A Different Type of Classical Literature

 

Thirty years ago, President Bill Clinton, declared September to be Classical Music Month saying: "Classical music is a celebration of artistic excellence. Great art endures through the ages, and in the United States, we have embraced that great music and incorporated it into the American experience. Our best art reflects our Nation's spirit—that mixture of discipline and improvisation, the combination of strong individual voices working together at the same time, the bravado, the inventiveness, the dynamism of the American character. Classical music plays in harmony with that energy and spirit to become reinvigorated and reinvented with each new orchestra or chamber group, with every performance that rings out new and fresh.”  (September is National Classical Music Month! WCRB | By Laura Carlo). Various studies over the years have shown several benefits to listening to classical music.  These benefits include stress reduction, improved memory, and pain relief (https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/benefits-listening-to-classical-music/). 

To help you celebrate the occasion, the books listed all have classical music as an element of the story and can even be paired with a "classical music for reading" playlist.

A Very Nice Girl: a novel by Crimp, Imogen

• Anna doesn’t fit in. Not with her wealthy classmates at the selective London Conservatory where she unexpectedly wins a place after university, not with the family she left behind, and definitely not with Max, a man she meets in the bar where she sings for cash. He’s everything she’s not—rich, tailored to precision, impossible to read—and before long Anna is hooked, desperate to hold his attention, and determined to ignore the warning signs that this might be a toxic relationship. As Anna shuttles from grueling rehearsals to brutal auditions, she finds herself torn between two conflicting desires: the drive to nurture her fledgling singing career, which requires her undivided attention, and the longing for human connection. When the stakes increase, and the roles she’s playing—both on stage and off—begin to feel all-consuming, Anna must reckon with the fact that, in carefully performing what’s expected of her as a woman, she risks losing sight of herself completely. Provided by publisher.

The Great Passion: a novel by Runcie, James

• "In 1727, Stefan Silbermann is a grief-stricken thirteen-year-old, struggling with the death of his mother and his removal to a school in distant Leipzig. Despite his father's insistence that he try not to think of his mother too much, Stefan is haunted by her absence, and, to make matters worse, he's bullied by his new classmates. But when the school's cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach, takes notice of his new pupil's beautiful singing voice and draws him from the choir to be a soloist, Stefan's life is permanently changed. Over the course of the next several months, and under Bach's careful tutelage, Stefan's musical skill progresses, and he is allowed to work as a copyist for Bach's many musical compositions. But mainly, drawn into Bach's family life and away from the cruelty in the dorms and the lonely hours of his mourning, Stefan begins to feel at home. When another tragedy strikes, this time in the Bach family, Stefan bears witness to the depths of grief, the horrors of death, the solace of religion, and the beauty that can spring from even the most profound losses"--Dust jacket flap.

Into the Starlight by Cabot, Amanda

"With her career as a concert pianist at an end, Joanna Vaughn comes home to Sweetwater Crossing, widowed and unsure what the future holds when the arrival of a pair of newcomers stirs up a decades-old mystery, a shocking revelation, and the chance for true love"--. Provided by publisher.

The Music Shop: a novel by Joyce, Rachel

"It's 1988. The CD has arrived. Sales of the shiny new disks are soaring on high streets in cities across the country. Meanwhile, down a dead-end street, Frank's music shop stands small and brightly lit, jam-packed with records of every kind. It attracts the lonely, the sleepless, the adrift. There is room for everyone. Frank has a gift for finding his customers the music they need. Into this shop arrives Ilse Brauchmann - practical, brave, well-heeled. Frank falls for this curious woman who always dresses in green. But Ilse's reasons for visiting the shop are not what they seem. Frank's passion for Ilse seems as misguided as his determination to save vinyl. How can a man so in tune with other people's needs be so incapable of helping himself? And what will it take to show he loves her? The Music Shop is a story about good, ordinary people who take on forces too big for them. It's about falling in love and how hard it can be. And it's about music - how it can bring us together when we are divided and save us when all seems lost"-- Provided by publisher.

The Great Passion: a novel by Runcie, James

"In 1727, Stefan Silbermann is a grief-stricken thirteen-year-old, struggling with the death of his mother and his removal to a school in distant Leipzig. Despite his father's insistence that he try not to think of his mother too much, Stefan is haunted by her absence, and, to make matters worse, he's bullied by his new classmates. But when the school's cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach, takes notice of his new pupil's beautiful singing voice and draws him from the choir to be a soloist, Stefan's life is permanently changed. Over the course of the next several months, and under Bach's careful tutelage, Stefan's musical skill progresses, and he is allowed to work as a copyist for Bach's many musical compositions. But mainly, drawn into Bach's family life and away from the cruelty in the dorms and the lonely hours of his mourning, Stefan begins to feel at home. When another tragedy strikes, this time in the Bach family, Stefan bears witness to the depths of grief, the horrors of death, the solace of religion, and the beauty that can spring from even the most profound losses"--Dust jacket flap.

Bel Canto: a novel by Patchett, Ann

Somewhere in South America, at the home of the country's vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of Mr. Hosokawa, a powerful Japanese businessman. Roxanne Coss, opera's most revered soprano, has mesmerized the international guests with her singing. It is a perfect evening -- until a band of gun-wielding terrorists breaks in through the air-conditioning vents and takes the entire party hostage. But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different countries and continents become compatriots. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion and cannot be stopped.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing: a novel by Thien, Madeleine

"In a single year, my father left us twice. The first time, to end his marriage, and the second, when he took his own life. I was ten years old."Master storyteller Madeleine Thien takes us inside an extended family in China, showing us the lives of two successive generations--those who lived through Mao's Cultural Revolution and their children, who became the students protesting in Tiananmen Square. At the center of this epic story are two young women, Marie and Ai-Ming. Through their relationship Marie strives to piece together the tale of her fractured family in present-day Vancouver, seeking answers in the fragile layers of their collective story. Her quest will unveil how Kai, her enigmatic father, a talented pianist, and Ai-Ming's father, the shy and brilliant composer, Sparrow, along with the violin prodigy Zhuli, were forced to reimagine their artistic and private selves during China's political campaigns and how their fates reverberate through the years with lasting consequences.

Gone: A Girl, A Violin, A Life Unstrung by Kym, Min

At seven years old Min Kym was a prodigy, the youngest ever student at the famed Purcell School of Music. At eleven she won her first international prize. And at twenty-one, she found “the one,” the violin that would transform her life: a rare 1696 Stradivarius. Her career soared. She recorded the Brahms concerto and a world tour was planned.

The Ensemble by Gabel, Aja

Four friends navigate the cutthroat world of classical music and their complex relationships as ambition, passion, and love intertwine over the course of their lives.

Every Note Played: a novel by Genova, Lisa

A once accomplished concert pianist, Richard now has ALS. As he 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. This is a masterful exploration of redemption and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness.--Amazon.com

Very Demure, Very Mindful

Sometimes, I can be Very Demure, Very Mindful but more often than not I'm a Goblin. Luckily, we have books for both. 

 

Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday by Sockolov, Matthew

Manage life's daily frustrations with practical & approachable mindfulness exercises. The practice of mindfulness has gone mainstream - but through its newfound popularity, the true meaning of mindfulness has become clouded. The terms "staying in the present" or "being in the moment" are often part of mindfulness practice - but what do they actually mean? What's the benefit? In Practicing Mindfulness, Matthew Sockolov, founder of One Mind Dharma, explains how "being in the present moment is only one aspect of the practice ... Mindfulness may be more completely understood as being present with clarity, wisdom, and kindness." Withing these pages, Sockolov will show you how to cultivate awareness and free yourself from fleeting emotions so you can "hit the pause button, calm yourself, and handle stressful situations with confidence and ease."

Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion by Goleman, Daniel

"WHY WE MEDITATE by Daniel Goleman, the New York Times-bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence and many other books, and Tsoknyi Rinpoche, an internationally recognized and beloved spiritual guide in the Tibetan Buddhist community, presents scientifically backed and time-proven Eastern meditation practices that offer an antidote to the forces of frenzy and stress that awash us"--. Provided by publisher.

Table Manners: How to Behave in the Modern World and Why Bother by Tower, Jeremiah

"An authoritative and witty guide to modern table manners for all occasions by one of the world's most acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs Table Manners is an entertaining and practical guide to manners for everyone and every occasion. Whether you are a guest at a potluck or the host of a dinner party, a patron of your local bar or an invitee at a state dinner, this book tells you exactly how to behave: what to talk about, what to wear, how to eat. Jeremiah Tower has advice on everything: food allergies, RSVPs, iPhones, running late, thank-yous, restaurant etiquette, even what to do when you are served something disgusting. With whimsical line drawings throughout, this is "Strunk and White" for the table"-- Provided by publisher.

Cottagecore Simplified: A Guide to Countryside Charm, Comfort & Happiness by Merriman, Katie

"Imagine this: you have a hot cup of tea and a good book in front of you, the aroma of freshly baked bread in the air as sunlight streams in through the window. Daydreaming of a simpler life? Go back to the basics with Cottagecore Simplified. It might not be practical to drop everything and live out your fairytale fantasy, but it's easy to embrace countryside comfort while coexisting with the modern world--find inspiration in the crafts, décor, and lifestyle tips in this book. This guide is designed to bring peace and relaxation to your life." Publisher's website.

Goblin Mode: How To Get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection, and Thrive in the Muck by Coyle, McKayla

"A goblin-inspired lifestyle guide that focuses on embracing imperfection in areas such as dressing, decorating, foraging, and crafting"--. Provided by publisher.
Do you ever feel gross, chaotic, underappreciated, or like you don't fit in? You might be a goblin! That means that your imperfections and idiosyncrasies are the most awesome things about you, and you can build a more harmonious life by accepting and honoring them. Coyle shows you how to take inspiration from the frogs, fungi, moss, rocks and dirt that goblins love. She includes life advice for celebrating physical and mental diversity, and generally hanging on to a little joy. -- adapted from back cover

Feral Self-Care: 100 Ways to Liberate and Celebrate Your Messy, Wild, and Untamed Self by Em, Mandi

"It's time for a new type of self-care. No bubble baths. No yoga. Just some truly wild-truly effective-ideas and activities that are good for you and your overall wellness. It's time to get feral! Feral Self-Care is loaded with self-care ideas that will actually help nourish your soul and make you feel good. Each entry covers an activity that reconnects you with your authentic self, helping you feel more empowered, free, and confident in embracing this human experience-in all its messy glory. From self-care activities that will have you connecting with nature to those that have you digging deep and exploring your truest self, Feral Self-Care goes beyond the skin creams and face masks to reveal and restore your inner being. You'll find inspired ideas such as: nature sounds ASMR, dancing in the rain, and much more!"--. Provided by publisher.

Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic, and Foraging for Spells, Rituals, and Remedies by Beyer, Rebecca

"Learn how to cultivate your own magical garden, harness the power of herbalism, and better connect with nature through practical and sustainable tips from an experienced Appalachian witch forager"--. Provided by publisher.

*Book descriptions featured are provided by the publishers*