"Practicing for Love" is Finally Here!

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After months of anticipation, Nina Kennedy's first book of memoirs titled Practicing for Love is finally here and available for purchase. You may order the book on Amazon here, or order directly from the publisher RoseDog Books here. Or, last but not least, order from our own website at www.infemnity.com/shop.
The book offers a black woman's perspective on the music industry in general, and the classical music industry in particular. Nina includes much information on the history of Fisk University, where her parents served on the faculty. There are tales of bullying resulting from a segregated, dysfunctional public school system. This country's racism practically destroys Nina's mother, who turns to alcohol for comfort. This is the environment in which Nina's sexuality buds and eventually blossoms.

 When she came to New York to study at Juilliard, Nina worked as a live-in babysitter and was faced with unreasonable expectations placed upon her by her wealthy, white employers. She overcomes racist professors, sexist music executives and conductors, and emerges as one of the most widely respected pianists of her day.

There are tales involving celebrities including Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack, Cyndi Lauper, Spike Lee, Hillary Clinton, et al.
Even Mittens loves the book
In the acknowledgements she wrote: "My sincere thanks go to April Gibson for inspiring me to share parts of my memoir for a blog spot she created. At the end of the blog I wrote, 'For the juicy details of my romantic life, you'll have to wait for the book.'" 

 Well, that book is finally here!

 We had anticipated an official book launch in April, and had planned to schedule readings and book-signings all over the country, and in the South of France during the James Baldwin conference. Who would have imagined that we would be in the middle of a global pandemic?! This simply means that our readings and promotional activities are postponed. Stay tuned for further details as we come out on the other end of this crisis and gradually get back to normal.

 We were warned that Amazon deliveries may be affected by the pandemic, in which case you can still order directly from RoseDog Books.

 Meanwhile, we hear that online sales are doing very well, even without an official launch. We certainly hope that all of you stay well out there. Curl up with your copy of Practicing for Love, and let us know in the comments section below which parts had special meaning for you. Who knows? We may even start an online book club! But for now, please like the Practicing for Love Facebook page, and send us pics of yourselves holding the book.

 Enjoy this clip of Nina seeing her book for the first time:

Order your copy at www.infemnity.com/shop!

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