What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rising Star of Rusty Nail
Franny Hansen is a 10-year-old piano prodigy living in Rusty Nail, Minnesota. Once the Coot Capitol of the world, in 1953 it's just a run-of-the-mill town with one traffic light and a bizarre cast of characters. She's long exhausted the talents of the town's only piano teacher and seems destined to perform at church events and school assemblies, until a mysterious Russian woman arrives in Rusty Nail. Franny's neighbors are convinced the "Commie" is a threat to their American way of life, but Franny's not so sure. Could this stranger be her ticket out of Rusty Nail?
Lesley M. M. Blume returns with the poignant and laugh-out-loud funny story of one girl's attempt to pursue the American dream in small town America.
Lesley M. M. Blume returns with the poignant and laugh-out-loud funny story of one girl's attempt to pursue the American dream in small town America.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2007
13 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Lesley M.M. Blume
17 books187 followersLesley M. M. Blume is an author, columnist and journalist. She did her undergraduate work at WIlliams College and Oxford University, and took her graduate degree in history from Cambridge University.
She now regularly contributes to Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal and Departures magazine.
She now regularly contributes to Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal and Departures magazine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 24, 2019
I don't remember which of my music scholar friends recommended this book to me, but given their enthusiasm, I was surprised by a few inaccuracies on the first page. For the record, a concerto does NOT always mean there's only one soloist; it may mean two or three (directly contradicting the book's explanation)—or even four, as Bach composed a concerto for four harpsichords. There is even the concerto grosso, which treats a GROUP as a soloist of sorts, but even if that's considered too arcane for the average reader, I think they can handle the possibility of 2-3 soloists in a concerto. The intro also describes the first section of the book as quick and lively, naming it "Moderato" after the tempo marking for the first movement of Rachmaninoff's 2nd concerto. The problem: "Moderato" literally means at a moderate tempo. Indeed, the beat is at a moderate pace, though the piano has a lively motor, playing six notes per beat. I think the given description does a disservice to the brooding mood Rachmaninoff has created. Anyway, these misrepresentations, though slight, cost the book a star from me.
The novel itself hit close to home for me, as I started piano lessons at age 4, changed teachers at 9 (close to 10, the age of the protagonist is), and had BIG ambitions for (and BIG emotions about) my music. I don't want to get too much into the plot, but it felt realistic to this former-child-musician, and even though the town of Rusty Nail was full of stereotypes, the time period definitely heightened the sense of isolation, paranoia, and the fear of standing out clashing with the desire to show everyone you're special. Franny knows she's the best pianist in town, even if her classmate Nancy has the money to afford a better teacher. The Rising Star of Rusty Nail gives Franny the opportunity to prove herself to the people who matter.
The novel itself hit close to home for me, as I started piano lessons at age 4, changed teachers at 9 (close to 10, the age of the protagonist is), and had BIG ambitions for (and BIG emotions about) my music. I don't want to get too much into the plot, but it felt realistic to this former-child-musician, and even though the town of Rusty Nail was full of stereotypes, the time period definitely heightened the sense of isolation, paranoia, and the fear of standing out clashing with the desire to show everyone you're special. Franny knows she's the best pianist in town, even if her classmate Nancy has the money to afford a better teacher. The Rising Star of Rusty Nail gives Franny the opportunity to prove herself to the people who matter.
October 21, 2016
This was a cute story. But to be perfectly honest, most of the characters were insufferable. Nancy was a brat, Nancy's father just made me angry, Sandy was one of the meanest best friends I've read in a while, Madam Malenkov was totally rude (even though we found out she had probably cause), and the townspeople were so judgmental that I wanted to reach through the book and slap them all. I think Franny was an alright character, and the plot was cute enough, but there were just too many horrible characters for me to rate this any higher.
April 10, 2015
It was not at all how I thought it would be. It was funny and captivating and at the same time, saying that you don't have to come from a big city to be a star. Like a cheerful ray of sunshine, piercing the clouds on a rainy day.
June 29, 2020
Franny is a piano prodigy in a backwards country town. When a mysterious Russian musician arrives in town, Franny begs her to teach piano lessons.
I was not impressed with this book. As a piano teacher myself, I was hoping for something more, but it was pretty basic. Most of the book is about the townspeople and their little country lives. It's supposed to be funny, but I wasn't laughing. I was annoyed with the ignorant people. I didn't like any of the characters. The children are all brats. The adults are all incompetent. The characters are one-dimensional. The writing is good, but not amazing.
I mostly skimmed through the book until I got to a scene about music as Franny has a piano lesson or plays in a piano competition. Even then, it was nothing special. There are maybe three good lines about being inspired by music, and finding the talent inside your soul. I liked those three lines, and the rest of the book is boring.
Maybe if I had read this as a young pianist, I would have enjoyed it more. As a seasoned musician with 30 years of experience at the piano, it's barely even interesting.
Actually, I felt like the Russian teacher character. She is bored with the small town. She is frustrated with the ignorant adults. She is annoyed with the bratty kids. But she recognizes a small glimmer of music in this grubby little country girl, like the three barely interesting lines in a book. A blip on the radar of music barely worth noticing, but you might as well take a look.
I was not impressed with this book. As a piano teacher myself, I was hoping for something more, but it was pretty basic. Most of the book is about the townspeople and their little country lives. It's supposed to be funny, but I wasn't laughing. I was annoyed with the ignorant people. I didn't like any of the characters. The children are all brats. The adults are all incompetent. The characters are one-dimensional. The writing is good, but not amazing.
I mostly skimmed through the book until I got to a scene about music as Franny has a piano lesson or plays in a piano competition. Even then, it was nothing special. There are maybe three good lines about being inspired by music, and finding the talent inside your soul. I liked those three lines, and the rest of the book is boring.
Maybe if I had read this as a young pianist, I would have enjoyed it more. As a seasoned musician with 30 years of experience at the piano, it's barely even interesting.
Actually, I felt like the Russian teacher character. She is bored with the small town. She is frustrated with the ignorant adults. She is annoyed with the bratty kids. But she recognizes a small glimmer of music in this grubby little country girl, like the three barely interesting lines in a book. A blip on the radar of music barely worth noticing, but you might as well take a look.
August 27, 2025
I had read Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters. It was quite good. Imaginative, exciting, and with real life lessons neatly folded into a highly entertaining tale. I decided I needed to read more by this author. I started The Rising Star of Rusty Nail with high hopes and was not disappointed. Oh, these characters ring so true to life. The plot is very genuine. A young girl, Franny, at 10 is beginning to realize she has a true talent playing piano. She does experience conflict, as you would expect of a 10 year old, regarding playing with friends and playing the piano, but she soon gets a wake up call in her rival, Nancy aka Prancy. Enter Olga, Madame Malenkov of Russia, a world famous pianist. How she came to wind up in Rusty Nail and how Franny tries to finagle lessons is quite the story. Very valuable moral lessons that every human faces are built in without any sentimentality or proselytizing. And things don't go the way you think they will or should, even in fiction. The plot twist is surprising and calls for more characters to examine their beliefs and their willingness to take on others to defend those beliefs. Really, really good. I am donating my copy to my local public school. Scratch that. I am keeping my copy because I believe I will reread it, and I will buy a copy to donate to the local public school.
September 24, 2017
I picked up this book because of the piano keys on the cover. As a musician, I have always enjoyed reading about other musicians, especially pianists, in fiction and this middle grade novel did not disappoint; at least once I got into the story. The first part to me felt different in tone from the rest of the story for some reason. I didn't like the characters, including the main character, at the beginning because of the pranks and nonsense the children pull. I also was a little confused about the setting because it felt like this was more of a Southern story rather than set in Minnesota. Maybe I'm just drawing from my own experience from growing up in a Southern town. I enjoyed the story once Franny, the main character musician, meets her piano teacher. I also liked the drama of the Russian woman who is unfairly judged as a "Commie" in a 1950s small town. This book would be great for an aspiring young musician or a young history buff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2020
I think my students would really enjoy this book.
The story is set in Rusty Nail, Minnesota in 1953. Franny is a wonderful pianist, but with no one in Rusty Nail to teach her, she can only get as good as her teacher, which wasn't all that great.
Until... Charlie, a resident of Rusty Nail, brings home a wife, Olga Malenkov, a world famous pianist. With many shenanigans, Franny earns one lesson per week. And becomes the defender of Olga in a town that assumes she's a Commie.
The end is fun and heartwarming. Don't miss this one with the kids.
The story is set in Rusty Nail, Minnesota in 1953. Franny is a wonderful pianist, but with no one in Rusty Nail to teach her, she can only get as good as her teacher, which wasn't all that great.
Until... Charlie, a resident of Rusty Nail, brings home a wife, Olga Malenkov, a world famous pianist. With many shenanigans, Franny earns one lesson per week. And becomes the defender of Olga in a town that assumes she's a Commie.
The end is fun and heartwarming. Don't miss this one with the kids.
June 15, 2021
I actually quite enjoyed this. There were some things I had a bit of a problem with, but not story-wise. The story was fun and had my attention. It's just the way some of the characters were, things they said and did, that I felt could have been handled better. But I do think it's a good book for children to read to learn the value of perseverance, and that raw talent alone will not get you where you want to go.
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed Franny as a protagonist, and her determination to find a piano teacher who can actually help her was inspiring. I liked how Franny's family struggles to be fair to the newcomer while still maintaining their reputation in town. The fact that Olga knows how to push Franny's buttons to get her best performance (and Nancy's comeuppance) were well-drawn.
July 28, 2017
Franny, the protagonist of the book, is a 10 year old girl who is obsessed with the piano. She wants to become a famous pianist and play in contests outside of her tiny town, Rusty Nail. When an amazing pianist comes to live in town, Franny starts to take lessons. She gets even better at the piano and is ready to compete. This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it.
Read
January 1, 2022It was AMAZING!!!!! Read it!!
May 27, 2022
I liked the book because it takes place in Minnesota which I live in, and it takes place during the cold war which is my favorite era in history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
I loved this little middle grade book. The music component was unusual and very interesting.
March 21, 2012
This was one of my accidental finds at the library. I was looking to check out some of the Superfudge books by Judy Blume (for the hundredth time because my children love reading and re-reading them) and this wonderful book was alphabetically next to Judy Blume’s work on the shelf.
The cover was a piano keyboard, which caught my eye. I am always on the lookout for books about the arts that might be fun, informative and engaging to read. The Rising Star of Rusty Nail is all of those things intertwined seamlessly into a great story.
Rusty Nail is a small town in Minnesota–another surprising detail and draw for me since that is where I live. It is the 1950′s, the era of Communist Russia, nuclear bomb drills in the schools and the McCarthy hearings. 10-year-old Franny Hansen lives with her parents and two older brothers. She and her best friend Sandy are known as the biggest troublemakers in town. In fact, the story begins with the two of them getting into trouble over a water balloon throwing incident surrounding Franny’s arch-enemy, fellow 10-year-old Nancy Orilee.
Franny plays the piano, loves it and believes she has talent. She takes lessons from an older lady in town who does not particularly challenge her abilities. The reader does not need to possess a technical knowledge of music in order to understand the way Franny feels about her music because she describes it in the way each of us feels about the things about which we are most passionate–to the point, sometimes, of not being able to put it into words. If a reader does have technical or specific knowledge of music–piano in particular– that simply layers another level into the story, making it that much more compelling. Any technical music details are included in short, workable paragraphs for the non-music reader that do not detract in any way from the narrative and offer the opportunity to learn about some specifics behind music theory and performance.
Charlie Koenig, a respected member of the town suddenly brings home a Russian woman as his new wife. The small town is abuzz with rumors of a “Commie” in their midst, spying on them in their very homes. Franny is originally caught up in the excitement of such a rumor, but watches both her parents quietly caution against such judgment.
When Franny discovers that not only is this Russian woman a pianist, but a famous one to boot, she is determined to convince the woman to take her on as a piano student, regardless of the opinions of the townspeople. Madame Malenkov proves to be a difficult, seemingly cold individual. She does, however, eventually agree to teach Franny, although she remains secretive and somewhat mysterious.
Franny struggles with the attitude and general meanness of opinion regarding Olga in town. She battles her enemy Nancy Orilee in and out of school. She weathers Sandy’s disapproval of her desire to play the piano and succeed on a level bigger than the town of Rusty Nail. And she learns about compassion, empathy and following your dreams.
Franny is a character with whom it is easy for the reader to both identify and like. Her humiliations, frustrations, joys and imaginings easily become those of the reader.
This is a book I hope to use as a read-aloud selection with my 3rd and 4th grade classes in the coming school year. For my students the fact that the action takes place in small town Minnesota and Minneapolis will be an especially exciting aspect. It is also an excellent independent read selection with a strong female protagonist for 3rd grade through middle school.
I am always thrilled when I find a brilliant story like this by accident and I encourage others to embrace the opportunity of discovery in this book!
The cover was a piano keyboard, which caught my eye. I am always on the lookout for books about the arts that might be fun, informative and engaging to read. The Rising Star of Rusty Nail is all of those things intertwined seamlessly into a great story.
Rusty Nail is a small town in Minnesota–another surprising detail and draw for me since that is where I live. It is the 1950′s, the era of Communist Russia, nuclear bomb drills in the schools and the McCarthy hearings. 10-year-old Franny Hansen lives with her parents and two older brothers. She and her best friend Sandy are known as the biggest troublemakers in town. In fact, the story begins with the two of them getting into trouble over a water balloon throwing incident surrounding Franny’s arch-enemy, fellow 10-year-old Nancy Orilee.
Franny plays the piano, loves it and believes she has talent. She takes lessons from an older lady in town who does not particularly challenge her abilities. The reader does not need to possess a technical knowledge of music in order to understand the way Franny feels about her music because she describes it in the way each of us feels about the things about which we are most passionate–to the point, sometimes, of not being able to put it into words. If a reader does have technical or specific knowledge of music–piano in particular– that simply layers another level into the story, making it that much more compelling. Any technical music details are included in short, workable paragraphs for the non-music reader that do not detract in any way from the narrative and offer the opportunity to learn about some specifics behind music theory and performance.
Charlie Koenig, a respected member of the town suddenly brings home a Russian woman as his new wife. The small town is abuzz with rumors of a “Commie” in their midst, spying on them in their very homes. Franny is originally caught up in the excitement of such a rumor, but watches both her parents quietly caution against such judgment.
When Franny discovers that not only is this Russian woman a pianist, but a famous one to boot, she is determined to convince the woman to take her on as a piano student, regardless of the opinions of the townspeople. Madame Malenkov proves to be a difficult, seemingly cold individual. She does, however, eventually agree to teach Franny, although she remains secretive and somewhat mysterious.
Franny struggles with the attitude and general meanness of opinion regarding Olga in town. She battles her enemy Nancy Orilee in and out of school. She weathers Sandy’s disapproval of her desire to play the piano and succeed on a level bigger than the town of Rusty Nail. And she learns about compassion, empathy and following your dreams.
Franny is a character with whom it is easy for the reader to both identify and like. Her humiliations, frustrations, joys and imaginings easily become those of the reader.
This is a book I hope to use as a read-aloud selection with my 3rd and 4th grade classes in the coming school year. For my students the fact that the action takes place in small town Minnesota and Minneapolis will be an especially exciting aspect. It is also an excellent independent read selection with a strong female protagonist for 3rd grade through middle school.
I am always thrilled when I find a brilliant story like this by accident and I encourage others to embrace the opportunity of discovery in this book!
September 6, 2012
The Rising Star of Rusty Nail is the story of A talented Painist, Franny Hansen who lives in Rusty Nail, Minnesota.
Rusty Nail is called "The Heartland of America" and used to be the former "Coot Capital."
Rusty Nail though is also not very popular since mostly farmers live there and filled with crazy, strange, shy, and weird people.
Like they say "No Two Flakes aare exactly alike" is like all the resindents in Rusty Nail.
Characters:
Franny Hansen is a prodigy of the piano, and also called a trouble maker by most of the resindents.
She always dreams that one day that someone will discover her talent like Duke Ellington discovered her father was.
Though his dream was crushed, it is not over for her.
Sandy Hellickson is not only Franny's Best friend, but also the cause of trouble in Rusty Nail.
Sandy always gives Franny support about her dream, although she wished that Franny would have more fun than practicing the piano.
Lorriane is Franny's mother and different from all the other women in Rusty Nail.
She rebells of Norma Snitty's ideas of not trusting anyone outside of Rusty Nail.
Charlie Koenig was Rusty Nail's young lawyer who just Rusty Nail with his new wife Olga, every one was shocked becuase she was Russian.
Charlie is royalty becuase he was the only child of the former mayor, Ludwig Koenig and Ludwig died when Charlie was only in High school.
Olga is the woman who stands out in the town, she just moved to Rusty Nail with her new husband, Charlie Koenig.
Olga is a feirce Russian woman that is not trusted by anyone because Rusty Nail thinks she is a Commie.
But Olga is a talented musician who plays all of them beautifully which opens up to Franny.
So many adventures happen in Rusty Nail, only 3 famous people have come and thats because is a bit crazy.
With kids having a chance of smoking, being racist, being prejustice, being sexist, and so much more.
Everyone in Rusty Nail, has a different secret and personality, and no that many people have left Rusty Nail becuase they dont trust the outside world, but a few know that there are kind people that live outside Rusty Nail (and that smell better too.)
I reccomend this book to people who love music, comedy, war, fat ladies, out of this world characters, and so much more.
This book would appeal more to a young audience since the main character, Franny, is only ten.
But the book should be 5th grade and up, its an enjoyable book I know people will love it.
If you want to find out the ending just read book:
"The Rising Star of Rusty Nail" by Lesley M.M. Blume!
About the Author:
Lesley is a author and writer who lives in New York which is what her first book is based off, "Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters" which was published in 2006.
If you want to know about her or her books, go on www.lesleymmblume.com
Rusty Nail is called "The Heartland of America" and used to be the former "Coot Capital."
Rusty Nail though is also not very popular since mostly farmers live there and filled with crazy, strange, shy, and weird people.
Like they say "No Two Flakes aare exactly alike" is like all the resindents in Rusty Nail.
Characters:
Franny Hansen is a prodigy of the piano, and also called a trouble maker by most of the resindents.
She always dreams that one day that someone will discover her talent like Duke Ellington discovered her father was.
Though his dream was crushed, it is not over for her.
Sandy Hellickson is not only Franny's Best friend, but also the cause of trouble in Rusty Nail.
Sandy always gives Franny support about her dream, although she wished that Franny would have more fun than practicing the piano.
Lorriane is Franny's mother and different from all the other women in Rusty Nail.
She rebells of Norma Snitty's ideas of not trusting anyone outside of Rusty Nail.
Charlie Koenig was Rusty Nail's young lawyer who just Rusty Nail with his new wife Olga, every one was shocked becuase she was Russian.
Charlie is royalty becuase he was the only child of the former mayor, Ludwig Koenig and Ludwig died when Charlie was only in High school.
Olga is the woman who stands out in the town, she just moved to Rusty Nail with her new husband, Charlie Koenig.
Olga is a feirce Russian woman that is not trusted by anyone because Rusty Nail thinks she is a Commie.
But Olga is a talented musician who plays all of them beautifully which opens up to Franny.
So many adventures happen in Rusty Nail, only 3 famous people have come and thats because is a bit crazy.
With kids having a chance of smoking, being racist, being prejustice, being sexist, and so much more.
Everyone in Rusty Nail, has a different secret and personality, and no that many people have left Rusty Nail becuase they dont trust the outside world, but a few know that there are kind people that live outside Rusty Nail (and that smell better too.)
I reccomend this book to people who love music, comedy, war, fat ladies, out of this world characters, and so much more.
This book would appeal more to a young audience since the main character, Franny, is only ten.
But the book should be 5th grade and up, its an enjoyable book I know people will love it.
If you want to find out the ending just read book:
"The Rising Star of Rusty Nail" by Lesley M.M. Blume!
About the Author:
Lesley is a author and writer who lives in New York which is what her first book is based off, "Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters" which was published in 2006.
If you want to know about her or her books, go on www.lesleymmblume.com
October 1, 2014
1)Haven't you want to become a famous person? Well this was realist fiction book tells a story about a little girl trying to become a famous piano player. I loved this book because it tells the reader that it's not easy to become famous you have to work for it and in this story Fanny **SPOILER ALERT**does become a famous piano player she wants to be.
2)The setting is mostly at school in Minnesota of 1953. This is important because Fanny wants to be apart of assemblies and other things that happen at school. Fanny wanted to be become a famous piano player,but Nancy is also a good piano Player,and its a small town to try to pursuit a big dream. so they had concert with a famous Russian woman that the mayor had setup for Nancy and Fanny to play in to show off their only piano player in Rusty Nails. Then a new person name Olga and Charlie moved to town come to find out that Olgo is a musician and Fanny starts to admire her,and finally Fanny leaves Rusty Nails to pursuit her dreams. This type of conflict is person v.s faith I say that because she has faith that she will one day become a famous and well know pianist player .
3)I was surprised when Fanny was so happy for the Russian woman coming to Rusty Nails to find out she didn't even tell her u did a good job or something like that was not right. I felt like that was wrong, because if I was up on the stage, and I work my hardest for weeks to let her know I really want to do this for the rest on my life, and I'm so desiccated, to this for her not to say good job ,or say I'm so glad to meet you is so hard breaking.
4)I was angry when the Nanny got on stage after seeing that Fanny had did a better job than her. the crowd was capping so loud and I guess that Nanny wanted them to remember her,I didn't like that because she should had said to Fanny congratulations I'm so impressed or something to make her fell ,I glad after Nanny was done Fanny got back on the piano and did one more song before the Russian woman left I was so happy for her,because even though Nanny try to get in Fanny spot light.
5).I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because I didn't like how sometimes the author would make Nanny look like a bad person.I recommend this book to whom ever like to read books that understands that life is hard and becoming something you want is not always easy .So think what u want to be in life? are u done thinking?well if you are know that whatever u want to be you well have many obstacles to over come like Fanny.
2)The setting is mostly at school in Minnesota of 1953. This is important because Fanny wants to be apart of assemblies and other things that happen at school. Fanny wanted to be become a famous piano player,but Nancy is also a good piano Player,and its a small town to try to pursuit a big dream. so they had concert with a famous Russian woman that the mayor had setup for Nancy and Fanny to play in to show off their only piano player in Rusty Nails. Then a new person name Olga and Charlie moved to town come to find out that Olgo is a musician and Fanny starts to admire her,and finally Fanny leaves Rusty Nails to pursuit her dreams. This type of conflict is person v.s faith I say that because she has faith that she will one day become a famous and well know pianist player .
3)I was surprised when Fanny was so happy for the Russian woman coming to Rusty Nails to find out she didn't even tell her u did a good job or something like that was not right. I felt like that was wrong, because if I was up on the stage, and I work my hardest for weeks to let her know I really want to do this for the rest on my life, and I'm so desiccated, to this for her not to say good job ,or say I'm so glad to meet you is so hard breaking.
4)I was angry when the Nanny got on stage after seeing that Fanny had did a better job than her. the crowd was capping so loud and I guess that Nanny wanted them to remember her,I didn't like that because she should had said to Fanny congratulations I'm so impressed or something to make her fell ,I glad after Nanny was done Fanny got back on the piano and did one more song before the Russian woman left I was so happy for her,because even though Nanny try to get in Fanny spot light.
5).I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because I didn't like how sometimes the author would make Nanny look like a bad person.I recommend this book to whom ever like to read books that understands that life is hard and becoming something you want is not always easy .So think what u want to be in life? are u done thinking?well if you are know that whatever u want to be you well have many obstacles to over come like Fanny.
May 20, 2017
Actually, more like 3.5 or 3.75 stars.
I loved Blume's debut novel, Cornelia, so I was a little bit disappointed in this book. The plot line was compelling and I liked the main character (Franny Hansen) a lot. However, I wasn't as thrilled with Blume's depictions of some of the background characters. Being a Midwesterner, I found it strange that some of the townspeople seemed like real yokels who used poor grammar and said "ain't" a lot. Sure, Rusty Nail is a small town, but Minnesota is known for being a leader in Education. While Minnesotans have a fun accent, they are hardly ignorant. Perhaps Blume, as a New Yorker, has the incorrect assumption that Middle-Americans are far more backward than they actually are.
I also found some of the character's behaviors to be inconsistent with what my Mom has told me about life in the 1950s. Franny's friend, Sandy, wears pants to school and Franny wants to wear pants to a recital? The Reverend gets his hair permed at a beauty parlor on Sunday? I thought there were still Blue Laws in the 1950s, and I would think a minister would have abided by them in that day. I also wondered about the school children being SO disrespectful to their teacher. Would that have been acceptable? These things seemed inauthentic to me. However, I was not alive then, so maybe I just don't know.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book. I admired Franny's determination to excel, and her mother's willingness to stand up to the women in Rusty Nail. I liked that the Hansens stood up for common sense when everyone else was so fearful of "commies." Because of that, I would be interested in reading a sequel and finding out how Franny adjusts to life at Julliard.
I loved Blume's debut novel, Cornelia, so I was a little bit disappointed in this book. The plot line was compelling and I liked the main character (Franny Hansen) a lot. However, I wasn't as thrilled with Blume's depictions of some of the background characters. Being a Midwesterner, I found it strange that some of the townspeople seemed like real yokels who used poor grammar and said "ain't" a lot. Sure, Rusty Nail is a small town, but Minnesota is known for being a leader in Education. While Minnesotans have a fun accent, they are hardly ignorant. Perhaps Blume, as a New Yorker, has the incorrect assumption that Middle-Americans are far more backward than they actually are.
I also found some of the character's behaviors to be inconsistent with what my Mom has told me about life in the 1950s. Franny's friend, Sandy, wears pants to school and Franny wants to wear pants to a recital? The Reverend gets his hair permed at a beauty parlor on Sunday? I thought there were still Blue Laws in the 1950s, and I would think a minister would have abided by them in that day. I also wondered about the school children being SO disrespectful to their teacher. Would that have been acceptable? These things seemed inauthentic to me. However, I was not alive then, so maybe I just don't know.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book. I admired Franny's determination to excel, and her mother's willingness to stand up to the women in Rusty Nail. I liked that the Hansens stood up for common sense when everyone else was so fearful of "commies." Because of that, I would be interested in reading a sequel and finding out how Franny adjusts to life at Julliard.
August 27, 2012
The Rising Star of Rusty Nail is a relastic fiction novel written by Lesley M.M. Blume. It takes place in a rural community in Minnesota during the Cold War, approximately 60 years ago. During this period, the United States was pitted against the Soviet Union, in a battle between capitalism and communism, or so historians describe.
Because of this difference in ideals, Americans like the main character, Franny Hansen, and her neighbors, naturally detest Russians, whom they stigmatized as "Commies". Undeterred by her best friend's, Sandy, inclination for both them to become an ordinary girls, Franny yearned for glory. In fact, she has a talent that few would expect from a community as insignificant as Rusty Nail; Franny's piano skills are superb, even if she was hard-pressed to find a decent teacher in her town. Suddenly, after a failed performance for the wife of a government official, Franny observed a famous Russian piano composer named Olga Malenkov move to Rusty Nail. Rumors fly that Olga is both the wife of Charlie, the town's only lawyer, and a "Commie". However, Franny felt the string of fate and soon enlisted the help of Olga to become an even better pianist and to go to the best performing arts academy in the U.S., the Juilliard School in New York City.
The Rising Star of Rusty Nail moralizes the concept of hammering iron when it is in the fire. Besides a charming depiction of life during the Cold War, it demonstrates how to exploit the sparse opportunities which conveniently falls on the lap of those who willingly strive for success.
Because of this difference in ideals, Americans like the main character, Franny Hansen, and her neighbors, naturally detest Russians, whom they stigmatized as "Commies". Undeterred by her best friend's, Sandy, inclination for both them to become an ordinary girls, Franny yearned for glory. In fact, she has a talent that few would expect from a community as insignificant as Rusty Nail; Franny's piano skills are superb, even if she was hard-pressed to find a decent teacher in her town. Suddenly, after a failed performance for the wife of a government official, Franny observed a famous Russian piano composer named Olga Malenkov move to Rusty Nail. Rumors fly that Olga is both the wife of Charlie, the town's only lawyer, and a "Commie". However, Franny felt the string of fate and soon enlisted the help of Olga to become an even better pianist and to go to the best performing arts academy in the U.S., the Juilliard School in New York City.
The Rising Star of Rusty Nail moralizes the concept of hammering iron when it is in the fire. Besides a charming depiction of life during the Cold War, it demonstrates how to exploit the sparse opportunities which conveniently falls on the lap of those who willingly strive for success.
March 8, 2008
Living in the tiny town of Rusty Nail, Minnesota, Franny is certain that her talents as a pianist will forever go unnoticed. She's already outgrown the one piano teacher in town and her parents don't have the money to pay for a fancy teacher like her arch nemesis Nancy's. Then Franny gets a stroke of good luck. One of the young bachelors in town gets married to a Russian woman and brings her back to Rusty Nail. The town is agog and buzzing with gossip. Imagine... a Commie in their very own town! When Franny discovers that Olga is an accomplished pianist, she will stop at nothing until Olga agrees to give her lessons. But can she convince her? And is Olga a Russian spy? And will the rumor-mongering townspeople drive Olga away before Franny becomes rich and famous?
The book started slowly, but builds quickly after Olga arrives in town. I thought it was a great portrait of a small American town during the Cold War. Franny is a likeable character. She's flawed, but she also has integrity that prevails in the end. I was rooting for her the whole way. Olga is another well-developed character. She's steeped in mystery, but her secrets start trickling out eventually. It was like piecing together a puzzle.
The book started slowly, but builds quickly after Olga arrives in town. I thought it was a great portrait of a small American town during the Cold War. Franny is a likeable character. She's flawed, but she also has integrity that prevails in the end. I was rooting for her the whole way. Olga is another well-developed character. She's steeped in mystery, but her secrets start trickling out eventually. It was like piecing together a puzzle.
January 29, 2009
Fanny a young girl from a small town is a talented piano player. The only problem is her parnets can't afford to get her a good teacher. When a strange Russian woman who is a gifted piano player arrives in town this seems to be Fanny chance to become a great painist. Only problem is it is 1953 and the town is convinced the Russian woman is a Commie. Fanny also has to deal with a rivial Nancy who plays the piano well but, not great. Nancy's father though has the money to rig things in his daughter's favor.
It is a pretty good book. Realistically drawn and does show the crazy hysteria of the 1950's and how people could get things so wrong. Problem is that it does seem the author got her facts wrong - mention big wheels which weren't invented until 1969. The author also a few times breaks in to mention what something is ie John Wyane is a cowboy. True some kids might not know but, others might. It came across as intrusive to me. I also couldn't figure out why she did it sometimes and not others.
It is a pretty good book. Realistically drawn and does show the crazy hysteria of the 1950's and how people could get things so wrong. Problem is that it does seem the author got her facts wrong - mention big wheels which weren't invented until 1969. The author also a few times breaks in to mention what something is ie John Wyane is a cowboy. True some kids might not know but, others might. It came across as intrusive to me. I also couldn't figure out why she did it sometimes and not others.
May 29, 2008
Franny Hansen, a determined ten-year-old pianist, convinces the mysterious Russian newcomer to become her piano teacher despite the disapproval of most of the townfolk, who are caught up in the fear and suspicion of 1954 McCarthyism. Under Madame Malenkov's tutelage Franny rapidly matures both musically and personally, growing from a thoughtless prankster into a thoughtful young girl. Blume captures the passion a true virtuoso feels for music and the close-minded dread of the "Communist threat" that filled so much of America in the mid-50s. However, grammarians will be dismayed by her misuse of the word "sheath" to refer to a bundle of flyers rather than the proper term, "sheaf." It may not bother all readers, and many will probably never notice the error, but authors, and especially editors, should know better! If not for that error, I would have given this 4 stars, but mistakes like that just niggle at me!!!
November 16, 2007
Franny is a good piano player. In fact, she's the best piano player in Rusty Nail MN. But that isn't saying much, because Rusty Nail is so small that the biggest excitement is when the wife of the local Congressman comes to town for a short visit and the town goes all out to impress her. So imagine the excitement when a real Russian comes to town. Rumors fly that she is a Communist spy and Franny is determined to find out for sure. But what she discovers instead is that the Russian is really a famous piano player. And Franny sees her opportunity to become even better at the piano.
This story is set in the McCarthy-era 50's. Unfortunately, I kept comparing it to "The Loud Silence of Francine Green" by Karen Cushman. And since Francine Green was a much better book, Franny from Rusty Nail loses the contest.
This story is set in the McCarthy-era 50's. Unfortunately, I kept comparing it to "The Loud Silence of Francine Green" by Karen Cushman. And since Francine Green was a much better book, Franny from Rusty Nail loses the contest.
March 3, 2013
This book was fantastic! I enjoyed the characters, and I loved how the author managed to appeal to kids and teens. I was reading about this ten-year-old and even I was fascinated and not bored. I really loved the fact that it was centered around piano. Since I play, it was awesome hearing about that. Another thing is I loved how it wasn't fake. Franny loses the piano contest to Nancy and is devastated. But since Nancy's parents bribed the judges and that's why she won, their family was shunned. It was EPIC and AWESOME because this book showed that there ARE ups and downs. This book is definitely amazing. I'm really surprised that it hasn't won any awards.
Even though I'm a Russian, and this book was centered a lot on Commies, this book didn't really offend. I felt like there was no real malice behind the authors insults thrown at Russians. Just history.
Even though I'm a Russian, and this book was centered a lot on Commies, this book didn't really offend. I felt like there was no real malice behind the authors insults thrown at Russians. Just history.
January 20, 2015
A 10-year-old piano prodigy named Franny Hansen is living in the small town, Rusty Nail. Franny has quickly become the best player in her town and is convinced a mysterious Russian woman who arrives in town is her ticket out of Rusty Nail.
Reading this story as a kid, I immediately connected with Franny because we both play the piano. This book is about Franny’s rise to stardom and her love for the piano and it motivated me to play and practice more than usual. I became determined to be as good as a piano player as Franny. Reading about Franny and the recitals she played in gave me courage to play “Oh Canada” on the piano at my school assemblies. Not only did Franny get me to play the piano more but she also convinced me to continue piano for as long as possible because this story shows the true power and emotion behind playing an instrument.
Reading this story as a kid, I immediately connected with Franny because we both play the piano. This book is about Franny’s rise to stardom and her love for the piano and it motivated me to play and practice more than usual. I became determined to be as good as a piano player as Franny. Reading about Franny and the recitals she played in gave me courage to play “Oh Canada” on the piano at my school assemblies. Not only did Franny get me to play the piano more but she also convinced me to continue piano for as long as possible because this story shows the true power and emotion behind playing an instrument.
October 27, 2007
This would make an awesome book for a book discussion. Just discussing people's prejudices, first impressions, dealing with those people who get everything while others have to work for it, the power of being talented and the effect of people to change our lives when we least expect it. So great themes but this comes with a warning, there is a bit of cheesiness here!
I enjoyed her other one so picked this one up... Franny feels she may be stuck in a little backwards town playing the piano for school and church functions until a mysterious Russian woman moves to town. However, this is 1950s, so the towns people feel she might be a commie. For Franny, she might be her ticket out of there so does she defy people's beliefs?
Rising Star of Rusty Nail
I enjoyed her other one so picked this one up... Franny feels she may be stuck in a little backwards town playing the piano for school and church functions until a mysterious Russian woman moves to town. However, this is 1950s, so the towns people feel she might be a commie. For Franny, she might be her ticket out of there so does she defy people's beliefs?
Rising Star of Rusty Nail
June 30, 2008
Another winner from Lesley M.M. Blume. Francis Hansen is stuck in her one-horse town, Rusty Nail. Although she is a talented pianist there is no one in town to give her lessons so Francis along with her best friend Sandy, spend their time planning and pulling off pranks on the their classmates and fellow citizens. At least until Madame Malenkov shows up. Madame malenkov is a famous pianist though she's not interested in giving lessons plus she's from Russia so that makes her a Communist as well. What's a girl with big-town dreams going to do in a small town? She's going to get those lessons no matter what and that means with or without the help of her best friend. Excellent opening scene.
April 19, 2012
I liked this a lot better than I thought I would. Set in the 1950's in Rusty Nail, Minnesota, a small town is scandalized when a Russian woman moves in. She is a child protege and recognizes the skill of one of the town's girls, Franny Hansen. I have no musical skill, but this was written in such a way to let the reader understand what it feels like to be on stage and knowing you are nailing a performance.
A few nit-picks - I hate it when a small town family goes to the big city and just doesn't understand their rushed ways. It's boring and has been done to death. Using McCarthy as the evil boogeyman from this time is a little stale as well, thought it does play into the plot in the end.
A few nit-picks - I hate it when a small town family goes to the big city and just doesn't understand their rushed ways. It's boring and has been done to death. Using McCarthy as the evil boogeyman from this time is a little stale as well, thought it does play into the plot in the end.
September 7, 2007
There were parts of this book I really enjoyed, however there were also parts that left me feeling a little less than satisfied. One thing I enjoyed: the explanation of how the book is structured the same as a certain piano concerto -- I really enjoyed it as a stand alone at the beginning of the story (good way to explain the natural progression of a story), but it took on even more meaning as the story unfolded. Another part I loved: the mother of the main character -- her actions toward the end of the book were applause-worthy! A part that was so-so for me: the last 2 1/2 pages -- I don't know why but it was a let-down after what had happened prior.
May 20, 2008
I liked this book a lot. Maybe it is because I also play piano like Franny Hanson (although I doubt I am anywhere as near as good as she is). I like Cornelia (Lesley Blume's first book) better though. I can relate to Cornelia as far as words go, but I don't isolate myself. I am eager to read Tennyson, Ms. Blume's next book.
Rusty nail is set in the 1950s. It is a fun time period to read about. I love the imagery that Lesley Blume puts in to your head when you read her books. You can see the dusty streets and the grand house that the neighbor Charlie lives in. A wonderful book. Anyone who loved Cornelia, will love this book.
Rusty nail is set in the 1950s. It is a fun time period to read about. I love the imagery that Lesley Blume puts in to your head when you read her books. You can see the dusty streets and the grand house that the neighbor Charlie lives in. A wonderful book. Anyone who loved Cornelia, will love this book.
March 8, 2009
There's just nothing like a great, small town, middle-America historical fiction. Rising Star of Rusty Nail is set in the 1950s in a small, one-traffic-light town where there's scarcely a thing to do when you're bored and where gossip travels fast no matter how big the news.
Our main character dreams of playing piano in the White House like the girl she saw on the newsreel who, at a year younger, got to play for the President of the United States. When our character catches news of a celebrity visitor to Rusty Nail, it seems like the opportunity to escape the small town and see the world.
Though not a top pick, I'd say this story is definitely a worthy read.
Our main character dreams of playing piano in the White House like the girl she saw on the newsreel who, at a year younger, got to play for the President of the United States. When our character catches news of a celebrity visitor to Rusty Nail, it seems like the opportunity to escape the small town and see the world.
Though not a top pick, I'd say this story is definitely a worthy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews