Official Review: Writer wannabe seeks brush with death

[Azeline Arcenal]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Writer wannabe seeks brush with death" by Jenna orkin.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Writer wannabe seeks brush with death, by Jenna Orkin, contains a mix of memoirs, anecdotes, poetry, and short stories about events or people that have made a significant impact on the author’s life. From meeting musical masterminds like Rosalyn Tureck to coming across a bear during a camping trip, the author tells it all in this book that is filled with short stories that range from humorous to thoughtful.

Divided into 4 parts, Part 1 is dedicated to musicians who have made a considerable impact on the author’s life. Here, the author talks about her experiences with famous musicians like Rosalyn Tureck and Nadja Boulanger as well as her piano teacher, Miss Laudon. Part 2 consists of interesting characters that the author met during her various jobs, like during jury duty she met and became friends with a princess from Italy. The author also talks about her experience of teaching at Julliard as well as the people she met while teaching there. Furthermore, Part 3 centers around the joys and difficulties of raising a child, which is told in “Gabriel’s Story”, as well as the author’s experience in teaching children English as a second language. Part 4 takes on a darker tone where death is the main subject in the rest of the book, like in the poem about the days following 9/11.

For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the short stories and personal anecdotes that the author described in her book. While I couldn’t really relate to most of her stories about her musical background or the famous musical pedagogues she met because I know nothing about music, I found her stories about her various occupations and life experiences amusing and entertaining. Particularly, I found the story about her family camping trip as well as the section titled “Brooklyn Diary” very humorous.

The author seems to have an extensive musical background so when she describes things that are musically related, I automatically draw a blank since I have no musical background. So, the only complaint I have about his book was that I had to Google whatever word or composer the author mentioned so I can get a good grasp of the story. I think the author should have explained some of the musical terms to help those, like me, who absolutely know nothing about music.

Overall, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. While I really enjoyed reading about the various people that the author has met during her life as well as the vast amount of events that she has experienced, I think the author should have elaborated more on some of the musical terms in the book. I also came across a couple of grammatical errors, but they didn’t detract from the book. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading books filled with short stories, memoirs, and anecdotes.

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Writer wannabe seeks brush with death
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Like ZenaLei7's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kandscreeley]

It sounds like there's quite a variety here. The four different parts are somewhat confusing to me. They don't have anything to do with one another, really; but, I guess that's why they are parts. I'm not sure if I'd enjoy this, but I do appreciate the review. Thanks.

[Jessacardinal]

Each person who comes into our lives has their own individual effect on us. It seems the author has touched on this by writing about each influential person in a style fitting with that particular relationship. I am concerned that the final part of the book focuses on such a dark season of life. It leads me to believe the book must end on a sad note.

[Rose Harebate]

The book with amusing and entertaining stories is my cup of tea. Might as well give it a try. Thanks for a nice review.