Dec. 02--Tribune readers wrote prolifically to express their thoughts on "Norman Malone's Quest."
The recent column chronicled a South Side man's lifelong, privately waged battle to become the pianist he believes he was meant to be. When he was 10 years old, Malone was brutally attacked by his father (as were his two brothers), leaving him paralyzed on his right side. Nevertheless, Malone willed himself into becoming an expert at playing repertoire written for the left hand alone.
Following are excerpts of some of the letters we received. To read the complete series and watch accompanying videos, go to chicagotribune.com/normanmalone.
Inspirational narrative
The article on Norman Malone is one of the most beautiful and inspiring stories I have ever read. There are so many people who say, "No, why bother?" Mr. Malone has used his time on this earth, despite some horrific circumstances, to bring joy to himself and those around him. Thank you so much for sharing his story.
-- Adina Tenenbaum, Chicago
A lesson to us all
I know Norman from two recent jazz cruises. Norman and I have shared some great concerts (and) our love of music over some dinners. But then -- this story!
Oh my -- what a story, what a fate, what an impressive human being -- and so soft-spoken. Very moving, very touching as well.
Thank you for this wonderful piece of journalism and for giving us the chance to know better a person who could be a model for all of us in these difficult times of injustice, ignorance and hatred.
-- Andreas Koenig,Frankfurt,Germany
Malone as teacher
When I saw the picture on the front page of the Tribune, I knew the person in the photo looked familiar. Norman Malone was our son's beloved high school chorus teacher and one of the most influential teachers of his high school years. My husband and I both were dumbstruck to read the revelations of his traumatic childhood attack. This is yet another reminder of the transformative power of music in even the darkest hours of the human experience.
Mr. Malone was the calm in a storm. He was a funny, quirky, old-fashioned, principled, demanding teacher. Norman Malone's passion for music was contagious. Our son benefited from his wisdom, musical knowledge and discipline in so many ways. His influence stretched far beyond the classroom as he demonstrated the power of music to affect positive change in the daily lives of adolescents who were sometimes its unwitting and ungrateful recipients.
Norman Malone's commitment to high standards was evident in every choral concert that we attended at Lincoln Park High School. We sometimes wondered about his right hand and speculated about the difficulties it must have presented, but it was never a distraction to his glorious music-making.
Norman Malone's perseverance, resilience and talent are an inspiration. On this Thanksgiving Day, your powerful article provides us the opportunity to reflect on and be thankful for the many gifts Mr. Malone shared with his students over the years.
-- Mary Beth Brandt and Meng-Kong Tham, Chicago
The face of courage
Thank you for capturing the strength and courage of the pianist Norman Malone. His life journey is remarkable and a tribute to his inner strength, resolve and courage in the face of violence and social setbacks. One wonders what medical advances today could have provided him with movement in his right hand. His is truly a love story for the piano and for life, despite immeasurable challenges. He is an inspiration. I am returning to the piano after raising my children, now adults with their own children. I will remember his journey as I relearn the keyboard. Chopin, Ravel and Gershwin are calling.
-- Barbara Simmons, Darien
All about perseverance
I've been trying all day to find the words that are in my heart after completing the series. I sent it to another friend who helped put on (Malone's) wedding. It has brought up so many memories for all of us during tumultuous times.
My compliments to you for writing a wonderful tribute to a "nobody" that people might never get to know. I've talked to several of my friends who read it and couldn't believe how he kept going when most would not.
I have a grandson who has been playing classical music since he was 3 years old. He is now in graduate school but still loves playing the piano. I am giving him a copy of these articles for Christmas. I know he will really enjoy it. Your words will live on in many hearts.
-- Dee Foertsch,Chicago
Wiping away tears
I just finished reading the third installment of your series on Norman Malone, and I'm brushing tears from my eyes. What an incredible and inspiring story! Thank you for your beautifully written piece and for giving attention to this extraordinary man.
-- Patti Lupo, Chicago
Learning the truth
I see (Malone) every Sunday at Room 43, and he is on the yearly jazz cruise with me and others from Room 43 and Chicago. He is such a quiet, funny man, and to read about his many challenges is inspiring, as is being in his company. I had always assumed Norman had a stroke and that was the source of his challenges. Reading the article has endeared me even more to him as a gentle, knowledgeable individual that I am pleased to be in company with.
-- Hannah Jackson, Chicago
A survivor's saga
Wonderful, wonderful article about Mr. Malone. God almighty, what a survivor! I cried for him as a young boy, but I also cried for my handicapped uncle who briefly went to the Christopher School in the 1920s. Your article was only the second mention of that school I ever heard in my life.
-- Mary Neville,Chicago
Finding deeper meanings
Thank you for this harrowing and inspiring story. You always manage to peel away the outer surfaces and reveal the levels below or beyond what human vision can register, so trained by contemporary media to detect only a 2-D virtual world. So what if the core of the fruit is often inedible? You take us to the core, to better know the fruit.
-- Christopher Sweet, Chicago
Click here to read Norman Malone's story.
