My husband is not much for books. He thinks they are marvelous with barbecue... in the barbecue pit as a fire-starter, that is.
However, even though he's not into books, he does know how to pick great ones--most of the time. He's stumbled a few times, but one of my all-time favorite books, Fevre Dream, by George R. R. Martin, came to me through my hubby.
He's also quite impulsive--which I love, when it comes to careening the Amazon shopping cart around.
I finished Mitch Albom's most recent novels, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto. My husband heard the author talk about it, and rushed to order it, figuring I would enjoy it. I did. If I had to rate it, I'd probably give it 4 out of 5 stars. Why the low rating? A 5-star rating has to be reserved for my all-all-time favorites (I know, I gush a bit too much when it comes to books) like Freeman by Leonard Pitts, Jr., NOS4A2 by Joe Hill and Haunted by Chuck Palaniuk.)
Albom's novel is narrated by Music, and follows the life of Frankie Presto, an incredible guitarist and artist. Albom interviewed a number of real-life musicians and singers (including Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett) so he could include them in the plot.
My one complaint: it's a small size (as far as the perimeter) which makes it fatter than it needs to be, which makes it difficult to hold when I'm wavering between the world of literature and the world of drool (as I fall asleep, no matter how engaging the book is).
If you believe in the power of music, you might check out this book. The storyline might end up plucking you out of your world and into Frankie Presto's for a while as it strings you along--right up to the end of the author's note.
I love a good book that sucks you right into the pages so I'll check this one out. My all time favourite book is My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, a story based on his life growing up in Corfu in the 1930's. Also one worth checking out if you haven't read it.
ReplyDeleteSarah--I will have to check Durrell's book out. Thanks, Sarah. That it's your all-time favorite book intrigues me.
DeleteBut four stars is a high rating (at least in my book)! :-) This sounds intriguing and I do like me some music...will check it out. Thanks, Sioux!
ReplyDeleteCathy--You are quite welcome.
DeleteSounds like a good book, Sioux. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteDonna--I think you might enjoy it.
DeleteAlways nice to hear when someone finds a book they love! There are so many out there. I will admit I have not been a fan of Mitch's later books..maybe I should try again.
ReplyDeleteClaudia--You might not enjoy this one, either. As my grandfather would say, that's why there's six different kinds of pie in a restaurant. What appeals to some doesn't appeal to others. From your posts, I get the impression that you have plenty of books on your bedside table, waiting to be read...
DeleteCertainly SOUNDS interesting to me as a duffer musician. I waver between the world of literature and gravity. Dropping the current literary work on myself or the floor, often losing my place. Then I decide to sleep.
ReplyDeleteJono-I never decide to sleep. It decides for me.
DeleteI like Mitch Albom's books. This one sounds interesting. My husband said barbecue any book but his instruction manual for his many gadgets.
ReplyDeleteLinda--Sasquatch doesn't read. That's why he's eager to make charcoal out of books.
DeletePays to listen to NPR.
ReplyDeleteNPR... the cure for insomnia.
DeleteMaybe I'll have more time to read, what with my upcoming retirement...
ReplyDeleteVal--Don't rub it in.
DeleteThe only MA book I've read is "Tuesdays with Morrie" and I loved it, so this may be one for me to check out. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteLisa--He wrote another nonfiction book (other than TWM) about a black church and a white church. It sounds interesting, so I guess I'll have to read it.
DeleteThat does sound like one I would like. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
That does sound like one I would like. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Ugh, I can't stand Mitch Albom. He started out here as a sports writer, and he uses the same gimmicks alllll the time. That is, when he isn't getting caught making up eyewitness accounts of events he wasn't at. I've only read one of his books...Tuesdays With Morrie. I'd rather get my Wisdom with a cap W from someone else.
ReplyDeleteI reviewed "Leaving Time." I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation.