What does it take to live a creative life of conscience? To transition from a loving cocoon out into a harsh world that seeks the rational above fantasy, snubs creativity, and seeks money above all else? Julie was gifted a loving, close-knit artistic family of activists. Her education was supported, and her spirit, nurtured. But Julie's life path roared into the dark depths, forcing her to strip away all illusions about marriage, success, comfort and security. Only one pawn in a failing planet, determined to make a difference, she fought to keep her muse alive as she rode hurdle after hurdle into a new life.
What do the words empathic, visionary, and creative have in common? Author Julie Lyonn Lieberman. The Roaring Brook Fiddler is a unique, compelling, and deeply touching story of the development of a truly creative spirit. For anyone living the creative life, or exploring sensitivities beyond the norm, this book is for you!
— SEAN MURPHY, Hemingway Award-winning author of One Bird, One Stone and The Time of New Weather
Julie Lieberman is a natural writer. Her book recounts her adventures as a formal classical musician who forged new paths as a pioneering improviser and role model for a new generation to dare to be creative. What she says rings true, speaks from the heart and invites the reader into her world to hear you tell her story.
— DAVID AMRAM, Composer-conductor, multi-instrumentalist
Julie Lyonn Lieberman’s book is riveting, an amazing tale. Man oh man can she tell a story and keep the reader’s attention glued to the page! I closed the cover with tears streaming down my face.
— PAMELA SPIRO WAGNER, author of We Mad Climb Shaky Ladders (CavanKerry Press, 2009) and Divided Minds (St. Martin’s Press, 2005)
This is a wonderful, courageous, sad and beautiful book, one that will leave the reader richer. It will be like a silver sword for them—something that makes them feel that if the author could have survived all this and decided to thrive, so can they.
— ANNE WEISS, poet and songwriter
US violinist and educator Julie Lyonn Lieberman is a force of nature, exemplified by this latest publication. Not a book of music, this time, but a memoir of her creative life with its twists and turns, highs and lows, and candid self-awareness. She writes with her heart on her sleeve, and the resulting publication is a fulfillment of a promise to her mother as she lay dying.
The book recounts a series of experiences, family relationships and challenges. It doesn’t flinch. And it is also a compelling reflection of a musician’s other life that the audience doesn’t know about – how, despite internal challenges, the show needs to go on not only to put food on the table, but also to allow a career and artistic life to progress.
— ANNE INGLIS, STRAD Magazine
Julie Lyonn Lieberman is an inspiring and innovative music educator and her books and videos have challenged and supported me since the beginning of my career as a performer and teacher. I ordered The Roaring Brook Fiddler as soon as I heard about it because I was curious to read about her life in music.
I found it to be an emotionally charged read, infused with the author’s creative energy, and positive mindset and perseverance through many difficult challenges. I’m sure that many readers will find her story resonates with them.
— LEAH ROSEMAN, Violinist and host of “Conversations with Musicians with Leah Roseman”
This was an incredibly emotional and deeply inspiring read, Julie. Thank you so much for sharing your life experience. — JOANNE TOONE
Wow! What a fascinating story. As suspenseful as any novel. — CHRISTINE ROBBINS
What really stopped me cold in my tracks was your walk with your dog Midnight just before the Sandy Hook shooting. You described the scene so well about when you encountered the Sandy Hook shooter. Your empathic nature as well as Midnights' were blessings and might have saved your lives! I view your efforts for the town as the most public humanitarian gift any musician could have given to help console and contribute to the healing process for those affected by such devastating losses in the massacre. — VICKI RICHARDS
I must tell you how wonderful this book is. It takes me deeply inside your soul. You have immense talent and heart. – KEN MESEROLL
I finished your book. Loved it. I am amazed at how much of your history you remember well enough to put it into writing. Your talent at relating thoughts and affairs of the heart is very much appreciated. I am able to relate to so much of your story, even though our paths are different. Grief is grief, joy is joy, isn't it, and I loved experiencing all of yours. Thank-you, for sharing such a meaningful life. — COE BARAKOS