The best books about musical theatre

Who picked these books? Meet our 49 experts.

49 authors created a book list connected to musical theatre, and here are their favorite musical theatre books.
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This Magical, Musical Night

By Rhonda Gowler Greene, James Rey Sanchez (illustrator),

Book cover of This Magical, Musical Night

Melanie Ellsworth Author Of Clarinet and Trumpet

From the list on introducing young readers to orchestra instruments.

Who am I?

I’m a children’s book author with a Master of Education in Language and Literacy who loves the musicality of words. Growing up in a musical family, I started piano lessons in second grade, clarinet lessons in fourth, and dabbled a bit in saxophone in high school. Clarinet was the instrument that really stuck for me – I played in bands, pit bands, and orchestras all through school and beyond. My picture book Clarinet and Trumpet blasted forth from my own band experiences. 

Melanie's book list on introducing young readers to orchestra instruments

Discover why each book is one of Melanie's favorite books.

Why did Melanie love this book?

This book not only introduces readers to the sections and instruments in an orchestra, it does so in lyrical, rhythmic, rhyming verse. Readers will love saying – and hearing – sounds like “pling…plung,” “lootle-oots,” and “bumble, boom…crash!” As a bonus, readers learn musical terms like “arpeggio,” “glissando,” and “diminuendo.” The illustrations are colorful and dynamic and remind me of a movie I loved as a child – Fantasia!

By Rhonda Gowler Greene, James Rey Sanchez (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked This Magical, Musical Night as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A symphony soars in rhyming couplets.There are many other introductions-to-the-orchestra titles out there, but few have such charm. Pleasing to the eye and ear." -Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"Like a 21st-century update of Lloyd Moss's virtuoso Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin, this really is a magical, musical book." -School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Best Picture Books of 2021--School Library Journal

Music! Music! Oh, how grand! A language we all understand.
Get swept away by the musical performance of a lifetime as, one by one, each instrument of the symphony orchestra shows off their skills!

Follow along as the symphony orchestra's…


After the Snow

By S. D. Crockett,

Book cover of After the Snow

B J Mears Author Of Seraph of the Sallow Grove

From the list on young adult crossover mystery.

Who am I?

I’ve been writing fantasy/mystery for around twenty-five years and have self-published a YA series of six books titled the Tyler May series before gaining a traditional publishing deal in 2019. Since then, I’ve had four books published (the Banyard & Mingle Mysteries) which chart the investigations and adventures of a pair of roguish private detectives in a future, Dickensian Britain. I am constantly researching – and have been for many years – true crime stories, and my intake of books, TV, and film consists of archaeology, forensics, crime, murder mystery, fantasy, and thriller. I’m also partial to a good historical whodunnit.

B J's book list on young adult crossover mystery

Discover why each book is one of B J's favorite books.

Why did B J love this book?

After the Snow follows the adventures of a boy who finds his family is missing when returning home in the snow-bound hills. The settings and atmosphere in the book are beautifully worked, as is the voice, which I found to be bold, fluent, and captivating. The characters are strong and the plot bumps along at a good pace. Another must-read!

By S. D. Crockett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked After the Snow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The oceans stopped working before Willo was born, so the world of ice and snow is all he's ever known. He lives with his family deep in the wilderness, far from the government's controlling grasp. Willo's survival skills are put to the test when he arrives home one day to find his family gone. It could be the government; it could be scavengers--all Willo knows is he has to find refuge and his family. It is a journey that will take him into the city he's always avoided, with a girl who needs his help more than he knows.

S.D.…


A Fine Romance

By Darcie Denkert,

Book cover of A Fine Romance

Heather Hach Author Of The Trouble with Drowning

From the list on a nod to Broadway.

Who am I?

I’m a writer, forever tap-tap-tapping away on my computer, looking to create that lyrical rhythm on the page that I feel in my heart. I’m also usually singing, whether it’s made up ditties to my dogs, 80s indie pop, or Broadway showtimes. Bottom line, I’m a storyteller, and nothing thrills me as much as a great tale well told, either on the page, on the stage, or around a table. Here are a few stories I’ve loved along the way that include a nod to Broadway, another love of mine long before I was hired to write the book for Legally Blonde the Musical.

Heather's book list on a nod to Broadway

Discover why each book is one of Heather's favorite books.

Why did Heather love this book?

Full disclosure, Darcie was a producer on Legally Blonde and was president of MGM On Stage. Darcie was a real character, and she also dripped with worship for the theater.

This book is a meticulously researched love letter to the fusion of film and theater, filled with phenomenal photos and teeming with love. Chronicling West Side Story, Gypsy, Chicago, and beyond, it’s a great coffee table book you’ll actually want to read.

By Darcie Denkert,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Fine Romance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fans of musicals will sing when a division president of MGM and industry insider presents her entertaining, illuminating insights on exactly what happens when stage meets screen.


Goodnight Little Me

By Jennifer Dewing, Mary Grandpré (illustrator),

Book cover of Goodnight Little Me

Maia Haag Author Of My Very Own Name

From the list on personalized bedtime storybooks.

Who am I?

Maia Haag is the president and co-founder of I See Me! Personalized Books & Gifts. She had the idea to write her own personalized children’s book while on maternity leave. She and her husband, who is a graphic designer, published My Very Own Name, which launched their company. Maia has written over ten engaging, uniquely personalized stories that make each child feel special. She’s even written a personalized book for dog lovers If My Dog Could Talk—based on her own family pet!

Maia's book list on personalized bedtime storybooks

Discover why each book is one of Maia's favorite books.

Why did Maia love this book?

This beautifully illustrated, personalized book features your child’s names in the illustrations and throughout the story. I’ve found that both parents and children are captivated by the fanciful illustrations, and it makes a perfect bedtime story. I frequently give this book as a keepsake new baby gift, and I receive rave reviews from parents.

By Jennifer Dewing, Mary Grandpré (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Goodnight Little Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery

Maura Stone Author Of Five-Star Fleecing

From the list on that make you feel great that you got the innuendos.

Who am I?

I grew up in the lap of Borscht Belt comedy in an entertainment family, the dour child with a precocious predilection for reading archaic literature. My parents gave me a subscription to Punch Magazine and subjected me to countless comedy movies during my formative years strapped to a chair à la Clockwork Orange. Which explains how I ended up an international banker. Until late in life with the publication of my first novel, a satire. After eight successive novels, I realized that I should have listened to the family’s adage, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job.”

Maura's book list on that make you feel great that you got the innuendos

Discover why each book is one of Maura's favorite books.

Why did Maura love this book?

Regrettably, while emptying my mother’s house I discarded this book, a comedy I read and reread over the decades. The writing is funny as all get go, undiminished by age, possessing a universal quality. Which is the key to comedy: the ability to make a lot of people laugh over time, distance, cultural backgrounds, etc. Alan King was the master of comedy in this book.

By Alan King,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

America's wacky, angry man of the suburbs strikes back in this uproarious free-for-all! Alan King once again turns his bright, beady eye on suburbia and finds it uproariously funny. The outrageous Mr. King is America's most peerless destroyer of America's sacred cows. Here's another blast from his loaded cigar that levels AT&T, IBM, the AMA, BBD&O, the IRS, the PTA, and Freud, just for openers. It will leave you leveled, too from laughing.


Book cover of Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction

Peter Lovesey Author Of The Last Detective

From the list on the secrets of great mystery writing.

Who am I?

My introduction to mystery writing was a competition for a first crime novel. I was lucky enough to win with Wobble to Death, about a Victorian long-distance race. When I went to collect the prize, I was startled to be asked if I was already at work on the next one. The publishers Macmillan had started a crime list and were looking for a career writer. I knew practically nothing about the genre and had to give myself a crash course. How I needed the support of books like these! After five years, I had the confidence to give up the day job and have made my living from mystery writing for almost fifty years. 

Peter's book list on the secrets of great mystery writing

Discover why each book is one of Peter's favorite books.

Why did Peter love this book?

No one can deny that Patricia Highsmith knew how to create suspense. Alfred Hitchcock saw that Strangers on a Train was the ideal spine-tingler for a great movie. Other directors have found the Ripley series perfect nail-biting stories to work with. Highsmith takes us through the process of building suspense from the germ of an idea through the plotting, the drafts, and the revisions, using examples from her own work, short stories, and novels. I’m not surprised this book has stayed in print for over fifty years. I still dip into it and get inspired.

By Patricia Highsmith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Named by The Times as the all-time number one crime writer, Patricia Highsmith was an author who broke new ground and defied genre cliches with novels such as The Talented Mr Ripley and Strangers on a Train.
In the classic creative writing guide Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction, Highsmith reveals her secrets for producing world-class crime and thrillers, from imaginative tips for generating ideas to useful ways of turning them into stunning stories.


Razzle Dazzle

By Michael Riedel,

Book cover of Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway

Tere Michaels Author Of Snowmageddon (Broadway or Bust Book 1)

From the list on for next level Broadway fans.

Who am I?

I have been a Broadway fan since I discovered the 60’s vinyl cast albums my parents collected. Seeing them in person added another level to the magic, and after every show, while still basking in the creative spark, I’m already planning my next visit! Sharing a list of books instead of a playlist is my way of sharing a deeper view of the world we Broadway fans love so much. It’s also the list I used as the basis for my research, while writing my new series (which follows the journey of a fictional Broadway musical from script to opening night)!

Tere's book list on for next level Broadway fans

Discover why each book is one of Tere's favorite books.

Why did Tere love this book?

The true-life story of the ’70s and ’80s in New York City and the world of theatre—when the Great White Way was basically slated to become a parking lot—as it is saved by a colorful host of characters (and a boardroom coup!) is just begging for a musical of its own. Until that happens, we will have to be content with this page-turning book from a saucy and witty theatre columnist, which chronicles the entire amazing ride of how Broadway was reborn. 

Along the way, we get a thorough probing of Broadway history and the highs, lows, and everything in between including some scandal, gossip, and shocking reveals. See? How is this not a musical already?! Riedel is a dramatic and verbose writer who holds back nothing, thankfully. Recommendation: Don’t expect to be using a bookmark too often. I couldn’t put this book down.

By Michael Riedel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Razzle Dazzle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A vivid page-turner" (NPR) detailing the rise, fall, and redemption of Broadway-its stars, its biggest shows, its producers, and all the drama, intrigue, and power plays that happened behind the scenes.

"A rich, lovely, debut history of New York theater in the 1970s and eighties" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Razzle Dazzle is a narrative account of the people and the money and the power that turned New York's gritty back alleys and sex-shops into the glitzy, dazzling Great White Way.

In the mid-1970s Times Square was the seedy symbol of New York's economic decline. Its once shining star, the renowned…


Le Petit Prince

By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

Book cover of Le Petit Prince

M.T. Khan Author Of Nura and the Immortal Palace

From the list on perfect for all ages - children, teens, and adults.

Who am I?

I’m sure we all remember some of the first books we picked up, and how they’ve stayed with us despite every year that ticked away. These were stories that didn’t just resonate with us as kids; a part of them lasted—transcended age and periodic experiences. I love books that you can reach for no matter how old you are, with lessons and stories that can be enjoyed by anyone. My own writing is a reflection of that: timeless tales that bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood, hoping to touch hearts with a spectrum of knowledge in science, myth, and philosophy.  

M.T.'s book list on perfect for all ages - children, teens, and adults

Discover why each book is one of M.T.'s favorite books.

Why did M.T. love this book?

I think every reread of this book unveils another layer to its complexity. The Little Prince is a classic tale that will mean different things to different people—a mesmerizing journey to wide-eyed children, a reminder of the world’s fragility to adults, and a longing for nostalgia by those grown who may have had their innocence stripped away early. The first time I read it, I was swept away by the pictures and pretty words, and yet still, there was an ache in my heart that only later, on my next read, did I truly understand. But every reader can feel it; the beauty and grief for a place or time we may never return to. 

By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Le Petit Prince as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 2000 Harcourt proudly reissued Antoine de Saint-Exupery's masterpiece, The Little Prince, in a sparkling new format. Newly translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Howard, this timeless classic was embraced by critics and readers across the country for its purity and beauty of expression. And Saint-Exupery's beloved artwork was restored and remastered to present his work in its original and vibrant colors. Now Harcourt is issuing uniform full-color foreign language editions. The restored artwork glows like never before. These affordable and beautiful editions are sure to delight an entire new generation of readers, students, children, and adults for whom Saint-Exupery's…


The 39 Steps

By John Buchan,

Book cover of The 39 Steps

Clemens P. Suter Author Of Rebound

From the list on people with guts.

Who am I?

Clemens P. Suter is an author of adventure novels. His books deal with people that overcome impossible, life-changing situations. These are entertaining adventure books, with dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and Scifi elements.

Clemens' book list on people with guts

Discover why each book is one of Clemens' favorite books.

Why did Clemens love this book?

Buchan’s books are full of DIY heroes, men thrown into impossible situations but who manage to survive through their wits, a healthy dose of humor - and if necessary, with their fists. The book follows the hero Hannay, as he tries to escape German spies, first through England and then the wilderness of Scotland. The odds are stacked high against Hannay, but his bravura and strong will help him solve the mystery and dissolve the spy ring. Some of the views expressed in Buchan’s books are no longer politically correct and his works should always be understood in the context of his times, yet they make for very compelling reading.

By John Buchan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 39 Steps as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the Movie by Alfred Hitchcock, Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited and an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon Characters: 3m, 1f Comedy WINNER! 2 Tony® and Drama Desk Awards, 2008 WINNER! BEST NEW COMEDY Laurence Olivier Award, 2007 The 39 Steps, is Broadway's longest running comedy, playing its 500th performance on Broadway, May 19th, 2009! Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced who


In Rod We Trust

By Tom Sawyer,

Book cover of In Rod We Trust

Chuck W. Chapman Author Of Freak on a Moped

From the list on horror you’ve never heard of.

Who am I?

I have been a fan of the horror genre since I was a kid. Even though sometimes I was so scared, I had to sleep with the light on or not sleep at all. Something about the darkness and the unknown has always seemed so alluring. I can't even count the number of horror movies I've watched or books I've read. That feel of the hair standing up on your arms or the back of your neck is a thrill like no other. 

Chuck's book list on horror you’ve never heard of

Discover why each book is one of Chuck's favorite books.

Why did Chuck love this book?

This collection of short stories are designed to be reminiscent of the old Twilight Zone TV series. As a huge fan of the show, I was interested to see how the interpretation to short story would work. It works very well. If you enjoyed the show (and/or the movie) you'll enjoy this book. Rod Serling would be proud.

By Tom Sawyer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked In Rod We Trust as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. This is a dimension of imagination. In the case of these stories, it is where author Tom Sawyer’s imagination takes flight. Mr. Sawyer, as a popular Michigan horror fiction author of many delights ( From Paradise to Hell, Dark Harbors), pays an ultimate tribute to Rod Serling’s own imagination, which influenced viewers around the world since its inception decades ago with The Twilight Zone TV series. Here, Sawyer continues the tradition seamlessly on these pages. So sit back, relax, and cross over into the sight and sound and…


101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married

By Linda Bloom, Charlie Bloom,

Book cover of 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last

Marcia Naomi Berger Author Of Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love

From the list on dating toward marriage.

Who am I?

Marcia Naomi Berger's passion is to help people create lasting, fulfilling marriages. An experienced clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and medical school clinical faculty member, Berger has held senior-level positions in child welfare, alcoholism treatment, and psychiatry. She says, "I stayed single for a long time because of my parent's divorce. Now happily married for over thirty-four years, I fill my books with the hard-earned wisdom I've gained professionally and personally."  

Marcia's book list on dating toward marriage

Discover why each book is one of Marcia's favorite books.

Why did Marcia love this book?

I especially like this reader-friendly book because of its thoroughness, honesty, and wise advice. The authors are a married couple and social workers who draw from decades of experience counseling couples, leading workshops and seminars, and their marriage. I mention honesty because I'm impressed with the authors' openness, integrity, and conversational style.

Whether you're already married or hope to soon or someday, you'll probably benefit from how Linda and Charlie freely share knowledge gained from their successes and some embarrassing mistakes they've survived and corrected during their fifty-year, fulfilling marriage. Their commitment to growing as individuals and as a couple can be contagious, so check out this book and be prepared to stretch!

By Linda Bloom, Charlie Bloom,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What if you could learn important relationship lessons now, rather than after you make the mistakes that most couples make? You can, and this best-selling book will point the way!
Linda and Charlie Bloom were in their early 20's when they met and fell in love. At twenty five they married and their first-born came eighteen months later.

According to Charlie, "We were young and we made a lot of mistakes; enough to fill a book." Fast forward about twenty years.

Charlie's little sister Claire was about to get married and she invited him to read something inspirational at her…


Mary Poppins

By P. L. Travers, Mary Shepard (illustrator),

Book cover of Mary Poppins

Kathryn Leo Author Of Witch's Apprentice and Argon's Labyrinth

From the list on exploring the imagination.

Who am I?

I’ve been fascinated by fantasy as a young adult reading Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Never Ending Story. I find fantasy interesting because it explores the imagination and lets us escape. I also enjoy fantasy movies such as Avatar. It's full of adventure and the film is full of special effects. I studied science when I left school but my heart was into writing.

Kathryn's book list on exploring the imagination

Discover why each book is one of Kathryn's favorite books.

Why did Kathryn love this book?

Mary Poppins explores self-discovery and captures the imagination of the use of magic.

I love Mary Poppin because it’s the best feel-good story for children. I find the characters sweet and Mary Poppins is so energetic and with strong values. I found it inspiring to help me write my own book. I think it has inspired a few classics.

By P. L. Travers, Mary Shepard (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mary Poppins as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the joy and wonder of Mary Poppins in the classic adventures!

The original best-loved classic about the world's most famous nanny - Mary Poppins.

When the Banks family advertise for a nanny, Mary Poppins and her talking umbrella appear out of the sky, ready to take the children on extraordinary adventures.

Mary Poppins is strict but fair, and soon Michael and Jane are whisked off to a funfair inside a pavement picture and on many more outings with their wonderful new nanny!

Needless to say, when at last 'the wind changes' and she flies away, the children are devastated.…


The Behavior Gap

By Carl Richards,

Book cover of The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money

Russell Wild Author Of Bond Investing For Dummies

From the list on investing so that you profit, not your broker.

Who am I?

I collected coins a kid. I went to college and studied econ. I worked in a bank. I later became a financial journalist. And later, a professional money manager. I’ve always been fascinated by money…the way it moves around the world, the enormous role it plays in peoples’ lives, the power it gives a select few, the good it can do, and the way it grows. As a fee-only financial planner running my own shop, I'm only peripherally involved with Wall Street. That frees me to step back and look at the key players, the shenanigans, the sometimes awful greed. The books I’ve selected were instrumental in helping others make their money work for them.

Russell's book list on investing so that you profit, not your broker

Discover why each book is one of Russell's favorite books.

Why did Russell love this book?

Finance doesn’t easily lend itself to humor, but Richards will make you laugh. His insights into the human mind, and human frailties are pure gold. In The Behavior Gap he examines the bad decisions that nearly all investors seem to make before they become good investors. You will recognize yourself in Richards’ words and in his whimsical and thought-provoking illustrations. This book is not so much about the optimal strategies of investing, but rather it focuses on the mindset needed to carry out those strategies. Yes, even we professionals can sometimes fall prey to portfolio-destroying greed, fears, and pie-in-the-sky thinking. I have read Richards's book a number of times to help keep my head screwed on straight, and it works its magic every time!

By Carl Richards,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Behavior Gap as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"It's not that we're dumb. We're wired to avoid pain and pursue pleasure and security. It feels right to sell when everyone around us is scared and buy when everyone feels great. It may feel right-but it's not rational."
-From The Behavior Gap

 


Why do we lose money? It's easy to blame the economy or the financial markets-but the real trouble lies in the decisions we make.

As a financial planner, Carl Richards grew frustrated watching people he cared about make the same mistakes over and over. They were letting emotion get in the way of smart financial decisions. He…


Book cover of The World of Musical Comedy

Thomas S. Hischak Author Of Musical Misfires: Three Decades of Broadway Musical Heartbreak

From the list on Broadway musicals.

Who am I?

Having taught college courses on and written books about theatre, film, and popular music for over forty years, I have great respect for those who write about the popular art form known as musical theatre. As a theatergoer, I've watched the Broadway (and Off-Broadway) musical develop, change, and sometimes decline. It seems musicals are more popular today than ever before; they certainly are more diverse. I grew up with the traditional Rodgers and Hammerstein model and have seen musicals take on new forms over the years. It is an exciting art form that deserves to be written about.

Thomas' book list on Broadway musicals

Discover why each book is one of Thomas' favorite books.

Why did Thomas love this book?

An early and still one of the best works on the subject, Green's The World of Musical Comedy is the book that introduced generations of musical theatre fans to the art form. It was first published in 1960 and that first edition was my first encounter with the great songwriters and musicals of the American theatre. Green later revised and updated the book and the fourth edition stops at 1980 but the book remains in print. I still recommend it as the best way to discover the classic works in the world of musicals.

By Stanley Green,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The World of Musical Comedy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Acclaimed through three editions for its uniquely informative and entertaining style, this fourth edition of Stanley Green's World of Musical Comedy updates and enlarges the theatrical scope to include such recent shows as A Chorus Line, Barnum, They're Playing Our Song , and Annie . In a format that provides biographies of all the leading figures in the musical's development, Stanley Green manages to convey the spirit of the Broadway stage, its musical make-believe, and yet remain objective about the creative swings in its history and the careers of its individual creators. Everyone is here: Victor Herbert, Sigmund Romberg, Jerome…


Never Say Goodbye

By Patrick Matthews,

Book cover of Never Say Goodbye: A Medium's Stories of Connecting with Your Loved Ones

Lucille Ann Meltz Author Of The Elder Widow's Walk: A Personal Inner Journey and Guide for Bereaved Widows 65 and Beyond

From the list on aging wisdom, loss, and spiritual rebirthing.

Who am I?

I have been a spiritual seeker my entire life, drawn to the mysteries of life, the nature of the soul, the afterlife, intuitive knowing, higher consciousness, and psycho-spiritual transformation. Besides the numerous personal teachers who have enriched my path, personal/ spiritual growth books have been a powerful guide and inspiration. In my coaching practice “Touch The Soul”, I continually draw on my own 70 plus years of acquired elder wisdom as well as the wisdom of so many who have come before me, writers and wayshowers of expansive spirituality.I am grateful to share a few books which may enlighten and deepen your own spiritual journey.

Lucille's book list on aging wisdom, loss, and spiritual rebirthing

Discover why each book is one of Lucille's favorite books.

Why did Lucille love this book?

I have had many “visitations” from passed-on loved ones, including cherished pets, so am always interested in a professional's take on connecting with those on the other side. This detailed guide by a nationally recognized medium covers effective strategies and fascinating stories of relating across the divide. It is also a well-explained basic orientation to the concept of meditation and an intriguing portrait of what the afterlife may be like for us all.

By Patrick Matthews,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Never Say Goodbye as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When he was six years old, Patrick Mathews came face to face with the spirit of his dead Uncle Edward. As an adult, Mathews serves as a vessel of hope for those who wish to communicate with their loved ones in spirit. He demonstrates that the living can continue on-going relationships with the departed. Here Mathews takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotional stories including the dead husband who stood by his wife's side during her wedding to a new man.


On The Roof

By Samantha Hahn,

Book cover of On The Roof: A look inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish

S.M. Stevens Author Of Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers

From the list on for tweens, teens and young adults who love theater.

Who am I?

As a teenager, I didn’t have the lack of inhibition or abundant self-confidence to excel in high school drama. Like Sadie in Bit Players, I finally wowed the directors at my senior year audition, only to learn the lead was promised in advance to someone else. I recovered and stayed involved in theater: cast, crew, and front-of-house jobs for a summer theater program; the box office for Cornell’s MFA program; and supporting my kids’ drama activities. Performing in a show is different from any other experience. If you’ve been in a show, you know this. If you haven’t, read on to enter the magical world of theatre.

S.M.'s book list on for tweens, teens and young adults who love theater

Discover why each book is one of S.M.'s favorite books.

Why did S.M. love this book?

If you’ve never done theater, this book will have you running for the nearest audition. The non-fiction book contains heartwarming reflections from the cast, crew, and creative team for Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, including director Joel Grey. Readers get an inside look at show life, from cast bonding to pre-opening stress to performance mishaps. The vignettes convey what each cast and crew member contributes to making the magic happen. While heavy on the feel-good memories, it rings true and mesmerizes.

Theatre Quotient: High. It’s all theater, all the time!

By Samantha Hahn,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked On The Roof as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A look inside Off-Broadway's Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, the ground-breaking, award-winning musical.
Samantha Hahn, the youngest member of the cast, tells the story of how "Yiddish Fiddler" came to be.
Samantha has interviewed the cast, crew, and creative team - each with a unique take on the show and the impact it has had on their lives - for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes "Yiddish Fiddler" so special.
On the Roof takes the reader on a never before seen journey - from rehearsals that end in tears and screaming in elevators, to the beautiful bonds between company…


A Bargain of Blood and Gold

By Kristin Jacques,

Book cover of A Bargain of Blood and Gold

Reni Stankova Author Of The Enemy of Heaven

From the list on MM fantasies in alternate worlds.

Who am I?

I’ve been an avid reader of MM literature in all its genres and sub-genres, since I was a teenager. Even now, MM fantasy titles are some of my favorite books of all time. I’d love to share my preferences with other readers so they could see the magic I see.

Reni's book list on MM fantasies in alternate worlds

Discover why each book is one of Reni's favorite books.

Why did Reni love this book?

Johnathan Newman is a novice hunter who teams up with a five-hundred-year-old vampire named Vic on a dangerous mission.

The town is plagued by mythological creatures in need of saving and they work together to solve the mystery. However, Vic’s secrets bring trouble, and their mutual attraction doesn’t make things any easier.

A Bargain of Blood and Gold is one of the best-written books I’ve ever read. There hasn’t been a book where every word was chosen so perfectly to my liking. It has the exact amount of descriptions and dialogue. The style is simply perfect.

Additionally, the characters were so vivid and fun to read. John and Vic had such distinguished ways of expressing themselves that I knew every time who was talking without being told.

They are easily one of my favorite M/M couples.

By Kristin Jacques,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Bargain of Blood and Gold as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A novice hunter with a mission. A five-hundred-year-old vampire with a strong sense of irony. A town plagued by creatures in need of saving.

When Johnathan Newman arrives in Cress Haven, the last thing he expects is for his life to be irrevocably changed. Sent by a clandestine league of vampire hunters to investigate a string of murders, signs point to a vampire lurking amid the townsfolk. Johnathan’s attempt to enlist the locals leads him to an unlikely partnership with Vic, the town's most eligible, enigmatic bachelor.

As the pair work to solve the mystery, Vic’s secrets come back to…


Where the Action Is

By J. Elise Keith,

Book cover of Where the Action Is: The Meetings That Make or Break Your Organization

Steven G. Rogelberg Author Of The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance

From the list on navigating out of meeting hell.

Who am I?

As an organizational psychologist, I am driven to study and work to improve work activities that are causing great frustration and not working effectively—meetings are the perfect fit. And, for 20 years I have been actively publishing in this space and have spoken to well over 100,000 leaders through my keynotes/events/videos. What excites me is that meeting science can truly help leaders, teams, and organizations. The books I recommend are well-aligned with the science, and can be difference makers. I hope you enjoy them and find them helpful.  

Steven's book list on navigating out of meeting hell

Discover why each book is one of Steven's favorite books.

Why did Steven love this book?

There are many reasons to really like this book. It is certainly thoughtful, intriguing, and well-grounded. The advice and guidance around meetings are plentiful and meaningful. I particularly appreciated that it addresses meeting practices that high-performing organizations use to drive results and build an excellent meeting culture. Overall, I appreciate the systems-based approach to addressing meeting issues.

By J. Elise Keith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Where the Action Is as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

How well you meet determines what your group can achieve

When you ask leaders in a high performing organization about the key to their success, the answers are all over the place: failing fast, radical transparency, operational excellence, strong core values... so many different North Stars to follow.

Then, if you ask them for an example–to tell you what that looks like in practice–they will all describe a meeting. Leaders at these organizations have learned to design a sequence of tailored meetings that create a healthy organizational culture and drive forward momentum. They know that meetings are where the action…


Musical Excellence

By Aaron Williamon (editor),

Book cover of Musical Excellence: Strategies and Techniques to Enhance Performance

Paul Harris Author Of You Can Read Music: The Practical Guide

From the list on musical pedagogy.

Who am I?

Paul Harris is one of the UK’s most influential music educationalists. He studied the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won the August Manns Prize for outstanding performance in clarinet playing and where he now teaches. He is in great demand as a teacher, composer, and writer (he has written over 600 books); and his inspirational masterclasses and workshops continue to influence thousands of young musicians and teachers all over the world in both the principles and practice of musical performance and education.

Paul's book list on musical pedagogy

Discover why each book is one of Paul's favorite books.

Why did Paul love this book?

For anyone who is performing at any level really, this book will help them enhance their performance and manage the stress that sometimes seems to appear in the performance situation. The book looks at ways to approach the music that we have decided to perform a variety of practice strategies and some particularly interesting techniques for all-around improvement taking in both the physical side of playing and the musical side. It’s a serious and quite academic book but well worth the effort.

By Aaron Williamon (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Musical Excellence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Musical Excellence offers performers, teachers, and researchers, new perspectives and practical guidance for enhancing performance and managing the stress that typically accompanies performance situations. It draws together, for the first time in a single collection, the findings of pioneering initiatives from across the arts and sciences. Specific recommendations are provided alongside comprehensive reviews of existing theory and research, enabling the
practitioner to place the strategies and techniques within the broader context of human performance and encouraging novel ways of conceptualizing music making and teaching.

Part I, Prospects and Limits, sets out ground rules for achieving musical excellence. What roles do…


Book cover of Brightness Falls from the Air

S.E. Sasaki Author Of Welcome to the Madhouse

From the list on sci-fi/fantasy historically written by women.

Who am I?

I've been reading science fiction since the age of seven, when I first read Madaleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. Then it was Podkayne of Mars by Robert Heinlein, A Rite of Passage by Alexei Panshin, Dune by Frank Herbert, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, etc. My list is in honour of Women’s History Month and to recognize the gifted female writers of the past who faced discrimination in the publishing world and yet still triumphed. When I started writing fiction, with my medical background, it had to be about medicine. Thus The Grace Lord series was born. My protagonist, Dr. Grace Lord, is a fearless and compassionate combat surgeon.

S.E.'s book list on sci-fi/fantasy historically written by women

Discover why each book is one of S.E.'s favorite books.

Why did S.E. love this book?

Choosing this book was tough, because there were so many great science fiction novels written by women in the twentieth century and I want to tell you about all of them!
Brightness Falls From the Air is brilliant and will leave you in awe, written by an author who was not revealed to be a woman until many years after the publication of her books.

Alice B. Sheldon, who was winner of both the prestigious Hugo and Nebula Awards, wrote under the pen name, James Tiptree Jr., until her death.

By James Tiptree,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Brightness Falls from the Air as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The arrival of an odd assortment of suspicious tourists on the planet Damiem parallels the final moves in a twenty-year-old interplanetary war that ends in the destruction of a star