A chronicle of a young black mans journey from violence to the worlds elite opera circles describes Ryan Speedo Greens abuse-marked upbringing and struggles with racism and imprisonment before winning a New York Metropolitan Opera competition. A chronicle of a young black mans journey from violence to the worlds elite opera circles describes Ryan Speedo Greens abuse-marked upbringing and struggles with racism and imprisonment before winning a New York Metropolitan Opera competition. By the author of the award-winning In the Land of Magic Soldiers. 100,000 first printing. Like The Blind Side set in the world of opera, this is the touching, triumphant story of a young black mans journey from violence and despair to one of the worlds most elite cultural institutions.Ryan Speedo Green had a tough upbringing amid the urban wastelands of southeastern Virginia. His family lived in a trailer park and later a bullet-riddled house across the street from drug dealers. His father was absent; his mother was volatile and abusive.At the age of twelve, Ryan was placed in solitary confinement in Virginias juvenile detention center of last resort for threatening to kill his mother. He was uncontrollable, uncontainable, with seemingly little hope for the future.Thirteen years later, in 2011, at the age of twenty-five, Ryan won a nationwide competition hosted by New Yorks Metropolitan Opera, beating out 1,200 other talented singers. Today, he is a rising star performing major roles at the Met and Europes most prestigious opera houses.SING FOR YOUR LIFE chronicles Ryans unlikely, suspenseful, and powerfully emotional journey from solitary confinement to stardom. Daniel Bergner takes readers on Ryans path toward redemption, introducing us to an important and colorful cast of characters--including the two teachers from his childhood who redirect his rage into music; and his long-lost father, with whom Ryan is reunited--and shedding light on the enduring realities of race in America.
