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Registered Members => Book Talk => Topic started by: 217mom on September 24, 2013, 11:32 AM

Title: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: 217mom on September 24, 2013, 11:32 AM

Seeking a super YA for DD, as her BD is coming. I'd like one with a classical pianist at or near its center.  :music:
I already ordered Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony & Rodrigo Corral.

DD is a wonderful reader, but very critical...

Y'all are so resourceful. Help~~~

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: andracill on September 24, 2013, 11:35 AM

Sara Zarr's latest (Variations on Lucy, I believe is the title).  It's definitely an interesting look at the world of piano prodigies in classical music.

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: 217mom on September 24, 2013, 11:44 AM

*Spot-on*
Just what I was looking for- :thankyou

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: eecoburn on September 24, 2013, 01:16 PM

One I remember enjoying as a teen was The Young Unicorns by Madeline L'Engle. One of the major characters is a classical pianist, and it is important to the story, but the whole story is a mystery/adventure ensemble piece. While the book stands alone, it is part of L'Engle's Austin Family Chronicles, which would give your daughter an avenue into lots of other great books!

Good luck!

Elizabeth

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: rab on September 24, 2013, 06:04 PM

Seconding The Lucy Variations---AND The Young Unicorns (although knowing the Austin family first was what made that book come alive for me).

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: dinalapomy101 on September 24, 2013, 06:04 PM

Yes! Sara Zarr's LUCY VARIATIONS!

And if she's willing to try a classical cellist, try Gayle Foreman's WHERE SHE WENT; classical vocalists, try Sara Bennett Wealer's RIVAL; and classical violin, try Jessica Martinez's VIRTUOSITY. I loved all these, too!

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: rab on September 24, 2013, 06:16 PM

Well, heck, if dinalapomy can bring up other violinists, I'll put in a plug for Virginia Euwer Woolf's The Mozart Season, which I love. (The book, not the season)

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: dinalapomy101 on September 24, 2013, 07:28 PM

Ha! Love it, Rab! :-D

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: mrh on September 25, 2013, 09:19 AM

My mind went to the violinist story, VIRTUOSITY, right away. She may like books about musicians in general. :)

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: Melissa K on September 25, 2013, 10:01 AM

You could try Hilary Smith's WILD AWAKE if it sounds like something your daughter would like. 

And yes, if you're okay with other musical instruments, I'll second the recommendations for THE MOZART SEASON and WHERE SHE WENT.

Title: Re: Can you recomend a great YA with a classical pianist MC?
Post by: 217mom on September 25, 2013, 01:57 PM

You guys (gals... :oops) are amazing.

{DD already tried Hilary Smith's book, which I have an ARC of. I thought it brilliant, but DD objected to the musician's part in it as "completely inaccurate." Sometimes being an insider to a world means you are distracted by the less than faithful.
 details.}

I have what to look for and give now. I feel like  :grouphug2: each and every one of you.