The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music
by Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten’s The Music Lesson will challenge the most seasoned musicians to reevaluate the way they think about music and approach performance, though it is also simple and fun enough for any reader to breeze right through.
Each chapter deals with a different aspect of music, such as groove, articulation, dynamics and tone. It is important to note the Groove chapter comes first, even before Notes. Though this is no dry theory text; the storytelling is great and makes the reader want to continue reading the whole thing in one sitting.
How much of it is true, who knows? But the book—written by a man who revolutionized electric bass playing—is an interesting, inspiring and informative read.
One of the best things about my experience reading the book: it was handed to me by someone I barely knew named Michael. That’s true.
Bracken Mayo
In the Presence of My Enemies
by Gracia Burnham, with Dean Merrill
This true story is Gracia Burnham’s firsthand account of entering the Philippines as a missionary with her husband Martin and serving for 17 years before being captured by a terrorist group while at a resort celebrating their anniversary.
Militant Islamic group Abu Sayyaf abducted numerous hostages in May 2011—just months before the infamous terrorist attack on U.S. soil—and the Burnhams remained captive for over a year.
The book is an action packed and emotional story, and deals with hope as well as fear and suffering. It will make the obstacles and inconveniences of most peoples’ lives seem trivial when compared to the year of terror one couple, who was only trying to do good, went through.
Sarah Mayo
I’m Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59
by Douglas Edwards
The book gives readers inside perspective on how Google ascended to the top of the Internet search industry.
There are several analytic and tech-savy books about Google, but I’m Feeling Lucky is rather down-to-earth about the writer’s feelings and experiences. He comes across as a man who knows when, where and how to take risk. His insights are artistic, encouraging and interesting.
Eric DeTorres
The Mars Series
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
In 1911 Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote his first novel, A Princess of Mars. This book was the first in a trilogy that later expanded to a total of 11 books that feature a protagonist named John Carter, a confederate army captain who is transported to the planet Mars. These books are landmark works of science fiction that set the stage for Star Wars and Star Trek, and launched great writers like Ray Bradbury and scientists like Carl Sagan. The entire series is full of adventure, humanity, romance and imagination.
Burroughs became best known for creating a character named Tarzan. Burroughs wrote dozens of Tarzan novels which led way to over 40 Tarzan movies, comic books, radio and television shows and a Disney animated film. Disney is now working on a blockbuster adaptation of the first Mars novel. Be looking next year for the movie John Carter of Mars—but read the books first; you will be glad you did.
Jeff Parnell
The Dragon Who Lives at Our House
Written by Elaine Mitchell Palmore
Illustrated by Norris Hall
Al, The Dragon Who Lives at Our House, starts out as the playful sidekick of a boy’s dad. When Al’s around, Dad acts silly and everyone laughs. The problem comes when Al grows into a bad influence who crowds out the fun and the family.
Norris Hall’s whimsical drawings pair perfectly with this Fresh Fable written by Elaine Mitchell Palmore. Her treatment of even the reality of a father going into, well, treatment is tasteful while remaining honest. Both author and illustrator resist pitfalls of sensationalism and sentimentality. Even the Afterword is uplifting without being saccharine. For a balanced, hopeful look at the issue of addiction through the eyes of a child, check it out.
Cindy Phiffer
The Original Adventure of Hank the Cowdog
by John R. Erickson
One of my favorite books of all times is actually a kid’s book . . . or at least you will find it in the kid’s section of the book stores. It is the first in a series of hilariously funny books that looks at life through the eyes of an old ranch dog named Hank.
The Original Adventure of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson is the first in a series of over 50 books that is guaranteed to make anyone of any age laugh out loud. Don’t be embarrassed that your kids will love it too; it is great fun for anyone!
Jeff Parnell
