Book Reviews
A captivating tale of passion, love, and loss...in "The Last Concert", Mr. Maynard Turow has given us myriad moments of joy and tears infused with radiant imaginings, where anguish is narrated in such compelling wit and Israel Turow's music is described in such a lyrical style that the reader almost hears it.
A boy aged 5, who knew what he was doing with one of the finest violins made; has bowled me along this narrative and I literally had to re-read a phrase or two or even a page to promise its elegance to my memory.
I don't see why anyone would not fall in love with "Israel Stanley Turow' and wouldn't feel his love for the violin, after reading this magically written; brilliant memoir.
Israel Stanley Turow transited when he was only 32 and lived a long life in a short span. Turow left this world a better-sounding place. "The Last Concert is certainly a very promising true story, vividly inscribed, and is certainly worth a read. I would without a second thought give it 5 stars!
Jiya Ali
A personal and heartfelt memoir
This book is an absolute delight. It is a heartfelt recollection of a young boy's memories about his family's immigration to the United States around the time of the first World War. It focuses on the author's famous father, a virtuoso violin player whose career was unfairly cut short. The writing style is simple, yet engaging, lovingly and often times humorously illuminating all of the characters and family members.
Mr. Turow's attention to detail all these many years later is extraordinary. His vivid description of extended families all working and living together recalls an age of innocence for the author. This book is a pure joy to read, and one that will remain on my nightstand to be read over and over again. It's a solid story that would make for a great movie too.
Dr. Adam Spector
Dad, Can You Hear Me
"Dad, Can You Hear Me" was yet another emotionally gripping read by Maynard Turow that touched my heart from the very first page. Maynard Turow's ups and downs of life, starting from the tender age of seven when the void left by his father's absence becomes a longing to reconnect, to hear his voice again, he has navigated and described the challenges of . childhood and adolescence experiences in such a way that I found absolutely relatable and inspiring. His drive to play football for Baltimore City College and his innocent humor kept me on the edge of my seat, and I finished reading it in just 2 hours! I feel that Maynard Turow is a gifted writer. Like his first book, "The Last Concert," this one, "Dad, Can You Hear Me?" made me laugh and cry simultaneously. He knows how best to describe that just when life seems to settle into a rhythm; it faces a twist of fate that changes everything. Written in a winning and engaging manner, it immerses you in Turow's journey, and you find yourself rooting for his success. For me, what sets "Dad, Can You Hear Me?" apart is its authenticity, his significant accomplishments and events engaging me in thought that I lost track of time, trying to complete the book and read all in one go! Reading about Maynard Turow's life journey and his soulful connection with his father changed my perception; as if he wasn't just authoring a book but re-living his eventful life, which made me effectively re-live mine considering the enduring bond between a father and child. By the book's end, I felt a renewed sense of hope and connection. In short, "Dad, Can You Hear Me" and Maynard Turow's storytelling is captivating, and his ability to convey the depth of his emotions is truly remarkable. I'm still cracking up at the "Quack!" Kudos Maynard!