Book Review #108
"Keep It Moving: Lessons for the Rest of Your Life"
by Twyla Tharp
A while ago I had read Twyla Tharp's excellent and inspiring book "The Creative Habit." So I was really looking forward to attending her talk and book signing for "Keep It Moving" at Symphony Space. Unfortunately she dealt with each of the book's twelve chapters by rote and in a perfunctory manner. She answered some questions and then sat on the stage as the audience lined up to get copies signed. I was second on line and had both of her books with me. When it was my turn, I stepped forward, greeted her and handed her both books. Oh, she said, I thought I'd be signing only one. Not the response I expected. Then she asked me what from her talk stood out for me. I was on the spot and could only think of saying that inspiration and passion are essential in creating art of any kind. No response. She handed me back my books. I thanked her and left the stage. So, not a very pleasant experience.
However, having recently celebrated a major birthday, I thought her latest book might provide me with some inspiration and helpful tips about moving forward in life while getting older. In short, it is a lovely book. Her voice, strong, encouraging and feisty, comes across on every page. Also, Simon and Schuster did a beautiful job in putting the book together. So I highly recommend it.
I guess sometimes you're better off not meeting your "idols." Like when I met Ian McEwan at a reading and book signing at Hunter College...but I think I'll save that for another time.
by Twyla Tharp
A while ago I had read Twyla Tharp's excellent and inspiring book "The Creative Habit." So I was really looking forward to attending her talk and book signing for "Keep It Moving" at Symphony Space. Unfortunately she dealt with each of the book's twelve chapters by rote and in a perfunctory manner. She answered some questions and then sat on the stage as the audience lined up to get copies signed. I was second on line and had both of her books with me. When it was my turn, I stepped forward, greeted her and handed her both books. Oh, she said, I thought I'd be signing only one. Not the response I expected. Then she asked me what from her talk stood out for me. I was on the spot and could only think of saying that inspiration and passion are essential in creating art of any kind. No response. She handed me back my books. I thanked her and left the stage. So, not a very pleasant experience.
However, having recently celebrated a major birthday, I thought her latest book might provide me with some inspiration and helpful tips about moving forward in life while getting older. In short, it is a lovely book. Her voice, strong, encouraging and feisty, comes across on every page. Also, Simon and Schuster did a beautiful job in putting the book together. So I highly recommend it.
I guess sometimes you're better off not meeting your "idols." Like when I met Ian McEwan at a reading and book signing at Hunter College...but I think I'll save that for another time.
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