Has a book ever reminded you of a song?
It happened to me the other night at a Books Inc. event in San Francisco. I was completely enrapt in the captivating reading that young adult author David Levithan did from his recent novel “Love is the Higher Law.” It’s the story of three teenagers coming together and coming apart in the aftermath of 9/11 in New York City. The chapters David read spoke of tentativeness, emptiness, and hushed feelings not yet known. The characters all craved something slightly nebulous, perhaps connection, perhaps just relief from loneliness. And as I sat on the edge of my seat, I could hear a song playing in my mind because his words reminded me of one of my favorite performances of a song ever.
That is Raul Esparza’s performance of “Being Alive” from the 2006 Broadway revival Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” It’s sung by the main character who’s preferred being alone, but is maybe, just maybe, now longing for someone to share “being alive” with. As sung by Raul Esperza, it is one of the most heartfelt songs about longing for connection.
Has a book ever reminded you of a song or vice versa?
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7 Comments
What a great post! I actually have a “playlist” at the top of my WIP doc. As a scene makes me think of a song (or is inspired by a song), I add it to the playlist.
I, too, have a WIP playlist. So many songs inspire my writing. Music is inspirational. And I definitely believe that words can inspire music (or a song). : )
Great post Daisy!
So beautiful. I love that song!
I do have those moments where a song will strike me as the mirror of a book, but not often. Usually, I’m hearing my own made-up melody.
yes! This is the second post I’ve read about this today – cool! Jamie Johnson’s Color came out about the time I completed my book. Every time I hear it I see the book trailer in my head. I love it when stories find their soundtrack.
Great post. Iris by the GooGoo Dolls always reminds me of Willow by Julia Hoban. And keep holding on reminds me of my WIP but that might just be because the Glee soundtrack is on constantly
And thank you for the bookmarks they are very cool. I’m glad I found your blog too!
Is it weird that when I think of protest songs from the 60′s and stuff I think of The Mockingbirds? There are so many great covers of them now too–songs about social change/justice immediately make me think of your book!
Great songs and now I have some new ones to look up! That is, if I can ever stop playing Being Alive!
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