Cinnamon Kiss by Walter Mosley

On today, I returned the audiobook, "Cinnamon Kiss," by Walter Mosley. This book taught me that I probably should have read the Easy Rawlings's books in order. I definitely should have read this one before reading "Blonde Faith." I found myself constantly mentally referring back to what happened in "Blonde Faith," and I was comparing it to "Cinnamon Kiss." Thanks to this book, I can connect Feather's sickness, Black's relationship with Easy, Mouse's demeanor, Easy's relationship with Bonnie, and so much.

One of the things I did not like about this book was the sexual scenes. Somehow hearing them instead of reading them made the scenes appear extra vulgar and too graphic. I can't remember if "Blonde Faith" had sexual scenes. The middle of the book and close to the end was filled with those scenes. Perhaps external influences from my own life played a part in recognizing them and not being pleased. I did not think they actually added to the plot of the book.

The plot was filled with so many twists and turns. I felt like  I was on a roller coaster. I never could predict the direction. Ever time when I thought I had it figured out, turns out I was far away.

Now, the question that needs to be answered: Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would recommend this book. Why? I would recommend it because over all it was really good. The audiobook version to me made the book appear long. I listened to 6 CDs.  I have not seen the actually book, so I cannot say if it is long enough. This audiobook made me aware of Mosley's ability to draw you into the plot. Have you read this book?

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Walking Wisdom by Gotham Chopra

Yesterday, I signed up for a library card in Madison County. That was long overdue. I really don't know why it has taken me so long to go to the library. I also picked up my first audiobook, "Cinnamon Kiss," written by Walter Mosley.

I finished my first audiobook today. The name of the book was "Walking Wisdom," written by Gotham Chopra. He is the son of a "guru," Deepak Chopra. I did not know this before checking out the audiobook and downloading the audiobook from the Madison County Library. Yet, I am really glad I read the book.

Listening throughout my day, during two workouts, running errands, unpacking at my apartment, and cleaning my apartment, I have developed a new found love for audiobooks. My mind was focused on listening and the second task at hand. I was no longer thinking of all I could be doing or the problems I have going on. Amazingly, I did not wake up with a headache/migraine. I enjoyed fully my day.

Now back to the book...

Based on the relationship dogs have with humans and other dogs, this books sheds light on many profound lessons. This book was really interesting and almost made me want to consider owning a dog in my house. Mark my words...ALMOST considered.  I know my children would probably be elated, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Yet, I did learn that caressing and stroking a dog reduces your blood pressure. I found that extremely interesting.The lessons learned from the two family dogs are really profound. Applying life lessons like being please with just loving instead of being the one loved leaves an everlasting imprint on how you view your own life.

I was really intrigued by the examples and the rawness the author displayed in the various  images, describing the two family pets and the family interactions. for a clearer understanding.  I truly appreciated the emphasis and the importance of family in this book.  Even though he did not follow the similar path of his father, Deepak, his writing has a flow similar to what I would expect from his father.  I picked up "The Path to Love" by Deepak Chopra to get a clearer understanding of who his father is and his philosophy. I also followed his father on twitter.

This book is definitely a must read for pet owners, particularly dog lovers. They will truly be intrigued by this book, as well as appreciate their pets even more.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley

Today, I finished reading, "The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" by Walter Mosley. This was my second book by Walter Mosley. Ptolemy Grey is an elderly man, dealing with dementia.  At the beginning of the book, the chaos of Ptolemy is surreal.  Mosley makes you wonder exactly how things could be for you when you become old. The various examples of Ptolemy being taken advantage of is real. I have always wondered why and how people could take advantage of the elderly, especially the sick and elderly.  Ironically though, this fictional book provides unique life lessons. Some of them are clear. Some of them you may miss but become evident as you read.

One of the most prevailing points, in my opinion, sticks out. This point - make sure your affairs and estate are taken care of before you past - is one that people often takes for granted. Ptolemy was able to get his affairs in place and foresee some of the things we have witnessed after death. For instance, Malcolm X's five daughters are still disputing over their parents' estate. Do you have a will? Who will oversee the happenings for your children? Have you considered these things?
Not surprising though, this book ended just like "Blonde Faith." Perhaps, the ending is Mosley's signature. He leaves you wanting more of the plot and the main characters.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Blonde Faith by Walter Mosley

Thanks to reading Vern's Book site, Prissy Book Snob Blog, I discovered Walter Mosley. I am glad she didn't disappoint me! Blonde Faith was my first book by Walter Mosley AND my first Easy Rawlins Thriller. I really enjoyed reading this book. The continuous twists and turns of the plot kept me wanting more. I like how Mosley make Easy so real. The imagery and dialogue draws the reader into a world unknown but familiar. Easy Rawlins is almost your suspicious but likable neighbor next door. Even though a fictional work, Mosley teaches you how gullible and dangerous you can be with people, who you do not know, and the importance of filtering information you know to someone. Mosley also shows how even the toughest can be the softest, when it comes to matters of the heart. Unfortunately, I did not like the ending, but this book was definitely the outlet I needed.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Do the Work by Steven Pressfield

"Do the Work" is another book by Steven Pressfield. This book was not as indepth as I was expecting.  Providing the boost necessary to accomplish that one dream or thing you wanted to do, this book gives you a simplified outline of how to do so.  I read this book because it was the book assigned for my virtual book club via Twitter and Facebook (#truthchat).  Unfortunately, this book lacked a lot of necessary substance I feel is necessary to get across the point Pressfield was trying to make. However, it was well worth the purchase amount. It was free on Amazon.com, sponsored by the Domino Project.  Even though I wasn't fully impressed, I did highlight a lot of quotes. This book is definitely a "sticky note" book.
Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

A Piece of Mine" by J. California Cooper

Purchase to book on Amazon.

"A Piece of Mine" by J. California Cooper was a phenomenal book.  When I read this book, I was experiencing so much.  Reading this book was what I needed in my life.  J. California Cooper is an excellent storyteller.

As I read the book, I was unable to distinguish between fact or fiction.  Even though all the stories seem real and relevant to my life, Cooper entertained me, as well. The embedded words of wisdom within the pages of "A Piece of Mine" should be heard by every woman.  Cooper gave me what I needed to hear and what I wanted to hear.

In "A Piece of Mine," she uses numerous short stories to illustrate life lessons.  The life lessons are presented in a matter of fact way, which forced me to evaluate the applicability to my life.  Each story possesses the energy of a wise mother, grandmother, relative, best friend, or sister.

Some of the life lessons that Cooper shares include the following:

1. God replaces what you lose with something better.

2. The desire to be in a relationship should reach beyond just wanting a man.  The desire to be in a relationship should focus on having something significant and special.

3.  A heart may pick a partner, and it never asks for measurements.

Since I recently experienced divorce, I am glad that I read this book.  "A Piece of Mine" gave me hope.  My perceptions of marriage and relationships have been transformed because of this book.

I love how Cooper's messages leave a lasting impression on you.  I highly recommend this book.  I am looking forward to reading her other books.

I started reading today another book by her: "Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime: Stories." I am confident that J. California Cooper  will not disappoint me. 

The Ghosts of Rowan Oak by Dean Faulkner Wells

Containing three ghost stores, "Judith," "The Werewolf," and "The Hound," this book was amazing. Written specifically for children, Dean Faulkner Wells is William Faulkner's niece, and she captures the true essence of Faulkner's ability to tell amazing stories.

Having walked on the marvelous grounds of Rowan Oak, located in Oxford, MS, I can only imagine the eeriness and uneasiness it can possess during the midnight hour. If I was listening to Faulkner tell one of these stories in person, I would not be the same. "Judith" was told to me in bits and pieces. I know that many people believe that the story is true. Regardless if the story is true or false, the plot keeps you engaged and wondering "what if."

Even as the plot unfolded in "The Werewolf," I felt uneasy and nervous, as if I was standing in the train station, trying to force the window down.  I wanted to help the young man. I had it all figured out, yet I kept reading until the very last punctuation.

Lastly, "The Hound" was perhaps my favorite.  Mimicking closely the story-telling ability of Edgar Allan Poe, one of my favorite authors, "The Hound" possesses a unique thrill, which only psychoanalysis literary critics would thoroughly appreciate.  Overall, this book was just what I needed to read.  However, I don't foresee me reading it to my children any time soon. I like sleeping alone. :)

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.