Review: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Worth reading again while listening to the musical companion playlist in spotify.

As always, my takeaways from the book:

The song gave him comfort. That is often why you come to music, isn't it? To feel that you are not alone. p123

Every loss leaves a hole in your heart.. If he could have unplugged his heart and shut the lights on his memory, he would have. p126

Silence enhances music. What you do not play can sweeten what you do.
But it is not the same with words. What you do not say can haunt you. p147

All lonely roads lead back to music. I embrace you. I forgive you.
I will never leave you.
Can humans say the same? p229

👧 Not everything is a song.
👦 Yes, it is.
👧 Okay. Everything is.
p271

Stop crying. Start playing. p329

One day our secret
Will not be a secret
Because everybody will see
That my secret
Is your secret
I will love you
And you will love me, too.
p336

Music is about communication, see? It's about baring your soul in the notes, telling your tale. That's how you play. p421


First rule of friendship, mates. Learn how to keep a secret. p357

The greatest thing, you'll ever learn
Is just to love, and be loved in return.
p373

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Review: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So I braved to enter the world of Mr. Maguire. I sure missed this genre but proved to be quite a heavy reading for me but I do the love the world of Oz and the characters in it. I might not read another one from his offerings for the year but will include should I finish my 2017 reading challenge.

But first, some quotes:

I'm just trying to behave as I think a friend should behave. p141

Ask me no questions and I'll spell you no lies. p237

I loved you too much to keep in touch. p240

There was so much to hate in this world, and too much to love. p294

Nothing is written in the stars. Not these stars, nor any others. No one controls your destiny. p308

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It's elemental my dear!

Among other frustrations, I wanted to be a scientist.. astronomer or a chemist if you will. However, I was born a romantic so I focused more on boys and love more than my studies and here I am.

I have always wanted to visit the Mind Musuem since it's opened. Bought a fair deal on all-day pass at half price and went with D.

Four hours spent exploring the place, learning and having fun at the same time. Not sure though if we will be back soon. I will have to make a mental note not to miss the science museum on our SG trip.