Ari GoldmanReseñas

Thebook was interesting, and I may have learned useful information regarding religions i have not studied, but it is difficult to know, as the author was much more interested in talking about himself and his difficulties and great solutions, than he was in presenting facts. He sees himself as an Ortnhodox Jew, but is very willing to dismiss rules when they do not fit his needs. He presents himself as very open and likable and also severely damaged by his parents' divorce when he was a child.

I was fortunate to win this from LibraryThing. Thank you!

This book is a little gem, and a very quick read. Mr. Ari Goldman had me smiling throughout his story. As I was reading his story of music and perseverance, I found myself thinking that aging is not a sad and boring stage in life. He has proven, as have others, that opportunities in life as always there as long as we possess dreams and desires. A lovely, moving story stuffed into 287 pages.

I've played several musical instruments, but after leaving them, find it hard to get up to speed again - someday maybe I'll get there.
The book helped to put it into perspective. We learn much easier and faster when younger. Doesn't mean it can't be learned, but we need to be easier on ourselves and willing to put a LOT of work into it

I couldn't ever fully get into this book. I liked the idea of it, fully expected to enjoy it, and truly wanted to like it. It just felt really slow.

Increasing numbers of Jews are returning to their religious roots in a search for meaning, eager to explore a heritage that is deeply embedded in history and at the same time rapidly changing. But what is Judaism today? And what does it mean -- culturally, spiritually, and ritually -- to be Jewish in the twenty-first century?
In Being Jewish, Ari L. Goldman offers eloquent, thoughtful answers to these questions through an absorbing exploration of modern Judaism. A bestselling author and widely respected chronicler of Jewish life, Goldman vividly contrasts the historical meaning of Judaism's heritage with the astonishing and multiform character of the religion today. The result will be a revelation for those already involved with Judaism, and a fascinating introduction for those whose interests are newly minted or rekindled.
Taking the reader through the process of discovery -- or rediscovery -- Being Jewish is divided into three sections, each focusing on one of the cycles of human life. Beginning with the traditions associated with the life cycle -- birth, marriage, death -- Goldman moves on to describe the rituals that mark the course of the Jewish year, starting with Rosh Hashanah. Finally, he reflects on the character of the Jewish day, exploring the role of prayer, dietary laws, and ethical behavior. All of these moments, from a minute to a lifetime, take on vibrant meaning in his thoughtful picture.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Being Jewish is Goldman's discussion of the extraordinary variations in how Jews live their Judaism today. He finds a wide variety of practices, between Judaism's branches and within them. For example, a family on Long Island keeps a unique version of kosher: they have three sets of dishes and utensils -- one for meat, one for milk, and one for nonkosher Chinese takeout. While traditional Judaism frowns on such quirky modes of observance, Goldman elevates them. Jews today, he concludes, are "reaching for the holy" in unexpected and innovative ways.
These dramatically different ideas about how a Jewish life may be lived suggest how difficult it can be for today's reader to find an objective account of Judaism. And it is precisely Goldman's reporter's eye that sets this book apart. Informed by tradition without embracing any one ideology, this award-winning journalist's probing book moves across the boundaries of modern Judaism to demonstrate how it is lived. While other efforts to tackle these themes are written from the perspective of a particular religious tradition, Being Jewish is the work of a sophisticated observer who describes rather than proscribes. By weaving a complex and compelling commentary on Judaism, this inspiring volume encourages us to find our own place within the tradition and leads us into a deeper understanding not just of the details of the religion but, ultimately, of what it means to be Jewish.

This is the story of Ari Goldman who began cello lessons as an adult and, even later in life after not playing for 25 years, decided he wanted to play in an orchestra. His adventures in playing cello with New York's Late Starters String Orchestra, summer orchestras, the Morningside Orchestra with his son (where he was the oldest player in the youth orchestra) and the Downtown Symphony in New York. He talks about his teachers and those who teach his son cello as well as famous cellists.

Goldman played the cello at his 60th birthday celebration: Bach's minuet with his son on cello and a friend on keyboards, and Mimkomcha by Carlebach, a piece he sang for his bar mitzvah many years ago. And he is still playing. Bravo, Mr. Goodman for music and a book well done.½

If you have never played an instrument, or used to and have been away from it, wanting to go back, “The Late Starters Orchestra” is worth considering. The orchestra from this book’s title is the New York City version of a Late Starters Orchestra, just for that kind of person. The author of course is a member, in the cello section (it’s strings only). However, the book is not just about this music group but more a memoir of the author’s personal life, music and otherwise. The big goal in sight is to play the cello at his sixtieth birthday party. He was lucky to have had a great teacher, whose voice he remembers throughout the book, encouraging him when few others will. His wife, eleven years younger than him, must be very patient as it seems they clash in many ways; yet, they manage to work things out. And, in case the cello never worked out for him, he has his youngest son begin with the “Suzuki method,” the workings of which are big in this book. From there his son opens up to other kinds of music, and the two of them grow musically in their own ways.

One point I think I disagree with the author on is the place classical music holds among other arts. He believes that because it is meant for listening, it at the top of the pyramid. You could argue that music where the audience participates more actively is even greater. Or, paintings, for example, are meant for “listening” with your eyes. I am not a classical musician (I may be biased in favor of jazz); it seems like everyone has different feelings about classical music, and all genres for that matter. So, those who make an effort deserve credit, because the outcome can be wonderful. A different group we read about is the Really Terrible Orchestra – you can guess how they got their name. I don’t know how hard they try to make good music – if they try to sound bad, I don’t know if that’s a good thing. Anyway, I think it is great for Goldman to stick with it, and I think if anyone really wants to do something, they can make it happen, provided resources are available. Don’t limit yourself.

Note: I won a copy of this title through Goodreads' First Reads.

I didn't warm up to this book right away. And the first time I read it, I missed a lot. But as you can see, I gave it five stars, and I'm currently re-reading it. I love reading about Mr. Goldman's journey to finally playing 2 cello pieces at his 60th birthday. It was not a linear path, but no real life story is. The illustrations are an exquisite addition. I would liken it to Noah Adams' book, Piano Lessons, about the NPR host who had a similar age/music goal.

A very simplistic book about being Jewish. Not bad but I knew too much.

Ari Goldman, author of The Late Starter's Orchestra, has achieved measurable success as a practicing journalist, a teacher of news writing, and as the author of a popular book some years back, The Search for God at Harvard. These bio facts are important when we settle in to read this account of restarting playing the cello and joining an amateur orchestra in his senior years. Goldman is not a flighty oldster. He's serious about his undertaking. And he has a specific goal. He will learn enough to play for his family and friends at a party he will host for his sixtieth birthday. He will prove to all present that he is a musician.
The theme of following one's dream is ubiquitous.Goldman buys into it hook, line and sinker.Even if we may think him foolish, we find him to be an informative and pleasant chatty guide to the facts of orchestral organization and the challenges of practice and rehearsal. Fortunately Goldman has a son, Judah, who is precocious at cello play and other instruments as well. When Ari gets discouraged, he bathes in his son's successes. The writing is sprightly, humorous, and offers worthwhile insight into the power and mystery of music.

Started this book but finding it a slow read. Not sure if it's just not my type of storyline, but will attempt it again one day.

This is a nice little book about the author relearning the cello in his older years with the idea of playing a concert for his 60th. Interesting stories are included about various musicians and family members. It did take a while to read as it was a bit slow going but generally it was a good read.

We are all barraged with a litany of "too(s)" - being "too" old, "too" fat, "too" stupid, "too" weak, etc. It takes a special kind of courage to turn the limitation of "too" into a "so"; as in "I'm so much more than you give me credit for". I'll admit I'm a sucker for that kind of story and The Late Starters Orchestra does not disappoint.

Author Ari L Goldman originally began playing the cello at the age of 26; already a bit long in the tooth to hope for mastery. But with encouragement and inspiration from his teacher, affectionately known as Mr. J, Goldman grew to love the instrument and the music it made. But after seven years, with a new family and a busy career, the cello was replaced with more pressing concerns.

Replaced but not forgotten.

Goldman has a soul for music and as his sixtieth birthday approached he decided to give the cello another go. He tells us of his trials and tribulations of working to gain/regain such an intricate skill with older fingers and brain. He introduces us to others who are also on the quest of playing music beyond the flush of youth and to a very special cellist in his life who is the flush of youth personified - his son, Judah. And throughout the book there is Mr. J -the endearing and complex teacher who becomes the soul of the cello.

A sweet and satisifying story. Recommended especially for music lovers. And anyone who has had an attack of the "too(s)".

This is a delightful book about the efforts of Ari Goldman to become enough of a musician to add value to an orchestra of non-professionals. Goldman sang to some degree as a youngster, but did not try to play an instrument until well into adulthood. He made more than one foray into playing the cello, but had to grow into a true seriousness to play sufficiently well with a group, that others might want to hear. This required extensive clsses with a professional cellist, and his need to find an orchestr with like-minded individuals.

Ari Goldman has been a newspaper journalist, and has done extensive looks at religion in the United States, and he now teaches journalism at Columbia University. He wantd to do something more, and this book is a record of that result. I myself have done something similar in music, by joining a community chorale at the age of 60 that did not require an audition to get in. We do a boatload of rehearsals to get a major classical piece ready for our January "classical" concert. Goldman's Late Starters Orchestra does the same thing with instrumentalist. There is a lot of help from professional musicians along the way, and sme of the lay members are actually quite good.

Goldman lives in New York, and tells much of his life there. This includes his Orthodox Jewish devotion, and having a son who is developing a music career. A good addition to my library.½

I couldn't finish this book. The story didn't interest me at all. I kept hoping it would be grab me at some point, but that never happened.

It took me almost two months to read this small book, because every time I would try to read it I would fall asleep after five pages. Goldman chronicles his forays back into the world of music, with the goal of being able to play a small cello concert for friends and family at his sixtieth birthday. In addition to stories on his own progress, he includes brief biographies about the musicians that he meets, cello history, and details on his family's musical inclination. I found the pacing to be slow and Goldman's writing style bland. The story was not captivating and I had no interest in whether Goldman's playing would improve.

It took me a bit to get into the story but I enjoyed it very much. A very positive, feel good book for me. AND music. How can you go wrong reading about music?

This is a story of a fifty-something man close to his retirement years. He decides to dust off his cello and give it a go. His impending birthday, his love of music, and making beautiful song are his driving forces to learn the instrument once again. People don't have enough pride in their work, enough passion, enough mettle and grit to accomplish....not impressive and amazing things, but simply what makes others, and more importantly, their own selves happy.

It really was inspiring to show that the adage of "teaching old dogs new tricks" is a complete fallacy concocted to soften the fall when or if one fails. Music is not defined by its audience, and in turn, the one behind the instrument, honing, tuning, perfecting, producing sheer mellifluousness shouldn't define what music is to everyone who hears. Loving what you do and doing it well. That's what this book taught me.

**I may flesh this review out in the future as my back is not cooperating this week to afford time in front of the computer.½

I usually enjoy reading books about music or musician, so, even though I didn't know what to expect with this one, I had a feeling that I would find it quite enjoyable. What I didn't expect, to be honest, was enjoying it as much as I did. I'm glad that I was given the opportunity to read this by Early Reviewers at LibraryThing.

Ari Goldman has written some other books, but this is the first one of his I have read, so I have nothing previously read to base this on. He writes in a style that is easy to read, but there is a depth to his writing that makes it worthwhile reading, with lots given to think about and reflect upon.

The book is primarily about Goldman's decision to take up playing the cello again after a number of years of neglect. As he approaches his 60th birthday he decides that as part of his celebration he wants to be able to give a performance on the cello. There is some regret that he abandoned his cello playing for so long, but he shows some determination in getting back to it again.

I would have probably found the story of his re-acquaintance with the cello enjoyable enough, but he enriched the story by sharing his life journey as well. He tells the story about his life growing up as a Jew and how music had always been part of his life, going from how this initially involved regular singing in the synagogue to having to learn to play an instrument when his voice broke and he no longer sung as angelically as he had previously.

Goldman shares a lot of what and who inspired him over the years, especially one cello teacher who taught him a lot of what he knew, not just about cello playing, but also life in general. He also shares some of the struggles of balancing his career and family with his love of music. Of the three, it was music that mainly took the back seat as his career and family came to the forefront. He also shares the stories of some of the people who have come into his life as he has undertaken his journey of musical rediscovery.

At times the book was moving. Sometimes it was funny. Often it was both. I could identify with some of what he wrote, having been around music of some sort for most of my life. I grew up in a church where learning music was encouraged from an early age. I had my first musical instrument placed in my hands before my seventh birthday. Over the years playing music has moved in and out of my life. One of my regrets has not always having taken it as seriously as I could have, plus my aversion to regular practice probably didn't help. Although my journey hasn't been the same as Goldman's, I found myself identifying with some of the things he shred, perhaps especially some of the regrets.

Although I enjoyed this book partly because of my enjoyment of music, I think that those without a musical background would also enjoy it. It's inspirational and moving in the way it touches on life in general, in relationships, in the part religion plays in one's life, and in the way we are shaped by those who teach us, among many other things. Above all else, Goldman inspires the reader to see that one is never too old to deal with some of the regrets of the past, not necessarily returning there, but picking up something long neglected and continuing with it once more. Too many people live with regrets instead of actually realising that sometimes they can be dealt with and overcome.

I'd heartily recommend this book as one worth reading, especially if you enjoy musical biographies, but it is also worth picking up if you are looking for something inspirational to read.

I received this book from the Early Readers selections in early July and I really enjoyed it. This is the true story of a man who decides that he will play the cello at his 60th birthday celebration. The cello has been *his* instrument since childhood and although he loves it with all his heart, he has never mastered it. In order to attempt to realize his dream, he enlists the spirit of his childhood cello teacher/mentor, he joins an orchestra of *late starters* -- others who, like himself, played the instrument in their past but for whatever reasons stopped playing for several years and are now returning to it -- and pursues every avenue open to him at this stage of his life. The book also tells the parallel stories of his youngest son's cello education and the influence this has on Goldman, himself, as well as Goldman's own story of growing up.

The Late Starters Orchestra is a sweet little book suited for all readers interested in music or for anyone interested in learning a new skill later in life. Ari L. Goldman relates his personal experiences with returning to the cello after twenty-five years away. I did find the book a little slow at times. But generally, it was an enjoyable read.

The Late Starter's Orchestra is about following your passions throughout life, and never giving up. It is an inspirational memoir of a man who has always wanted to play the cello and pursues this goal doggedly, if not continuously, throughout his adult life. His joy and pleasure in learning shine through in the narrative, which is at times a little meandering - kind of like his path of training. There are a few detours in the narrative, which is really more like a ramble through the writer's thoughts, centred on musical instruction, but encompassing many other alleys, like journalism, on which topic he has much to say. All in all it is a pleasant read, though not fast-paced.

I was really looking forward to reading this book. However, I guess the author's writing style is not to my liking. It was a great book to fall asleep to, because I simply could not read more than 1 or 2 pages per night. I found the writing confusing, and in a way more like a lecture. His memoir might be better suited to a more intellectual reader.

Ari Goldman offers up a somewhat pleasant memoir focusing on his decision, in his late-50's, to reconnect with the cello-playing he had abandoned in his youth. It is what I'd call a "lazy, Sunday-afternoon read." His writing voice is pleasant, offends no-one, and may be inspirational to some, but it is also very fragmented. There were few moments for me (also a lapsed musician, only slightly younger than Goldman), that elicited any reaction stronger than mild interest. Better editing and tighter focus would have done much to make The Late Starters Orchestra more compelling, and less rambling.

To be clear, this is not a "self-help" book. Rather than explicitly offering advice to readers, Goldman prefers to tell his own story, occasionally weaving in the stories of others who have influenced him along the way, or with whom he has a personal relationship. Goldman tries to show by example that (as the flap says), "it's never to late to find happiness on one's own terms." It is a vague statement that, nevertheless, seems point toward a universal truth. In telling his story, however, he frequently wanders too deeply into his personal angst about many things, especially his son Judah (who also plays cello). He also makes many sudden and over-long diversions into side issues, sometimes "factoids" that he thinks are needed to support his observations about life, sometimes stream-of-consciousness meanderings that throw off the flow of the narrative and add very little to his story, or serve to move him toward the book's goal of inspiring.

In a section called "The Fiddler," Goldman begins with the story of Tevye (whose tale was the inspiriation for the musical, The Fiddler on the Roof). Goldman makes some relevant comparisons between Tevye and himself, and moves smoothly into recount of a touching discussion he had with Elie Wiesel about playing music. A few paragraphs later, however, he digresses to thoughts about Judah and the learning advantage that young people enjoy. He writes:
"It's not just that learning is easier and the fingers move quicker, it's the brain. As the neurologist and psychiatrist Oliver Sacks explains in his book, Musicolphilia, people who learn music at a young age actually grow a set of brain neurons that we late starters simply don't have and will never have."

I don't believe that many readers would question his statement about young brains, but adding a bit of scientific support would be alright if it stopped there. Instead, he goes on to quote Sacks twice more (about the corpus callosum's size and function in musicians), provides more support (and a quotation) from another writer's book about the brain, and adds further confirmation of what they say from the Talmud. At that point I admit I began to lose interest; this wasn't about little-known, cutting edge research, and this is a memoir, in any case.

In the next paragraph Goldman bemoans his "puny" musical brain and his bad back, then goes into one of his frequent stream-of-consciousness, anxiety-laden commentaries about the sad state of journalism today (Goldman is a journalist), e-books replacing books and Jon Stewart replacing Walter Cronkite (metaphorically), and the terrible economy. Depressing, and the memoir could stand to have most of these edited out, especially since this section wraps up with a brief statement saying, never mind all that, "all I wanted to do was play the cello." Goldman could afford to be less concerned about quoting sources here...perhaps as a journalist he cannot help himself...and a better arc for each section (fewer random thoughts) would make this--and other sections--much more compelling to read.

It's very good that this book about a man and his musical pursuits ends on a high note. If you don't mind his anxious meanderings, and can wade through the many random diversions from the story of Goldman's reintroduction to the world of cello-playing, you may enjoy this book. Unfortunately I became bored fairly early on, and by about halfway through I had to speed-read my way to the end. Were I not reviewing it, I admit that I probably would have just stopped reading there.

Ari Goldman's Late Starters Orchestra chronicles his years long quest to become an amateur musician, specifically a cellist. As a musician and teacher I found it particularly engaging and I lent it out to a couple of my adult beginner students to get their reactions. They found it both encouraging and moving.

Though he sung in his synagogue in his youth his cello playing began on a whim almost, when he was 19 and continued on and off through marriage, child raising, including a cellist son with whom he played and learned, on to the challenge of playing for an audience on his 60th birthday.

While Goldman focuses on playing the cello this could be about a passion for learning in adulthood in general, at a time in life when many believe that learning new skills may be impossible.

This is a charming account of Ari Goldman and his attempt to become a cellist in his later years. Many of us regret not having learned an instrument and can relate to how difficult it is to learn after the window of youth has closed.

I enjoyed reading about Goldman's relationship with his teachers, especially Mr J, an elderly Holocaust survivor. Goldman's son Judah also learns cello, and the father's joy in watching his son excel in the instrument he himself loves is very moving. The stories of those who play in the Late Starters Orchestra were all good in different ways (i was interested to read that Alexander McCall Smith is one of the founders of the really terrible orchestra in Scotland)

The book focusses on the human side of cello playing, so don't expect to learn about the cello in depth. It is a lovely account of people open to new paths and being willing to try new experiences knowing that they will never master them.

A light, hopeful read.