"These instruments did have a kind of life, and their breath was a music that still sounded in the air around us."

This book is a fantastic example of how it takes specificity to create a universally relatable narrative. Carhart's writing is friendly, open, knowledgeable without being pretentious; his sheer adoration and fascination for music carry the reader along on this journey. And the balance between facts and human interest is masterful.

I've loved playing the piano since I was little, but honestly never though much about the mechanics or the maintenance of the instrument. But now I definitely need to do a deep dive of my own, because this is all really interesting stuff. (Also, I really miss having ready access to a piano.)

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CONVERSION: 12.8 / 15 = 4.5 stars

Prose: 8 / 10
Intellectual Engagement: 8 / 10
Credibility: 9 / 10
Organization / Structure: 9 / 10

Emotional Impact / Interest: 4 / 5
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 5 / 5