2014 READER'S CHOICE NOMINEE!! As a child, Robin Spielberg had a recurring dream that there were secret rooms inside her living room piano. Readers are now also treated to the secrets revealed in these rooms, as they follow her seemingly elusive quest for a measurement of success in her life as a performing artist, which comes at last, in the most unlikely of places. "A debut memoir of one woman’s quest to become a successful concert pianist, and the setbacks and triumphs she meets along the way. As an energetic toddler brimming with creativity, Spielberg was left to play in a closed room for hours into the night. However, what her parents mistook for hyperactivity was, in fact, the budding of a musical prodigy. In this memoir, the author chronicles a series of events from her first touch of a piano key to her later multi-album success. She highlights the highs and lows of an artist journeying toward a career in music and doesn’t leave out personal mistakes or humiliating moments. In one chapter, she misjudges a friend’s verbal support and subsequently blasts an email with his endorsement to her fans. In another, she meets a man whom she confused for a fellow artist, who later became a stalker and scorned antagonist. These darker moments balance the book’s predominantly positive mood and give the story complexity, depth and a bit of relatable, raw reality. Spielberg’s commitment to straightforward storytelling allows her to avoid the sentimentality sometimes found in other memoirs. She allows events to speak for themselves, and the book reads like a series of episodes—a well-paced, readable collection of anecdotes that delicately leaves gaps of time between its chapters. Although an artist must appear flawless when onstage, the lifetime preceding that moment is anything but unblemished, and Spielberg reveals the perseverance, humility and self-awareness it takes to become a successful artist without becoming self- centered. Indeed, the author discovers that success in art means making an impact on an audience. A well-paced musical memoir about the value of perseverance." - Kirkus Reviews "An engaging memoir...Indeed, this memoir is a must-read for all who are trying to find their place in the world." Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite (FIVE STAR REVIEW) "Spielberg's commitment to straightforward storytelling allows her to avoid the sentimentality sometimes found in other memoirs. She allows events to speak for themselves, and the book reads like a series of episodes--a well-paced, readable collection of anecdotes that delicately leaves gaps of time between its chapters...Spielberg reveals the perseverance, humility and self-awareness it takes to become a successful artist without becoming self-centered... A well-paced musical memoir about the value of perseverance ." - KIRKUS REVIEWS "Her book is full of funny narratives about a young woman who is not only passionate about her art but also about life... Indeed, this memoir is a must-read for all who are trying to find their place in the world. In the end, one cannot help but admire Spielberg's drive and determination, not only to reach the pinnacle of success but most especially to find the real measure of her triumphs."-Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite "Play hooky from work and curl up with Robin Spielberg's new memoir, an exquisitely woven tapestry of her life. You'll eagerly turn each page, not knowing whether to laugh, cry, perch on the edge of your chair, or all three. Robin is a mesmerizing storyteller. -Dr. Andrea Farbman, Executive Director, American Music Therapy Association "Who does she think she is, anyway? She's Robin Spielberg, that's who! You'll bask in the glow of Spielberg's spotlight as you follow her gutsy journey from precocious New Jersey school girl to international piano star. -Robin Meloy Goldsby, author of "Piano Girl" and "Waltz of the Asparagus People" "A wonderfully detailed portrait of the artist...captivating descriptions and beautifully paced flashes of humor and pathos..." -Marion Winik, author of "Highs in the Low Fifties" "Whimsical and charming, Naked on the Bench reveals that an open heart and sense of humor are essential companions for living life and making art. Robin Spielberg's words are as inspiring as her music!" -Jenn Gordon, Steinway & Sons, Concert & Artists Dept. "Irreverent, brave, funny and heart-breaking, "Naked on the Bench" has the appeal of a page turner, the depth of an autobiography, and the lessons from a true artist. It's a wonderful lesson wrapped in a treat." -Felicity Huffman, Oscar nominee/Emmy & Golden Globe-winning actress Naked on the Bench chronicles Robin Spielberg's journey as accomplished pianist, composer, actor, entrepreneur, producer and touring musician. Her tales from childhood, years as an aspiring actress in New York City and travels as a musician alternate between poignant and hilariously absurd. Whether studying with David Mamet or performing for news a