Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
Today’s feature is a library book I recently borrowed: Every Note Played, by Lisa Genova, a powerful exploration of regret, forgiveness, freedom, and what it means to be alive.
Richard is playing the second movement of Schumann’s Fantasie in C Major, op. 17, the final piece of his solo recital at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. The concert hall is sold-out, yet the energy here doesn’t feel full. This venue doesn’t carry the prestige or intimidating pressure of Lincoln Center or the Royal Albert Hall. Maybe that’s it. This recital is no big deal.
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Friday 56: He remembers thinking, At least I still have my left arm. He glances now at his left hand, defeated and shamed by his side, and he knows what this profoundly simple exercise will look like in three months’ time.
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Synopsis: An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago.
Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still, devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce—his divorce.
He knows his left arm will go next.
Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture from the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn’t moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.
When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard’s muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it’s too late.
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Do the excerpts draw you in? Would you keep reading?
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I’ve heard so much about this book, but I’m not sure I can bring myself to read it. Hope it’s a good read for you.
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Thanks, Catherine, I always hesitate with her books, too, as they are so sad. But usually they are also uplifting.
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This one seems like it could be an interesting story. I hope you like it.
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Thanks, Breana; I often feel a lot of emotions reading one of Genova’s books, and I am sure this one will tug at my heartstrings.
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The Friday 56 quote definitely was intriguing!
My Book Beginnings & The Friday 56
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Thanks, Stephanie, I liked that quote, too. Enjoy your pick.
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Sounds like a great read! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this author, I should give her a read myself soon! Happy weekend!
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I have loved every one of her books so far, Freda; thanks for stopping by, and for hosting.
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This one would be too difficult for me to read. A family friend is a musician was recently diagnosed with ALS.
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Her books do tug at my heartstrings…but I end up also seeing how the author offers uplifting moments. Thanks for stopping by, Roberta.
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I hope you enjoy the book. It isn’t for me. This week I am highlighting The Queen of Sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I hope you are enjoying your pick. I have to be in the right mood for sad stories, but Genova has a way of making hers uplifting, too.
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So tragic! Cannot imagine what they both have to go through. I hope it will be a good read for you!
Ronnie @ Paradise Found
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Thanks, Ronnie, I am looking forward to the uplifting parts!
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This sounds so upsetting! Whilst it probably isn’t for me, I hope you’re enjoying! Here’s mine: https://myendlessshelf.weebly.com/home/the-friday-56-beyond-a-darkened-shore-by-jessica-leake
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Thanks, Kayleigh, I do enjoy how the challenges the characters face are so inspirational.
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This book is on my TBR list so it’s nice getting a little preview! I’m excited to read it once I get my hands on a copy. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Thanks, Dorie, I have loved every book by this author.
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I keep seeing that book.
Love the cover.
ENJOY, and thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I’m eager to read it.
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Sounds like an interesting read. A lot to look into there.
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Thanks, Lisbeth, I think it will be.
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I’m not sure that this book is something I would read? The subject matter is a bit to sad for me. Here is a link to my Friday 56 .
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Thanks, Loreen, I hope it will be inspirational.
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Sounds interesting, hope you enjoyed it!
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Thanks, Stormi, I hope to love it!
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This sounds very interesting. Hope you enjoy it! Have a great weekend! 🙂
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Thanks, Ashley, I’m eager to dive into this one.
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This one sounds like it will be heartbreaking! I love books that have a musical theme. I don’t think that I have seen a book that discussed ALS before. I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
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Definitely heartbreaking. Thanks for stopping by, Candid Cover.
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I like music-related books, and that is a pretty cover too.
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Me, too, Nicki!
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Definitely a book you need to prepare yourself emotionally for before picking up. Happy weekend!
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I agree, Alicia; I expect to feel a lot, but I’m sure there will be uplifting moments.
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I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Thanks, Lauren, this author has never disappointed me. Enjoy your reading!
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