Music & Performing Arts
Making a Scene
By Constance Wu
In one essay of this remarkable memoir, actress Constance Wu admits that her first passion was writing before turning to drama, and thank goodness for us that she found she could do both, because she is an excellent writer and so much fun. This is more than an actor’s journey (although there's plenty of that here to satisfy); it’s a work of art and a call to arms for those who struggle to find their spot in the light. Her humor, intelligence, and empathy shine through this wonder of a book—one that is as important as it is enjoyable. —Melinda
This Is What It Sounds Like
By Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas
This book felt like a crash course in music—the industry, the production, and above all, the science of why we like what we like. If you’ve ever tried to explain to a friend just why sea shanties tickle you so, or why Lizzo is a force of nature, Rodgers and Ogas give you the language and understanding of how your personal taste intersects with music. Complete with fun examples that illustrate different musical terms, this is perfect for the die-hard music lover and for those looking to expand their knowledge. —Jax
Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century
By Jennifer Homans
Jennifer Homans, former professional dancer and bestselling author of Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet, has written a beautiful and compelling biography of dance legend George Balanchine. I was captivated by her ability to paint a picture of the duality of Balanchine’s life—from the terrifying cold and starvation of his childhood in revolutionary Russia to “creating a utopia through dance” through his glorious ballets in America. Mr. B places this deeply private person in historical context while also shining a light on the world he constructed. A magnificent read. —S.B.
Declassified: A Low-Key Guide to the High-Strung World of Classical Music
By Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch
Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch, with both credentials (Juilliard graduate) and witty disdain, speaks plainly about the common perception of classical music being for snobs and addresses the importance of better access to the arts in schools. She is passionate about making the classics accessible, and her strategy of helping people cultivate curiosity and of giving permission to not like whatever you don’t like, is surprisingly successful in demystifying the very broad category of classical music. —Jenny
Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres
By Kelefa Sanneh
Kelefa Sanneh is so intelligent and knowledgeable that you could almost miss his wit and passion. Almost. The fast-paced narrative of his new book Major Labels at first seems to delve into the known annals and legends of modern music (rock, R&B, country, punk, hip-hop, dance, pop), but quickly shows that, in fact, Sanneh is taking us into uncharted waters: In popular music, what was and is actually popular—and for whom? And why? A one-of-a-kind, fascinating, and delightful book for every music fan. —Jocelyn
Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman
By Alan Rickman
I am inordinately excited about this posthumous collection of Alan Rickman’s personal diaries. Between missing his iconic performances, dry wit, and delicious voice, I think I’d read his grocery list, but this book, the curated result of his 25-year passion project, promises to be a true gift, going behind the scenes and into his personal life, sharing his thoughts on acting, politics, his activism and travel, and his everyday life. I can’t wait. —Melinda
The Come Up: An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop
By Jonathan Abrams
Not only a must for any hip-hop fan, this is destined to be an instant classic for all music lovers and historians. Jonathan Abrams’s seminal new book details the rise of hip-hop in the words of those who were there and uses those interviews to pull us into each moment itself. On the streets and at the parties, with the first beats, first rhymes, first flows, turn the pages and live the history of today’s most popular music genre.
—Jocelyn
Maybe We’ll Make It: A Memoir
By Margo Price
If you aren’t familiar with Margo Price or her music yet, let her gravel-pure voice be the background to this powerful memoir. At times hard and heartbreaking, always honest and full of life, the acclaimed singer-songwriter gets refreshingly real with the challenges (and joys) of the music industry, and the grit, love, and dedication to craft, family, and ultimately, self along the way. Her truths somehow make all our stories more real. For my HSBers and KPIGgies out there, this is for you. —Melinda