REVIEW: BEETHOVEN: The Universal Composer

Beethoven by Edmund Morris

Much as I had looked forward to reading BEETHOVEN: THE UNIVERSAL COMPOSER, I found it a little heavier than what I’m used to. There were parts that I loved – like the author’s beautiful, flowing descriptions of Beethoven’s works. Mr. Morris really seems to have a passion for music! I could almost hear the songs as he described them!

And, I found it interesting to see how difficult it must be to write such complicated music! I’ve dabbled in composition, myself, but nothing so extravagant, and I’ve never known the degree of effort that must go into something like the works of Beethoven.

Otherwise, though, I had a hard time continuing with this book. I often found myself wishing I knew more about the musical terms the author referred to – what they meant, what they sounded like, etc.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has studied music, but not to the casual reader who’s just looking for a good book.

Rated: C (average)

REVIEW: THE PREACHER'S DAUGHTER

The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis

THE PREACHER'S DAUGHTER was a slow-moving, but engaging tale about Annie Zook, a young Amish woman coming of age, and her English friend, Louisa.
The pace of the novel, I think, was deliberate -- the Amish live a life that is much slowed down from the life we live. With our Emails and other forms of quick communication, it's hard to imagine life without all of our "conveniences!" But, Ms. Lewis has done an excellent job of showing us the Amish way of life.

I especially liked the little bit of mystery thrown in halfway through the book! I really needed to know how things would turn out!

A great read!

Rating: B (enjoyable)

REVIEW: SWEETWATER CREEK

Sweetwater Creek by Anne Rivers Siddons

A moving coming-of-age tale with beautiful, flowing words that draw you in from the first page!

SWEETWATER CREEK is one of those novels where the characters feel like family and so, reading the last words on the last page is hard because you know you're going to have to say 'good-bye'.

The only thing I disliked was the author's excessive use of the word "unwillingly". There were a few other repeated phrases, but they weren't nearly as overused as this one was. :?

Highly recommend book, though. Very good!