Broken Chords

By Barbara Snow Gilbert

Book Overview

At seventeen, Clara Lorenzo seems to have everything--brains, beauty, and an extraordinary talent for the piano. Her parents have provided her with the finest teacher and rearranged their lives to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886910235
• ISBN13: 9781886910232
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Front Street
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

An engaging and generally fantastic book

I must say, I really could not put this book down. It paints a beautiful picture of the conflicts that consume Clara Lorenzo, the 17 year old piano prodigy. She is competing in the Nicklaus competition, in which first prize is a 4 year scholarship to Juilliard. A fall in ballet practice brings her to realize that she does not truly love piano, despite daily three hour practices. Even non-musical people can understand and even relate to this book, because it conveys inner conflict and finding one's true self so flawlessly. Teens will love this book for its accurate description of parental pressure and adults will better understand the trials and tribulations of growing up after reading it.

Provides no easy answers

Clara's future has been determined most of her short life: as a talented pianist, she is certain to have a sterling career as an accomplished musician. But does she love playing the best, and does she want to continue to give up pleasures for work? This provides no easy answers as Clara makes her decisions about the future.

A great read

"Broken Chords", by Barbara Snow Gilbert was a great young adult novel for anyone who enjoys piano, romances, or just a wonderful, thought provoking read!Clara, 17, is an extremely talented pianist who is trying out for an important scholarship. With her pressuring parents, thoughtful teacher, and a romance, however, she begins to wonder what she really wants from her life.This book was excellent, and I'd definitely recommend it! Be sure to also read "Among Friends", by Caroline Cooney.

An inspiring story of a young musician! Excellent!

"Broken Chords" is an all-around fabulous book! It addresses issues that all of us young musicians ask ourselves. I loved the descriptions of the different musical styles portrayed by the different characters. In my opinion, this is one of the few works of fiction about young musicians that portrays the feelings behind the music well. "Broken Chords" will inspire you!

This is a superb book.

This Book is about a teenager torn between her natural talent and what she wants to do. But it is not just that. It is also a romance. It's an easy and smooth read that is a real tearjerker.