The Lost Fifty Seven - Ron Williams

Sub-title: A genealogical journey of discovery, deception, secrets and scandal

One of my sister's got me this book as a gift for the work we've been doing to take cared of my Dad who had a stroke in late May.  The author, Ron, wanted to know more about his mysterious paternal grandfather, particularly his grandfather's first 57 years of life.  It was a great read because he traced how he learned to become an amateur genealogist, sharing his experience with using online resources and putting together clues to discover the truth of his grandfather's life.  I enjoyed sharing his discoveries and following his journey through resources.   

Published: 2024  Read: July 2025  Genre: biography

The Piano Shop on the Left Bank - Thad Carhart

 Sub-title: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier

I picked up this book while on vacation this summer in a bookshop in International Falls, Minnesota.  The place was a restaurant and bar that collects used books from travelers and the less than 6,000 residents. 

This is a true story of an American in Paris discovering how to become part of Paris culture through his love of playing and owning a piano.  While living in Paris as a writer, he explores the streets and shops in his neighborhood on the Left Bank and discovers a piano repair and sale shop, tucked in a musty corner. He gradually gets to meet the owner, through a connection who makes the introduction that admits him to the shop.  The shop owner, Luc, becomes a friend and advisor, and reawakens his childhood love of playing the piano. 

The story reveals how friendships are made and grow while revealing the world of piano making, repairing and owning.  A delightful read.

Quotes: 

"Life is a river and we all have to find a boat that floats."

"...the suite, as the French put it, the follow-through to circumstances and events that lends life it's air at once poignant and meaningful."

Published: 2000 Read: July 2025  Genre: Memoir