Tonal Diversions Recommends: Books – July 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve written any sort of “what’s playing” post — I’m long overdue! I have some goodies I’ve read that I’d love to share with you.
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Books on music
Sounds Like Titanic: a Memoir by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman
This book fascinated me. Hindman writes of her ambition to rise above her Appalachian life and make it as a performing classical violinist. She gets hired with a professional touring ensemble only to find out the performances are a sham. The ensemble pretends to play along with a pre-recorded soundtrack (and yes, the “Milli Violinni” joke has been made). Hindman chronicles her journeys with the ensemble, reflecting on her life choices and direction.
Why You Love Music: From Mozart to Metallica–The Emotional Power of Beautiful Sounds by John Powell
While it’s been a
Books on other subjects
Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most by Hendrie Weisinger
While this book isn’t specifically about music, musicians will definitely benefit from reading it. I suspect pretty much anyone can benefit from reading it as we all have times where we have to perform in some way, even if it’s not in front of a crowd of thousands. Adding pressure does not make us perform better, despite what we tell ourselves.
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
I read this shortly after it
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
And now for something quite different! If you’re willing to give middle school lit a shot, I found this book (and the sequel) simply delightful! I’ve been telling anyone who will listen about it. Twelve-year-old Aru lives at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, of which her mother is the curator. After stretching the truth to impress some classmates, Aru lights the Diya of Bharata, a cursed lamp. She soon regrets her action as she discovers the old Hindu myths are true. I understand there will be four books in the series; I’m already looking forward to
