Book Review: The Late Starters Orchestra

Book: The Late Starters Orchestra by Ari L. Goldman

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: June 10, 2014

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I really enjoyed reading this, it was a very inspirational and motivational easy going book. The Late Starters Orchestra follows author Ari Goldman as he decides to give the cello another chance (he had been playing it off and on over several decades). He had set a goal for himself that for his sixtieth birthday he wanted to play a musical piece at his birthday party. And that meant that he was going to have to get serious as well as even more diligent with his practicing. The book also contrast Ari's struggle with his return to playing compared to his youngest child, Judah who found it relatively easy when learning to play the cello. In fact Judah excelled with the instrument.

This was a very interesting book because it showed that no matter how old or young you are, one should never give up on their passions no matter what they are.

This was such a well written book, I love how he would discuss his life in journalism as it paralleled with his journey with music. He discussed his accomplishments and setbacks as he progressed and spoke about how supportive and encouraging his wife Shira was even though at times his goal was taking away time with his family. He spoke about his time with the LSO (the Late Starters Orchestra) and some of the friends he has met there. As well as profiles of other late starters he has met along his journey. I found this to be inspiring not just for those who have a love of music (journalism) but for anyone who has a dream or goal they would like to accomplish.

What a wonderful book this was, it was full of humor and wisdom and had me thinking about going back to playing the violin, I used to play when I was younger but with so many other school obligations playing the violin sort of fell to the wayside. That's been one of the things I regret the most but after reading this book I feel like I could give it another try.