How to Play the Harmonica: and Other Life Lessons, by Sam Barry; Foreword by Dave Barry by Sam Barry

$9.99

Paperback

Normally I maintain strict control over the content of The Daily Sam, because, well, I have standards. However, today is the on-sale date for my new book, and I thought it would be ethical to have someone else write the review. Samantha Dreadnought is one of the most renowned—and feared—book reviewers in the nation. Many people say it was Dreadnought’s New York Times review that made Junot Diaz what he is today. But Dreadnought is better known for devastatingly critical reviews—reviews that have been known to destroy books, writing careers, and yes, even lives. Many think it was a Dreadnought review that precipitated the recent recession.

That’s the kind of integrity we have here at The Daily Sam. When we need a review for the publisher’s new book, we don’t review it ourselves. We don’t turn to some “yes person.” No, we hand it over to the toughest reviewer in the nation.

HOW TO PLAY THE HARMONICA AND OTHER LIFE LESSONS

By Sam Barry; Reviewed by Samantha Dreadnought

In this powerful book, Sam Barry, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and publisher of the seminal journal The Daily Sam, convincingly demonstrates that learning how to play the harmonica is the answer. That’s right: The Answer, without qualifications. Barry distills his own experiences—and those of his friends and family—in polished and wise sentences that recall the writing of Tolstoy, Flaubert, Vonnegut, Morrison, and other literary masters. Barry makes us see, with almost hallucinogenic immediacy, the true human meaning of the universe. Reading this book changed my life. Get it immediately. Buy copies for everyone you know. Also, I don’t normally mention this in my reviews, but this lovely book is priced to sell and makes a great gift.

HOW TO PLAY THE HARMONICA AND OTHER LIFE LESSONS

By Sam Barry

144 pp. Gibbs Smith Publisher

Paper, $9.99