STAFF PICKS: Top 6 Read an eBook Day Recommendations
September 18, 2024
Where are your favorite places to read a good book? In bed or in your favorite chair? While traveling or while waiting in the waiting room? Do you prefer to amass your own collection or borrow from your local library?
That is the wonderful thing about eBooks - you can have it all! Whether from your phone, tablet, desktop, or dedicated eReader device, you can read anywhere and have the convenience of an entire library’s collection available across all your devices. Plus, many of your favorites are free with your library card on the Libby app. That’s why we celebrate Read an eBook Day on September 18.
Maybe you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the Great American Songbook Foundation staff read a lot. Here are our top picks for eBooks that explore the enthralling lives and stories of the artists and cultures celebrated in the Great American Songbook:
Home: A Memoir of My Early Years (2008), Julie Andrews
Read it on Indianapolis Public Library | Read it on Indiana Digital Library | Buy it on Kindle
Recommended by Renée La Schiazza, Director of Programs
Why do you recommend this title?
As a musical lover, there is no more defining voice than that of Julie Andrews. I found this memoir extremely interesting in uncovering the story behind a voice that has defined musical theater from the Broadway stage to Hollywood silver screen. For most, we think of Julie Andrews as we know her from her enduring roles including Mary Poppins, Maria Von Trapp, and Eliza Doolittle, to name a few. But Julie's story started long before she sang "Do Re Mi" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Andrews’ New York Times bestselling eBook memoir starts at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
Pro tip: If you like this eBook, you can also check out Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years, a follow-up to Home in which Julie Andrews reflects on her astonishing career.
featured: Take a glimpse into the great american songbook foundation archives with archives artifacts: julie andrews celebrated at kennedy center honors.
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Cole Porter (2011), William McBrien
Read it on Libby | Buy it on Kindle
Recommended by Micaela Knox, Program Coordinator
Why do you recommend this title?
Cole Porter is a great glimpse into Porter's life, from a Hoosier childhood to the world-renowned songwriter. McBrien explores highlights from Porter’s career to the hills and valleys of his personal life, and shows the reader all the moments that inspired Porter to write those catchy lyrics.
featured: Learn More About Porter's contribution to Hoosier history in our online exhibit Great Indiana Songbook.
Rita Moreno: A Memoir (2013), Rita Moreno
Read it on Libby | Buy it on Kindle
Recommended by Jo Garcia, Assistant Director of Individual Development
Why do you recommend this title?
Rita Moreno's life story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of the arts to break barriers. Her experiences offer valuable lessons in perseverance and creativity, making this memoir a compelling read for anyone passionate about the arts and history.
featured: did you know? rita moreno was inducted into the songbook hall of fame in 2013.
Rat Pack: Confidential (1999), Shawn Levy
Read it on Libby | Read it on Indiana Digital Library | Buy it on Kindle
Recommended by Emily Rapoza, Director of Library & Archives
Why do you recommend this title?
The quintessential book about the members of the informal group Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, James Dean, and other top-hit artists of the day - that covers their rise to fame, their mob connections, and their political affiliations. A great read and re-read.
featured: watch Songbook Academy alum Charlie Castro ('21) perform Ain't That A Kick In The Head, a song featured in Ocean's 11 (1960).
The B Side (2015), Ben Yagoda
Read it on Libby | Buy it on Kindle
Recommended by Anna LoPrete, Music Librarian
Why do you recommend this title?
The B Side explores the decline of the Great American Songbook after 1950. Through interviews and archival research, he examines the factors that contributed to this shift, including industry battles, musical revolutions, and cultural changes. The book delves into the economics, culture, and artistry of songwriting, offering a captivating look at the history of American popular music.
Featured: Visit the current Songbook Gallery exhibit "From the Jazz Age to Streaming: The Soundtrack of the 20s/20s." plan your visit.
Why Sinatra Matters (2009), Pete Hamill
Read it on Libby | Buy it on Kindle
Recommended by Chris Lewis, Executive Director
Why do you recommend this title?
Award-winning author Pete Hamill writes a thorough examination of Frank Sinatra, as a person, an artist, and a legend. He explores how Sinatra's music reflected the challenges and experiences of his era, offering a sense of belonging and identity to a generation.
Featured: connect with older family members by singing "fly me to the moon" using our perfect harmony resource guide.
