Modern Singer Book Club: November
What time is it? Book club time! We've cultivated a list of books in four categories: For the Betterment of Humanity, books that are relevant to growing our knowledge of the people around us; For Thought, books that have been turned into operas; For Growth, books about music and the industry; and For Learning, to learn something outside of the music industry. This month, we're focusing on taking care of ourselves. Whether you're a self-care pro or just enjoy a good bubble bath, we've got you covered! If you're looking to shop these books and support BIPOC-owned small businesses, click here. Looking to support local bookstores online? Click here.
For the Betterment of Humanity
All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
"The word 'love' is most often defined as a noun, yet we would all love better if we used it as a verb," Bell Hooks writes. Throughout her provocative and intensely personal writing, this renowned scholar, cultural critic, and feminist redefines our view of the word love in a way that differs from something that can only be linked to romance. In its place, she eloquently offers a proactive new ethic for a society that is plagued with lovelessness. Hooks uses her razor-sharp wit to explore what love is while examining her own search for emotional connections and society's deficiency in providing a realistic model to learn more from.
Redesigning from the cultural paradigm that the ideal form of love can only be achieved through romance and physical connection, Hooks offers a new path towards a love that is sacred, redemptive, and healing not only for individuals but for society as a whole. This book offers essential reading about how we think about love, culture, and one another. Hooks highlights radical but straightforward considerations of the way interconnectedness manifests in both our intimate and public lives. One review states, “She reminds us that life should be rooted in love. It's impossible to be racist if you're living accordingly.”
For Thought
Whether you already know about the gentle yet flawed Candide and his laughing Cunegonde or not, Candide is a must-read for all performers. Follow the story of young Candide as he is smacked about every which way by fate while clinging desperately to the belief that he lives in "the best of all possible worlds." When you read it in full, this seemingly whimsical eighteenth-century tale turns into a savage satire of the philosophical optimism that claims all human suffering comes from some sort of benevolent cosmic plan. Alive with wit, brilliance, and graceful storytelling, Candide has become Voltaire's most celebrated work. The French philosopher's outrageous and immortal narrative takes Candide around the world to discover that, contrary to the beliefs of his distinguished tutor, Dr. Pangloss, all is not always for the best.
For Growth
Do you have questions you'd like to ask a professional but don't have the time to make an appointment with your ENT? While this book isn't a substitute for medical information, Dr. Jahn is a wonderful resource for your day-to-day questions. Dr. Anthony F. Jahn (MD, FACS, FRCS(C) is an internationally renowned otolaryngologist based in Manhattan with a sub-specialty in the professional voice. His practice includes classical and pop singers. He is also Senior Attending Otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York, Adjunct Professor of Voice Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, and Medical Director for the Metropolitan Opera and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
From everyday vocal care basics to dealing with reflux and more, thousands of singers have followed Dr. Anthony Jahn’s advice column in Singdaptive, Voice Council Magazine, and Classical Singer. There are also answers to new questions singers are always asking, such as: how coffee, tea, and other liquids affect vocal health and what we can do to combat allergies, asthma, and anxiety. This easy-to-ready Q&A format makes asking medical and technical questions easy to understand while you're waiting for your next appointment.
For Learning
Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance by Rosie Molinary
As singers, it can be incredibly difficult to turn off your inner critic. From how you sounded singing a new piece to how you feel in your favorite audition outfit, self-acceptance can sometimes feel out of reach. In Beautiful You, author Rosie Molinary vigorously encourages women, whoever they are and however they identify, to work towards feeling wonderful about themselves every day. Even if you don't identify as a woman, feeling wonderful about yourself is something to look forward to each day. By drawing upon self-awareness, creativity, and mind-body connections, Molinary lays out an in-depth 365-day action plan to empower you to regain a healthy self-image while reframing your habits of self-criticism and more. Instead of the flourishing affirmations and meditations you may have seen before, Molinary delivers a modern guide of inspirational thought all wrapped up in this practical and candid handbook. Take a step towards being your own biggest supporter and join us on a year-long journey towards self-love and acceptance.
