Book Review: Made by Hand Guitars

Guitars by Patricia Lakin

Guitars
by Patricia Lakin
5 out of 5 stars

This book gives an overview of the history of the guitar and how it was developed over time to include different styles in different cultures, finally including the modern guitar and electric guitar. With paintings and photographs showcased in a colorful design, this book is sure to capture the attention of anyone interested in the guitar!

I like that the design has small paragraphs of text so that it is easy to read and absorb the snippets of information. As a musician, I really appreciated all the music history, the explanations about types of guitars, the nature of sounds for each instrument, and how different styles developed.

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Calendar Review: Guitars

Guitars Wall Calendar 2021 by David Schiller

Guitars Wall Calendar 2021
by David Schiller
5 out of 5 stars
This guitar calendar has cool photos of iconic and interesting guitars. The colors are bright and cheerful, and each month includes facts about the guitar, the stories behind how it was created, or famous musicians who played that guitar model.

I feel like I would be inspired to reach my music practice goals and be more musical in 2021 with these beautiful guitars to look at every day. These include the Prisma Accardo, Gibson Firebird III, and Pagelli Massari models, along with a bunch of other glorious instruments. The designs are so gorgeous!

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Non Fiction Review: Guitar The World’s Most Seductive Instrument

Guitar by David Schiller

Guitar: The World’s Most Seductive Instrument
by David Schiller
5 out of 5 stars
This incredible book has gorgeous photos and information about over 200 guitars and the amazing people who play them. It includes bios on famous guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Maybelle Carter, and even Jimmy Page with his double-necked guitar.

There is a page showing the anatomy of a guitar, and details on how hundreds of beautiful guitars are made by artisans all over the world. There are stats about wood materials, sound quality, and pounds of pressure from the strings.

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Manga Review: Your Lie In April

四月は君の嘘 1
四月は君の嘘 1 by Naoshi Arakawa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kousei is a young pianist who stopped playing the piano when his mother died. When he meets Kaori, a violinist, she sweeps him back into the world of music by insisting that he accompany her in a violin/piano competition. Gradually, Kousei begins to deal with his grief, and finds his way back into living a life with meaning. Although Kaori is wild and full of fun, she is hiding her own dark secret grief.

I have so much love for this series, especially because it is all about musicians, and specifically a pianist. I have played piano and taught piano lessons for more than 20 years, and anything having to do with music is near to my heart. I love how the musicians in this manga are portrayed, full of the love of their artform, full of creativity, and sensitive to beauty in the world around them. Continue reading