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Once in Every Generation
Eleven-year-old Angelina Mariano was a phenomenon that happens only once in every generation. Her spectacular singing voice was incomparable. But a traumatic incident created a debilitating phobia that destroyed any dream of pursuing her passion.
As an adult, Angelina teaches private voice lessons and takes on a student she recognizes as astonishing, one who possesses the career potential that eluded her. Lisa Forester is that student. Becoming her mentor and friend, she nourishes young Lisa's talent and instills that which escaped Angelina so long ago, the confidence to believe in her own abilities.
Unleashed, the young student's voice launches her on a meteoric rise to stardom. At the height of Lisa's career, however, a life-altering illness surfaces. Because of her love for Lisa, Angelina must now dig deep down inside of herself and face her own fears.
Relying on one another's strength, both women will learn to face their own challenges.
"Once in Every Generation" is a story of relationships, courage, and dreams interrupted.
As an adult, Angelina teaches private voice lessons and takes on a student she recognizes as astonishing, one who possesses the career potential that eluded her. Lisa Forester is that student. Becoming her mentor and friend, she nourishes young Lisa's talent and instills that which escaped Angelina so long ago, the confidence to believe in her own abilities.
Unleashed, the young student's voice launches her on a meteoric rise to stardom. At the height of Lisa's career, however, a life-altering illness surfaces. Because of her love for Lisa, Angelina must now dig deep down inside of herself and face her own fears.
Relying on one another's strength, both women will learn to face their own challenges.
"Once in Every Generation" is a story of relationships, courage, and dreams interrupted.
186 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2010
11 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Lauren B. Grossman
4Ìýbooks86ÌýfollowersAward-winning author, Lauren B. Grossman resides in Arizona with her husband, two children, three dogs, and a desert tortoise.
Lauren earned a degree in theatre and has performed in, designed sets, directed and produced numerous productions.
Lauren co-founded, co-published, and co-edited a performing arts newspaper. Because of the success of that newspaper, she and her co-publisher created a weekly radio talk show.
She has had articles published and has earned awards for her short stories.
Novels:
THE CZECH BOOK, a Rainee Allen mystery
THE VERONA EXCHANGE: a Rainee Allen mystery
THE GOLDEN PEACOCK: a Rainee Allen mystery
ONCE IN EVERY GENERATION
Lauren earned a degree in theatre and has performed in, designed sets, directed and produced numerous productions.
Lauren co-founded, co-published, and co-edited a performing arts newspaper. Because of the success of that newspaper, she and her co-publisher created a weekly radio talk show.
She has had articles published and has earned awards for her short stories.
Novels:
THE CZECH BOOK, a Rainee Allen mystery
THE VERONA EXCHANGE: a Rainee Allen mystery
THE GOLDEN PEACOCK: a Rainee Allen mystery
ONCE IN EVERY GENERATION
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 23, 2019
An easy 4 stars
I want to apologize for taking so long to review this book. The author sent it to me to promote Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month in March 2017. Somehow I failed to read it until now.
This is a story of an emotional journey by 2 women, Angelina and her voice student, Lisa. One of these 2 develops MS. Angelina has a wonderful singing voice but is afraid to sing in public due to a humiliating incident in her childhood. She makes a living teaching voice to aspiring students. Then she comes across Lisa, who has a voice that happens once in every generation. The changes in the lives of these 2 people make for a satisfying story with an emotional ending.
The author discloses in her afterword that she has MS and wrote this book to raise awareness of MS. One the questions posed to the reader is "what major emotion did the story evoke in you?"
Answering that question brought back memories.
Two of my 3 grandchildren have an incurable genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. When I received the news almost 20 years ago that my first grandchild was diagnosed with this disease, I cried. My daughter had a high school class mate with CF. He died and never graduated from high school.
Both of my CF grandchildren are alive and moderately healthy due to aggressive and expensive medical care. The median survival(average) age for CF patients is now 47, up from 30 when my granddaughter was born.
In an interesting parallel to this story, my granddaughter is majoring in music and has an excellent singing voice. She is thinking of becoming a music teacher.
Update January 23,2019: My wife read this book and thought it left out too much, as if it was a Readers Digest condensed version. She specifically didn't like the break in Lisa's life from graduating from high school to a wealthy successful singer 20 years later. She says 3 stars.
I want to apologize for taking so long to review this book. The author sent it to me to promote Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month in March 2017. Somehow I failed to read it until now.
This is a story of an emotional journey by 2 women, Angelina and her voice student, Lisa. One of these 2 develops MS. Angelina has a wonderful singing voice but is afraid to sing in public due to a humiliating incident in her childhood. She makes a living teaching voice to aspiring students. Then she comes across Lisa, who has a voice that happens once in every generation. The changes in the lives of these 2 people make for a satisfying story with an emotional ending.
The author discloses in her afterword that she has MS and wrote this book to raise awareness of MS. One the questions posed to the reader is "what major emotion did the story evoke in you?"
Answering that question brought back memories.
Two of my 3 grandchildren have an incurable genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. When I received the news almost 20 years ago that my first grandchild was diagnosed with this disease, I cried. My daughter had a high school class mate with CF. He died and never graduated from high school.
Both of my CF grandchildren are alive and moderately healthy due to aggressive and expensive medical care. The median survival(average) age for CF patients is now 47, up from 30 when my granddaughter was born.
In an interesting parallel to this story, my granddaughter is majoring in music and has an excellent singing voice. She is thinking of becoming a music teacher.
Update January 23,2019: My wife read this book and thought it left out too much, as if it was a Readers Digest condensed version. She specifically didn't like the break in Lisa's life from graduating from high school to a wealthy successful singer 20 years later. She says 3 stars.
March 5, 2014
In honor of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month 2014, ONCE IN EVERY GENERATION is Free until March 10th through Smashwords.com: . Then starting March 6th, it'll be free on AmazonUSA at and AmazonUK at (and all Amazons throughout the world).
The Novel:
Eleven-year-old Angelina Mariano was a phenomenon that happens only once in every generation. Her spectacular singing voice was incomparable. But a traumatic incident created a debilitating phobia that destroyed any dream of pursuing her passion.
As an adult, Angelina teaches private voice lessons and takes on a student she recognizes as astonishing, one who possesses the career potential that eluded her. Lisa Forester is that student. Becoming her mentor and friend, she nourishes young Lisa's talent and instills that which escaped Angelina so long ago, the confidence to believe in her own abilities.
Unleashed, the young student's voice launches her on a meteoric rise to stardom. At the height of Lisa's career, however, a life-altering illness surfaces. Because of her love for Lisa, Angelina must now dig deep down inside of herself and face her own fears.
Relying on one another's strength, both women will learn to face their own challenges.
Once in Every Generation is a story of relationships, courage, and dreams interrupted.
The Novel:
Eleven-year-old Angelina Mariano was a phenomenon that happens only once in every generation. Her spectacular singing voice was incomparable. But a traumatic incident created a debilitating phobia that destroyed any dream of pursuing her passion.
As an adult, Angelina teaches private voice lessons and takes on a student she recognizes as astonishing, one who possesses the career potential that eluded her. Lisa Forester is that student. Becoming her mentor and friend, she nourishes young Lisa's talent and instills that which escaped Angelina so long ago, the confidence to believe in her own abilities.
Unleashed, the young student's voice launches her on a meteoric rise to stardom. At the height of Lisa's career, however, a life-altering illness surfaces. Because of her love for Lisa, Angelina must now dig deep down inside of herself and face her own fears.
Relying on one another's strength, both women will learn to face their own challenges.
Once in Every Generation is a story of relationships, courage, and dreams interrupted.
July 14, 2011
This is the story of a young woman with an incredible voice who faces tremendous fears which prevent her from following her dreams. She ends up a respectable voice teacher and finds a student, Lisa, who also has extraordinary talent as a singer. With her help, Lisa blossoms into a star, a world renown sensation. Both mentor and student have a uniquely close relationship throughout the novel which I found endearing. Each helps the other to overcome their fears and reach their full potential. At the peak of Lisa's career however, she is diagnosed with MS, a debilitating illness that strikes people in their prime years. I know because I have the same type of MS as that depicted in this novel. It was very accurately stated but that is because the author herself also has the disease. I was struck with all the accurate details from the day of diagnosis and how you feel to when relapses hit and often symptoms don't go away.
I think those of us with the illness sometimes feel not heard or understood because our feelings and our symptoms are often difficult to put into words but this author did a great job with it. Kudos to you and you have every right to be proud for penning this book. It really was a beautiful story, not only one I could relate to, but one others can read and understand as well. Each helps the other to overcome their fears and reach their full potential. 5 stars for my fellow MS friend, Lauren Grossman.
I think those of us with the illness sometimes feel not heard or understood because our feelings and our symptoms are often difficult to put into words but this author did a great job with it. Kudos to you and you have every right to be proud for penning this book. It really was a beautiful story, not only one I could relate to, but one others can read and understand as well. Each helps the other to overcome their fears and reach their full potential. 5 stars for my fellow MS friend, Lauren Grossman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2011
I chanced upon this book through Facebook. The author, a fellow MSer, had produced and published an intriguing 'trailer' which I spotted on a mutual friend's page.
I inquired about the book, 'friended' Lauren in the process, and ordered the book which I am enjoying now that I have worked through all my weightier tomes!
Not intending to be a spoiler, let me just say that I was both surprised and pleased to discover how the author deals with the subject matter!
This was a quick read by a new author, who has done a good job with her story. At times there were a few too many cliches, and the style a bit too formulaic, but that is probably a result of inexperienced editing, I suspect.
Heaven knows that any 'first book' I might publish would likely be laden with shortcomings far more major that are found here!
I inquired about the book, 'friended' Lauren in the process, and ordered the book which I am enjoying now that I have worked through all my weightier tomes!
Not intending to be a spoiler, let me just say that I was both surprised and pleased to discover how the author deals with the subject matter!
This was a quick read by a new author, who has done a good job with her story. At times there were a few too many cliches, and the style a bit too formulaic, but that is probably a result of inexperienced editing, I suspect.
Heaven knows that any 'first book' I might publish would likely be laden with shortcomings far more major that are found here!
March 28, 2011
Best book I ever wrote...I mean, read.
April 7, 2017
Great book.
December 7, 2011
I loved the theme of this book! I was so excited to "win" this book in a giveaway and put it at the top of my reading list (it's the least I could do). From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, I really liked the layout of the chapter with manageable "stopping points" with in the chapter and the cover artwork. While I at first thought Angelina was the protagonist of the story, it became equally about both Angelina and Lisa and the amazing interplay of their relationship. While I don't want to give away too much of the plot, it was the element of such likeable characters changing and evolving interdependently and in such a way that draws you into their lives that you're rooting for them to overcome their obstacles. The only minor element that left me wondering about Lisa's credibility was the absence of a male love interest or much about her views on it given her situation. I highly recommend it especially to anyone who knows of someone or who has MS because it has such a human and positive message. Ultimately, it is a story of hope, love, forgiveness, perseverance and acceptance that touches your heart.
December 17, 2011
I Enjoyed this touching story. I liked the aspect of showing how someone who is suffering great disappoinment or loss in their life can keep their focus not just on themselves. The author allowed us to see how unselfish love that focused not on loss or bitterness could be considerate of all involved. The fear was real and pulsated into the story. The courage was vivid and well developed. The love was sweet. I also appreciated the part of the story that can remind us as adults how one event that seems "nothing" to us can be devastating to a child. Lots of good food for thought. I expect other great reads from Lauren.
December 12, 2011
I was drawn to this book by the brief summary that hinted at a life interrupted by MS, for I have MS as well, and have recently written of it. Lauren has written a true novel, and her character development is excellent, her plot interesting with just enough layers and turns to hold the reader's enduring attention. I agree with the author's statement, that this is a book for all generations of readers. Bravo, Lauren, this is very well done. May I ask you to take a look at mine?
March 12, 2013
I'm so glad that I met Ms. Grossman on Independent Authors and Writers. I've followed her blog and learned many things about her as a person. So when I read this book, I could see a little bit of her in the main character. The interesting thing is that you have to finish the book to see which bits are true to her and which are pure fiction.
This book is listed as Contemporary Fiction but I'd add that it is about relationships and facing challenges.
I really enjoyed the book because I could relate to the characters on different levels. The central theme is music, in particular singing, which I love to do.
This book is listed as Contemporary Fiction but I'd add that it is about relationships and facing challenges.
I really enjoyed the book because I could relate to the characters on different levels. The central theme is music, in particular singing, which I love to do.
March 13, 2015
We all have gifts and dreams, sometimes unrealized. We also have challenges that keep us from pursueing those dreams. Lisa, a young girl gifted with a lovely singing voice, is encouraged and supported by a family friend and then by her music teacher. Can we reach our own dreams by supporting others? Read this inspiring novel to find out. It's twists and turns will keep you wanting more and possibly inspire you to realize your own dreams in the process. An inspiring read that everyone will profit from and enjoy!
Want to read
November 12, 2011I won this book on the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ "First Reads" contest! Just got an email that it will be arriving shortly.
I feel so lucky! Hooray!
I feel so lucky! Hooray!
August 23, 2013
Cutesy, feel good story. Totally predictable.
September 24, 2016
Excellent book by a wonderful author!
April 7, 2018
The real deal
This novel captured two totally different problems: a debilitating form of stage fright, and the fear of a debilitating, progressive disease. Life isn’t supposed to be easy, that’s a luxury given to few. This book was so insightful about two women coming to terms with their own - yet intertwined - challenges. Thanks for a good read.
This novel captured two totally different problems: a debilitating form of stage fright, and the fear of a debilitating, progressive disease. Life isn’t supposed to be easy, that’s a luxury given to few. This book was so insightful about two women coming to terms with their own - yet intertwined - challenges. Thanks for a good read.
January 19, 2018
If you are into wordy stories of success and alternately overcoming fears this book is for you. I found it a bit draggy to read. Some of the I actually skipped over them without losing any of the story line.
It was ok as a filler book. Not in love with her style, but you may be!
It was ok as a filler book. Not in love with her style, but you may be!
September 12, 2011
I started following author Lauren B. Grossman’s blog a few months ago and decided I wanted to read her debut novel. Being a lover of music, this story that uses music in such a wonderful way was right up my alley. The bond between a teacher and a student is one that should be explored as I believe teachers give so much of their time to other people’s children every day of their lives. Grossman creates different sections told by two characters to illustrate how this story has more than one protagonist and uses those sections to explore the major turning points with each. She gives us glimpses into moments of their lives (since the book covers many decades); never spending too much time on the years in between � but instead getting to the major milestone. Reading the author’s bio of a woman diagnosed with MS in 1993, I applaud her for sharing such a personal story in such a public way (though this book is not autobiographical). Once In Every Generation offers a reader a take on the modern family: where family can be whoever we chose to surround ourselves. In this case: a student and her teacher. If I had any critique, it would be that I wished Ms. Grossman would have made the book into a series of multiple books and really developed those years in between the ‘moments� because I think readers would have loved to spend more time with Angelina and Lisa as their relationship was fostered, matured, and blossomed into something well beyond that of a normal teacher and student.
December 13, 2014
I have solemnly come across a character who is so unlikeable from the very beginning. I didn't get over the first chapter before I closed this book again and said "hell no!" WHat a waste of money....
The main character is arrogant, plain and simple. We're just supposed to believe that her own voice is so so so so phenomenal, like you can't even imagine. A true gift. So amazing. Literally, this beginning is an homage of the character to herself!
Then this traumatizing event? She peed her pants while she sang. I get that it's embarrassing for sure. But she acted as if this was the worst thing ever to happen to a child and even 20 years later or so, blames this one unfortunate event for everything she isn't. Shallow, shallow person.
But she hasn't lost any of her arrogance because remember how super amazing her voice is? Well because of that she, now a teacher, doesn't take just anyone as her student because hey! Her talent is so amazing, she won't deem just any one good enough to benefit from this phenomenal chance to learn from her.
And that's where I stopped reading and tossed the book away. I am not interested in reading about some arrogant teacher who thinks she is too good for this world and can judge any one and is better than anyone. THe sheer nerve of her to claim a voice like hers only comes once in every generation! I hated her from the beginning. That simple.
The main character is arrogant, plain and simple. We're just supposed to believe that her own voice is so so so so phenomenal, like you can't even imagine. A true gift. So amazing. Literally, this beginning is an homage of the character to herself!
Then this traumatizing event? She peed her pants while she sang. I get that it's embarrassing for sure. But she acted as if this was the worst thing ever to happen to a child and even 20 years later or so, blames this one unfortunate event for everything she isn't. Shallow, shallow person.
But she hasn't lost any of her arrogance because remember how super amazing her voice is? Well because of that she, now a teacher, doesn't take just anyone as her student because hey! Her talent is so amazing, she won't deem just any one good enough to benefit from this phenomenal chance to learn from her.
And that's where I stopped reading and tossed the book away. I am not interested in reading about some arrogant teacher who thinks she is too good for this world and can judge any one and is better than anyone. THe sheer nerve of her to claim a voice like hers only comes once in every generation! I hated her from the beginning. That simple.
May 19, 2015
Pleasant, sweet, hopeful book. To me, this book is about living up to your potential, taking chances, and moving forward no matter what life throws at you. There's a lot of love and support here, with a strong support group of family members and mentors. It seemed a little over-the-top, but that's OK since it erred more on the positive side, and that was inspiring. Angelina has a fabulous singing voice, but as a young child she had a bad experience on stage, so she's hidden from her talent since then. While teaching voice, she meets Lisa, a very talented singer. When Lisa goes on to fulfill her dreams, Angelina is credited with her success. Unfortunately, at the height of her career, Lisa is diagnosed with MS, which alters her entire life plan.
Many reviewers were impressed with the author's knowledge of MS and a person's reactions when diagnosed. Apparently this is due to the fact that Grossman has MS and has dealt with its effects. With no personal experience with this disease, that struck me less than the fact that Lisa continued to find other outlets for her talent, not allowing the disease to cripple her spirit. Warm and loving story.
Many reviewers were impressed with the author's knowledge of MS and a person's reactions when diagnosed. Apparently this is due to the fact that Grossman has MS and has dealt with its effects. With no personal experience with this disease, that struck me less than the fact that Lisa continued to find other outlets for her talent, not allowing the disease to cripple her spirit. Warm and loving story.
February 22, 2015
Once in Every Generation tells the story of 2 women, both extremely talented singers. Angelina Mariano, at the age of 12, has a humiliating experience when she sings in public for the first time. She refuses to ever sing in public again but goes on to teach. She becomes teacher and mentor for a young girl, Lisa Forrester, who goes on to become a megastar in her singing career. The two women also form a bond as Angelina and Lisa's father, David, fall in love and eventually marry. At the age of 38 and still at the height of her career, Lisa is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and faces the biggest challenge of her life. As Lisa's singing career is disrupted, Angelina comes face to face with the biggest challenge of her life. This is a well-written novel in which the author has dealt not only with the disease of multiple sclerosis but also with finding the courage to overcome emotional fears.
March 19, 2013
I'm so glad that I met Ms. Grossman on Independent Authors and Writers. I've followed her blog and learned many things about her as a person. So when I read this book, I could see a little bit of her in the main character. The interesting thing is that you have to finish the book to see which bits are true to her and which are pure fiction.
This book is listed as Contemporary Fiction but I'd add that it is about relationships and facing challenges.
I really enjoyed the book because I could relate to the characters on different levels. The central theme is music, in particular singing, which I love to do.
This book is listed as Contemporary Fiction but I'd add that it is about relationships and facing challenges.
I really enjoyed the book because I could relate to the characters on different levels. The central theme is music, in particular singing, which I love to do.
October 17, 2012
Interesting book! It touches my heart and hits home with me in a few ways that made it an enlightening read for me. If only we could all muster up the courage to be what God has intended us to be...that is truly living!!!
November 29, 2015
A somewhat sappy read about a music teacher's relationship with one of her star students, her eventually marriage to the girl's father, and the event that occurs due to a catastrophic illness. Characters lacked depth. One of those forgettable reads.
Want to read
October 3, 2011Tucson author. Looks very good.
Want to read
February 28, 2016kindle 192
Want to read
September 24, 2012$0.0
April 7, 2013
Mind Candy, quick read. I think this is one of the free or .99$ kindle books I have bought. Story of two singers lives, intertwined with success, love & tragedy .
July 23, 2013
A good story of lives, relationships, taking what life gives and making it be the best it can be....turning negatives into postitives.
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