Story Talk, 2024 Favorites
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. Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa Barbara Jean Miller Sally Weiner Grotta Hilary Hauck Edda Fields Black Yona Harvey Jess Simms Polly McCann Comment Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Shop Succeed & Soar Art on Throw Pillows As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, posters, shower curtains and more These pillows add a stylish statement to any room. Details: Fabric: 100% spun polyester poplin Reversible, same image printed on both sides A concealed zipper Choice of over 70 background colors Removable insert can be requested Pillow sizes: 14×14, 16×16, 18×18, 20×20, 26×26 and 20×14 Prices from $20 to $50 Purchase this throw pillow See All Throw Pillows View All Collections HERE. Thanks for your support!
Face Everything And Rise (fear)
When I was in tenth grade, my family lived on a lonely hilltop . The narrow, two-story house was surrounded by apple and pear, cherry and peach trees. One gray afternoon, as I strode from the kitchen, a dark and monstrous form loomed above the other side of the doorway. There are several acronyms for FEAR, like Forget Everything and Run. I screamed and fell flat on my back. My little sister had climbed on a chair beside the dining room wall. Silent, she hid herself in the shadows. When entered the room, she arched her arms and wriggled her fingers above my head. I think she was too shocked by my terror to laugh … right away. Nowadays, on the rare occasions I recall my sister’s stupid “Creature from The Black Lagoon” imitation, I think: If I’d looked up and seen what was real, I wouldn’t be blushing now. I think of other acronyms for FEAR. Each has its own time and place, phrases like: Forgetting Everything About Reality For Everything a Reason Fail Early And Responsibly Face Everything And Rise Read more The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Men in Black star Will Smith’s three minute video about his first sky-diving adventure provides a funny and cool way to understand FEAR. Click on his picture [below] and enjoy. Featured image: “Catalpa Blooms 04” (c) 2020 Sandra Gould Ford. Prints start at $9.49. Visit Gallery.