The Piano Shop on the Left Bank

The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, by Thad Carhart; Random House Publishing, 2002

Reviewed by Jim Tolpin

I enjoyed The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, by Thad Carhart, a witty and fascinating autobiographical story of an expatriate American in Paris, who discovers his way back to the piano--his childhood passion. In the process of his rediscovery, he learns French customs, new skills in playing the piano, and the intriguing history and inner workings of the instrument. Ian Oughtred's A Life in Wooden Boats offers an enjoyably deep look into the life (personal and professional) of an influential, contemporary designer of small rowing and sailing craft, who specializes in adapting pricey boat designs of the rich and famous into those for more "financially challenged" amateurs. I also enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle, a pleasing "coming of age" story for people of all ages. I consider it a "breakout of the mold" type of book. One quotable take-away was: "You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself."