Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

When we think of the musical greats throughout history, we’re bound to think first of the men who dominated music. There were women musicians, music teachers, performers, and composers, but their lights didn’t shine quite so brightly. To a certain extent, that continues today, but women are gradually making some progress in making their musical voices heard and being recognized as just as good as, if not better, than their male counterparts. Sammy Stein has collected stories and interviews with twenty-one contemporary female musicians and published their stories in her book, Fabulous Female Musicians. She introduces each musician with a quote and a bio, and then interviews them with poignant questions that define who they are in relation to their music. New York flutist and composer Jamie Baum quite aptly says, “Music is not just a job, it’s a way of life, a way of being and viewing the world.” Pianist and composer Amina Figarova defines music as something that “has always been there and will never die.” She goes on to say, “Music is like water. It is my life, what I was born to do. I do not know life without music or what it would be like.”

Sammy Stein’s Fabulous Female Musicians is a collection of interviews and stories that map the contemporary world of music from a woman’s perspective. The author covers a lot of thoughts and ideas, allowing the musical voices to shine through as they describe the high points and low points in their musical journeys. Important topics are covered like dealing with bullies (particularly of the male variety), or simply the basic need we all share to make money. Through the good times and the not-so-good times, the women in this collection have one thing in common: a passion for their music. By sharing their stories, they will encourage future generations of female musicians to continue the journey. Heartwarming and captivating, this is an engaging, educational, and inspiring read.