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Beyond Power – Israel and the Struggle for the Ethical State
Beyond Power sweeps across a huge landscape. It starts with the brutality of October 7 and moves through the ethics of self-defense, the failures of modern democracies, the rise of progressive ideology, and the long history of Jewish vulnerability. It tries to stitch these threads into a single idea. The author argues that Western society is drifting away from the moral core that once made democracy possible. At the same time, he says Israel stands as a case study of a nation forced to defend that moral core while being attacked for doing so. The book blends philosophy, history, and political analysis into something that feels both wide-ranging and deeply personal. It does this through rational analysis, while acknowledging both sides of many of the arguments.
I found myself pulled in many directions at once. Some chapters hit hard. The discussion of existential threat felt raw, and the writing carried a pulse that seemed to come straight from lived fear. I felt the author’s frustration with how the world reacts to Israel’s choices. I also felt his disappointment at how fragile democratic societies have become. He writes in a way that makes big ideas feel urgent. At times, I nodded along. The book has a rhythm that swings between clarity and intensity, and that mix made the reading experience unpredictable in a good way.
Then there were moments when I felt the weight of the author’s certainty. Some arguments felt tightly reasoned and grounded in the text of history. Others felt more like a call to arms. I caught myself reacting emotionally. The sections on progressivism, for example, felt like they were written out of real concern. The passion behind the words made the book more alive. It never hides how the author feels, and that honesty makes the work feel human. The tone always remains respectful of divergent views and offers solutions as well as analysis.
I walked away thinking this book is suited for readers who want to grapple with difficult questions about ethics, identity, war, democracy, and power. It is a book for people who enjoy wrestling with ideas and who do not mind strong viewpoints. It will speak to readers who are curious about Israel’s struggles, Western political instability, or the philosophical foundations of ethical societies.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0G1CZG9J1
My Legacy
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall is a captivating journey through a life filled with dramatic contrasts, remarkable resilience, and a passion for music. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In the beginning, I wrote From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall for my family as a legacy to keep after I am gone. Later, it evolved as a kind of therapeutic release recalling my life, especially once I graduated from my college, The Curtis Institute of Music. Can you imagine going to college to learn how to master the clarinet to make a living?! It’s not the most sensible way to go.
Along with the funny stories and occasional glamorous, glorious moments performing with the greatest musicians all over the world it seems when I think about it now, I went from one challenge to another: child abuse, having little money, driving a cab, selling welding supplies, having my life threatened more than a few times. I suppose, after keeping my life a secret from friends and colleagues after all these years, I also wanted people to know some of what I went through to survive.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My life was about hard work, setting goals, overcoming obstacles. I realize now that those small steps I made each day toward both the short and long – time goals I set for myself, really paid off. I didn’t like selling welding products – getting up at 4AM each morning to be at the shipyards when the welders were arriving for work and getting them to try my welding products was no picnic. Sometimes the welders would set their welder at the wrong polarity and ask me to weld something. Of course, I got a terrible shock when the welding rod touched the metal. That game is called “Lighting up the Welding Rod Salesman” and it never fails to end in uproarious laughter, at least for the welders. For me it was life and death. I had to make money for my daughter and me to eat and pay the rent.
I read a book called “What Color is Your Parachute” and discovered that my passions are music and children. I got the idea to create a program called “Music Magic”, sold it to many schools, including my daughter’s pre – school in Seattle and never looked back to those shipyards. Implementing “Music Magic” in the early childhood schools in Seattle and later in NYC enabled my daughter and me to move back East and where I could restart my performing career.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
A challenging thought, even before I began was the idea (which began as a notion) that I could write a book; it seemed far- fetched, as my last class in English and/or writing was when I was a Junior in high school.
How has writing your memoir impacted or changed your life?
It continues to be a great learning experience.
I now have more appreciation for my wife, Barb, who is so very supportive and a great partner in this project. I consider my wife to be a large part of my targeted audience – someone who loves music, especially classical music, and is NOT a professional musician.
I am also so very grateful to be living close to my daughter, Laura and her partner, Deryn, both of whom work with me in promoting our book, From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook-Personal | Facebook-Business | Website
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall is more than a musician’s story; it’s an inspiring narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s challenges head-on. An ode to the power of never giving up and giving oneself every chance to succeed. This book will not only entertain but also encourage and inspire, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a story of triumph, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall
David Singer’s memoir, From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall, is a captivating journey through a life filled with dramatic contrasts, remarkable resilience, and a passion for music. The story begins with Singer’s strikingly surreal day of performing at the White House before returning to drive a taxi on the gritty streets of New York. The book seamlessly weaves together the grandeur of international concert halls with the harsh realities of survival, creating an inspiring story of a life lived in extremes. His story also ventures deeply into family history, exploring themes of trauma, perseverance, and the transformative power of art.
What makes this memoir truly shine is Singer’s ability to bring to life the dichotomy of his experiences. He vividly describes performing with the Vienna Philharmonic while still grappling with the scars of a tumultuous upbringing. One of the most compelling sections recounts his relationship with Rudolf Jettel, a mentor who helped shape his artistic journey while also standing as a hero who saved lives during the Holocaust. These stories add layers of depth and humanity to the story. His accounts of working odd jobs, like selling welding supplies at dawn, make the glamour of Carnegie Hall feel earned.
Singer’s writing is raw and unflinching when delving into his personal struggles. His reflections on a childhood filled with parental abuse and the long shadow it cast over his life are both heartbreaking and hopeful. The honesty in these moments feels brave, especially when he revisits painful family dynamics. However, he also balances this with humor and warmth, particularly when recounting his adventures as a young clarinetist or his mischievous childhood escapades, like sneaking his dog DeeDee into his room at night.
The book’s pacing is engaging, though at times the transitions between major events in Singer’s life feel abrupt. While this approach mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of his journey, it occasionally left some anecdotes feeling underexplored to me. Despite this, Singer’s voice remains earnest and compelling, drawing the reader into his world with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion.
I recommend From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall to anyone who loves music, tales of perseverance, or stories of triumph over adversity. It’s a particularly enriching read for musicians or anyone navigating a challenging creative path. Singer’s life is a testament to the power of grit and artistry, offering inspiration to those daring enough to dream big, no matter the odds.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0D6TH9XG6
LITERARY TITAN 