Luc Sante likes him a great deal and I do like Sante. What I want to know, though, has anyone read Sonata for Jukebox: Pop Music, Memory and the Imagined Life, an unfurlingly sensorial memoir from poet, essayist and editor Geoffrey O' Brien? Although it has been a few years since its initial 2004 Counterpoint Press printing, I still remember the airiness of the reviewers' prose and just how willing they were, not only succombing to what the writer remembered feeling when he listened to a particular song but how easy it is to make a defining, intimate connection with what we listen to (and love).
One such reviewer likened the affair to Proust and his indelible madeleine - instead with records (adding to that an affectionate ear). Sounds about right. And to the reason for the solicitation: I saw Sonata while scanning the clearance section the other day. Pretty exciting when you're not expecting to find a familiar title, let alone one that has elicited so much praise. I have some credit left on a store gift card, so it's either this or a special order guide to learn more about writing proposals and grants for grassroots organizations.
Any direction - on either topic, frankly - would be appreciated. You guys are a store of discerning information, varied backgrounds and thoughtful responses: I'll trust what you tell me.
My Trusted MOGs
I have somehow missed this book, a fact that upsets me more than a little. Will be checking it out instanter.
My Trusted MOGs
I did read this book when it came out, based on the evocative reviews and the fact that I used to listen to O'Brien's dad on the radio when he was one of the WMCA Good Guys. It is sort of a musical memoir (although comparing it to Proust is something of a stretch), and I enjoyed it a lot, as I suspect anyone who listens to and thinks about music pretty obsessively would.
My Trusted MOGs
Now you've reminded me to go back and read more Proust.
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks for the lightning responses, everyone...much appreciated, especially emscee's line-drawing. Oh, the critic wasn't making a direct comparison between O'Brien and Proust, more like how Sonata aptly mirrors the noted author's signifier - here, under the guise of music - as well as its propensity for calling forth. Now I want to read Proust, too.
My Trusted MOGs
I haven't read it, but it sounds interesting.
On the other, are you trying to learn more about writing grant applications? Because, on that tip, I could probably come up with some resources for you if I chatted up some of my clients. What type of grass roots organization? Political, charitable? I'd be more than happy to pick some brains for you.