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Air date: Feb. 2, 2025
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JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations are centered around the lives of musicians.
First, we’re going to hear from Danielle, library associate at the Mariner Library, for a true story of a mysterious singer who was ahead of her time. Take it away, Danielle.
DANIELLE:
You’ve never heard the music of Connie Converse. How do I know this? Because no one has.
Obscure during her lifetime, Connie Converse is slowly being discovered by a modern audience, thanks to her biographer Howard Fishman. The life of this enigmatic musician is chronicled in Fishman’s well-researched book “To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse.”
Converse came close to achieving fame in the 1950s. As a female singer-songwriter based in Greenwich Village, she was ahead of her time — so much so, that audiences didn’t quite know what to make of her. As Fishman’s book reveals, those that did hear her music deemed her “the female Bob Dylan.” But as Fishman reports, there just wasn’t room in the scene for her starkly beautiful songs.
The book borrows its title from a note written by Converse in 1974. The heading reads, “To anyone who ever asks (if I’m long unheard from.)” Indeed, Converse would cease communication from the mid-70s on. After writing goodbye notes to her loved ones, she disappeared in her car. Neither her nor her vehicle were ever found.
Fishman has painstakingly researched and interviewed his way to a thorough documentation of the mysteries of Converse’s past. Some are now solvable; others will remain unknown. No matter what, Fishman’s biography will ensure that her talent is celebrated well into the future.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Danielle! This book sounds like a mysterious journey through art, identity, and unanswered questions that still linger.
Next, let’s hear from Anne, programming service coordinator at Sno-Isle Libraries, for a memoir from an iconic ‘80s band member. Go ahead, Anne.
ANNE:
Think life in a famous band is glamorous? Think again. Chris Stein, guitarist and co-founder of the 1980s sensation Blondie tells his story of life as a musician in “Under a Rock: A Memoir.”
Debbie Harry defined iconic band Blondie's look. Chris Stein — her performing partner, lover, and lifelong friend — was its architect and defined its sound. Chris shares the riveting story of growing up in New York City and his natural slide into the unconventional lifestyle of a rock star.
“Under a Rock” has it all — grueling tours, tensions with bandmates, predatory managers and record companies, and mingling with stars like Andy Warhol and David Bowie. From the lows of trying to make ends meet to the highs of success, Stein captures his unique experience with honesty and heart.
I found it hard to put down “Under a Rock” and enjoyed the endless stream style of the book. Stein’s recounting of his life from childhood though the heyday of punk in New York to the present is a must-read for fans of Blondie, or anyone who enjoys a good memoir. “Under a Rock” reminds us that behind the public facades of stardom are very real humans who work hard and struggle to find happiness just like everyone else, but in a world that’s constantly watching.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Anne! Stein's unique perspective gives us a captivating behind-the-scenes look at rock stardom.
Our recommendations this week are: “To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse” by Howard Fishman and “Under a Rock” by Chris Stein.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
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