American Hit Radio: A History of Popular Singles From 1955 to the Present

 American Hit Radio: A History of Popular Singles From 1955 to the Present

by Thomas Ryan

Pages: 672

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. 

This work arranges Top 40 hits chronologically. The essays about each one include information on the artist, inspiration for the songs and the cultural context of when the songs came out. The book begins with singles from 1955 since that is when the Top 40 charts came into existence. The book was printed in 1995 so, of course does not include more recent works. If only authors (and their editors) would choose to name books with From (date) to "the Present." Now if only all these facts I've been reading and learning about music and musical theater, would stick in my head and be recalled at the right moment during trivia games, etc.

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is absolutely fabulous, and I would expect nothing less from Becky Albertalli. It's heartfelt and humorous, and it grabbed my attention right from the start. Simon makes appearances throughout the story, which I enjoyed, as he's so lovable and adorable. Leah is pretty different. She's not as cuddly as Simon, but I enjoy how raw and honest she is.

I want there to be so many books like this available that I don't feel the need to point out how great it is to have a well-written YA novel about an overweight girl who is bisexual. Currently, I feel like I still need to keep pointing it out and acknowledging how much I appreciate the diversity in YA novels these days, but I hope that one day, characters like Leah will be so common that all I do is focus my review on how amazing and sweet the story is, regardless of the appearance or sexuality of the MC.

Book 190 read in 2018

Pages: 339

The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling, Brooke S. Passey

 The Only Pirate at the Party 

by Lindsey Stirling, Brooke S. Passey

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Pages: 258

YouTube sensation Lindsey Stirling tells her story in this autobiography. She is a dancing, high energy, electronic violinist. She shares her unusual route to success and her personal struggles. Lindsey is a classically trained musician who, after being voted off the set of America’s Got Talent, went on to have millions of fans. She had to forge her own way after being rejected by talent scouts and music reps. YouTube became her only outlet for her talent and lead her to ten million social media fans, recording two full-length albums, and touring sold-out venues across the world.

Extraordinary Black Missourians: Pioneers, Leaders, Performers, Athletes, and Other Notables Who've Made History by John A. Wright, Sr. and Sylvia Wright

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Missouri TV personalities such as Julius Hunter, news anchor, journalist, and author, musicians W.C. Handy and Count Basie, and politician Freeman Bosley, Jr. are some of the black Missourians who are in this wonderful book.  240 pages.

"Rustic Melody" by Nic Starr

This story focused on two young men at a crossroads in their lives.  Joey Callaway has been working non-stop in his family's small town pub and hotel after his father's death leaves them drowning in debt.  Adam Chambers is a city boy who has taken a year off to travel and try to decide if he wants to continue working in his father's development company.  He doesn't like his father's unethical business practices, but the pressure to stay in the family business is strong.  When Joey finally takes a few days to himself to attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival, he sees Adam playing his guitar and is quite taken.  The two become more than friends and spend their holiday sightseeing and taking in the music, but Joey has to return to the pub when his mother is injured.  Will they ever see each other again?

This was a low-angst, gentle romance between two likable characters who didn't want to disappoint their families.  Joey's mom and Adam's sister are supportive, pushing both men to do what makes them happy.  The book takes place in Australia, which is almost always a plus for any story.  I'd like to read the next in the series.  174 pages (Kindle edition)

Comedians of Country Music by Stacy Harris

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Twelve country musicians could be called the stars of "Hee Haw".  Uncle Dave Macon started his career late in life, but became one of the memorable stars.

Audio:  1 hour, 1 minute
Print:  71 pages

"Resist: Gavin" by Heather C. Leigh

Gavin Walker is a rock star with a demented and dangerous fan who leaves disgusting things where he least expects it.  Mitch Hale is a former FBI agent and profiler who has been hired to bring down the criminal.  Gavin is in the closet due to his record company's fear that he'll lose fans.  Mitch is out but it cost him his former job.  It is hate at first sight for both men.  Gavin is an impulsive brat who can't seem to think two seconds ahead and appears to have no common sense; this obviously drives Mitch crazy.  It was a decent story that kept me guessing the identity of the stalker, but Gavin was a very annoying character.  252 pages (Kindle edition).

Jazz by Gary Giddins and Scott DeVeaux

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Traces and talks about the evolution of jazz. Parishes of New Orleans sparked the fermenting of jazz, later Chicago became a magnet when southerners moved north. Kansas City was hot in the 30’s and LA was in the 50’s, but New York became the focus where jazz matured.

Audio:  29 hrs. 45 min.

Print:  619 pages