Music Books

When 10-year-old Zoe Elias sees a documentary about the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz, she is instantly hooked. She knows that she wants to play the piano like Horowitz, to be a prodigy and to appear onstage at Carnegie Hall. In Zoe's daydreams, music, fame and really fancy shoes seem to go hand in hand: "And then you lift your hands high above your head and slam them down on the keys and the first notes come crashing out and your fingers fly up and down and your foot --- in its tiny slipper with rubies at the toe --- your foot peeks out from under your gown to press lightly on the pedals. A piano is glamorous. Sophisticated. Worldly."

As usual in Zoe's life, though, her daydreams are worlds away from her everyday existence. In real life, Zoe is just a girl whose best friend has abandoned her, who is ostracized for wearing funky toe socks because, as a popular girl points out, "'Nobody wears socks. Everybody knows that.'" She's not even a girl who plays the piano, because her well-meaning father has bought her a Perfectone D-60 organ. Instead of transforming into a piano prodigy, Zoe struggles to learn the theme songs to "Gilligan's Island" and "Green Acres."

Soon enough, though, Zoe discovers that her organ playing just might be causing some unexpected transformations after all. Her lovable but anxiety-ridden and agoraphobic father, who has always spent his days earning absurd "degrees" through correspondence courses by Living Room University, loves dancing around to Zoe's music, especially when she turns on one of the bouncy rhythm accompaniments. Zoe's playing also earns her the respect of a most unexpected friend, one who might love Zoe despite (or even because of) her dorkiness and who might also help Zoe's dad at the same time. Most importantly, Zoe might just have the chance for that Carnegie Hall moment --- or something like it --- when she enters an organ-playing competition.

The theme of Linda Urban's wise, witty and utterly realistic debut novel is voiced by none other than Vladimir Horowitz himself: "Perfection itself is imperfection." In other words, when you're playing the piano, even if you get every note exactly right, you still won't be making music. In A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT, Zoe learns that in life, as in music, it is possible to accept --- and even embrace --- the flaws in ourselves and those we love.

Zoe's family is particularly realistically drawn, warts and all. Her father, so paralyzed by anxieties that he can barely leave the house, recreates their home environment, down to the tablecloth on the table and the pictures on the wall, when they stay in a hotel. Her mother, a workaholic state controller who believes that everything in life can be reduced to a ledger sheet, breaks Zoe's heart as often as she balances a budget. And Zoe herself can be timid, worried, resentful and suspicious --- but readers will love her, and her loving family, anyway. Zoe's Horowitz daydreams might not come true --- exactly. But she discovers that holding onto those dreams --- and being willing to create new ones --- just might be what she and her family needed all along.

--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

A Crooked Kind of Perfect is a testament to normal families everywhere. Every child has dreams of fame and Zoe Elias is pretty much perfect in that regard. However, dealing with a workaholic mother and an agoraphobic father does not necessarily make for the All American family, or does it?

Zoe does not concentrate on her father's disability nor her mother's dominant personality because in her world they are perfectly normal. In fact Zoe participates in many of her dads Living Room University courses where you can learn any trade from the privacy of your own home.

Through out the book Zoe keeps the readers informed of a variety of Living Room courses her dad takes. Everything from a Golden Gloves Boxing Coach, to the Scuba-Dooba-Do, diving lessons which required him to stay under water for half an hour. "He took the test in our bathtub breathing through a bendy straw. I timed him."

Zoe dreams of being a concert pianist but when her dad buys a Perfectone D-60 Organ which comes with six months of lessons from Mabelline Person, she resigns herself to the fact she will never be able to play at Carngie Hall as a piano prodigy.

However, when Mabelline Person insists Zoe enter the Perfectone O'Rama Organ competition things at school and at home begin taking hillarious turns.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect is a great read for middle grade youth. The chapters are short. Chapter one is two pages and chapter two is only one page. This book is not slap-on-the-knee type of humor but it is full of chuckles and an occasionall laugh out loud.

I think this would make a wonderful book club book. Zoe has the unique situation of having her dad buy her an organ when she actually wants a piano. Urban's diary-like writing style really hooks the reader into feeling empathy for Zoe.

I'm sure most students would be familiar with pianos, but I wonder how many would need to see an organ or at least a picture of one to get an idea of how it works. Much of the story and plot are dependant on at least an acquaintance with the organ, so there would need to be some background knowledge. Zoe plays several classic TV hits from the 70s and I also wondered if young readers would follow what was happening, but I suppose those parts are just funny on different levels of understanding.

Zoe interacts with boys at school and one of them "likes" her. I don't think it is at all inappropriate for 3rd grade or older students. Other complicated issues present are divorce and agoraphobia. It should make for some interesting discussion!

The fictional book, A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Lisa Urban is a wonderful and inspiring book that shows the importance of following a dream. In this book a young girl has a tough time, has much perserverence, and is very brave. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because when i read this book, I felt like i was a character in the book. I recommend this book for girls ages 9-15 because I think they would be able to relate to the story. In the book a girl who wants to be a pianist gets an organ that she doesn't like but plays it any way, then her friend ditches her for a new friend. So the main character makes a new friend who supports her through stage fright. If your interested in buying the book it is $16.00. I recommend it!

Ten-year-old Zoe dreams of performing at Carnegie Hall one day. She thinks pianos are glamorous, sophisticated, and worldly. She'd love to have a grand piano and be taught how to play impressive, difficult pieces by a grandfatherly maestro.

Instead, she gets a Perfectone D-60 organ and six months of free lessons from a woman named Mabelline Person. Instead of Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, or even Frere Jacques, she is given television theme songs from the sixties and seventies. Not exactly glamorous.

Zoe is an only child. Her mother is a straightforward, working professional, a controller for the state who spends a great deal of time a work. Her father enjoys earning degrees from Living Room University, learning how to scrapbook, coach boxing, and pilot a plane - all from the comfort of his own home, using objects he has around the house. After school, before or after her own lessons, Zoe helps her father with his. Sometimes, she delights in his antics, but other times, his errors - like getting her a wheezy organ! - make her cringe. Her goofy classmate named Walker befriends her father and the two bake in the background while Miss Person sets up a metronome and a Hits from the Sixties songbook for an exasperated Zoe.

Zoe's getting frustrated. She's not a prodigy. She's not a concert pianist. But she's also not a quitter. Slowly but surely, she learns how to play the organ and surprises herself with how much she likes it. When she goes on to compete at Perform-o-Rama, winning over her parents is far more important to her than winning a trophy.

With quirky characters and quick chapters, Linda Urban's debut is as close to Perfect as you can get. The humorous writing will satisfy both reluctant and avid readers. From her head to her toe socks, Zoe is a lovable little girl, and her voice rings true. If this book were a song, it would be music to my ears. One of the best books of 2007, in my opinion. Highly recommended.

Lynda is a gifted, talented, blessed artist and DMB fan. To say this book touched my life would be an understatement. Two years ago my then boyfriend purchased Lynda's original "I'll Back You Up" painting for me as a surprise birthday gift. A year after that he and Lynda planned the ultimate surprise for me. After a day long treasure hunt my boyfriend presented me with an original copy of the book, "Dave Dances". I slowly turned the pages, amazed by everything about the book. When I got to the chapter "I'll Back You Up", I froze. There on the page was a picture of my boyfriend, kneeling with a ring, and the words "Will You Marry Me?". I said "YES!" without hesitation. The proposal is now included in the final copy of the book and we will have it with us always. Such a touching gift for such a momentous event.

Two weeks ago we said, "I do" and danced our first dance to "I'll Back You Up". The book now sits on our mantle, directly beneath the painting.

This book truly comes from a place of love and honesty. Every Dave fan needs it and every Dave fan will be touched by it.

I received a copy of this from the author. She is an amazing artist, friend and, most of all, devoted fan of the subject matter. I believe this to be an accurate depiction of the epitome of what it exactly is to be a true fan. The stories on the inside of this book, including the art and the layout is completely amazing. I contributed my own inspired story to this book and I am truly touched by how it was laid out, for all to see and understand just what it is to be inspired by not only music, but a band. Lynda has understood how to depict the "inspired art" through accompanying stories shared by other fans and the flow of the book is one of a kind...I highly suggest curling up with this book, a blanket and a box of tissues because it will evoke an emotion...laughing, crying and, most of all, inspiration...

I love this book-it's so inspiring and it's written for the fans, by the fans. The photographs are awesome as well! I love it!

The art, the photos, the stories...this book is for anyone who "gets it." Lynda is a very talented Artist and Author!!! I love her work and can't wait for more!!! If you love DMB you will love this book!

I was browsing ebay one day and found this book. I contacted one of the sellers (theideaofyou) and had a great expierence. He is also on Amazon.com. I just received my book yesterday and I absolutely love it. I didn't get to read every story, but the feeling you get when you go to a Dave show, I got that just reading this book. I highly suggest to any Dave fan that they purchase this keepsake. The pictures are wonderful. I was lucky to purchase a hardcovered book that is numbered and signed by the author, I am such a sucker for that stuff. I recommend that you purchase the book from the seller : theideaofyou. He added some other little goodies that just made receiving the book even more exciting. If you are a Dave fan, like me, you are gonna love this book!!!!

If you ever found Cooper handsome, this book certain has many photos to entertain and foster this thought.

The hardcover is a must! The narrative inside is perhaps average but if you supplement the book with a bio novel on Cooper you'll certainly feel its well worth the expense. Buy, buy, buy

Well, let me start with what beautiful tribute this book is to her father. Maria Cooper's book is beautiful, but too many of the pictures look posed (Hollywood style). And the pictures that are actually not posed say more in body language about a family that clearly protects the Cooper family image. These people are beautiful, but they are too perfect: clothes, hair, makeup, you know it's all there. One picture I found fascinating, is of the three of them on a beach facing the ocean. Maria and her mom on the left, and further away is Gary Cooper and his body language is quite clear. Hmmm, that definitely was a candid shot. And if anyone is really looking, the beautiful Maria seems to be the glue that kept that family together. There is a gorgeous shot of the three of them in their ski clothes in an old house. Rocky with little makeup is quite beautiful, but Maria and her Dad are the ones in sync in this picture. I don't know, but these pictures show a definite strain in the family relationship far more than I ever realized. With friends, the pictures are happier. I am a fan of Gary Cooper's and always will be. And the fact, that he adored his beloved daughter and she adored him is clearly seen in this book. Maria Cooper shows us a Gary Cooper I have already seen in other pictures other people have taken of him. There really isn't a lot of hugging, and touching, and birthday parties, water fights, and family occasions, events, like most people and other stars have of their lives while children are growing up. I would love to have seen a picture of Mr. Cooper in his overalls in his garden (he was an avid gardener), teaching Maria to do things, showing her how to ride a horse, acting goofy.. Maria Cooper is quite lovely, and this book is wonderful to look at, but I don't really feel anything but a little sadness that she didn't show us more candid and "real" photographs about of her Dad and the family. There was a great deal more to this man than meets the eye. I didn't get too much of a glimpse into that.

The cover photograph, of Gary Cooper spoon-feeding ice-cream to his daughter on the streets of "Hadleyville," is a poignant clue to what follows. Maria Cooper was a girl who lived a very rarified life, and she lets us take a delicious peek at it.

This is a great book for initial insight into Gary Cooper by his daughter. It is very obvious she adored her father. The book is very informative about the personal life of "Coope" with many wonderful pictures, however, the book is more images than writing. The details are only touched on. If you are a Gary Cooper & you want many unseen pictures, this is the book for you...

In a day and age when the children of "the stars" write the most deplorable books about their parents, this book is a wonderfully tender tribute to a true hero. Absolutely refreshing.

This purchase was my second of this book & CD series, as I wore out the last CD. I also have, and use, the DVD available that accompanies this series. I purchased them somewhere between STICK CONTROL and Joe Porcaro's DRUM SET METHOD, and they're part of my routine now. I've only been playing for a little over 2 years, and nothing could replace the best teacher in Atlanta, JACK DUKES, but Jack was the one who showed me this Tommy Igoe course. It covers a little of everything and a lot of some of it, and it's helped me to progress at an accelerated pace and find the things I like most to play. The grooves, minus the drums, are long-playing, longer than some of the other practice CDs I've used that only have short sections. I was 51 when my husband bought me the drum set, so I have to learn fast.

Great resource for serious drummers. I found it a great resource to learn new beats and perfect the old ones. Nothing worse that having a drummer that only knows a few grooves.

I specially like the "world groove" section. I understand the chances of my band asking me to play a Mambo, Meregue, Salsa or Mozambique are slim, but I can use elements from these grooves elsewhere. Definitely recommend.

I would recommend this product but not by itself. You really need the DVD too, because the music is from the lessons but in full length. I'm diggin the variety of grooves and there's something for every drummer whether your just starting out or you think your ready to go on tour!

I've been a drummer for about 20 years now and I found this CD/Book combo to be a very useful practice tool. It starts out providing basic rudiments, fills... which increase in complexity as you move through the book. The book and exercises end with 4 or 5 "charts" which you are required to follow in order to play along with the companion CD. These are not simple songs and the exercises are quite lengthy. The CD/book combo covers a variety of musical styles, tempos and groove. I recommend it for intermediate to advanced percussionists.

This book is full of great beats for all levels. The CD has excellent tracks for developing feel with a band and leaves plenty of room for improv. I highly recommend this book for beginning players all the way to a pro that wants a chart reading challenge.

Great book. Focuses on the origins of their songs as well as the people who influenced them. Fantastic insight into the personal lives and minds. Relates what was happening in their lives and careers with how they expressed themselves in their music. Don't expect to hear much about controversial double intendres, etc. This book is based upon fact and states when conjecture is used. Much of it bears truth when compared to works written by people who spent a lot of time with them (e.g., Hunter Davies). You'll get a feel for how creative Lennon and McCartney really were, how they complimented each other psychologically and musically, and what destroyed Lennon's creativity and band leadership. A must have for any serious student of the greatest pop band in history. I recommend it as a companion book to Hunter Davies biography.

I love The Beatles and thoroughly enjoyed reading about each of their songs. I just wish there was more information! I felt as though some songs barely received any attention. I'm hoping to find a book with more detail.

Turner's book is another essential one about Beatles music. I have read a few of these "about the songs" books, and while another title, Beatle Songs, used to be my favorite, it was nudged out recently by A Hard Day's Write. It feels more substantial, is easier to read, and has some great pictures.

This is a book that focuses on the genesis of the Beatles tunes we know and love so well. It fills in a gap that the other books don't...they are more interested in the recording or instrumental aspects, while this one sticks with comments and quotes by the Beatles and other insiders that explain how and why they chose to write the songs they did. It is more about inspiration.

I love this book because it gives a peak into the minds of some creative geniuses. Reading this book is as close as you will ever come to having the Beatles over for lunch some day and getting the chance to pick their brains over BLTs. This is because the contents of the book are mostly from the Beatles themselves; this book is not just some blowhards interpretation of how Lucy in the Sky stands for LSD. The information is from the horses' mouths (not Henry's) and that is the premier source.

I like a lot of these new-fangled Beatles books. Improvements in technology have allowed new books on old subjects to be printed with more pictures, better quality, and good durability. It has a lot of the same information you can dig out of other books or interviews, but here is is collected and organized for easy access. This is another book that you can read straight though or as time allows. Pick out your favorite albums or songs, or just start from the beginning and see how the music evolved.

I purchased this book for my son-n-law and I almost kept it for myself! This book has a lot of really good photos and very interesting stories. I highly recommend this book!

This was a book that I couldn't put down reading the first time. Now, when I hear a Beatles song and have a question, it serves as a great resource book.

Richard broke the code to playing rock guitar, I was in high school and college in the 70's so that's the Rock Music era I grew up with. I got this book when it came out and if you work the exercises you will be cranking out leads in no time. Soon after I started working on this book friends would stop me and say "how did you do that" It's all in the book and this book changed my life because playing lead guitar is some of the most fun you can ever have.

bought it in the 80's then, lost it.
now i have again.
teaches: know your fret board.

This book is truly a gold mine of information. It helped advance my playing significantly.

This book was recommended to me by a guitar virtuoso with over 25 years of experience. I had tried many, many other books, teachers, and on-line lessons. It wasn't until I got this book that it all started to make sense and come together. Richard Daniels has a great website too: http://www.heavyguitar.com and he has an email ezine you can sign up for! Excellent. Don't pay attention to the date of this book. The method Richard uses is timeless. Devote yourself to this book and you won't be sorry!

Since playing classical guitar for a few years and recently picking up an electric I've been diving into really "getting it" as far as a path for learning and understanding the big picture of what's involved in playing the electric guitar. It's truly a different instrument than the acoustic, and a practice regimen is a difficult challenge to plan. This book, while serving as a great practice reference will give every electric/rock guitarist a complete explanation as well as instruction on the full array of "elements" that will make up your skills not just as a player of a guitar but someone who can work towards "owning" the instrument. From scales, chords, soloing and rhythm, this gives such a clear overview of the art of electric guitar that only now after reading this cover to cover have I found a new inspiration and clear direction on what I need to do to "get there". "There" being the goal of playing with other musicians and improvising knowledgeably.

If you're looking for a book to help make you feel comfortable that you're studying the right things, get this, read it cover to cover and then go from there. Outstanding, a must have. I wish this was the first book I bought on electric. While at first the book will seem rough around the edges from a design and editing standpoint, it will soon become obvious that this is truly a labor of love for the author.

I will add though, that this book should function as the center of the wheel of your quest to learn. Perfect compliments to this volume, for the self taught guitarist, would be a good scales book such as the "Guitar Grimoire Exercise Book", a book on chords and chord theory such as "Chord Chemistry", a method book, in my case classical is enjoyable for learning to read and play music so I'm working out of Noad's "Solo Guitar Playing", and any songbooks you would like to work on songs out of. Another outstanding book I've found indespensable, as have many others is Denyer's "The Guitar Handbook", it's truly a guitar encyclopedia, and explains clearly a heavy amount of theory and technique.

Hopefully this is helpful, I felt compelled to write this review to save those following a similar path as I am the trouble of unecessary purchases or a difficulty finding laser focus on their self taught direction. Good luck!

I frequented the Fillmore almost every Friday night for at least three years. I was looking for an extra gift for my husband (also a former FE attendee) and thought this would be perfect. When it arrived the other day, I could not wait to give it to him. I opened the box and we immediately started perusing the book cover to cover and reminiscing about times that were pure magic and joy. Amalie's photos capture the place inside and out. There were photos from my very first concert -- Santana at the Fillmore in the Fall of 1969 and from other shows that we were lucky to see. It brought back so many memories to the both of us. As an added bonus, when we got to the end of the book, we actually saw a friend in one of the pictures. It was the night of the bomb scare. Lo and behold, there is Joe standing in the crowd outside the theater. This book is a must-have for all of us who were lucky enough to be present at the FE and those of us who wish they could have been a part of it.

I'm sure I'll love this book. Once I receive it. It's been nearly 3 months since I ordered this...Amazon will no longer be the beneficiary of my internet commerce.

Kind of essential lookback to something we'll never see again. All the messiness, sloppiness & amateurism that had me and my pals going all the time to the FE (Friday Night Late Show Only please!). One of few worthwhile rock books.

I love this book. I frequented the Fillmore East 18 times between 1970 until it closed in June of 71. This book brought back so many memories. The Fillmore East was without a doubt the greatest place to see and hear a concert and I miss it. I am glad that I was able to be a part of the Fillmore East - even got to speak to Bill Graham the night of the last public concert. I am very glad this book was put together and anyone who was there will enjoy it. I sure do miss those days - Thanks Amalie!!! Got anymore tidbits - any chance of a Fillmore East Late Show edition?

This book provides a list of the bands playing each night the Fillmore was open! Great historical insight!

I bought this as a prize for my piano students. My son was disappointed to see it go, so I'm going to buy another for my studio. Very fun and interesting facts about composers - great for getting students interested in learning about them.

A pleasure to read this book. I listen to a classical music station which includes interesting facts about the musicians' private lives. One day a guest mentioned that she knew where the host was obtaining these interesting facts. So it is a secret no longer; it's this book. Lives of the Musicians is light reading with approx. 2 pages of facts per musician, so it is not an in-depth look at their private lives; however put it on your "Fun" reading list. It is a highly amusing book and a great source of dinner conversation. Also Check out Lives of the Artists:Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neigbors Thought)

My daughter has been studying piano for two years and she is fascinated by the people who score the compositions she learns to play. In school she learns about a different composer each month and always wants to know more when she comes home. She also has a love for anything historical. This book was a great addition to our reference collection because it reaches her on several levels. We happened to come across it at the library and, after reading a few entries, we decided we'd like to buy it. Lots of bookstores stocked the paperback edition, but only Amazon had the hardcover in stock. This is the kind of book you really want in hardcover so that young children can more easily flip through the pages and study the humorous illustrations.

The book includes entries on 20 musicians from a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and historical periods. The entries are engaging for adult readers, yet accessible for a younger audience. My daughter is six and was totally engrossed in the stories of Chopin, Mozart, Clara Schumann and others. I know we will come back to this book again and again.

This is a great book! My piano teacher checked it out from the library and loved it so much I had to buy her a copy! The illustrations are adorable and the bio's are so interesting. A lot of interesting stories that really give the great masters a very human quality! I love reading about the musicians that I'm currently playing! If you are into music and want to know just how human they really were this is a great book!

My daughter's piano teacher gave her the assignment to read about Mozart as she started her first Mozart Minuet. My daughter was 7 at the time, and although she was reading at above 3rd grade level, I was shocked to find that there was NOTHING available on the internet or in her school library that give her information on composers at HER level. I finally found "Lives of the Musicians" and have actually purchased the book. It's just that good. She is able to read about each composer (for the most part the language is about her level, although she DOES need help with some of the words), and each section is engaging enough to keep her attention.

This book is a must for anyone with a child that wants or is assigned to learn about the great composers.

Fantastic look into the life of Little Edie. This book by Walter Newkirk and his CD as well, give a personal view of Little Edie. Little Edie Live! A Visit To Grey Gardens Both the book and CD show a less quirky and more realistic view of the real woman. It's like those little moments of clarity you see in all other videos or even the stage play, extended into a real life-long relationship with a young man. I was really touched by her impressions of America after 911. The way she was able to pick up a friendship with Walter after being out of touch for years, shows her sincerity. Those of us who are Edie fans, know she was more than a character, she really had a tragically beautiful life. Her devotion to her mother and her free spirit should inspire all of us to find the "Little Edie" in us all. I purchased a few copies for friends and have only been thanked and praised with positive comments. This book is almost like peeking into a personal diary and learning those little secrets that make a person so human and vulnerable. We can all relate to that.

MemoraBEALEia gives you the chance to have another look at the remarkable Little Edie Beale. Walter Newkirk had a friendship with Miss Beale that would make any Grey Gardens fan jealous!

Mr Newkirk's book gives you a glipse into the life of Edie Beale after Grey Gardens. Just when you think she may not have been able to go on after her mothers passing, she began to live. MemoraBEALEia is full wonderful pictures and hand written letters from Miss Beale. This book is a great companion piece for anyone who loves the film as much as I do!!!

Yes, it had a some new things to entice the usual salacient Edie fan - I admit to being a reverent, admiring Grey Gardens ghoul myself - but didn't any of you guys think this slight (91 page) volume was a bit overpriced - even at the Amazon rate? Perhaps if Mr. Newkirk had included his DVD- " Little Edie Speaks" (and even upped the price) I wouldn't have felt a tad short changed.

WORTH WAITING FOR. CHUCKED FULL OF NEW PICTURES AND TIDBITS THAT WE NEVER READ BEFORE. THE PICTURES OF THE ACTUALL LETTERS HAND WRITTEN BY LITTLE EDIE WERE JUST A WONDERFUL SURPRISE AND DELIGHT. IF YOU ARE A GREY GARDENS FAN, OR FANATIC LIKE ME YOU MUST OWN THIS WONDERFUL TREASURE. SCRAPBOOK IS THE PERFECT WORD. THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO UNIQUE AND INTERESTING.

I am a major devotee of the Beales. I try to get my hands on anything I can. I have both CD's,copies of articles written long ago, have seen the Broadway show, can sing the whole original cast recording myself, have read Lois Wright's offering - so, there are my credentials - this book was very interesting for what it is because one wants to find out what happens to Edie after her mother is gone and she is free. It was like picking up on a cliff hanger - but having said that, at 91 pages, (did I know that? I don't know if I knew that) I read the whole thing in an hour - I feel it was far too much money for such a meager compilation - Sorry I went for it and plucked down all that dough!!

If you took the poignancy and moving love story of "Bridges of Madison County", sprinkled some of the spiritual wisdom of Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra, and added the ingredient of heart-tugging romantic music into the mix, you would have something approximating "Midwinter Turns to Spring." Not only did this novel and its music stir feelings in me I've never felt before, but while reading it, I would often close my eyes to ponder and experience the profound truth in the author's words. Alfonso's words, "I find that, in stillness, I am transported to that remarkable place where I can know God and be aligned with his wisdom" were reminiscent of Eckhart Tolle's assertions about being fully present. With stillness comes a knowingness that loving another human being is God's way of affording us "glimpses of His unfathomable love." I was also awestruck by the transcendent definitions of love that the author managed to weave into the dialogue. I've found that they've helped to redefine and liberate my own concepts of love. Brandon's words, "Love is not just a feeling - it is a choice, a commitment, a way of behaving toward another" is a concept worthy of the late Leo Buscaglia's teachings about love, and one that more people should embrace. "Midwinter Turns to Spring" stirred me emotionally and spiritually, and moved me to tears. I'm certain that all who read it will come away with not just another feel-good love story but will savor the same enlightened experience that I've had.

I love "Midwinter Turns to Spring"! I can't remember the last time I cried reading a novel. It made it more special listening to the music soundtrack -- and I cried even more listening to Zendrik sing, especially "La Ultima Vez." The book has given me a renewed sense of hope about love. It is such a touching, beautifully written love story and a feel-good type of book. I fell in love with Alfonso right from the start -- so passionate, caring and loved life so much. Savannah is what every girl can relate to. We have a little bit of Savannah in all of us. And the way the author described every place and thing and feeling was as if I was there. I've been telling everyone that this is a must-read book!! This certainly deserves to be on Oprah's Book Club and I've written an e-mail to Oprah telling her so. This book rocks!

Wow! I just finished reading "Midwinter Turns to Spring" and I can't say enough good things about this novel and accompanying CD. What a literary piece of work! This novel is one of the best love stories I've ever read. The accompanying CD really took me to a whole new level while reading the story! I hope that the author plans to write another piece of work like this one. The author has such a gift for writing. I can honestly say I just became so engrossed in the story I felt like I was watching a movie as I proceeded through the book. What a wonderful idea and interesting concept to incorporate music into the story...I definitely had a deeper understanding and relationship with the characters while listening to the CD. The music is just beautiful. I've played the CD so often my 3-year-old now walks around humming the songs.

"I enjoyed 'Midwinter Turns to Spring' so much -- it was such a lovely story, so believable and so well-written from beginning to end. The characters just came to life for me. Throughout the whole book, I was just riveted to it, and couldn't wait to find out what would happen in each chapter. I'm an artist by profession, and therefore, I loved the art aspect of the story -- it intrigued me and drew me into the world of the characters. I cried on numerous occasions throughout this book, but at the end when I read the letter from Christina to Savannah my heart just broke for them all. Whenever I read books, I usually tell the story to my husband as I go along -- and he got as engrossed in this story as I was. When I finally finished reading the book and was trying to tell him the ending, I just fell into his arms and broke down sobbing. I was so happy with the ending and I just had to fall in love with the character of Alfonso. The whole package is beautifully done -- from the book cover to the companion music CD. It's simply marvelous -- and I told my husband this book needs a big audience, and should be made into a movie -- I'd love to see it come alive on the big screen because the story is so lovely. Maria Veloso is an incredible writer -- I wish she'd write more novels like this."

I just finished reading "Midwinter Turns to Spring" last night! Amazing! This is the best book I've ever read! I did not want it to end! I loved listening to the music soundtrack while reading the book, curled up on my sofa with a glass of wine -- what an unforgettable experience!

I am a fan of Oprah, and have read many of Oprah's book club picks -- and I think "Midwinter Turns to Spring" is very worthy to be a part of Oprah's book club. The messages, emotions, and definitions of love given in this book should be shared with the world.

Maria Veloso is an amazingly talented writer. Before I read this book, I had stopped believing in love because of so many marriages I've seen end up in divorce. This book made me believe that love does exist and is something one can find if one chooses to. This book also strengthened my faith in God and reminded me to trust in him and follow his plan for my life. This book is life-changing -- it certainly changed my views on life. I've recommended this to all my friends and will be ordering more copies to give away as gifts.