by Earnestine Rodgers Robinson Todd V. Robinson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 28, 2013
Offers spiritual sustenance and tells the engaging life story of a barrier-breaking African- American composer.
Robinson’s account of becoming a successful classical composer, co-written with her son, Todd Robinson.
Debut author Robinson chronicles her life as a black woman born in the Deep South at the end of the Great Depression. With no formal training in music, she persevered and overcame countless obstacles to become a classical music composer. Eventually, she stood on stage as her music was performed at Carnegie Hall, and she had a world premiere in Prague. Rather than simply recount dry events, Robinson gives intimate, moving descriptions of her struggles and triumphs. The story begins, when after a screening of a documentary on her life, a random audience member asked Robinson, “How do you pray?” Robinson was taken aback, but then she reflected on God’s role in her achievements. The story doesn’t gloss the real-life elements—such as racism and poverty—but the integral theme is that every life has a purpose; everything happens for a reason, and in the end, we will reach our destination. The author overcame one hurdle after another before she became a notable classical music composer. Although long, the narrative sustains interest since the account is both sympathetic and unpredictable. Robinson believed that God would aid her in her musical and spiritual goals, and she feels that he has. Even though some describe the book as a faith journey, people of all beliefs, backgrounds, and religions may relate to the real life trials and tribulations.
Offers spiritual sustenance and tells the engaging life story of a barrier-breaking African- American composer.Pub Date: Jan. 28, 2013
ISBN: 978-0988655201
Page Count: 310
Publisher: WordText Publisher
Review Posted Online: March 29, 2013
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Share your opinion of this book
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
Share your opinion of this book
More by Ludwig Bemelmans
BOOK REVIEW
developed by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.