The Music Shop

Joyce, Rachel. The Music Shop. 7 CDs. unabridged. Books on Tape. 2017. ISBN 9780525626220.

International best selling author Rachel Joyce (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry), takes a small run down street filled with broken dreams, graffiti, and old timers and shines a spotlight in on the magic occurring in a small music shop. The owner, Frank, has the uncanny ability to know exactly what his customers need to hear when they walk in the door; whether it be Aretha Franklin, The Sex Pistols, or jazz. One day a women walks into his shop and Frank is stunned, not only by her beauty and charming accent, but by her stillness. He can't read her or figure out what music she needs. For someone so musically inclined he keeps trying to tune out his feelings about this mystery woman. Together these two charming odd ducks navigate friendship, demons in their past, and music in the late 1980's. Steven Hartley's rich resonant voice is instantly captivating and elevates the story to a new level with his wonderful narration. Deeply funny, moving, and inspiring; this story illustrates the power of music and community. Filled with unforgettable characters and amazing music recommendations, this superbly narrated audio book is a great addition to any collection! - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

This was a touching story about an old man who lost it all (although he never really had it to begin with) and got it all back by opening up and actually living his life. Harold and his wife Maureen have been unhappily married for many years; they hardly speak, sleep in separate bedrooms, and do their best to stay out of each others way. That all changes one morning when Harold receives a letter from Queenie, an old friend. He hasn't spoken to hear in nearly 20 years and is dumbstruck to discover that she has inoperable cancer. Desperate to right his wrongs he writes a letter to Queenie but soon realizes it's not enough. On his way to mail the letter, he decides to keep walking. He will walk over 500 miles to save Queenie and do something with his life. Armed with nothing but his wallet and yachting shoes he sets off across England in this funny and moving novel about life un-lived, forgiveness, and redemption.