Thanks to Hannah Gridley for inspiring this month’s reading challenge.
I love getting ideas for new challenges, so if anyone has something they’d like me to incorporate at some point, feel free to leave me a comment about it.
So, March’s reading challenge will be to read books that feature…
Whether they are leading or supporting characters, if they are artists or musicians, their stories count.
Artists may be painters, sculptors, quilters, etc. For musicians, I’ll include instrument players as well as conductors or composers.
A few of my favorite books recently that have featured artists or musicians have been:
Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer
There was a set painter in the supporting cast, and the leading lady was a singer.
Who I Am with You by Robin Lee Hatcher
The leading lady was a painter.
Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson
A supporting character was a violinist.
Since Hannah inspired this article, I asked her for a few of her favorites as well, to share with you.
Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer
The leading lady was a pianist.
The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma
The leading lady was a violinist.
Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin
The parents of the leading lady were artists.
Which books will you read for this month’s challenge?
If you know of any others that you’d recommend, be sure to share them in the comments!
In February, we’re reading about characters who are writers!
I had just glanced at what the category for this month was going to be, but hadn't really looked at the post. I went to the library and got a few books and one that I saved for this month was \”Playing by Heart.\” 🙂 It was nice to know Hannah recommends it. :)I did have a few suggestions for you since you said to let you know if we had ideas . . . 🙂 How about characters who play sports, or who serve in law enforcement, or have an animal be an important part of the story (not necessarily an MC, but one that you can't have the story without the animal), or who cooks (not just making supper), bakes, or works in the food industry.That's my suggestions for now. 🙂
Ooh, I love how that library trip worked out so well for you! I hope the book is as enjoyable for you as it was for Hannah.Thank you for the ideas! I've made notes and am considering options for future challenges.
Okay, here's my list. It's not long, but that's okay. I was reading other books too. :)1. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (one character plays the violin)2. Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray (musician/composer)3. Red Rover, Red Rover (one character can draw amazing pictures on napkins–one for each customer. Does that count as an \”artist\”?)4. Playing by Heart (She plays the piano)5. A Parcel for Prudence (It says she teaches piano though it never shows her doing it. Not sure that counts.)6. Called to Protect (bad guy is an artist. Ugh!) ;)7. Yankee Doodle Painter (A painter)8. White Stallion of Lipizza (There is a painter in one scene)Well, if we are counting all of these, I read more than I thought for this challenge. I just didn't notice some things until later. 🙂 Even if we don't count 3. and 5., it's still more than I thought I'd have.
I read THINK BIG by Ben Carson, MD with Cecil Murphey (One of Dr. Carson's well-respected teachers was his music teacher.)
Wonderful work! Yes, three definitely counts. About five, that's unusual! I wonder why they didn't show her teaching piano… Overall, I'd say you had a great reading month!
I like that connection to music that Dr. Carson had. Thanks for sharing, and great job on the reading!
I'm guessing #5 didn't show her teaching as it was a shorter story and her teaching was only her undercover job. She did tune a piano though. 😉
My list:1. A Season to Love by Nicole Deese 3/4/19Dr. Patrick McCade, photographer2. American Omens by Travis Thrasher 3/9/19Jazz, rapper3. Amish Christmas Memories by Vannetta Chapman 3/11/19Rachel, knitter; Ida, crocheter4. Waiting for Dawn by Susan May Warren 3/12/19Lacey Galloway, clarinetist in high school5. The Sea Glass Sisters by Lisa Wingate 3/13/19Aunt Sandy, sea glass artist6. A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese 3/18/19Callie Quinn, mural painter7. A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer 3/18/19Laurel Millard, rug and tapestry weaver8. A Mighty Heart by Mariane Pearl (GM) 3/19/19Danny Pearl, played the mandolin9. Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin 3/23/19Zero, painter10. The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer 3/29/19Claire Nevin, embroiderer11. Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley 3/30/19Vic Vegas, Elvis impersonatorEnded up with way more than I expected!