The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom  371 pp.

This charming story of the life of musician Frankie Presto is enhanced by the addition of real life celebrities from the music industry. Frankie, a Spanish orphan is taken in by a blind guitarist who teaches him to play guitar. When his life is in danger he is sent to the U.S. in the bottom of a boat with his old guitar and six magical guitar strings. He eventually joins one band after another, including Elvis Presley's. Along the way he encounters Hank Williams, Carole King, KISS, and many others. He eventually becomes a pop star but finds his musical life is too much of a strain because his music has life altering effects on some people. After hiding away on an island he eventually returns to the public eye only to die onstage in a miraculous way. The novel is told in flashbacks and includes commentary by a plethora of celebrity musicians who gather for Frankie's funeral. I listened to the audiobook which is the best way to experience this book. Roger McGuinn, Ingrid Michaelson, Paul Stanley, John Pizzarelli, Wynton Marsalis, and others read their respective parts of the novel. 

Hunger makes me a modern girl

Hunger makes me a modern girl by Carrie Brownstein 256 pgs.

Sleater-Kinney always struck me as being a great band even though I never saw them play live.  Founding member Brownstein talks a bit about her childhood and formative years.  Her family, like all others, had their issues and problems.  She was interested in music at a young age but any musical education is unclear.  Did she teach herself the guitar after a few lessons with her neighbor?  Is there more to the foundation of the music the band plays?  It was unclear to me after reading the book.  What was clear is the punishment involved in touring.  As a young unknown band, you have no money, no "help" and spend nights where ever you can find a place to lay your head.  As you start to make it, the schedule is punishing on any "normal" life, relationships, pets, even home ownership.  I've often wondered what it would be like to be on the road and now I think I have a much better understanding.  This book covers the band and we hear nothing about Brownstein's time after aside from her volunteering at a humane society and a horrifying story about the fate of one of her pets.

Any fan of the band or Carrie will enjoy this account.