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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Okay, this book was great, I enjoyed it a lot. Words aren't going to do this justice. This story really made an impression on me. This is an awesome book as a mystery/thriller and even more amazing and deep as a portrayal of racism. I can't even after reading this book - I mean I know racism is real and I know we all need to do better, but at the same time I can't believe that there are people out there who say and do these things and treat others so poorly just because they're different with the color of their skin - it really is despicable that there are humans that treat other humans as so much less than.
Now onto the rest of the story, this is very well-written and engaging. It kept me hooked and I could not put this down, I almost read this in one sitting - if I didn't have life to live I would have read it all at once. I loved hearing and reading this story with everything in it. I loved hearing about this character, Ray, and his dream to be a violinist and how he went about going to achieve his dreams and succeed despite all those who opposed him or got in his way. I especially enjoyed reading about the family dynamics and about how he came to have his Pop-pop's violin/fiddle that gets stolen. In this story, it illustrates really well that when the chips are down and there are large amounts of money involved you really do find out who's there for you and who's there for the money. The ending made complete sense and at the same time took me by surprise when they found out where the violin was and who had stolen it. I was disappointed and crushed when it was revealed who the thief was in the end.
I highly recommend reading this book. Just as a note though, if you try to avoid profanity, there are some F-bombs in this story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group/Anchor for letting me read and review this very amazing and well-written book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Now onto the rest of the story, this is very well-written and engaging. It kept me hooked and I could not put this down, I almost read this in one sitting - if I didn't have life to live I would have read it all at once. I loved hearing and reading this story with everything in it. I loved hearing about this character, Ray, and his dream to be a violinist and how he went about going to achieve his dreams and succeed despite all those who opposed him or got in his way. I especially enjoyed reading about the family dynamics and about how he came to have his Pop-pop's violin/fiddle that gets stolen. In this story, it illustrates really well that when the chips are down and there are large amounts of money involved you really do find out who's there for you and who's there for the money. The ending made complete sense and at the same time took me by surprise when they found out where the violin was and who had stolen it. I was disappointed and crushed when it was revealed who the thief was in the end.
I highly recommend reading this book. Just as a note though, if you try to avoid profanity, there are some F-bombs in this story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group/Anchor for letting me read and review this very amazing and well-written book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This mystery / Bildungsroman is the story of Ray McMillan, a classical violinist whose 10 million dollar Stradivarius is stolen. It begins with the theft and immediate aftermath, before going back to tell of how Ray got to where he is today. I felt all the emotions while listening to this book: sick at the thought of losing something so valuable; anger at Ray’s mother, a self-absorbed woman who actively tried to discourage Ray from pursuing music, graduating high school, or going to college; comforted by Ray’s grandma Nora who supported him and loved him unconditionally; rage at the blatant racism that Ray experienced at every turn; and hope that Ray would eventually be reunited with his violin. There were parts toward the end that made my palms sweat with nervousness. What an accomplishment for Slocumb to make readers feel all of this and more. The author’s notes at the end are a must-read; I was surprised to find that some of the scenes were based on his own experiences. This mystery is an eye-opening look at what it means to be a Black man trying to make it in the world of classical music.
Entertaining but also implausible — of course, the underdog discovering he has a Strad is unlikely (fun storytelling though! And you’re rooting for Ray throughout) but the idea that someone who practiced violin on an IKEA headboard then had a meteoric rise to a professional level concert career in a very short time, culminating in a silver medal at the Tchaikovsky — need to suspend disbelief.
The overt racism — shocking to read these multiple incidents, and sadly unsurprising that they were drawn from the author’s life. Maybe this book can make a small difference so that some readers don’t assume racist stereotypes.
The overt racism — shocking to read these multiple incidents, and sadly unsurprising that they were drawn from the author’s life. Maybe this book can make a small difference so that some readers don’t assume racist stereotypes.
That was excellent suspense! I guessed the person when it all started but this was still a very good story that unfolded.
A book about classical music and a pricey violin initially did not seem like my speed, but this book is a fun, powerful, exciting ride as we follow Ray’s journey from school rental to $10 million instrument to a ransom for the instrument. Moves quickly, but ensures you empathize with Ray and are invested in him keeping and finding Poppop’s violin.
I BLEW through this book in less than 12 hours and HIGHLY recommend it!!
Synopsis: When Black classical musician Ray McMillian discovers his great grandfather’s violin, an original Stradivarius worth millions, has been stolen from its case, Ray is desperate to find out who the culprit is. Jumping back in time and leading up to the present, you will learn about Ray’s musical career, his family and relationships and continue to ask yourself who stole the violin.
Thoughts: I loved Slocumb’s writing style. He did a great job setting up the mystery, providing relevant background information and integrating facts from the music world from the competitions to the instruments and all the training required. In the author’s note the author talked about his own experience being an underrepresented Black classical musician and how some of the instances of racism Ray faced, were taken from his own life. Seeing this connection, truly enhanced my reading experience and connection with this incredible story. While I primarily read the book and thought the pacing was excellent, I listened to the last 15% on audio. The narrator did an incredible job portraying the emotions depicted in the story and altering his voice during dialogue.
Read if you like:
-Classical music/ the violin
-Own voices and BIPOC representation
-Mystery and suspense
Synopsis: When Black classical musician Ray McMillian discovers his great grandfather’s violin, an original Stradivarius worth millions, has been stolen from its case, Ray is desperate to find out who the culprit is. Jumping back in time and leading up to the present, you will learn about Ray’s musical career, his family and relationships and continue to ask yourself who stole the violin.
Thoughts: I loved Slocumb’s writing style. He did a great job setting up the mystery, providing relevant background information and integrating facts from the music world from the competitions to the instruments and all the training required. In the author’s note the author talked about his own experience being an underrepresented Black classical musician and how some of the instances of racism Ray faced, were taken from his own life. Seeing this connection, truly enhanced my reading experience and connection with this incredible story. While I primarily read the book and thought the pacing was excellent, I listened to the last 15% on audio. The narrator did an incredible job portraying the emotions depicted in the story and altering his voice during dialogue.
Read if you like:
-Classical music/ the violin
-Own voices and BIPOC representation
-Mystery and suspense
I figured out right away who stole the violin. However, I still enjoyed Ray’s journey and I’m glad I read the book.
As a violinist myself, I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Ray’s story and experiences broke my heart. The story is well paced and there was a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. I look forward to reading what Mr Slocumb writes next.
Definitely enjoyed this book. A great surprising story about racial Justice. Also loved reading about classical music which I haven’t been into since my teen years and learned about a very special violin.