Full Circle

A Dream Denied, A Vision Fulfilled

By: Theodore Jerome Cohen

Narrated by: Jim Selleck

Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Solly’s dream is for his son Teddy to one day become a concert violinist. Eventually he comes to understand and to endure the heartbreak of knowing that the dream never will be realized. As Solly watches, life takes Teddy from gifted violin student to adult engineer and scientist, leaving no time for the career in music Solly so dearly wants his son to pursue. In the end, there emerges the essence of redemption as Teddy returns to the violin late in life and fulfills his and his father’s vision. The story, which is a work of fiction based on real events, will fascinate listeners from ages 10 to 100 who are interested in radio, communications, and music, and in how it was to grow up in a family whose members trace their heritage to that great wave of immigrants that crashed onto America’s shores in the mid- to late 1800s.

©2009 Theodore Jerome Cohen (P)2018 Wordwooze Publishing

Dreams that seem to be unfulfilled bear many fruit

Sully wants his son, Teddy, to be a professional musician. To that end, he sacrifices much. Teddy has great promise but does not pursue music as a career. However, the discipline and passion that he was exposed to in the study of music carry over to many other areas of his life. He achieves great success and is brilliant in several areas. Late in life, he turns his time and energy back to the violin and feels his Father's presence.
Who would enjoy this audiobook? Music lovers, HAM radio operators, parents with dream for their children, children who fear they did not meet their parent's expectations, and humans who aspire for greatness in any part of life.

Classical Music, Science, and Engineering Read

A thought-provoking read of the life of a virtuoso violinist who took a time out to earn a PhD and be an engineer and scientist for 45 years. Anyone who has a love of classical music and science will relate to many of the situations in the book. With well-educated Jewish grandparents who fled Russia and had to work hard to support their family. a love of music was nevertheless passed down from grandfather to father to son. The father dreamed and hoped the son would make music his profession, but the son had other talents and interests that pulled him away from that idea until later in life. Famous operas and musical literature are discussed delighting the musically educated reader. Science, engineering, and advanced degrees are interwoven through the story engaging the scientifically minded reader. Humor is another thread which any reader appreciates.
Streetcars, the old country, colorful characters, and piano lesson memories will cause many readers to reminisce and remember times gone by. The history of fine violin making and parents sacrificing for music lessons are also part of the story, teaching while entertaining those who read this book.
Listening to this over Thanksgiving weekend when memories of loved ones seem closer, the detailed scenes and conversations will enhance the thoughts of family. It seemed to fit this time of year as we listened. The pressure during his early years is described so anyone who has experienced parental pressure will find themselves identifying with the story. Finding other interests such as radio, ham radio, geology, and geophysics make so much sense as they offered a new and different view of life. Music was always an interest and continues throughout the book.
I played some of the book to my engineer husband, which caused memories and discussions for us. The story is a trip down memory lane caused us to reflect and remember, as well. Do you remember The Lone Ranger? Did you play checkers, original Monopoly, Parcheesi, and pickup sticks? Practice a musical instrument? Enjoy learning scientific facts? Earn advanced degrees? Anyone major in engineering physics like the author (at first)? Find it frustrating to select a vocation due to many potential possible life paths? This book is one that will entertain and delight such a reader.