looking to know Poulenc’s songs, or Poulenc himself, better. Certainly oA truly exceptional piece of scholarship. An indispensable resource for those looking to know Poulenc’s songs, or Poulenc himself, better. Certainly one of the best musical biographies I’ve ever read. ...more
Protest poetry, in fact the final poem is called Protest Poem. There's a lot of anger and grief in these pages, a lot of questions about what we've doProtest poetry, in fact the final poem is called Protest Poem. There's a lot of anger and grief in these pages, a lot of questions about what we've done in the past and what type of future we're building. The poems are easy to read but will make you think. ...more
I really liked these poems, and loved several, but my overall impression after I finished the collection was "oh that's nice." So nothing li3.5 stars
I really liked these poems, and loved several, but my overall impression after I finished the collection was "oh that's nice." So nothing life changing but some good poetry. I would definitely consider reading other collections from Kate Baer though, because I like her voice and perspective.
Some faves: There Are Days The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Idea For My Children The Greatest Human Emotion...more