There Are No Piano Lessons in the Projects

“I couldn’t put book this book down! I laughed, I cried, I reminisced about living in a small town in the 80s! I hope there is a follow up book in the near future. Highly recommend”

“I Love this story of navigating life’s harsh reality’s and tender lessons learned by a young boy. A strong family unit, teachers with high expectations and a loving community can make all the difference in forming our decisions for a successful future. I highly recommend.”

“Such a heartwarming story written in such a way that the reader feels they are inside the story. It's an inspiring tale that reaches the soul making you think about how your words and actions influence others. I highly recommend it!”

“ You can tell the author knows his characters in real life! They leap off the page and into your heart. Ah, the good old days weren’t always so good…. Unless they were…. Dairy Queen, Chocolate milk and Kmart layaway . If you know, you know! I read this in one day; couldn’t put it down!”

“I just finished “There Are No Piano Lessons in the Projects” as my first summer read, and I was completely blown away! Adam West has written a beautiful, genuine memoir that completely transported me right to Elm Street in 1985. The characters don't just feel like people on a page; they come alive. As a veteran teacher, this story hit close to home. Over the years, I have had so many "Noah Greenes" walk through my classroom doors—kids who are dealing with heavy, adult realities but carry themselves with immense grace. One of the most beautiful dynamics in the book is the quiet understanding between Noah, his brother, and their mother. Even though living in government housing and relying on food stamps made it tough when they saw classmates with easier lives, the boys never complained. They saw how hard their mother was working to provide for their needs , and they loved her fiercely for it. Reading this, I found myself praying that I can be to my students what Mrs. Garcia was to Noah. The lessons in this book are deeply relevant, impactful, and timeless. On a side note, as a military Momma, I was particularly interested in the interactions between Noah, a young teenaged boy, and Calvin, a tormented war vet. Do yourself a favor and add this to your summer reading list. You can thank me later!”