Books matching: power of music
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- #1
Save:A moving, thought-provoking story that shines a light on the power of music and friendship amidst the challenges of mental illness and homelessness. Well worth the read for those who appreciate true stories that inspire empathy and reflection.
The Soloist is a moving and informative book that follows L.A. columnist Steve Lopez as he befriends a mentally ill homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers, who is a gifted musician. The book explores Lopez's efforts to help Ayers, their unlikely friendship, and the challenges of mental illness and homelessness. Through Lopez's vivid writing style, readers are taken on a journey that delves into the complexities of Ayers' life, his struggles with schizophrenia, and the redemptive power of music in bringing hope and acceptance.
Lopez's narrative not only focuses on Ayers but also sheds light on the societal stigma attached to mental illness and homelessness. The book portrays Lopez's emotional attachment to Ayers and his quest to understand and help his friend, showcasing the impact of mental illness on individuals and their loved ones. Through compelling storytelling, The Soloist offers a gut-wrenching yet insightful exploration of human resilience, compassion, and the importance of acknowledging the dignity and humanity of those often overlooked in society.
I can’t get the image out of my head, this odd picture of grubby refinement. But when I go back to look for the violinist in Pershing Square, I come up empty. His disappearance only makes the mystery...1998•311 pages - #2
Save:A sweet, nostalgic ode to music and community, sprinkled with eccentric characters and gentle wisdom - perfect for music lovers and anyone in need of a feel-good read.
In 'The Music Shop' by Rachel Joyce, the story is set in 1988 on Unity Street, a London suburb, focusing on Frank who owns a vinyl record shop. Frank has a unique talent for selecting music that resonates with his customers, providing solace and comfort through his music choices. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of music to connect people. The writing style is described as charming, nostalgic, and rich in musical references, creating a warm and touching atmosphere throughout the story.
FRANK SAT SMOKING behind his turntable, same as always, watching the window. Mid-afternoon, and it was almost dark out there. The day had hardly been a day at all. A drop in temperature had brought th...November 2017•350 pages A heartfelt, fascinating exploration of the mysterious connection between music and the brain - brimming with stories, insights, and empathy. Best for readers curious about music, mind, and humanity (and who don't mind a few digressions).
'Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain' by Oliver Sacks explores the intricate relationship between music and the human brain through a series of fascinating case studies. Sacks delves into how music can impact individuals with various neurological conditions, from dementia to Parkinson's disease, highlighting the profound effects of music on the brain. The writing style is described as anecdotal, with a conversational and warm tone that engages readers in exploring the mysteries of the brain and its connection to music.
Tony Cicoria was forty-two, very fit and robust, a former college football player who had become a well-regarded orthopedic surgeon in a small city in upstate New York. He was at a lakeside pavilion f...2007•429 pages- #4
Save:A fun, pun-filled romp through the world of music, though not quite top-tier Discworld. Best for music lovers and fans of Death, but mileage may vary if you want a tightly woven plot.
In 'Soul Music', Death takes a sabbatical, and his granddaughter Susan is reluctantly pulled into the family business of reaping souls. Meanwhile, Ankh Morpork is swept up in the introduction of rock music to the Discworld, causing chaos and toe-tapping mayhem. The novel humorously explores the clash between traditional music and the new genre, with witty puns and allusions to rock and roll culture woven throughout the story. Pratchett skillfully blends fantasy elements with a satirical take on the music industry and the power of music in shaping reality, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking read for fans of the Discworld series.
The narrative is rich with multiple storylines, featuring Death, Susan, a young bard named Imp y Celyn, and the wizards of the Unseen University, all intertwined in a tale that delves into the birth of rock music on the Discworld. Pratchett's writing style shines through in his ability to infuse humor, social commentary, and clever wordplay into the plot, creating a lighthearted yet engaging story that explores themes of family, identity, and the influence of music on society.
A dark, stormy night. A coach, horses gone, plunging through the rickety, useless fence and dropping, tumbling into the gorge below. It doesn’t even strike an outcrop of rock before it hits the dried... - #5
Save:Prepare to have your heart broken and pieced back together - A Thousand Perfect Notes is a powerful, emotional debut that shines with hope, music, and resilience. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable if you’re ready for it.
A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews is a poignant story that delves into the life of Beck, a talented pianist trapped in a world of abuse and control by his mother. As Beck navigates through his struggles for perfection and yearning for freedom, he forms unlikely friendships with August and Joey, finding solace and hope in their presence. The book beautifully captures the themes of music, abuse, and resilience through a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends darkness and light, heartbreak and hope.
At the wrist would be best. That hollow tiredness that stretches from fingertips to elbow would be gone for ever. How sick is that? There must be something seriously – dangerously – wrong if he can li...June 2018•301 pages - #6
Save:Biggle Jr. delivers unique, art-infused sci-fi short stories with a likable, optimistic touch. Not every story dazzles, but it’s a worthwhile, sometimes thought-provoking read for fans of classic SF and anyone interested in music, creativity, or the softer side of the genre.
Lloyd Biggle Jr.'s 'The Metallic Muse' is a collection of short stories that explore the transformative power of music and art in futuristic settings. The stories delve into themes such as the influence of music on social change, the role of art in society, and the creative process itself. Biggle Jr. weaves together scenarios ranging from a robotic violin teacher challenging a professor to a renegade artist composing music with telepathic effects, all set in worlds where music and art play central roles in shaping characters and societies.
The book showcases Biggle Jr.'s imaginative storytelling style, where he combines elements of science fiction with musings on the nature of art and music. Through a series of diverse narratives, the author presents a mix of light-hearted tales and thought-provoking explorations of how creativity can impact individuals and communities in unexpected ways.
Everyone calls it the Center. It has another name, a long one, that gets listed in government appropriations and has its derivation analyzed in encyclopedias, but no one uses it. From Bombay to Lima,...1972•228 pages - #7
Save:Intense, emotional, and packed with drama - this is a Regency romance for readers who love their heroes wild and their heartstrings tugged! Not a flawless read, but a memorable, fast-paced journey of recovery and romance.
'The Making of a Gentleman' in the series 'The Sons of the Revolution' by author Shana Galen follows the story of Armand, a young man traumatized by the French Revolution, who struggles with communication and memories of his past. Felicity is hired to help him learn proper behavior and speech. As their relationship develops, Armand's journey towards recovery through music and Felicity's patience is highlighted, while facing obstacles and mysteries from the past. The story is filled with suspense, passion, and historical elements, creating a compelling narrative of love and redemption.
Eleven-year-old Armand Harcourt, the comte de Valère, should have been asleep. He was well aware nothing incited his nanny’s wrath more than when she looked in on him late at night and found him still...October 2010•379 pages
(Also, see 7 recommendations for the series The Sons of the Revolution ) - #8
Save:A gorgeously written, unsettling psychological drama filled with music, madness, and class tension - perfect for fans of literary suspense with a dark academic edge.
The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood follows the story of Oscar Lowe, a care assistant who becomes entangled with the Bellwether family, particularly with Iris and her enigmatic brother, Eden. Eden believes he can heal people through music, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control. Set in the gothic atmosphere of Cambridge, the novel seamlessly weaves together the lives of the characters, delving into themes of madness, genius, and the power of music. The story is filled with mystery, psychological suspense, and a touch of romance, all wrapped in a beautifully written narrative that keeps readers engaged until the heart-wrenching end.
Oscar Lowe would later tell police that he couldn’t remember the exact date he first laid eyes on the Bellwethers, though he knew for sure it had been a Wednesday. It was one of those late October eve...2012•512 pages A touching, offbeat tribute to love, loss, and the mixtape era - especially suited for music lovers and those who believe every great relationship deserves a killer soundtrack.
'Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time' by Rob Sheffield is a poignant memoir that delves into the life of the author and his wife, Renee, through the lens of mix tapes and music. Sheffield beautifully captures the essence of their relationship, from the joy of creating mix tapes together to the heart-wrenching loss of Renee. The book intertwines themes of love, loss, and the power of music in a touching and emotional narrative that resonates with readers on a deep level. Sheffield's writing style is described as heartfelt, humorous, and raw, making the reader feel a wide range of emotions as they journey through the highs and lows of his life.
The playback: late night, Brooklyn, a pot of coffee, and a chair by the window. I’m listening to a mix tape from 1993. Nobody can hear it but me. The neighbors are asleep. The skater kids who sit on m...January 2007•232 pages- #10
Save:A richly imagined, operatic blend of fantasy and alternate history - utterly unique, occasionally unwieldy, and best suited to music-loving, patient readers who enjoy their stories lush and ambitious.
'The Black Opera' by Mary Gentle is an alternate history fantasy novel set in 19th century Italy, particularly in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies after the Battle of Waterloo. The story revolves around Conrad Scalese, a librettist tasked with creating an opera to counteract the sinister spells of a secret society aiming to trigger a volcanic eruption through a blood sacrifice during a performance. The book combines elements of music, magic, and historical intrigue, with a focus on the challenges of writing and staging an opera within a tight deadline, while incorporating themes of atheism, love triangles, and the supernatural.
Ranieri glanced back through the glass of the steamship’s wheel-house. Two of his men grappled with the captain: a grey and grizzled man in a salt-worn peaked cap. By his lip movements, he appeared to...May 2012•688 pages
