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ninetalevixen
"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
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.)
-----------
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
Vivid characters and fascinating stories; an idyllic go-to for whimsical adventures and hilarious mishaps. This is golden childhood in a nutshell.
Fell in love with this story from the start of the prologue (so a really great hook, obviously) and the rest more than lived up to the high standard set. Read it through twice immediately and forgot to record either end date. Bittersweet ending, which was a little disappointing to this sentimental lover of happy endings, but it definitely made sense.
Nate and Ruby in particular are such interesting character studies. As always with Dessen novels, poignant and profound without being sappy; eye-opening and worldview-widening without being preachy.