Review by ohlendorfbe -- Tears and Trombones
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ohlendorfbe
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Review by ohlendorfbe -- Tears and Trombones
[Following is a volunteer review of "Tears and Trombones" by Nanci Lee Woody.]
Tears and Trombones by Nanci Lee Woody is a wonderful narrative of a young man growing up in the middle of the twentieth century, who has a fervent desire to become a musician. As he is described throughout the book, Joey truly has music in his heart and soul from a very young age. His journey through life, with his ever-present trombone, is tragic and triumphant at the same time.
From the time he first learns to play the trombone at a young age, Joey is hooked on music. He grows musically as well as physically, while at the same time suffering in an abusive home where his father is always drinking and cussing and yelling at him, and where his mom tries to be supportive and loving. Throughout his childhood, Joey is constantly disappointed at home but encouraged in school by his music. Finally, breaking loose from the difficulties of his home life, he goes on to the university and beyond, where he meets and plays for many famous musicians – from the members of a major symphony to Frank Sinatra, and even June Carter and Johnny Cash. He plays in symphony halls, circuses, and prisons, each with the satisfaction of a wonderful musical experience.
In the midst of this musical tale, there is a sad and lonely man who loves one woman and marries another. As this love triangle continues, we witness the frustrations of all parties involved. We see how two people can be married but strangers, and how some loves never completely disappear. This all too common tragedy is played out masterfully in Tears and Trombones to its final pages with a nicely staged denouement.
I was enthralled with the characters in this book. Joey is a bit of a type of myself at a young age when learning to play an instrument and struggling with intonations, fingerings, and embouchure. I thrilled with him as he studied music in college with a famous trombonist, and later when he lived out the dreams which were never completely realized in my own life. Joey's parents and brother were very well developed characters who became very real to me as I enjoyed this story. The two women of his life, Donna and Catherine, were wonderfully written and emotive. Last, but not least, was his steadfast and long-suffering best friend, Roger, an accomplished musician himself. Another part of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed was the musical flair written on nearly every page. I often listen to classical music, and I loved seeing how it helped Joey through his many difficulties. The only parts that I didn't enjoy were the semi-graphic love scenes and the profanity, usually from his father.
The realistic plot and characters made reading this book a very enjoyable experience. It brought me to tears and laughter, to fear and satisfaction, to emotional struggles and realized successes. The afore-mentioned profanity and graphic content move me to recommend this book to more mature readers. Despite that, I am awarding Tears and Trombones by Nancy Lee Woody a full 4 out of 4 stars. I only spotted one misspelling in its entirety. Anyone who likes music and performance will truly enjoy the book, as well as lovers of romantic fiction and true stories.
******
Tears and Trombones
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Tears and Trombones by Nanci Lee Woody is a wonderful narrative of a young man growing up in the middle of the twentieth century, who has a fervent desire to become a musician. As he is described throughout the book, Joey truly has music in his heart and soul from a very young age. His journey through life, with his ever-present trombone, is tragic and triumphant at the same time.
From the time he first learns to play the trombone at a young age, Joey is hooked on music. He grows musically as well as physically, while at the same time suffering in an abusive home where his father is always drinking and cussing and yelling at him, and where his mom tries to be supportive and loving. Throughout his childhood, Joey is constantly disappointed at home but encouraged in school by his music. Finally, breaking loose from the difficulties of his home life, he goes on to the university and beyond, where he meets and plays for many famous musicians – from the members of a major symphony to Frank Sinatra, and even June Carter and Johnny Cash. He plays in symphony halls, circuses, and prisons, each with the satisfaction of a wonderful musical experience.
In the midst of this musical tale, there is a sad and lonely man who loves one woman and marries another. As this love triangle continues, we witness the frustrations of all parties involved. We see how two people can be married but strangers, and how some loves never completely disappear. This all too common tragedy is played out masterfully in Tears and Trombones to its final pages with a nicely staged denouement.
I was enthralled with the characters in this book. Joey is a bit of a type of myself at a young age when learning to play an instrument and struggling with intonations, fingerings, and embouchure. I thrilled with him as he studied music in college with a famous trombonist, and later when he lived out the dreams which were never completely realized in my own life. Joey's parents and brother were very well developed characters who became very real to me as I enjoyed this story. The two women of his life, Donna and Catherine, were wonderfully written and emotive. Last, but not least, was his steadfast and long-suffering best friend, Roger, an accomplished musician himself. Another part of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed was the musical flair written on nearly every page. I often listen to classical music, and I loved seeing how it helped Joey through his many difficulties. The only parts that I didn't enjoy were the semi-graphic love scenes and the profanity, usually from his father.
The realistic plot and characters made reading this book a very enjoyable experience. It brought me to tears and laughter, to fear and satisfaction, to emotional struggles and realized successes. The afore-mentioned profanity and graphic content move me to recommend this book to more mature readers. Despite that, I am awarding Tears and Trombones by Nancy Lee Woody a full 4 out of 4 stars. I only spotted one misspelling in its entirety. Anyone who likes music and performance will truly enjoy the book, as well as lovers of romantic fiction and true stories.
******
Tears and Trombones
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Tears and Trombones by Nanci Lee Woody
