But what I really want to do is compose!

Anyone who’s dabbled even casually with the music world knows it’s full of heartbreak, exhilaration, passion, and drama. A profession overstuffed with possibilities for storytellers in all media, it’s a wonder to me why more film directors, novelists, and playwrights don’t take the plunge.

But appearing today in bookstores across the fruited plain is Overture (Doubleday, $24.95), the debut novel by Yael Goldstein. Overture is about a famous violinist who also has a passion for composition. But her marriage to an acclaimed and revolutionary composer compels her to sacrifice her own composerly ambitions. (Alma Mahler, anyone?) Then to make matters even more complicated, she gives birth to a daughter who quickly shows talent for . . . composition.

Too many composers at the bench? You’ll just have to find out for yourself.

There are a few readings coming up around the country. Some even boast some (gasp) new music inspired by the book. Check them out in the comments.