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Ben Watt recommended Alone at the Vanguard by Fred Hersch in Music (curated)

 
Alone at the Vanguard by Fred Hersch
Alone at the Vanguard by Fred Hersch
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Fred Hersch is a hugely respected jazz pianist who was diagnosed HIV-positive in the 80s. He didn't talk about it publicly until the 90s. Then in 2008, he got very ill, and fell into a coma, which he stayed in for two months. When he came round he'd lost all his muscle memory, which is obviously devastating when you're a jazz pianist. So he had to learn to play again. This record was only made three years later, unbelievably.

I find this album very emotional. It's partly the music, which is very beautiful, but it's partly about what he went through. Having had a heavy hospital experience myself, I know how that can affect you. I managed to get a contact for Fred after he made this, and I wrote to him to tell him how much it had moved me. We wrote to each other for a while after that, which was really special."

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Book Divas (227 KP) rated Jeremy's Story in Books

Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)  
JS
Jeremy's Story
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Set aside some time because the minute you start to read this you won't want to put it down; I read it in one sitting. Grab yourself a box of tissues because you will need them while reading this poignant and at times heartbreaking story. I cannot remember the last time I read a book that touched on so many real life issues and I commend the outstanding job that the author has done here.

 

Jeremy's Story reads like a true story as we come to completely understand and applaud the portrayal of a fifteen year old teen boy who through no fault of his own has HIV. It is powerfully written and contains beautiful and heart felt characters. The message of acceptance, tolerance and of love that are contained within the pages of this book will forever stay with me and I loudly recommend this book to one and all.
 

{I received an eARC when I signed up to host the blog tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}