Review: A Diatonic Review of Lisa Malabanan's Consonance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 19, 2013
Apparently I failed at hitting the publish button.For that I truly apologize, as I know everyone was looking for a review late last night.I also have to tell you a market story, and as always, try to weave the thread between books and real life. This review will be slightly different than my usual style, and I'll leave you to draw conclusions for yourself. There's always the book blurb and author blurb and buying information at the bottom, and I would highly recommend this book to a wide range of readers, young adults, women, musicians and anyone who has ever questioned their path in life.So that's where we'll start.This weekend is the last International Women's Food & Craft Market, and I'm very excited to have numerous people back and new vendors and food for everyone to enjoy, but today's story needs to be music related. So I'm about to tell you the story behind the piano. (Vendor list and events for this weekend at the link above.)We installed a piano at the market earlier this summer. It was my grandmother's, and became mine after her death a few years ago. I teach piano and voice at Faders here in brandon, but after spending a few years in my house, the piano could no longer be tuned to concert pitch. With an impending move, and a desire to get as much life out of the piano as possible, I donated it to the Global Market to help add to the atmosphere and community aspects of the site.Boy did it every.It's wonky, and out of key, but don't worry - there's a tuning hammer inside it, so if anyone feels the urge to play, and tune while they do it, they're more than welcome. I often tune it a little on Friday nights and play while I'm at the market. It's been a lovely addition, and seeing children walk up and experiment is something every teacher will know is a joy to observe. We've even had the odd person walk by, play a tune and keep on walking. It bring such life and warmth wherever it is, just like my Grandma.Photo by Derek Gunnlaugson, Global Market 2013In my humble opinion, (and clearly biased) I believe we need music in our every day lives. It has saved more people I know from the depths of depression, given more self-confidence, and self-esteem than anything else I've encountered. Last year I had the pleasure of teaching a number of teenage students and the difference between not only their technical skills, but their mannerisms, confidence and more was astounding between September and June.Music can also be a very `sick' world. Especially when fame and fortune begin to play a role. Living in the public eye, no matter what the reason is mentally taxing, and often results in lashing out, and in extreme cases (or perhaps we just hear about it because of our obsession with celebrity), drug use, abuse, and inappropriate behaviour.The book was a timely one for me to read, and I found the story line quite enjoyable. I was annoyed by Elle, but actually, I think that was part of the point. I still loved her character, but it's often the mark of a good author to be able to make one both hate and love the same character at different times throughout the book.I also enjoyed it's somewhat unique layout. I usually read bits and pieces of books at the same time, and enjoyed having many good spots to stop and was easily able to pick it back up and continue reading without having to re-start or re-read pieces.If you didn't get a chance, listed at the bottom of this page is the other posts for Malabanan's tour. Please check them out, and if you only have time for one, read the guest post: Writing, Therapy in Session.The book is worth every penny, and if you love music, you'll love the book too.I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.