Review by New York Times Review
FAILING UP By Leslie Odom Jr. (O' Read by the author. (Audible.) The Broadway phenom who originated the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton and won a Tony for it draws on his own life, and success, to offer advice about living to your fullest potential, the radical king By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Edited by Cornel West. Read by Wanda Sykes, Mike Colter, LeVar Burton, Gabourey Sidibe, Danny Glover, et al. (Audible.) West and a cast of many voices want to restore King's identity as a fierce and unyielding social democrat, defender of the poor and working class, in a tradition of political radicalism - it's a different look at the man mostly remembered now for his words of conciliation and peace. in conclusion, don't worry about it By Lauren Graham. Read by the author. (Random House Audio.) The beloved "Gilmore Girls" star expands here on a 2017 commencement speech she gave at her hometown high school, reflecting on her past and giving advice to the young, all the ways to say i love you By Neil LaBute. Read by Judith Light. (Audible.) LaBute, the bad boy of Broadway, presents a one-woman play about a schoolteacher with a secret, struggling mightily with her own guilt. Light, who won plaudits for the 2016 stage production, now picks up the role in this audio version, the last jedi: star wars By Jason Fry. Read by Marc Thompson. (Random House Audio.) For those who can't get enough "Star Wars," this is the official adaptation of the most recent film in the franchise, written with input from the director Rian Johnson, full of portent and force. & Noteworthy "As someone who's been writing about technology forever, I have a strong interest in people who can use lateral thinking and creative problem-solving skills to move the world forward. I'm also a military-history buff, so I'm loving Giles Milton's wellresearched 2016 book, published in the United States as Churchills ministry of ungentlemanly warfare, about the secret British government department tasked with creating new weapons, waging guerrilla warfare and thinking up inventive ways to whack Nazis during World War II. Milton's dry, witty narrative style helps balance descriptions of some ghastly maneuvers, making a pretty lively read. I'm learning about brilliantly mad makers like Cecil Clarke, who developed the prototype for an underwater mine crafted (in part) from a tin Woolworth's bowl, aniseed candy balls, blasting gelatin and a condom - and cost less than ?6 to make. Now that's innovation." J. D. BIERSDORFER, TECH TIP COLUMNIST AND BOOK REVIEW PRODUCTION EDITOR, ON WHAT SHE'S READING.
Copyright (c) The New York Times Company [August 30, 2019]
Review by Booklist Review
Tony and Grammy Award-winning Odom is best known as the original actor in the role of Aaron Burr in the hip-hop musical sensation Hamilton. In this part memoir, part self-help book, he bestows sage advice for aspiring performers, or anyone struggling to pursue a passion. Failing was an integral part of his journey, Odom argues, and he offers specific examples as he tracks down how failure made him the man he is today. When he misbehaved as a student, he ended up bonding with an important teacher. Through a botched mock-commercial audition, he rediscovered his modesty and verve for acting. With wit and honesty, Odom writes in a relatable, straightforward tone. Although Hamilton fans will learn more tidbits about the show, this will mainly help artists in need of extra inspiration and encouragement, especially people of color, as Odom explains how his racial background influenced the roles he played. More than anything, Odom says that artists mustn't quit until they've truly tried, and he embodies what it means to take risks, learn, and succeed.--Hyzy, Biz Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Odom Jr., who starred as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, has written a warm and inspiring reflection on his rise to success, delivering advice to readers plotting their own career paths. He begins with a frank discussion of his upbringing in Philadelphia as a "prideful, mouthy kid" struggling to find an outlet. At 16, Odom had already discovered his passion for theater. He describes the euphoria of landing a temporary role in the Broadway production of Rent and urges readers "to think of your Big Break as an inside job instead of something that you'll find externally. The external world will eventually mirror what you begin on the inside of yourself today." Odom goes on to describe his time at Carnegie Mellon University, the ups and downs of auditioning, and meeting his longtime romantic partner. He eloquently expresses the challenges of being a black actor in a world of predominantly white roles, and his reverence for Hamilton and its multicultural approach to history. Odom offers a multilayered perspective on musical theater, representation, and achieving professional dreams, while urging readers to walk confidently along their own paths to self-discovery. All ages. Agent: Mollie Glick, Creative Artists Agency. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
Musical theater superstar Leslie Odom, Jr., who originated the role of Aaron Burr in the acclaimed Broadway production of Hamilton, advises young people as to how they might follow in his footsteps. Platitudes, some spiritual affirmations, and a cheerful tone permeate the narrative. Star-struck readers and theater fans should be inspired by this autobiographical guidebook. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
