A Book A Week

Music has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve tinkering with the antique upright piano in our living room. My mom, who had played as a child, encouraged me to explore the instrument, while my dad had his own collection of guitars tucked away, remnants of his younger days playing music. Despite their early connections to music, both of my parents had long since set their instruments aside by the time I came along, leaving them as relics of their pasts.

But for me, those instruments were anything but forgotten. I was captivated when I pressed a piano key and heard the hammer strike the string. That initial curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion. I went on to master the piano, majoring in music in college, and eventually earned advanced degrees in music composition. Even now, my obsession with the craft remains as strong as ever. Music didn’t just shape my life—it transformed it entirely.

When I came across the title of Richard Schoch’s book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, I was immediately intrigued. By his passing in late 2021, the legendary Broadway composer had witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the popularity of his works, with critics and audiences lauding his musicals as masterpieces of the art form. Having enjoyed many of Sondheim’s creations myself, I could see precisely what Schoch was getting at. Sondheim’s musicals are rich with life lessons and thoughtful reflections, making the idea of a book delving into those themes all the more compelling.

In How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, Richard Schoch delves into the legendary composer’s body of work, unpacking the themes behind his music and lyrics while weaving in behind-the-scenes anecdotes that reveal the inspiration and meticulous craft behind each musical. Each chapter focuses on a different production, offering a closer look at Sondheim's creative process. What struck me most was the sheer intentionality with which he approached his art. Every note and lyric served the story for Sondheim, and he wasn’t precious about any of it. He was open to altering lines, composing entirely new sections, and embracing debates with collaborators, all in the name of improving the work.

Sondheim’s career wasn’t without its challenges. While many of his shows are now considered masterpieces, he experienced his share of failures. Merrily We Roll Along, for example, closed after just 16 performances and was met with critical and commercial rejection. Yet, as Schoch highlights, even Sondheim’s perceived missteps were often ahead of their time, with Merrily later reevaluated and celebrated in a successful revival just this year.

Schoch argues that each of Sondheim’s musicals is unified by a central theme, offering the audience a life lesson woven into the production’s heart. Reading this book compelled me to pause, revisit the music discussed, and uncover new layers of meaning in familiar works. It deepened my appreciation for Sondheim and reminded me of the transformative power of art.

At a time when art and its creators are too often dismissed, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is a passionate defense of artistic expression and its vital role in shaping and enriching our lives. It’s a powerful reminder of why new art should be created and shared with audiences eager to connect with it.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 93)

What’s the last book you couldn’t put down? I get through my TBR pile steadily, squeezing in pages whenever possible and ending each day with reading before bed. Still, nothing beats the excitement of discovering a true page-turner—one of those books that demands you keep reading no matter the hour. That’s exactly how I felt with Freida McFadden’s breakout thriller, The Housemaid. I picked it up late one afternoon and found myself utterly hooked, staying up well past my usual bedtime to finish it in the early morning hours.

Millie is no stranger to hard times. After spending a decade in prison, she’s struggling to rebuild her life. With nothing but her beat-up car to live in, some secondhand clothes, and a few slices of bologna to her name, Millie is desperate for a fresh start. But finding work is nearly impossible with a criminal record hanging over her. Even the most menial jobs seem out of reach. Just as she’s about to lose hope, Millie stumbles across a job listing for a live-in maid. Could this finally be her chance to turn her life around?

The Winchester mansion is a vision of perfection, a far cry from the life Millie knows. Nina Winchester, the elegant lady of the house, is flawlessly put together as she welcomes Millie into her pristine home. On the surface, Nina seems to have it all: a luxurious lifestyle, a beautiful daughter, and a handsome, hardworking husband. The interview goes surprisingly well, and Millie is shocked to find herself not only hired but also with a new place to live. Yes, things are finally looking up. 

From the start, though, Millie senses something isn’t quite right. While the Winchester home is opulent in every way, Millie’s attic room is small and bare, with a door that can only be locked from the outside. Nina brushes off her concerns, explaining that the room is usually used for storage. Still, the oddities pile up. Most alarming is Nina herself, whose demeanor shifts unpredictably—one moment lavishing Millie with praise for her work, the next berating her for following Nina’s own instructions. It quickly becomes clear that the Winchester home harbors secrets, and Millie is about to be wrapped up in them. 

The Housemaid delivers everything I look for in a popcorn thriller. It grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the last. While the premise will feel familiar to anyone who reads domestic thrillers, Freida McFadden’s execution sets it apart. The story is sprinkled with red flags and eerie clues, keeping the reader on edge as Millie ignores the warning signs in her desperation for stability. The twists come fast and furious, ramping up the tension with every chapter.

Yes, the plot leans into the outrageous at times, and some scenes—especially those involving domestic violence—are difficult to stomach. But the book’s short chapters and breakneck pace kept me compulsively turning the pages. While somewhat predictable, the conclusion ties everything together in a deliciously satisfying way. Freida McFadden has crafted a bona fide page-turner in The Housemaid, and I was more than happy to lose sleep devouring it in one sitting.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 92)

How do you find your next read? Over the years, I've developed several ways to discover books, but nothing compares to a recommendation from a trusted fellow reader. Since I first began blogging, John Valeri has been one of my favorite and most reliable book-reviewing friends. He's a prolific reviewer, author, interviewer, and an all-around professional reader. He's also among the nicest people I've met in the book world. So when John contacted me about reviewing Marcia Clark's latest true crime book, Trial by Ambush, I jumped at the chance. Even more compelling was the fact that John had helped Clark, his personal friend, with research for the book. Never one to turn down a recommendation from John, especially for a project he was personally involved in, I eagerly dove in.

Marcia Clark is no stranger to high-profile, controversial murder trials. As the prosecuting attorney in the O.J. Simpson case, she became a household name, and her extensive career in law has provided her with unique insight into the world of crime and justice. In recent years, Clark has shifted gears, finding success as a bestselling author of crime novels. When she decided her next book would be non-fiction, she struggled to find a case that genuinely captured her interest and inspired her to dedicate hours of research. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a striking photograph of Barbara Graham, a woman on trial for murder in the 1950s, that Clark knew she had found the perfect subject for her book.

Barbara Graham's early years were marred by neglect and hardship. With little support from her parents, she relied on her striking looks and survival instincts, turning to petty crimes just to get by. Her life seemed destined for a downward spiral, and she appeared to have little power to change that trajectory. But things were about to take a dark turn. In 1953, Barbara allegedly became one of three people involved in an attempted robbery that escalated into the murder of a local woman. The media quickly seized on the case, portraying her as a femme fatale—a woman whose beauty masked a ruthless killer. Yet, there was a significant flaw in the narrative. Barbara maintained her innocence, and compelling evidence supported her claims. Despite this, the media sensationalized the story, and a jury, influenced by the prosecution's relentless drive to convict, ignored the facts and rushed to judgment. What followed was a trial riddled with injustice, where the desire for a scandalous conviction overshadowed the truth.

Barbara Graham's story has been explored before, with her enigmatic trial inspiring several books and even a film. What sets Trial by Ambush apart is the perspective Marcia Clark brings to this infamous case. Drawing on her extensive legal experience, Clark uncovers the truth buried in the court transcripts, revealing the trial’s proceedings in a way never seen before. The result is a riveting and infuriating story of injustice. Having already made her mark in crime fiction, Clark proves her skill extends seamlessly into true crime. Trial by Ambush is a gripping, fast-paced read that meticulously exposes the flaws in Barbara Graham’s trial and the crucial evidence that was unjustly concealed.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 91)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has transformed comic book stories from niche serials into mainstream cultural staples. While I’ve enjoyed my fair share of superhero movies, I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard fan—more of a casual viewer with limited knowledge of the comics that inspire them. Still, when Alex Segura’s publisher sent me a copy of his latest novel, Alter Ego, I was immediately drawn to its premise. Combining the imaginative flair of comic books with the tension of a modern thriller, the story delivers a unique and exhilarating page-turner.

Annie Bustamante has experienced all the highs and lows of being a great artist. She’s been hailed as an auteur filmmaker, a celebrated author, and the visionary behind one of the most acclaimed superhero comics of recent years. Yet she’s also been labeled a hack, a sellout, and countless other disparaging names—par for the course, especially as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry. Through it all, one project has always eluded her grasp. Since she stumbled upon a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a child, Annie has dreamed of bringing the long-forgotten character to life. Obscure and out of print, The Legendary Lynx is known only to die-hard fans, but it remains Annie’s ultimate creative ambition.

The rights to The Legendary Lynx have been shrouded in mystery for decades, but now they appear to be within Annie's reach. She’s wary of the offer's source—Bert Carlyle, heir to Triumph Comics, whose late father long claimed ownership of the character. Her unease deepens when she receives cryptic messages warning her not to trust anyone. To complicate matters further, Carlyle insists on partnering her with a disgraced filmmaker in a risky bid for publicity. Faced with mounting suspicions and her lifelong dream hanging in the balance, Annie must decide how far she will go to make the Lynx her own.

In Alter Ego, Alex Segura delivers a thrilling novel that taps into comic book culture while offering a taut, contemporary suspense story. Annie's quest to balance a career shaped by commercial success and creative dreams immediately drew me in. The novel expertly explores the tension between profit and passion, heightening the stakes as Annie navigates a world where those lines can easily blur.  Although this is a sequel to Segura's 2022 novel Secret Identity, I had no trouble diving into the story and quickly became engrossed in the action. Pages from The Legendary Lynx comic are interwoven throughout the story, adding a unique depth and connection to the world Segura builds. Alter Ego is a fast-paced, captivating thriller that is a pure joy to read. 

For more information, visit the author's webiste, Amazon, and Goodreads, 

(2024, 90)

Bill Clinton remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics. While his personal controversies once dominated headlines, they now seem almost tame compared to the scandals of more recent administrations. Regardless of one’s personal opinion of Clinton as a man, his influence on the political landscape is undeniable. Perhaps even more intriguing than his presidency, however, is what he has accomplished in the years since leaving office. In his latest memoir, Citizen, Clinton offers an illuminating glimpse into his post-presidency life, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.

In January 2001, at just 54 years old, Bill Clinton was at a pivotal crossroads. His second term as President of the United States—arguably the zenith of any political career—had concluded, bringing an end to more than three decades in public service. For the first time in decades, Clinton faced a future without the structure and purpose of political office. Having achieved every career milestone he’d set for himself, he was now confronted with an unfamiliar reality: life as a private citizen.

Clinton's initial post-presidency priorities were dictated by necessity. While his administration had brought economic prosperity to the nation, including a rare budget surplus, his personal indiscretions had created significant political and financial turmoil. Years of costly legal battles left his personal finances in disarray. Clinton turned to the lucrative private speaking circuit, using these engagements to pay off debts and secure his financial future. While the speeches solved his immediate financial woes, they did little to fulfill his desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Fortunately, opportunities to continue his life of service began presenting themselves just weeks after he left office.

Just days after leaving office, an earthquake devastated India, and Bill Clinton immediately sprang into action. Recognizing his unique position—armed with a vast Rolodex of influential contacts and a deep understanding of organizational and policy execution—Clinton saw an opportunity to channel his energy into philanthropy. This moment marked a turning point as he shifted his focus to charitable endeavors that leveraged his skills and connections for the greater good. Over the next two decades, Clinton built an enduring legacy of advocacy and service, redefining his role as a public figure and expanding his impact far beyond the political sphere.

While Citizen chronicles a man grappling with life after the sudden end of a career he dedicated decades to building, it transcends the standard political memoir. Bill Clinton writes with surprising candor about his post-presidency life, offering insights into his partnership with his equally influential wife and her historic presidential campaign, reflections on the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine, and a direct acknowledgment of the conspiracies and controversies that have trailed him throughout his public life.

Clinton is acutely aware of the shifting political landscape, noting how citizens' priorities and societal norms have evolved since his time in office. Now, with the Clinton Foundation’s daily operations primarily managed by his daughter, Chelsea, Clinton seems poised for yet another chapter. He envisions spending his remaining years focused on family, particularly his grandchildren, indulging his love of reading, and savoring the legacy of his service. With this memoir, Clinton projects a man at peace with his place in history and hopeful for what lies ahead.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 89)

For all its cultural significance, Thanksgiving remains surprisingly absent from much of literature, especially when compared to the abundance of Christmas stories that dominate the shelves. Gathering to share a meal and give thanks is a beloved custom for many families. Still, it often glosses over the holiday’s fraught origins—the histories of the Native communities who inhabited this land long before European settlers arrived. In his celebrated 2018 novel, There There, Tommy Orange gives voice to these communities, weaving a poignant and urgent narrative that highlights their stories, struggles, and resilience.

The novel intertwines the lives of twelve characters, each navigating the complexities of their Native American identity while living in the urban landscape of Oakland, California. Through their stories, themes of heritage, belonging, and survival emerge, revealing the challenges of maintaining cultural ties in a world that often marginalizes or distorts Indigenous experiences.

Take Orvil Red Feather, a teenager yearning to reconnect with his roots. With the adults in his life intent on shielding him from their shared identity, Orvil takes it upon himself to learn about his culture. Then there’s Dene Oxendene, an aspiring documentarian committed to preserving Native stories and ensuring their history endures. In contrast, Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield struggles with embracing her heritage, as doing so forces her to confront the painful past that continues to haunt her.

These individuals and others find their lives converging at the Big Oakland Powwow. For some, the event symbolizes cultural celebration and tradition. For others, it becomes the setting for an unforeseen tragedy.

In There There, Tommy Orange crafts a powerful and intricately woven story of a community shaped by the weight of its collective trauma. Initially, juggling the perspectives of twelve characters felt a bit disorienting as I worked to keep track of each individual’s story. However, as their narratives began to intersect, I became captivated by their journeys, eager to see how Orange would bring them together.

The Big Oakland Powwow serves as the novel’s focal point, providing a clear trajectory for the narrative while heightening the tension as the event draws near. What should be a day of cultural celebration is overshadowed by an impending foreboding, adding a gripping layer of suspense. Themes of displacement, addiction, resilience, and community pulse through the novel, framed by a poignant commentary on the enduring consequences of colonization.

The climax at the powwow is as devastating as it is profound, forcing both characters and readers to grapple with cycles of violence and the strength required to endure. There There is a profoundly moving and deeply impactful novel, one that sheds light on stories often overlooked and challenges readers to consider the layered history of the land they call home.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2024, 88)