Reading for Me

The Books I Have Read…..Just for Me

Nov 18

On the Mend (Nov. 18, 2024)

by kennithfreeman

After what feels like the longest illness ever, I think I am finally on the road to recovery. I’m still dealing with some lingering congestion and sneezing, but I am definitely feeling better. As a result, I managed to put my nose into a few books this week and got two finishes for my efforts.

What I Finished This Week

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. Once again, Jojo Moyes hit me right in the feels with another excellent novel. Yes, this book was about bullies and self-doubt. It was also about misunderstandings and forgiveness. It was a beautiful look at a dysfunctional family wrapped up in a charming romance. It was everything that I should have hated in a novel that left me much richer for sharing a little time with these powerfully drawn, deeply flawed characters.

No Book Beginners: A Step-By-Step Framework for Creative Piano Teaching by Tim Topham. I’m a little ashamed to admit that this book has taken me several months to complete. It wasn’t because the writing was challenging or that I found the discussion uninteresting. Truthfully, the book is a very fast read. What slowed me down was the fact that I really needed to wrestle with the basic argument and decide where I stood on it. Here’s the basic idea: if we really want to teach young pianists effectively, don’t rush into introducing them to the challenge of reading the notes of the page. Instead, focus on the other elements of music — melody, harmony, rhythm, and sound. Let the students become so engrossed in the music itself and develop a natural curiosity about it. Then (and only then) begin to explore the language of reading music. It’s not how I was trained, so everything in me rebels against the idea. Yet, I have to admit that there is something in the argument that causes me to pause and consider. Topham presents a 10-week framework for these beginning lessons that prepare the student for reading. Am I ready to jump in completely? Not yet….but it has definitely given me something to think about. That’s what we ask from the non-fiction that we invest our time and energy into reading.

What I’m Currently Reading

JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography by Liz McNeil and RoseMarie Terenzio (1:46 of 14:54 listening time). Normally, a 15 hour audiobook would turn me off, but this one caught my eye. I had started listening to Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell on Wednesday, but the topic was much darker than what I had originally anticipated. That’s when I saw this biography on John F. Kennedy, Jr. I have always been fascinated with the man and watched along with the rest of the nation when his plane went down. Honestly, I had planned to listen to a little bit of this book to close out the week and begin with something a little shorter next week. But then I realized this wouldn’t be like other biographies. McNeil and Terenzio have gathered recollections from those closest to the Kennedys to tell the story of John-John from their various perspectives. The result is a story that I cannot get enough of. The recollections of John’s famous salute to his father’s passing casket and his early interactions with other men after his father’s death are spellbinding. While this won’t be a quick read, I am in for the long haul now.

Owning Jacob by Simon Beckett (p. 40 of 343). On Sunday afternoon, I was browsing the Kindle library for a new read. I didn’t want anything too literary. I did want something that would keep my attention from the start because I hope to continue making significant progress in my personal reading as the year draws to a close. This thriller has all the elements I was looking for. The novel opens with the death of Sarah who has left behind her husband Ben and his 6-year-old stepson, Jacob. While sorting through his wife’s possessions, Ben stumbles upon a lockbox that contains Jacob’s birth certificate and newspaper clippings about a child that was taken from the hospital nursery. As Ben continues to investigate, he realizes that Jacob shares the same birthday as the child that was taken! Was Jacob actually Sarah’s son? Or has he unknowingly been part of something far more sinister? As the truth begins to emerge, Ben is now faced with the question of what he should do — reunite his autistic son with his birth parents or continue as though nothing has changed? This novel is absolutely riveting. Since the truth has been revealed so early in the story, I’m anxious to see where Beckett’s storytelling is going to take us next.

biography ebook family saga fiction music non-fiction thriller

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Aug 26

A New Semester is Under Way (Aug 26, 2024)

by kennithfreeman

Last week, the WBU music building was a hub of activity. Students were everywhere it seemed. New music students were finding their way through the halls. Athletes were meeting with my next door colleague for individual conferences to determine eligibility. The school year got off to a start without too much stress.

I also got back to playing this week. After dealing with an injury for most of the summer that effected my right arm and shut me down, it felt good to start playing again. My chiropractor is taking good care of me and gave the all clear to begin playing again — just with the instruction to make sure that I stretch at the beginning of each session and that I listen to my body. The first big test came on Thursday with the fall retreat of the Singing Men of Texas. It was a lot of playing to be sure. By the end of the day, I knew that I had used muscles that had been dormant for a while because I was tired. Thankfully, there was no pain to report — and that’s very good news!

I’m also happy to tell you that I am on a successful reading streak at the moment. At the beginning of the year, my goal was to read at least 10 pages per day. While that sounds like a really small goal, this wasn’t about quantity, but consistency. I especially struggle during the academic year — and the beginning of the semester is often treacherous for my reading. As of today, I have met my daily goal for 29 consecutive days and fully plan to keep it going!

What I Finished

An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers. On Tuesday, I finished the second volume of the Mark of the Lion trilogy. As I have already mentioned, this volume was darker in tone and dealt largely with sickness, pain, and healing. There were moments of tears and moments of pleasure as the book reached its conclusion. In many ways, it felt as though a lot of loose ends have already been tied up. I’ve decided to step aside from Mark of the Lion for a bit to read something a little different for a while.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Artist as Citizen by Joseph w. Polisi (p. 20 of 178). Polisi was president of the Juilliard School for 20 years. This volume is a collection of articles and speeches from his term. While I have read the book before, it felt like a good time to return and turn my attention to arts’ advocacy for a few days.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (p. 195 of 483). Anyone who knows much about my reading life is aware of my love for the novels of Jodi Picoult. I think I have read every book she has published at least once. Every year, I look for the announcement of her latest book and rush to the store as soon as it drops to begin my reading. This year, I pre-ordered the book and it arrived in the mail on Tuesday!

What I enjoy about Picoult’s novels is the way she takes contemporary issues and turns them on their ear, forcing the reader to think about things from another perspective and face their own biases. By Any Other Name is falling a little short for me so far. Here’s why. There is definitely a contemporary issue on the page — the plight of women to have their voices heard in the arts, specifically as a playwright. Where things are failing for me is in the historical fiction set in Elizabethan England. I can tell that it is Picoult’s voice. I understand why she chose this storyline and how it connects to the contemporary story. It just falls flat for me and I don’t think historical writing is where Picoult best shines. I hope that my opinion of the work changes as I continue through the pages. (Let there be no doubt…..I plan to read the novel in its entirety. I’m enjoying the story — I’m just not so captivated by the book that I cannot put it down as I normally am when I encounter Picoult’s writing.)

What’s the Plan?

I hope to finish the Polisi this week. I might get done with the Picoult, but it will all depend on how busy things are in the office this week. I have a Sue Grafton novel on the table to try out next and anticipate having some piano pedagogy resources arriving in the coming week. One of those will probably be my next office read.

Happy reading this week, everybody!

~Kennith

Big Book Summer fiction historical music non-fiction

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Nov 13

The View From My Reading Chair – November 13, 2021

by kennithfreeman

I am slowly returning to my life as a multi-book reader. I don’t necessarily enjoy reading this way, but at times it is necessary. Since I have decided to enroll in a graduate class in January (19th Century British History), I need to get a jump start on one of the four (!) book reviews required in this 8-week course. (Yeah, I’m thinking the professor just condensed his normal 16-week course and decided to have us do all of the work in half the time. Crickey!) So I’m slowly making my way through a historical biography and reading a piece of fluff fiction on the side.

The biography on my side table at the moment is Disraeli by Robert Blake. I must admit that I know very little about Disraeli’s role in British history other than that he ultimately served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Currently, I’m reading about his early life with a special attention to his first novel, Vivian Grey. I’m finding Disraeli an interesting figure to read about and the writing itself is fairly easy to follow. (The same cannot be said for the first book I attempted to read for this assignment. I still don’t really know what I read in the first few chapters of A Mad, Bad, and Dangerous People?: England 1783-1846 by B.A. Hilton!)

When I returned my last book to the local library, I decided it was time to return to My Library Shelf project — I really would like to finish reading that shelf someday! — and picked up two books. Right now, I’m enjoying the last book in Mary Connealy’s The Kincaid Brides trilogy. Over the Edge opens with a stage coach robbery and the discovery that Seth Kincaid’s wife and child — both of which he doesn’t remember — are making their way to Colorado in search of Seth and the benefits of marriage. The situation is made more problematic because Seth has already deserted his young wife once and she does not trust him — but she needs help. A romance that is both a Western and Christian are not my normal fare, but I have enjoyed the previous two books in the series. It’s an easy read so far, so that is a nice change of pace after reading about British history!

biography My Library Shelf non-fiction romance Series update

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Jul 15

#15: A Soprano on Her Hand (Eloise Ristad)

by kennithfreeman

It’s taken a few days to actually get around to writing this review of a book that had long been on my TBR, but I never found the time to pull the trigger. Now that I have read the book, I understand what the fuss has always been about and why it is treasured and lauded by so many musicians. It’s definitely a book that I anticipate revisiting again in the future.

A Soprano on Her Hand is not necessarily intended to be read from cover to cover. It is better described as a collection of essays reflecting on issues that are common to performers of all kinds — performance anxiety, unwanted tension, dialogues with inner judges, forgetting the joy of playing. Ristad writes in a humorous manner balanced with musical authority that is very assessable by all readers. In many ways, the book reminds me of The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green.

I’m glad I read the book. I’ll have to revisit and meditate on many of the ideas presented here in the months ahead. For now, I’m looking forward to getting back to my regular reading of fiction.

music non-fiction

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Jun 25

#13: Mad at the World: A Life of John Steinbeck (William Souder)

by kennithfreeman

After a long wait, I finally read a book over the summer break! I’m thrilled to say that the drought is over and I am once again enjoying my time with my nose in a book. What got me back into the grove? This amazing biography of American author, John Steinbeck.

Mad at the World is not a dry biography at all. Souder examines Steinbeck’s life and world in a conversational manner set against riveting explorations of world events. It is so important that we never forget that artists — authors, composers, painters — are never creating their works in a vacuum. The impact of their surroundings and world events cannot be ignored. Souder did an excellent job of merging the two sides of this complex reality that left this reader wanting even more.

Souder’s biography is not just about Steinbeck’s life and relationships. Souder examines each of the author’s works, providing a brief synopsis of the overall plot without disclosing too many spoilers. I have read many of Steinbeck’s works over the years, but it was nice to have an introduction to some of the lesser known works as well. I’ve added a few of them to my TBR as a result of reading this work. I especially found the discussions between Steinbeck and the staff of Viking Publishing quite interesting.

A fascinating read that has me thinking about future reading projects. I especially found myself interested in learning more about the presidencies of Hoover and FDR. I’ve considered beginning to read biographies of the 20th century men who have held this highest political office. Obviously, the other potential project is reading more biographies of major American authors. While this definitely intrigues me, I can’t come up with a way to put a measurable outline on the project. I need to know where the “end” is going to be in order to declare the project completed.

What’s next on the agenda? I’m moving back into fiction for a bit. I’ve picked up a paperback that grabbed my attention this spring and am now fully engrossed in After the End by Clare Mackintosh. I’ll let you know how it goes!

American author biography non-fiction

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Mar 21

#5: The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate (Tom Brokaw)

by kennithfreeman

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately. That’s an understatement if there ever was one! I’ve been “reading” the same novel — The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson — for over a month. The novel is not long. I just haven’t been able to read. I’ve continued to go through the motions and read for about 20 minutes most days, but the activity has been uninspired and unproductive. What’s worse? I have another book on my iPad that I simply cannot finish. This is not a good thing for my yearly reading goal.

If I’m honest, I’ve been dealing with depression again for the past 6 weeks or so. Nothing has really triggered anything and I am certainly not in such a dark place that I need professional help (yet). I’m just sad, lethargic, and unmotivated. With warmer weather, I am beginning to feel better and at a place where I can actually address the sadness and make moves to change my emotional state when I catch myself getting dark. One of my ways to make sure that I am taking care of myself emotionally is to spend some time pampering myself. So, when I left the office on Friday afternoon, I exited the work email on my phone and decided I would check it once each day. If something really important came up, my colleagues have other ways of getting in touch with me. I scheduled a massage for Saturday afternoon and paired it with a trip to the bookstore and a favorite restaurant. For one day, my only concern was my well-being.

As I went into the bookstore, I didn’t feel the draw to fiction. That’s the normal stuff of my reading life and I needed a change. I began to wander the non-fiction stacks, but didn’t find much I wanted to dive into. This was not the time to explore secrets to happiness or finding purpose for my life. I wanted something that felt real, but that didn’t require me to examine myself. That comes later….

That’s when I stumbled (literally) into the History section and found myself intrigued by all of the Presidential works. Some that immediately caught my eye were massive tomes that I wasn’t ready for. Those would have been a huge commitment. As I was walking away, I noticed a couple of familiar figures on the cover of a book that did not look like an intimidating read at all. I’ve always been fascinated with the Nixon presidency and especially its ending due to the Watergate scandal. Tom Brokaw was my childhood image of the Nightly News. He was someone I trusted to explore the issue with a journalist’s keen eye while keeping his personal opinions out of the dialogue. I was pleased to find that one of my expectations held true.

The Fall of Richard Nixon was a fascinating, fast read. I plowed through the entire work in less than 24 hours (something I rarely do) and enjoyed exploring the situation from Brokaw’s first-hand perspective as a member of the White House press corps during the Nixon administration. The work was filled with insight, humor, and compassion for members of the Nixon White House. While Watergate is still a massive story that I am certain I have not fully unpacked, I feel as though I have a better handle on how America found itself in such a troublesome time within her highest office.

What I found unfortunate in Brokaw’s work were the numerous statements about the Trump administration that were couched within the Nixon story. Some of these were genuinely insightful and worthy of comparison. (Regardless of what side of the political spectrum you lean, no one has ever claimed that either Nixon or Trump were saints.) However, when Brokaw took off on a tangent that stretched for several pages about an article that he discovered in the New York Times — under the fold — while exploring the headlines about Nixon in the Fall of 1973, it became obvious that Brokaw wanted to slander the sitting President (at the time of the book’s publication) at any cost. Brokaw’s exploration of charges against Trump Management Corporation for discrimination against blacks in apartment rentals had no other segue way to the Nixon story. Brokaw returns to the struggles in the Middle East and the resulting oil embargo as though nothing had interrupted the conversation at all. While this was the lengthiest anti-Trump passage, the assaults were peppered throughout the work. If that was the goal, write an exposé on Donald Trump. Don’t hide it within another work about a different President in a different era unless you are at least going to make a connection between the two stories. I must admit that I now know that my trust in Brokaw’s unbiased journalistic integrity was based in naiveté.

What’s on the reading plan next for me? I am going to try to get back into The Kindest Lie this week and see if I can finish it up. If that doesn’t seem to take, I also picked up Becoming by Michelle Obama as another non-fiction option. Here’s hoping that I am coming out of the reading slump.

historical memoir non-fiction

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Aug 1

#20: The Answer Is (Alex Trebek)

by kennithfreeman

Driving back to Texas is always a perfect time to fit in an audio book and increase my annual reading tally. This trip, I opted for a significantly shorter book because I also wanted to catch up on some podcasts that had stacked up on me while in Arkansas. I have long been a fan of the quiz show Jeopardy! and thought that listening to The Answer Is….Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek (read by the author and Ken Jennings) would be a great option.

The book required about 4 hours of my listening time. Most of the book was read by Jennings with a few pivotal chapters read by Trebek himself. Chapters were very short and succinct for the most part. By his own admission in the opening, The Answer Is was not intended to be a memoir. It was simply a look back at some of Trebek’s fond memories and his experiences in television and broadcasting. Perhaps that is where things fell flat for this listener. I found myself hoping for more detail quite often; just as I became interested in a story or recollection, the memory ended and we moved on to the next. In the quiz show, I enjoy the constant shift of topics. In my reading, it leaves me wanting more.

When the book arrived at Trebek’s memories of Jeopardy! contestants, the increased continuity made the listening experience much more enjoyable. I began to sense the rhythm of the book hitting a comfortable pacing. Then Alex basically ended the book as though it was his farewell swan song to his fans and family. It was heart-breaking.

What’s my final take on the book? I still don’t really know. I enjoyed much of it. I feel as though I have a better understanding of Trebek’s life and career. I find myself still having questions. I struggle with the knowledge that this man that I have welcomed into my home for many hours over the years will not be with us much longer if the doctors’ prognosis is correct. So much uncertainty and so many questions have me wondering what The Answer Is.

audio memoir non-fiction

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Jun 13

Catch Up: Books 14-16

by kennithfreeman

It has been on my to-do list for nearly a month to write posts about my last two reads. Now that I finished a third book last night, I came to the realization that I simply had to put something down — no matter how short it is — and give the books some attention. I also want to make sure that I have a record of my thoughts before the reading experience is too far separated. I regret that these tremendous books are being grouped together in a single post, but I feel it is the only way to make sure that they are covered here on Reading for Me.

#14: Grit by Angela Duckworth

I think it was this outstanding book that was causing me the greatest difficulty in reviewing. It is a remarkable work that explores the importance of persistence, patience, and perseverance in the pursuit of success. Duckworth’s writing is very detailed and thorough, but she maintains a manner that is approachable by the careful reader. I especially enjoyed her application of concepts as they were found in the lives of athletes, businessmen, and musicians. There is nothing that I can say here that will adequately express my admiration for Grit other than this — I plan to review the book again in a future reading and strongly recommend that it be read by every student, parent, professor, and professional. I promise that you will be challenged and encouraged by each page.

#15: Naturally Tan by Tan France

While driving back to my native Arkansas a few weeks ago, I decided to devote my time to enjoying the audio book of Tan France’s memoir. What a delightful and insightful way to spend several hours in the car! As most of my followers will already be aware, Mr. France is one of the hosts of the current iteration of Netflix’s Queer Eye. (I have also read the memoirs of Karamo Brown and Jonathan Van Ness.  I look forward to reading similar books by Bobby Berk and Antoni Porowski when they *hopefully* appear.) I enjoyed Tan’s stories from the fashion industry and his journey to stardom. What I found most profound were his candid discussions about race, prejudice, and discrimination. Little did I know that Tan’s openness would resound so clearly in my ears as I watched the upheaval that our nation is currently facing. Simply an exquisite read.

#16: The Sins of the Father by Jeffrey Archer

This second volume of the Clifton Chronicles was just as riveting and well-written as its predecessor. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the novel focuses largely on Harry Clifton’s time in the United States as a convict, serving time for a crime he did not commit. Emma, Harry’s jilted love, travels to America in hopes of finding out what happened to the man she adored when he left British soil. Many of the characters we came to enjoy during Only Time Will Tell reappear and continue their story line. In typical Archer fashion, the second novel of the series ends with a tremendous cliff hanger that leaves the reader wondering what will happen and longing to know how the circumstances will impact Harry, Emma, and Giles. Thankfully, the entire series is published and the next volume sits on my night stand, waiting to be read. The Clifton Chronicles are proving to be enthralling yet do not demand so much brain power that I feel as though I must labor through them. Perfect material for a summer vacation as we all try to recover from the recent pandemic’s strain upon our minds and emotions.

audio fiction historical memoir non-fiction self-help

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Jan 7

#1: Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing and Hope (Karamo Brown)

by kennithfreeman

Here it is….the first review of 2020! Not surprisingly, the first book that I completed this year was an audio book.

Karamo: My Story is the memoir of Karamo Brown, life coach on Netflix’s reboot of Queer Eye. For those of us who grew up with MTV’s The Real World, we first met Karamo there. Things have definitely changed since our first encounter with the author all those years ago.

As I listened to the book, I was immediately struck by Karamo’s honesty and openness. He shares details about his childhood, his early relationship with organized religion, and his struggles with addiction that are startling in their frankness. Yet, it quickly becomes clear that Karamo is sharing these stories in order to help others learn from his experiences. I especially found his discussion of the intersection between faith and his sexuality to be thought-provoking and timely. Quite simply, Karamo sums up his feelings on the subject with three words: “God is Love.” Whether you are interested in the rest of this memoir, this single chapter is worth reading. (I think it was chapter 3…)

As Karamo speaks of his sons and his husband, it is easy to hear his love for them. The level of commitment that he expresses for his marriage is one that many couples in traditional marriages could benefit from. I don’t care what you think about this hot-button topic, Karamo’s proposal story will make anyone believe in romance.

I first began listening to this audiobook simply out of curiosity. Did this man that I watched on television many years ago have anything substantial to say? What I found was a gracious man who is passionate about life and helping others to live theirs in the most honest, fulfilling way possible.

audio memoir non-fiction

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Sep 21

Betty Ford: First Lady, Women’s Advocate, Survivor, Trailblazer (Lisa McCubbin)

by kennithfreeman

Lately, I’ve found myself interested in reading more biographies. I suppose I am enjoying stories of the lives of others who have found success despite the odds. At the end of the summer, I was browsing the biographies in a local Barnes and Noble and the cover of the Betty Ford biography struck my eye. Mrs. Ford, dressed in a green pant suit, sits atop a conference table in the White House with her hands meeting just below her chin. With such an interesting pose, how could I resist reading her story?

What did I know about Betty Ford going into my reading? Very little. First lady who struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and ultimately had a recovery center named after her. That was it. McCubbin’s exploration of this remarkable woman’s life, struggles, and successes opened my eyes to all that this pioneering woman accomplished.

As a young adult, Ford was involved in the performing arts – a dancer who worked with Martha Graham in New York. After marrying her husband, she was quickly thrust into the public eye because of his political career. The Fords found themselves in the national spotlight when Jerry was appointed Vice-President after the resignation of Agnew due to scandal. Watergate would later bring down President Nixon, resulting in Jerry and Betty Ford taking up residence on Pennsylvania Avenue.

While in the White House, Betty was an advocate for women’s rights – most notably her efforts to see the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. Mrs. Ford would battle breast cancer and brought the disease to the attention of the American public with dignity; her transparency and honesty about her diagnosis are credited with an immediate increase in women being regularly screened by their doctors.

The tragedy of her addiction to prescription drugs came at a time when the issue was not spoken of in polite society at all. What began as treatment for an inoperable pinched nerve that caused Betty tremendous pain, turned into a destructive force due to the fact that none of her doctors noticed the lethal combinations being prescribed to Mrs. Ford. After an intervention in their California home by her family and close friends, Betty defeated her personal demons and became clean. Rather than being satisfied with just her own personal sobriety, Mrs. Ford became an advocate for others who suffered and desperately needed help. Her efforts led to the creation of the Betty Ford Center and largely transformed the field of addiction recovery.

What do I think of Betty Ford now? I see her as a loving wife and impressive woman who spoke her mind despite the influence of others. She was incredibly compassionate and looked for opportunities to serve society before we even knew that we needed her leadership. Betty was charming and witty — always the ultimate hostess — who struggled with learning that it was okay for her to take care of herself first. After reading McCubbin’s biography of the first lady, I feel as through I know Mrs. Ford personally. I’m certain we would have enjoyed a laugh together and I would have cherished time spent with her. Our world could use another Betty right about now.

biography non-fiction

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