In 'Sing for Your Life', Daniel Bergner delves into the transformative power of music through the life of a gifted young singer. The narrative intertwines heart-wrenching moments of personal struggle with the soaring highs of artistic ambition. As the protagonist battles against societal and personal obstacles, the book explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome. Bergner's prose invites readers to reflect on the profound connection between art and life. This gripping tale raises the question: how far would you go to reclaim your voice?
By Daniel Bergner
Published: 2017
""In the depths of struggle, our voices emerge—not just to be heard, but to assert our existence and claim our identity.""
A New York Times bestseller A New York Times Notable Book A Washington Post Notable Book A Publishers Weekly Book of the Year As seen on CBS This Morning, NPR's Fresh Air, and People Magazine A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Library Journal Nonfiction Pick of September The New York Times bestseller about a young black man's journey from violence and despair to the threshold of stardom. "A beautiful tribute to the power of good teachers."--Terry Gross, Fresh Air "One of the most inspiring stories I've come across in a long time."--Pamela Paul, New York Times Book Review Ryan Speedo Green had a tough upbringing in southeastern Virginia: his family lived in a trailer park and later a bullet-riddled house across the street from drug dealers. His father was absent; his mother was volatile and abusive. At the age of twelve, Ryan was sent to Virginia's juvenile facility of last resort. He was placed in solitary confinement. He was uncontrollable, uncontainable, with little hope for the future. In 2011, at the age of twenty-four, Ryan won a nationwide competition hosted by New York's Metropolitan Opera, beating out 1,200 other talented singers. Today, he is a rising star performing major roles at the Met and Europe's most prestigious opera houses. SING FOR YOUR LIFE chronicles Ryan's suspenseful, racially charged and artistically intricate journey from solitary confinement to stardom. Daniel Bergner takes readers on Ryan's path toward redemption, introducing us to a cast of memorable characters--including the two teachers from his childhood who redirect his rage into music, and his long-lost father who finally reappears to hear Ryan sing. Bergner illuminates all that it takes--technically, creatively--to find and foster the beauty of the human voice. And Sing for Your Life sheds unique light on the enduring and complex realities of race in America.
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“"In the depths of struggle, our voices emerge—not just to be heard, but to assert our existence and claim our identity."”
Sing for Your Life
By Daniel Bergner
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Daniel Bergner is an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful explorations of human behavior and complex themes of desire and intimacy. His notable works include 'The Other Side of Desire: Four Journeys into the Far Realms of Lust and Longing' and 'What Do Women Want? Adventures in the Science of Female Desire.' Bergner's writing is characterized by its blend of personal narrative and in-depth research, often weaving together psychological insight and social commentary. His thought-provoking prose invites readers to reconsider accepted notions about sexuality and relationships, making him a significant voice in contemporary literature.
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