A hip-hop-rich prison memoir, this book chronicles Alim Braxton’s struggles and triumphs as he attempts to record an album while on death row, something no one has done before. Braxton’s world is complex: full of reflections on guilt, condemnation, incarceration, religious awakening, and the redemptive power of art.
Mark Katz Book order






- 2024
- 2023
Technology does not stand apart from music, influencing it from the outside-- it is a part of music, integral to every aspect of musical activity and musical life.
- 2019
Build
- 248 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Build: The Power of Hip Hop Diplomacy in a Divided World explores the inescapable tensions and ambiguities in the relationship between art and the state, revealing the ethical complexities that lurk behind what might seem mere goodwill diplomatic tours. Author Mark Katz makes the case that hip hop can be a valuable, positive, and effective means to promote meaningful and productive international relations between people and nations.
- 2016
Children Who Fail at School But Succeed at Life: Lessons from Lives Well-Lived
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Highlighting the experiences of individuals who struggled academically but found success later in life, the book explores the stories of those with ADHD, learning disabilities, and other challenges. It addresses the misconception that academic failure equates to future failure, revealing a significant number of successful people who defied this belief. The narrative emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse pathways to success and challenges the notion that traditional educational struggles determine one's potential in the real world.
- 2013
The Third World in Soviet Military Thought
- 190 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Examining Soviet military thinking on the Third World, this study highlights the evolution of Soviet attitudes and expectations regarding involvement in conflicts during the Brezhnev era. It explores how shifts in military thought influenced Soviet foreign policy, particularly in response to US setbacks in the region. Dr. Katz's analysis provides insights into the USSR's changing role in post-war conflicts and the broader implications for its international relations.
- 2006
Focusing on the extensive history and literature surrounding the violin, this comprehensive guide organizes and annotates information from various fields, addressing a significant gap since the last major bibliography in 1894. Divided into four main sections—Reference and General Studies, Acoustics and Construction, Violin Playing and Performance Practice, and profiles of Violinists, Composers, and Teachers—this book serves as an essential resource for students and scholars alike, enhancing the Routledge Music Bibliography series.
- 1997
On Playing a Poor Hand Well
Insights from the Lives of Those Who Have Overcome Childhoodinsights from the Lives of Those
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Focusing on the resilience of children, the book explores how certain protective factors can help them overcome adversity. Mark Katz draws on research to identify key strengths and sources of understanding that empower children to succeed despite challenges. He advocates for therapists, educators, and caregivers to integrate these insights into their practices, enhancing the support system for at-risk youth.