Beethoven in Paradise

by Barbara O'Connor

Book Overview

Set in a trailer park called Paradise

"You're just wasting your God-given talents if you don't get yourself something besides a little ole harmonica to play." Wylene made it sound so easy. Martin had always like music -- liked to listen to it, liked to make up tunes in his head. But all he had to do was say the word "piano" to his father and all hell would break loose. His father thought music was for sissies, and was always mad at...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374405883
• ISBN13: 9780374405885
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

My Opinion

Beethoven in Paradise is not what I expected. I originally bought this book because my son plays the violin and I thought he might like it. I'm glad I read it first because I'm not sure I'll let him read it just yet since he's nine years old and I have a pretty strict policy about the use of profanity, which this book has in ample supply. (I'd give it a PG 13.) The use of profanity is justified, though, and adds greatly to the authenticity of the setting and characters. I would highly recommend it to students of middle school age and would consider reading it aloud to my fourth graders, although I would have to use quite a few euphemisms. The messages in this book are so powerful: Be true to yourself, stand up for what you believe in, and follow your dreams. Even though I sort of wanted a sappy "everything's going to turn out alright" ending, the actual ending was very realistic and genuine.

Wonderful book for any age kid (or adult)!

Beethoven in Paradise is a superb title for this extraordinary book. Well written, emotional, with characters that leap off the page in their "realness" and charm. The author has done an excellent job in creating Martin's life, family and longings for music and an instrument of his own even though it doesn't fit the norm of where he lives or what his own parents want for him. Even though Martin has a tough road ahead of him, there is hope that he is finding his way, accepting himself and others and will lead the life he dreams of.