"Waiting On" Wednesday - My First

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we share titles that are soon to be released that we can't wait to read! This is my first time participating and I'm very excited to share my pick.

My first 'can't-wait-to-read' selection is . . .

THE MUSIC TEACHER
Author: Barbara Hall

Publication Date: February 9, 2009

From Amazon:

In The Music Teacher, a penetrating and richly entertaining look into the heart and mind of a woman who has failed both as an artist and as a wife, Barbara Hall, award-winning creator and writer of such hit television series as Judging Amy and Joan of Arcadia, tells the story of a violinist who has accepted the limitations of her talent and looks for the casual satisfaction of trying to instill her passion for music in others. She gets more than she bargains for, however, when a young girl named Hallie enters her life. For here at last is the real thing: someone with the talent and potential to be truly great. In her drive to shape this young girl into the artist the teacher could never be, she makes one terrible mistake. As a result she is forced to reevaluate her whole life and come to terms with her future.

Hall has crafted a thoroughly engrossing novel that examines the pitfalls of failure and holds up a mirror to the face of a culture that places success and achievement above all else

There are several reasons this book appeals to me. First, its publisher, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill is my favorite publishing house. I've read many of their books (i.e. MUDBOUND by Hillary Jordan and TOMATO GIRL by Jayne Pupek to name a few) and have been impressed with them all. Particularly because they publish wonderful books of southern literature which, as a Southerner, I'm drawn to.

Another reason is that music is near and dear to my heart. When I was young, I was involved in our school's music program and participated in our school band. It was a wonderful experience. There is something about the dynamic between teacher and student that is fascinating and it makes you want to try harder and be better.

Barbara Hall, the author, is another positive point. Not only is she an accomplished writer of television's Judging Amy, Joan of Arcadia, and the author of eight other published books, she also wrote for the show, Northern Exposure, which was one of my all-time favorite shows back in the mid 90's. I think it's one of tv's most underated programs - I loved the humor, the characters and the stories. And . . .

Lastly, I LOVE the cover!

So that is my first 'Waiting On Wednesday"' pick. What book are you excited about?