cover image Nadja on My Way

Nadja on My Way

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $13.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-517-57392-1

In this frank and funny autobiography, young violinist Salerno-Sonnenberg proves that she has an ear not only for music, but for a deft turn of phrase as well. Who, for example, can resist when she calls Richard Strauss's ``Salome'' the operatic equivalent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre --or later, recalling her brief tenure at a high school in a tough part of Philadelphia, when she refers to herself as a ``nerd among sharks''? This sort of self-deprecating humor and refreshingly matter-of-fact attitude about her enormous talent will make Nadja's story instantly accessible to young readers. She writes eloquently of her early years in Italy, of her lifelong passion for music, of growing up poor, and of the rebellious streak that was almost her undoing. Hard work won out, though, and while at Juilliard, Nadja won the prestigious Naumburg Competition, which launched her career. She's a spirited young woman, and her candid insights into some of the down sides of competition and a performance career make this book a must for any serious young musician. Ages 10-14. (Oct.)