I Played My Best for Him! - by Olapeju Simoyan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"I Played My Best for Him!" was a finalist in the 2024 American Writing Awards competition!

This second edition has a new foreword by Dr. Mary Rorro, Chair of the American Medical Women's Association's Music and Medicine Committee, as well as a new postscript.

This collection of essays complements the album "Peju Sings! The Little Drummer Boy and Other Christmas Favorites," which features thirteen Christmas songs recorded by the author and was first released in 2023. The author explores the stories behind each song, delving into the lives of the lyricists and composers, the context in which the songs were written, and other intriguing details. Readers will gain a fresh perspective on beloved carols like "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night" as they uncover their rich history. The themes of hope and peace that resonate through these timeless songs are also reflected in newer classics like "Feliz Navidad," which transcended cultural barriers to become a bilingual favorite.

This book offers surprising insights into the origins of some of the most popular Christmas carols. The author invites you to be inspired by its stories and enjoy its message of celebration and reflection year-round.

This collection of essays complements the album "Peju Sings! The Little Drummer Boy and Other Christmas Favorites," which features thirteen Christmas songs recorded by the author and was first released in 2023. In this book, the author explores the stories behind each song, delving into the lives of the lyricists and composers, the context in which the songs were written, and other intriguing details. Readers will gain a fresh perspective on beloved carols like "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night" as they uncover their rich history. The themes of hope and peace that resonate through these timeless songs are also reflected in newer classics like "Feliz Navidad," which transcended cultural barriers to become a bilingual favorite.

This book's educational content will appeal to a broad audience, including those who may not celebrate Christmas. For those who do, it offers surprising insights into the origins of some of their favorite carols. No matter your background, this book invites you to be inspired by its stories and enjoy its message of celebration and reflection year-round.

Review Quotes

"This beautifully crafted book strikes a balance between education and entertainment, featuring a chronological timeline that traces the evolution of Christmas music from medieval times to modern favorites. Each song is accompanied by historical context, revealing the cultural events that shaped their creation and highlighting diverse global celebrations throughout the years. The book delves into the significant themes present in popular Christmas lyrics, such as freedom, soldier homecomings, and family gatherings, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the songs' meanings."