So Alex Ross’s book arrived today. I really want to start reading, but the question is, do I read it before I finish what I’m working on? (I hate that I’m such a slow reader these days, but that’s just the way it is.)

BUT … more frustrating … the book cover is damaged. This lovely white cover with clean lettering has a huge brownish stain on the top right hand corner. At least I’m assuming this is damage and not the way it is supposed to look! I guess that’s what I get for ordering from the online Barnes and Noble store, and not selecting my own copy. I wonder if they’d exchange it for a clean copy if I took it to the local store. It’s silly to care about a cover I suppose, but I like to get things that look new. It’s up to me to mess the things up. Right?

Anyway, it’s here … along with William Bolcom’s Aubade for the Continuation of Life, for Oboe (or Bb Saxophone … say WHAT?!) and Piano, which I ordered on a whim. I haven’t a clue what the work is like. Anyone out there know of it?