Singer Reviews

Many a celebrity autobiography--especially in recent years--has been little more than a braggadocio tale of sordid bravado. So many Hollywood hot shots seem compelled to gleefully describe their amoral lasciviousness and mock the virtues millions of Americans hold dear.

Fans of that sort of salacious shock should avoid Brenda Lee's memoirs at all costs. Her salubrious life is just what would be expected from the effervescent chanteuse who's now enjoying her fifth decade of stardom. Although she tells many interesting show biz stories from her days of prepubescent renown to her current status as music industry veteran, readers clearly see that her proudest accomplishments have been her successful roles as wife (nearing 40 years married), mother, and grandmother. Unlike the sleazy conquests that fill other celebrity tell-alls, Little Miss Dynamite boasts, "I never wore my 'Brenda Lee' hat at home; I was 'Mrs. Shacklett;' I was Julie and Jolie's mother; I was the obnoxious cheerleader with the cowbell at the basketball games; I became a master at helping with school projects." Fame and fortune were welcome bonuses accentuating her fulfilled life.

While glitz and glamour have been the undoing of several immature stars, Brenda had her priorities straight from the beginning. As a teenage bride of seven months she learned that she was to become a mother. Those in charge of her career were dismayed by how this development could negate her star. Brenda herself had a different reaction; "I never had one thought of the career, of the consequences, or what it might mean to my future." She was too thrilled establishing a family to worry about her job.

Her life was far from a bed of roses, but from early childhood she received solid grounding. Born into penury, her father died before her early-blooming career budded. Describing the rare luxuries of her childhood she sites oranges which they usually only had at Christmas and concedes, "looking back now, I can't believe that I didn't know we were poor...at that time I was happy; I had people around me who cared about me and loved me."

Another contrast from the Hollywood status quo was seen during the Vietnam War. Unlike the perpetually protesting celebrities, Brenda--who had serious reservations about the conflict--wanted to perform for the troops in Vietnam, but it was ruled too dangerous. She did manage to entertain many wounded soldiers including once on a tour of a military hospital in the Philippines with General Westmoreland. Describing her visit to many soldiers who had lost limbs she states "a lot of people wouldn't want to see that, but I felt it was the least I could do for these men who were giving their lives and limbs for America." Many soldiers asker her to contact loved ones back home, and she reveals "there were dozens of families, and I called every single one."

Unquestionably the most poignant vignette that additionally shows the power of wholesome music to touch the soul concerns the tale of a little girl whose stepmother balefully banished her to a mental institution where she was unjustly confined for years. Upon her release she contacted Brenda to say access to her music had sustained her through those nightmare years. Brenda felt blessed by meeting this incredible woman and said that by her travails, "she taught me never to feel sorry for myself or for whatever bad situation I was in."

Distancing herself even further from the Hollywood notables, Brenda is not shy in admitting her reverent faith. Once her daughter's cancer diagnosis was found to be in error--after the girl was prepped for surgery--Brenda attributed it to a miracle brought about by the prayers of so many.

Those looking for show biz tidbits won't be disappointed. Since Brenda Lee's career has encompassed so many styles, her path crossed with a cornucopia of performers. She shares her encounters with the diverse likes of Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Barbara Mandrell, Jimmy Durante, Tanya Tucker, Burt Reynolds, Art Garfunkle and scores of others.

At one point, Brenda admits, "I wasn't the new Judy Garland. I wanted something else out of life. I wanted roots stability and normalcy." It's easy to see that she achieved her goal, and has a very interesting and lucrative career providing icing to her cake.

February 17, 2002
A book for the utlimate Brenda Lee fan. What a life this terrific lady has had with it's ups and downs or should I say downs and ups. She is always able to bounce back up. I'm sure most fans like myself have thought Brenda has lead a glamorus life all these years and for the most part she has. We don't realize all that goes on in that world we are not a part of. Her book is well written and keeps your attention. Even though I've been a fan of Brenda's for 43 years and an honored to be a friend for about 25, there was lots of things about her life the book enlighten me to.

I want give away anything in the book, you will have to read it for yourself, but you will see that there are more reasons than one she is know as "Little Miss Dynamite"! Brenda Lee, the lady with THE VOICE.

A life-long fan of Brenda Lee, I bought this book the day that it hit first hit the bookstore ... I have always felt that Brenda's story should be told and have known it was in the works ... Written in a style that was highly "conversational," the book makes the reader feel that they are sitting at a table in an informal chat with the author. Having followed her career for at least 35 years, I found the book fascinating. I had my nose in it for three straight days, every time that I had a free minute, until it was finished. The stories that dealt with Dub Albritton, her manager, who used every piece of energy he had to promote her and then, was found to have mismanaged her funds; her statements about extreme poverty as a child, even when her early image screamed "success"; and the telling of how her marriage to Ronnie Shacklett has stayed strong from her late teens until present day all were total highlights of an excellent read. I plan to read it again within the month. The true and avid fan of Brenda Lee can't afford to miss this one!

...just curious...maybe (hopefully) it's his wife's hand...what an INCREDIBLE woman she is...perhaps the most impressive person in his autobiography, aside from his mother. Just finished reading this book yesterday...after staring at the cover for a while (yeah...like it was gon MOVE or somethin'...or like he was gon actually BLINK!)...the cover alone can capture you --- especially if, like me, you are a true Teddy fan. I think I just recently evolved into one, however...it's like his music is f.g.f.o. (for grown folks only), and I just recently grew up...hey, what can I say? It took me til my thirties to really appreciate where this man is coming from.
...so of course I had to pick up the book...there was no me getting away from it, or it getting away from me. Admittedly, it's probably the best autobiography I've read in a while, written in straight forward language and sprinkled with humor. Some of what he shares is surprising, some of it not so surprising, but all of it is revealing, and I know it took a lot for him to share all that he did of himself, and I really appreciate that. I had just turned 13 the same month he had the car accident that left him a quadriplegic (sp?), and I remember well all the speculations and the news reports. Though I was young, I remember how much his accident really impacted me. I think in a way, reading this book, I grieved his loss all over again...(I was in such a sad mood all day yesterday...just couldn't seem to shake it)... after all, he is telling his own story here...no more speculations or rumors...just his words. I hurt that he --- or anyone --- would have to go through such a painful ordeal. As for anyone, my only hope and prayer is that he's grown through it, and has become, or is becoming, more of the person God wants him to be. I can only imagine, though, the limitations those who are physically challenged must face, and reading this book has given me a new appreciation for that, for which I'm thankful. I think there are so many things that we all take for granted day in and day out. Hopefully, we will open our eyes to see how Truly Blessed we all are, too...just as much as Teddy is.

...I have been listening to Teddy Pendergrass since his days with Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes (my father and I have copies of their 1975 LP "Wake Up Everybody" - he the LP, me the CD)and his earlier solo singles (among them, "Close the Door", "Only You" and "You Can't Hide from Yourself") are pure classics - just one example of the pure, raw, unadulterated soul music that was pumping out out of Gamble and Huff's PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS headquartered in Philadelphia. When I heard about his near fatal car crash in early 1982 and the fact that he had no movement from the neck down, my heart sanked - will Teddy Pendergrass ever be able to share his rare amazing gift of singing again? Sad to say, his albums since then does not capture the rawness that his prior recordings did (the lone exception, his 1997 CD "You and I", my review of which you will see in AMAZON.COM's music section). Although his music was a treat to the ears for me, like so many of his fans, I had a lot of misconceptions of Teddy Pendergrass; to wit, his playboy life, lavish lifestyle and his children bore out of wedlock. However, I had the opportunity during Labor Day weekend in September, 1999 to visit The City of Brotherly Love and picked up this book. This book dispells all of the misconceptions and, in the process, shows the tender side of Teddy Pendergrass, the man and the human being - from his humble beginnings in North Philadelphia, his earlier, struggling days with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, his devotion to his mother, his wife, Karen, and, most remarkably, his three children to the car crash and his daily struggles as a quadraplegic. To my fellow Teddy Pendergrass fans: ignore the image, pick up this book and read it from cover to cover. You will NOT be disappointed.

This book moved me like none other in years and I read at least 2 to 3 books a month. I felt when I read it as if I were sitting across from Teddy and he was telling me how it felt to have a woman throw panties at him for the very first time. How it felt to be the front man for Harold Melvin & the Blues Notes for the first time. I also found how deep the scars are when your life is changed in a twinkle of an eye. I felt how painful it must have felt when a woman looked at him and said "F*ck you, you crippled motherf*cker." The book came alive for me and I knew for the first time why I was so moved when I was 18 years old and heard for the first time "Singer Teddy Pendergrass is paralyzed." Yes, I bought his albums and remember playing his live "8-track" over and over again. The reason I was so moved that day in 82' is becasue Teddy to me was my manhood. He was "our" manhood. He could be sensitive yet masculine. He could be both sexy and spiritual and be genuinely true to both. But what I learned after reading his book is that even now, all of the things he was, he is even more so. He is even more sexy and sensitive and masculine and spiritual becasue after reading the book I found out that Teddy was comfortable with himself.

Teddy Pendergrass to me is still and will always be the true essence of manhood.

Andrea Smith transports the reader into the lives of the women & men of the early 1960's. As most of us know, this was a time of change in our country. Not just with civil unrest, but also women liberation and new & wonderful music styles. Ms. Smith weaves a little of this history into the story of two women
trying to find peace.

First, we have Viola. Viola does not truly live life as much as doing what is expected. Viola attempts to venture out and learns a valuable lesson. However, the choice she makes as a result of her experiences have far-reaching consequences that significantly change her life. The reader has to decide if it was
for the better.

Next, we are allowed the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Forestine. Forestine has the voice of an angel which does not exactly match her physical appearance. Forestine has to deal with an overbearing, bitter mother and a beautiful older sister.
Nevertheless, through the love of her father & music,Forestine finds a means of "escape" from the day to day challenges of walking the earth as Forestine Bent.

Viola and Forestine meet up at Honeybee's. Honeybee is the voice of wisdom and love at a time when Viola & Forestine are at their lowest or at a time of change, depends on how you look at it.

I enjoyed reading this book. But, I believe that Ms. Smith could have allowed us to see more into the characters' thoughts. There were also a few supporting characters that held a lot of untapped

potential. Ms. Smith could definitely write a sequel to Friday Nights. I believe the characters still have a lot to teach us.

Leanna Bailey
R.E.A.L. Reviewers

There is a lot of reality in "Friday Nights at Honeybee's. These two young ladies, Forestine and Viola, are like many young ladies who seek the limelight at any cost. All of the characters in the book are well developed, and one can get a vicarious feeling about the social life. The book is well written and enjoyable.

On a Friday night at Honeybee McColor's you will find a "gather" which includes good food, good conversation and good music among some of the best black musicians in Harlem. Set in the early 1960's, Friday Night At Honeybee's is a musical anthology of that time.

This story revolves around two characters that arrive at Honeybee's brownstone after literally running away from home. Told in alternating chapters, Forestine Bent and Viola Bembrey are running from the consequences of their actions in their homes. As a child Forestine always relished the music around her. She practiced with the best and dreamed about a life of singing and traveling. Her Achilles heel is her narrow-mindedness. Viola has an angelic voice but was relegated to life as a deacon's wife. One incident had her branded and forced from her southern hometown. Viola, provided with the name and address of Honeybee McColor, arrives in Harlem under duress and fear. Together, these two woman deal with their demons and their guilt to form a friendship rich in loyalty. With the assistance of Honeybee, Willa and Vernon, the other inhabitants at Honeybee's brownstone, Forestine and Viola definitely come into their own as woman of that time.

This is an interesting novel told in a fluid, symphonic and dramatic tone. Ms Smith provides the reader with Forestine and Viola's family history, which guides the reader in understanding their plights. The reader is also provided with a wealth of musical knowledge as it pertains to the history of blues and finally jazz. This is an excellent portrayal of 1960 Harlem, its music and the musical accomplishments of that time.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves, APOOO BookClub

The first modern effort to organize animal-lovers into a political effort against animal cruelty belongs to Adolf Hitler. Seemingly as part of his immensely successful plans to gain popular support (before his mutiny of the Reichstag), Hitler organized a large German national anti-vivisection society, with broad membership across all social and economic levels, by which he boasted that Germans would lead the modern world in establishing humane treatment of animals. Soon, vivisection was outlawed on animals in Germany, but even as it ended, the fiendishly cruel and curious experiments, caging, exploitation (starving, slavery, and even other horror), and eventually the mass executions began on humans. "A righteous man hath regard for the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." (Proverbs, 12:10) Then, let a righteous nation hath regard for the lives of its' people, and not put the lives of beasts before them.

This book is truly amazing. It is a very exciting book to read, and the enthusiasm of Henry Spira can not help to rub off on your own life. Peter Singer has done an excellent job of giving the reader an easy to access look into the life of a man who inspired thousands of people to think more about all forms of suffering for all types of animals.

Thank you for such an amazing book! It is a must read for anyone involved in activism. It shares a lifetime of wisdom. Enjoy!

Being persuaded about animal rights for some time now, I have been looking for ideas on how to get active. This book provides lots of ideas and is an inspiring portrait of an attractive and committed person. It is also very readable - I read it early into the morning until I finished it.

Spira's activism was highly intelligent, practical, strategic and committed to the long term - he is a hero of the animal rights movement.

A good book to take on a weekend getaway. It reads quickly, is well written and very interesting. A real life fairy tale. Celine has had a lot of work to do to get where she is today. This book presents her story in a very pleasing and easily comprehensible way. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I believe Celine is a sweet and caring person. One thing I would have liked would have been a few more photographs, but hey! I highly recommend this book to all Celine fans.

Very short biography on Céline Dion, succinct and concisely put. Suitable for a person interested on the brief history of one great singer, but not so for a fan. I would recommend the Official Biogaphy or My Story, My Dream for someone who wants to learn more about Céline Dion. There are a few pictures printed on glossy paper, but I feel are too small. The quality of the paper is mediocre and ages have yellowed my book. It is not quite pleasant. But generally, quite a smooth and memorable read.

This book is totally awesome, I loved it. It was well worth the money, it gives very descriptive details about Celine's life. I'm so glad it wasn't another one of those 'Behind The Fairytale' type books. It says alot of good things about Celine and gives a complete discography too. For people that don't like to read big, thick books, this paperback takes alot less time to read. This book is a must-have for Celine fans that long to know the real her.

I got this book first, then his he wrote (The Music of Silence). This one has many nice color and black and white pictures of his life and area he came from. I enjoyed it very much. For his die hard fans, I highly recommend getting his book also, you can find it at Amazon UK. You get a much more intimate picture of Andrea and his personal thoughts and aspirations and feel closer to him and have much more understanding of what makes the man that he is. Many more photos-only in black and white-but well worth it-and different than in this book. Not to take away from Felix's book, each one offers totally different things, both are excellent books to get to know Andrea- the first is more towards his career, the second is more personal of his growing up and in his own words. Buy both as you can. They are both well worth the price.

"I fell in love with him when I heard him sing." That's what Andrea Bocelli's wife, Enrica, later said of the night they met. It appears that millions of people all over the world are saying the same thing.

Andrea Bocelli: A Celebration, by Antonia Felix, tells in captivating words and stunning photographs, of Bocelli's life-from his youth in idyllic Tuscany, through his roundabout route to phenomenal international success and popularity in both opera and pop music, to his hopes and ambitions for the future.

Andrea is the product of a loving and supportive family and community; to all appearances, he is carrying this thread into the next generation, as we see him now a devoted family man. For most, these two-successful career and happy family-would be evidence enough of a life well lived. But this man does much more. He trains and rides horses, skis, cycles, plays four musical instruments, speaks and sings in several languages, donates his time to charitable causes, and is academically trained as a lawyer.

The editorial review says, "(t)he tone throughout is...that of a glowing admiration for (the) subject" and that Ms. Felix "passes blithely over negative press accounts and the substance of their criticisms." Fair enough. Yet, why would one write a 215-page book about a living individual if one were not already an unapologetic admirer of her subject? For that matter, why else would anyone read such a book? This reader pleads guilty.

Edi Bocelli, Andrea's mother, tells with admirable stoicism how she supported him through his loss of sight-gradual at first, then sudden and final. She wanted him to be "a man, not a handicapped person." For those of us who never would have seen Andrea as handicapped, but simply accepted his blindness as part of the incredible package that this man is, it might prove saddening to read about the difficulties he endured as a child because of his eye problems. Yet, this, too, is undoubtedly part of the package; part of what makes Andrea who and what he is.

Andrea Bocelli is an example and an inspiration for all of us-those who sing, and those who don't; those who see, and those who don't; those who are fans, and those-if such a person still exists in civilized society-who aren't.

Another reader-reviewer has written that the book contains "very little information that has not already appeared in liner notes, journal/newspaper articles and been published on several websites." Perhaps not. But then, none of those will look as nice on your coffee table as Andrea Bocelli: A Celebration. I recommend it.

"My blindness has never been a tragedy to me; I don't know why it should be a tragedy to others." This quote by Maestro Bocelli, out of many that are included in this interesting and well-written biography, cogently defines the man behind the beautiful voice.

The author, Ms. Felix, takes the reader on an interesting journey. Her writing style is very engaging and educational, especially for those new to classical music. From his birth with a rare form of congenital glaucoma, all the way to White House to sing for President Clinton, Andrea Bocelli's story has the aura of a fairy tale. But the author firmly grounds the reader in reality. Maestro Bocelli is now a famous man; however, we see his life before and after, and perhaps come away thinking that it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

From his childhood in the hills of Tuscany, through his years in Pisa for law school, we see the struggle of a young man who never allowed his blindess to close his vision of the world. The author's recounting of his law school years, along with his early forays into piano bars, was very intriguing. The story how he met his wife, Enrica, will captivate the reader with its candor, along with his feelings after their first meeting. "When she touched my hand, I knew I had met the love of my life."

Many would say that Maestro Bocelli, a former public defender, was lucky to achieve his fame. One of his countless demo tapes fell into the hands of the manager of Italian pop vocal star, Zucchero, who was looking for a tenor to accompany him on a certain song called, "Miserere." His inital choice was Maestro Luciano Pavorotti, who after hearing the demo, could not believe it came from an unknown piano bar singer. In the end, the Maestro told him, "This guy Bocelli will sing it better than anyone." And with that endorsement, the path was paved for Andrea Bocelli to become a household name in Europe.

This is a very vivid tale about a determined man. The reader may get the impression that he would prefer to sing to his horse, Gisele, rather than combat his admitted stage fright in front of his passionate fans. Or perhaps take to the slopes with gold medalist, Alberto Tomba, who taught Maestro Bocelli how to ski. Or parachute out of a plane on a dare. But this is a rare man with a lifelong passion for singing, and the author paints a complete portrait of him. The reader will come away with an added respect for the man with the angelic voice.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

I was disapointed to find that this book covers the same information that is available free with a little searching on the internet. Nothing new or dramatic in this book. It is good information but not worth buying the book for.

This is the book for you, if, like me, your endurance level is about 15 seconds from a soft-start. My partners have often been sympathetic but sexual dysfunction can put a strain on any relationship - it's all very well saying "It's all in the mind", but this does not help when you have coated your underpants by second base. Although I did not get off to a good start with the book... I found the author's compassion and knowledge extremely helpful.

I gave this book to a younger friend when I overheard his girlfriend talking about their checkered sex life recently. When she referred to him as the "Mennen speed stick," I knew just the thing to recommend for his PE problem. So I gave him this book, and it worked like a charm.

This was the first book I read and now I've been singing for two years. This book has a ton of information about your body and the physics of your voice. There is no professional feel to the book at all. It has huge print and goofey pictures. It reminded me of reading in elementary school. I couldn't get the feeling that mark had actually trained pros. Instead I got the feeling that he was just a poor vocal instructor working in a guitar shop or something that decided to put together a book of all he knew. Don't get me wrong, he seems to know a good deal and there's lots of information. I did walk away from the book having more confidence singing then before. I would hope the're are better books available for aspiring singers. Definitly buy this book if you need to know how to protect your voice from damage.

This book is excellent for offering a clear and concise explanation of the physiological process of singing--everything from the state of the body before the first breath is taken, to breathing, to exhale and how the oral cavity affects sound. The presumption is that understanding the anatomy and physical processes involved will help a singer improve their voice. There are also a number of exercises intended to de-program destructive habits to singing and program constructive ones. Also addressed is how our environments affect singing: food, drugs, everything. While Mark Baxter wouldn't do too well in an English class (where the heck was the editor for this one, anyway?) this book seems like a great source of valuable info that many singers unfortunately never attempt to learn.

I read this book 2 years ago and thought it was great. Now I'm just reading it again, and I realise how much more than just "great" that book is. It is a necessity!!! Just get it, NOW!

It's not just another book full of scale exercises. This one goes much deeper into yourself, with that overall concept that a singer is both a musician and its instrument, all in one. And it really helps understanding the instrument better: how your body is going to react to what your mental state is, what you eat, what drugs you do...

Then it also explains how to get rid of all the muscle activity that comes with singing that you DON'T need. So it kinda goes from the principles that everything is already inside you, you just add to many tensions to it making it difficult. Mark is really good at helping you isolate and focus on the simple muscles you'll need to sing, and develop those while getting rid of everything else you do that prevents your voice from going out unaltered......

Another thing I love with that book is that instead of finding yourself practicing hundreds of various scales exercises, but instead you'll know precisely why you're doing a particular exercise, and what it's developing in your body. That makes the whole exercise much more valuable!!!

Get it, read it, and practice. And in two years, read it again. You'll understand how necessary reading material it is for any rock singer.

I loved Tony Orlando since I was a teenager, but this book burst the bubble. I think it was the menage-et-trois, quatre, cinq and all the way to huit that killed it for me among other revelations. The book is a great read, but I'm not sure who outside his fan base would pick it up. He probably was better off keeping some of those skeletons still in his closet. I think the problem here is that he is a womanizer, and probably always has been. Like I said, for a Tony fan, it's interesting, but at the end of it, I'm finally over my crush.

When they say, "My life is an open book" they are talking about Tony Orlando. His honesty is refreshing and gives insight to the kind of person he is. One has to remember that although he is a performer, he is a human being first and is therefore given the right of privacy. He did not have to write this book but I am more than happy he did. He has been my hero since I was eight. At thirty-nine, this book has given me a new respect for the person he is. He is as star-struck as anyone of us which lends to his understanding of his fans - fans he calls friends.

Tony Orlando has been a very dear friend for over 30 years, I first met him in a recording studio on West 48th Street in New York City back in the late 60's. I was visiting some friends at Wind Records, when they gave me a new album by a group called "WIND" that was being released on their new label. They played some of the songs, and what I heard was lead vocals that sound very odd...I later learned it was Tony Orlando singing on the session!

This book from Tony, is one of alot of love,pain,tears,soul searching and the lost of a very dear and close friend (Freddie Prinze) to a gun shot to his head which no one seems to this day understands!

Tony gives his fans, a real up close and inside view of the pain and many pressures as well stress that he has faced. I really could not put this book down,I for one wanted to learn just what Tony was feeling inside...and this book says it all!

Read the book and learn, just what Tony Orlando the man felt and suffered. You will not be disappointed, but be more of a fan of Tony's than ever you were before!

THANK YOU TONY, FOR SHARING YOUR PAIN AS WELL YOUR LOSS OF A GREAT TALENT THAT FREDDIE PRINZE STILL IS!

Readers of Richard Powers's breakout novel, THE GOLD BUG VARIATIONS, already know that no one in contemporary letters writes about music or science with the depth of feeling or grace of metaphor that Powers brings to the subjects. THE GOLD BUG VARIATIONS, Powers's third and breakout novel, conflated J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations with the cracking of the genetic code (as well as with Edgar Allen Poe's story "The Gold-Bug"). Powers returns to music and science in his eighth novel, THE TIME OF OUR SINGING, this time using them as an entryway to reflections on the role of race in the lives of individuals and American society.

Through two story lines that ultimately intersect, the novel recounts the history of the Strom family, a family remarkable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the innate musical talent that finds its greatest --- or at least most public --- outlet in Jonah Strom, a vocal prodigy who makes the singing of chamber music his life and livelihood. Jonah is the eldest son of a Jewish physicist who left Germany to escape the Nazis and an African-American woman from Philadelphia who met on the Mall in Washington D.C. during the historic performance by Marian Anderson on Easter day 1939. Improbably, the two fell in love and their union produced three offspring: Jonah, Joseph --- who narrates much of the novel and is Jonah's accompanist --- and Ruth, who finds her identity in the more radical arm of the civil rights movement and rejects her brothers' love and performance of European music.

The novel's primary concern may be the ways in which racial identity influences the course of a person's life, but along the way, Powers offers remarkable descriptions of music and the process of creating it: "This is how I see my brother, forever. He is twenty; it's December 1961. One moment, the Erl-King is hunched on my brother's shoulder, breathing the promise of a blessed deliverance. In the next, some trap-door opens in the warp of the air and my brother is elsewhere, teasing out Dowland of all things, a bit of ravishing sass for this stunned lieder crowd, who can't grasp the web that slips over them. He touches his tongue to his hard palate, presses on the cylinder of air behind it until his tongue tips over his front teeth with a dwarf explosion, that fine-point puff of tuh that expands, pulling the vowel behind it, spreading like a slow-filmed cloud, to ta to tahee to time to transcend the ear's entire horizon, until the line becomes all it describes. . ."

The nature of time itself plays a key role in the book, as David Strom's scientific theorizing explores that very subject. Indeed, the theories of time he presents in the novel --- rendered as beautifully as the musical descriptions --- lay the groundwork for the one "trick" Powers could be accused of playing on the reader. The plot point cannot be described without revealing too much about the novel's carefully constructed end, but the trick itself is the work of a master illusionist rather than of a literary con man, inspiring wonder rather than disappointment.

Occasionally, the characters -- especially Ruth -- seem somewhat hollow, as discussions about racial identity threaten to become lists of talking points rather than realistic, messy conversations. Still, Powers has created a fascinating family that, through its various members, tries a multiplicity of ways to come to grips with what it means to be black, white or in between. To that end, Powers also conjures up compelling portraits and retellings of historical events, including the delivery of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech, the Watts riots, the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict and the Million Man March.

THE TIME OF OUR SINGING is a lengthy, slow read that does not have quite the narrative force of some of Powers's earlier novels (THREE FARMERS ON THEIR WAY TO A DANCE, THE GOLD BUG VARIATIONS, GALATEA 2.2). Nevertheless, the novel is unfailingly beautiful and the ideas it considers are endlessly fascinating, rendering the journey a rewarding one indeed.

--- Reviewed by Rob Cline

This sprawling family drama weaves together seemingly disparate elements as music, physics, and race relations in mid-20th-century America. Beautifully and lyrically written as befits its musical theme, the main story line is recounted by Joseph, middle child of a German-Jewish physicist and an African-American classically-trained musician, and younger brother and accompanist to gifted singer Jonah.

Music and race define the characters' lives and form the key themes of the story. Sometimes Powers' descriptions conveyed the feeling of being transported by music; sometimes they conveyed the futility of even trying to describe that feeling. As brown-skinned, biracial classical musicians, Joseph and Jonah feel marginal in whatever milieu they find themselves, giving their plight added resonance and allowing for the exploration of the whole concept of race.

A secondary theme of the relativity of time, is woven into the manner in which the story is told. Time moves forward in traditional narrative; it doubles back on itself as the past history of the characters is told; the space between musical notes can last an eternity. The characters seem to dismiss their father's preoccupation with the nature of time even as it is as integral to their life experience as the more obvious element of race.

I give 4 stars instead of 5 because the book eventually becomes overlong and repetitive and because the racial theme at times seemed overplayed. I'm not qualified to judge whether the novel accurately depicts the experience of being black or biracial in America - and even as I type this I recognize that there is no one black or biracial experience. However, it seemed to me that many of the characters' experiences could have been interpreted in terms of other factors such as gender or "American-ness" just as convincingly as race, and that race was too often an easy excuse for family members failure to understand each other. Spend some delightful hours immersed in this book and see what you think.

Smart and thought-provoking history of the past sixty years from the perspective of an intermarried family, using singing as the motif for their triumphs and tragedies. I found the narrator, Joseph, a bit of a vacuum, however, who drifts along in his brother's shadow, and can't seem to find a life of his own, until he switches to tagging along in his sister's shadow. He's a little like the piano player in Shoot the Piano Player, but unlike that character, it's not clear what made him so shell-shocked. It's a little strange that Joseph, the dark-skinned one, should be so unsure of his own identity, unlike his brilliant older brother, who really should be a fish out of water. Jonah, who is light-skinned but not quite white enough to pass for white, and who sings white, European music, has a much surer sense of direction, and no doubts about charting his own destiny. Because both of the brothers are so outside of the mainstream culture, however, living in the world of serious music, there is unfortunately a bit of a Forrest Gumpish quality to the book, as significant events in history are touched upon by people who do not comprehend them very well. Some of the descriptions of these events are very powerfully evoked, however, such as the 60's urban riots, and especially the killing of Emmett Till. If you don't know that bit of our history, read the book for that alone, or look it up elsewhere.