HAPPY BOOK-DAY! Today Amy Poeppel’s new third novel, MUSICAL CHAIRS (Atria/EmilyBestlerBooks) comes into the world. Amy is one of our favorite authors and we think MUSICAL CHAIRS may be her best book so far.
It’s all about family, friendship, motherhood and finding your own way!
Bridget is preparing her country home for two more months of romance with the man she hopes to marry when he emails to cancel not only the vacation, but the relationship entirely. Shortly, thereafter, her adult children arrive unannounced, with their literal and emotional baggage. Her summer is suddenly much messier than she anticipated. Her once empty nest is not only full, but falling apart.
MUSICAL CHAIRS had me laughing out loud, drawing interesting stares from my husband. I loved getting to know all of the characters, especially Bridget. It’s always fun to peek into someone else’s quirky-neurotic family. I also loved all the musical references. This is definitely a summer must read.
I can already hear Hollywood calling!
Amy Poeppel grew up in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Wellesley College and worked as an actress in the Boston area, appearing in a corporate industrial for Polaroid, a commercial for Brooks Pharmacy, and a truly terrible episode of America’s Most Wanted, along with other TV spots and several plays. While in Boston, she also got her M.A. in Teaching from Simmons College
She is married to David Poeppel, a neuroscientist at NYU and Director of the Max Planck Institute in Frankfurt. For the past thirty years, they have lived in many cities, including San Francisco, Berlin, and New York, and had three sons along the way. Amy taught high school English in the Washington, DC suburbs, and after moving to New York, she worked as an assistant director of admissions at an independent school where she had the fulfilling experience of meeting and getting to know hundreds of applicant families.
She attended sessions at the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit and wrote the theatrical version of Small Admissions, which was performed there as a staged reading in 2011. Amy’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Rumpus, Working Mother, Points In Case, The Belladonna, and Literary Mama. You can read an interview with Amy on Authors Answer.
NOW ON TO THE BEST PART:
Amy if offering ALL THREE of her books – SMALL ADMISSIONS, LIMELIGHT and MUSICAL CHAIRS to TWO lucky winners! Just tell us what your favorite musical is and why. We’ll announce winners soon. Good luck.
GIVEAWAY: USA only
I loved A Chorus Line.
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Rent is one of my favorites. I live so many but feel this one doesn’t get talked about as much. It was eye opening and moving.
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Grease
It was my first one ever watching and just loved the music and the story.
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Wicked is my all time favorite but so many more….Beautiful, Phantom, Jersey Boys, Mama Mia etc
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I love the 1962 musical The Music Man. It’s a feel good movie with a happy ending! I need to watch it again!
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I love Jersey Boys because I was a teenager when The Four Seasons were popular and the music brings back lots of memories.
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Fiddler On The Roof because I loved the songs and the meaning of the movie.
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My favorite is Carousel I remember being little and watching it with my grandma
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The very first live musical I went to was Wicked. It was a great story and the performers were excellent!
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Fiddler on the Roof has always been my favorite, since I was a child. I remember seeing it with my mom in theaters and several live performances. I have a copy at home as well. Love it!
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Phantom of the Opera was magnificent and unforgettable. An experience at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto many years ago with my family.
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Hamilton, because it was amazing and different from anything I’d seen before. So relevant too.
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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – I can’t get enough of that athletic dancing.
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Mama Mia (movie) – the cast, songs and location
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My Fair Lady or the The Sound of Music I bet that dates me huh
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I LOVE musicals! My first favorite was Mary Poppins, then Sound of Music, then Grease, Les Mis, Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked. Love them all!!
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Oklahoma because my mom used to sing all the songs because she played the lead when she was in HS. Miss her….
I loved Limelight so would love to read the others!!!
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I know it’s technically a musical comedy film, but I just love Sister Act because of the transition the choir went through to where they could sing beautifully in the end.
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I don’t have an absolute favorite musical but I really loved Mamma Mia when I was lucky enough to see that at the theater.
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The Lion King because it was my first movie from childhood and every song is remarkable!
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Hand down Jersey Boys all the way. I’ve seen it on Broadway a few times.
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The Sound of Music I like Julie Andrews
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Phantom of the Opera was a favorite in our household. Our children were really into it for several years. I still enjoy listening to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cd of it.
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I love Hamilton because it makes history more interesting for me!
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Mary Poppins because it’s uplifting and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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Next to Normal
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My mom introduced me to “Singin’ in the Rain” and I’ve liked it ever since.
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The Lion King because it was my first movie from childhood and every song is remarkable!
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Phantom of the Opera. Such a stunning set and hauntingly beautiful story. Music is amazing too.
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Wicked for its stage presence.
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Sound of Music. I just love the movie and the songs. I watch it every year
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I’d have to say The Lion King. We took our granddaughter when she was about ten and she was so in awe. It was amazing to see it through her eyes.
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Its a tie between A Chorus Line and 42nd St.
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I love Wicked since I saw it with my lovely daughter – perfect day in NYC with her! She was in Footloose and Beauty and The Beast in school so those will always be a close 2nd!
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Hi my favorite musical is Seven Brides for Seven brothers. Or The King and I.
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The Sound of Music
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My favorite musical is “The King and I”. I loved the music, fashion and story.
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My favorite musical is “Phantom of the Opera.” I think I just really like the darkness of it.
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Hamilton because it was completely different from any musical I had seen before – and so important!
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Fiddler on the Roof is a favorite due to the family centered story.
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I think I’m going with Greatest Showman
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The Sound of Music!
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My all time favorite is The Sound of Music. Every song is memorable and I love the family closeness.
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Definitely The Lion King!
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Loved Cats!
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