Story Talk, 2024 Favorites

Byaaron.fordwright@gmail.com
December 28, 2024
Wordsmith Stars

The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest (people) of the past centuries.
– Descartes

In Stephen King’s book On Writing, the best-selling author wrote, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time (or the tools) to write.” Here are books that enlightened me in 2024.

Black Magic

Brené Brown, The New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead, called Black Magic, “daring, urgent and transformative.” Here, Chad Sanders’ interviews of Black leaders, scientists, artists, activists, and champions offer strategies for Black achievement in the white, corporate world.

The Boys from Biloxi

From A Time to Kill to The Street Lawyer, John Grisham is part of my literary diet. In The Boys from Biloxi, children become friends playing baseball. As men, they meet again. One a death row convict. The other, an Attorney General who can prevent the execution. The Review Geek calls this page-turner a “sprawling epic.”

Build the Life You Want

Arthur C. Brooks’ books include Gifts of Time and Money, The Road to Freedom and From Strength to Strength. In Build the Life You Want, this collaboration with Oprah Winfrey offers “Pillars of Happiness,” which are strong connections with friends and family, meaningful work and a spiritual practice. The book also explores “The Role of Unhappiness” and more.

Oath and Honor

Liz Cheney’s Oath and Honor, A Memoir and a Warning, provides no-nonsense documentation of what she experienced after the United States’ 2020 presidential election. Fifty years from now, her accounts—especially concerns about the undermining of the U.S. Constitution—could describe this country’s fate, as described in lyrics from the musical Hamilton’s, “You’ll Be Back,”

Oceans rise,

Empires fall

The Trespasser

My first Tana French novel showed how a character can be developed—bit by bit—throughout an entire book. Until The Trespasser, I thought comprehensive character descriptions had to be delivered early. Here, trust in this author is rewarded by surprising revelations about why Aislinn Murray died and who killed her.

The Warmth of Other Suns

Isabel Wilkerson’s awesome documentary presents resonant stories of human will. “The drama, poignancy, and romance of” of four people who migrated from the Jim Crow south is heartening and must be remembered.

View a short [100-second] video synopsis.

Will

Among the noteworthy experiences described in Will Smith’s inspirational and encouraging memoir,

Jazzy Jeff opening opportunities for Smith when DeeJay skills were so important to HipHop’s birth
Smith’s intent to kill his tough-love father by pushing the aged and frail man’s wheelchair down steps
His moments of cowardice
The Christian-inspired grandmother who called him, ‘Lover boy.’

More Honorable Mentions:

Astor, by Anderson Cooper [how a family goes from rags to riches and falls]
Crook Manifesto, by Colson Whitehead [a marvelous re-calling of 1970s Harlem]
Golden Buddha, by Clive Cussler [an engaging adventure story]
My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, by Clint Hill [a secret service agent’s warm remembrances]
Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman [marvelous reminders]
Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart, by Alice Walker [exquisite and evocative poetry]

A huge thanks to Succeed and Soar’s 2024, the first “Authors Speak” contributors. They enriched by sharing their writing processes.

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