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carole
Of Orphans and Harmony
The book is written in the observant style you expect from someone with decades of experience in teaching children and young adults, a calm and detached voice. Her words speak as teacher and as frustrated musician,her other career. Her life as "an orphan" underlies her ability to relate to the other orphans of different varieties in her life. Her story is filled with detail of relationships with some of the many who enter and leave her life according to program. The family stories are observed from a safe distance and the author's running with "quicksilver" anger over her ex-husband or perhaps at life's natural
…more course. The author knows exactly what she wants to say, is talented enough to say it right, and not afraid of saying what most keep private.
Her writing's power and ability to make the reader think is attributed to the characters she writes about, in their way forces of nature in their own right. These include a talented orphan teen who needs much but does not want the pressure of expectation; another whose mind is perhaps deteriorating as he hears voices but exerts a focused energy, a young lover who is full of wonder and hope ethereal sweetness. There is a mix of frustration at how difficult but necessary it is for her to share life with these people was, tempered with a wistful gratitude at being able to in many ways mature and learn to find joy with them in spite of her continuous desire to get in bed and hide under the covers in her trailer home.
The physics interludes are a lovely parallel theme for the story and a nice lesson. I learned a lot about how maturity sometimes does come with aging and that it sometimes means being willing to let yourself learn to accept the moment and enjoy it. In the end we are all orphans. (less)My first impression of this book was that the writer/narrator was going to invite me into her world which would be filled with music, angst, characters and her own transition in life due to her protege, Hallie. It is that, and more. The enjoyment of the characters and the struggles of Pearl, the music teacher, seemed so real I thought she was telling the story to me as it happened. This was an engrossing and enjoyable read!
Cindy
Thought provoking read for any level of musician
After a childhood and young adulthood of piano and flute lessons, and providing music lessons for my own children, I found this book to be interesting and thought provoking. Even for the person who "plays the radio," the banter between the characters about the genius of popular culture musicians, and different styles of music is entertaining and fun.
Although the main character is going through a difficult period in her life, the author gives her a wry and witty sense of humor that I enjoyed. The book was quick to engage, but took me in a direction I did not expect. The angst she explores about talent and true
…more music giftedness, and the love/hate relationship with music and the limits on her ability to create it, was insightful. The story line deals with how music has shaped her choices, perceptions and relationships, in ways both conscious and unrecognized. I'm sure our book club would have a lively discussion after reading this book. (less)The Music Teacher has well-fleshed out, fascinating characters but the book is ultimately unsatisfying because the plot was predictable and unrelentingly melancholy.
Teresa
Entertaining look into the life of a failed virtuoso
The Music Teacher profiles a women who wanted to be a great musician... and her life after she failed to realize her dreams. The book is an entertaining look into one women's personal and professional life- and what happens when she finds one student who really has what it takes. It is easy to read, easy to relate to the characters, and a great read. The end of the book tended to wax a little too philosophical for me, thus the "good" rating. I still enjoyed reading it and gained some insight into why people sometimes choose the careers they do.
Jodie
The Music Teacher
I really enjoyed the musical and spiritual aspects in this book. I am a Christian & a musician and several things she said touched me on both levels. It was a good read and one that I hesitated to put down. I was a little disappointed in the ending. It seemed to all of a sudden veer off into a strange direction. I really enjoyed her use of words and descriptive phrases.
Lori
Achievement and the Definition of Self
The main character in this book, Pearl Swain, seems somewhat unlikable at first glance, self-described as the "mean music teacher." She is the survivor of failed career aspirations, a failed marriage, and seems to be largely going through the motions in her current narrow existence. But then a young, troubled musical prodigy enters Pearl's life and she begins to dream of more for herself, even if it is only through the youth and promise of others. While you may not agree with Pearl's methods or some of the choices she makes, you can't help but root for her to reclaim the music in her life.
Debbie
The Music Teacher
The "Music Teacher" by Barbara Hall is a wonderful exploration of mid-life. The ideas from our youth and how we not only change but prioritize events differently as we age. Pearl thinks she has her life laid out before her and is surprised to find she has to reevaluate and rethink where she is headed.
The book was very readable and I enjoyed it. I'd definitely recommend it my book friends.
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