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This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me by Lucy Antek Johnson
Lady Editor by Melanie Kirkpatrick
Almost Happy by Dr. Brian Kaplan and Hephzibah Kaplan
Bars for Days by Mic Nickels

 

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This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me by Lucy Antek Johnson

This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me by Lucy Antek Johnson

Arturo Toscanini, who celebrates his 155th birthday this month, is widely considered the greatest conductor of the modern age and remains a towering figure in the world of classical music. His explosive passions, dynamic music-making and legendary leadership continue to inspire and influence today’s musicians while still captivating new generations of enthusiastic fans.

Here is an intimate musical portrait of the Maestro, told from the perspective of first violinist Samuel Antek, who played under Toscanini’s baton for 17 years in the famed NBC Symphony Orchestra. In this expanded second edition, Samuel Antek’s reflections gain sparkling new facets of insight from his daughter, Lucy, with vivid recollections about her father and his most memorable musical partnership. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3gtaPYA.


Lady Editor by Melanie Kirkpatrick

Lady Editor by Melanie Kirkpatrick

Sarah Josepha Hale was the most influential woman in America for half a century. As editor of “Godey’s Lady’s Book,” Hale was the leading cultural arbiter for the growing nation. Women (and many men) turned to her for advice on what to read, what to cook, how to behave and — most importantly — what to think. She used her powerful pen to promote a woman’s right to an education, to work and to manage her own money.

There is hardly an aspect of 19th-century culture in which Hale did not figure prominently as a pathbreaker. Americans’ favorite holiday — Thanksgiving — wouldn’t exist without Hale. Lady Editor recreates the life of this major historical woman, whose career as a writer, editor and early feminist encompassed ideas central to American history. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ArTLeq.


Almost Happy by Dr. Brian Kaplan and Hephzibah Kaplan

Almost Happy by Dr. Brian Kaplan and Hephzibah Kaplan

It’s a proven fact: We are healthier and happier when we are laughing. Not only is laughter good for our body, mind and spirit, but it can also help us face the uncomfortable challenge of dealing with our personal difficulties.

Almost Happy provides practical and accessible ways to use humor to effect change. Reverse psychology can provoke us to discover, own and enact authentic solutions to many of our issues. Are you ready to read a book that will gently tease you about your issues? Some 114 original buttons and provocative suggestions are offered with a twinkle in the eye and affection in the heart. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3iQFBf6.


Bars for Days by Mic Nickels

Bars for Days by Mic Nickels

In this generational time capsule, the author vividly describes his experiences growing up alongside the hip hop revolution and into the dawn of the Information Age. He recounts early struggles being raised by a single mother affected by the 1980s drug epidemic, his coming-of-age experiences pursuing a career as a rapper and musician, and his travels to exotic destinations such as Egypt, Peru, Japan and Cuba; Nickels provides brilliantly lucid glimpses into times past.

Bars for Days is an inspiring human-interest story that encapsulates the relentless drive of an aspiring musician. Interactions with celebrities from the underground hip hop community provide entertaining anecdotes. But the true story lies in his commitment to family, becoming a long-distance father and dealing with unexpected loss. Purchase at https://amzn.to/31o8E4V.


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