Letters to Yeyito

I recently had the great privilege to see Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers in concert, presenting a tribute to Irakere, the legendary group of which Paquito D’Rivera was also a founding member. In a chapter (letter) dedicated to Chucho’s father Bebo, D’Rivera describes the pianist as "one of my closest friends and collaborators as well as one of the most positive influences on my career.” Even without this connection, I was excited to read this great musician’s own words. I didn’t know this, but “Letters to Yeyito” is not the saxophonist and clarinetist’s first book: he has also written “My Sax Life” and a novel, “Oh, La Habana!” These letters to a lost fan more than stand alone; this is a fully realized book where Paquito shares almost encyclopedic knowledge of the music world. He gives us a history of jazz and especially Latin jazz, including the contributions from Latin America and other parts of the world that are often forgotten in other chronicles. Indeed, one of his goals with this book was just that, and the result is, in my opinion, one of the best music memoirs yet.

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2016

There is a reason this book is so popular, and had been in print and updated since it came out. How can something be so universal, so applicable to all job seekers? That's a big question, but trust me, if you are trying to find a new job, this book will have something that can help you. One example is that job hunters and employers are looking for different things, but their roles are unchanged by time. Knowing and being aware of these things will make a difference in how you can job hunt better. I myself am starting my career right now, and I can see that what he's saying is true and well-analyzed. The author cites quantified success rates of different strategies to help make his point.

Atmosphere of Hope

Climate change must be the biggest challenge facing us now, and will continue to be for at least one hundred more years. I do not know nearly enough about this problem, but I do know we need to take action, and that the best place any of us can start is to learn more. “Atmosphere of Hope” by Tim Flannery is an excellent introduction to many climate issues, and has enough coverage for those already in the know who may want a fuller picture.

Slade House

Now with “Slade House” I am all caught up on David Mitchell’s novels. “The Bone Clocks” blew open my view of the Mitchell-verse, changing my interpretation of his literary world. “Slade House” is most directly related to its predecessor, as it continues the more paranormal/supernatural/science fiction – whatever you want to call it – and is a good follow-up (or maybe even a prequel) as well. The other books, even with all their connections to each other, are more literary fiction, though each is so different in structure and in style. Even within the books there are dramatic changes in voice, setting, and perception.