Book called, "Life is so good"

Today, I finished reading the book called, "Life is so Good" written by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman.

George Dawson is the major character within this story.  At the age of 98, he decided to join an adult literary class and he learned how to read for first time in his entire life.  

Did you hear what I said?  George Dawson decided it is not too late to go back to school and learn how to read.  Currently, there are many people who believe it is too late to go back to school.  Mr. Dawson's story is still being told in this wonderful book.  Although he died many years ago, his story is still inspiring me.

What are some of the major lessons Mr. Dawson's life can teach anyone?

• It is never too late to learn. 
• Don't worry about money problems, just live in your means and be a good manager of your money.

Over the next couple of days, I will be adding information on my reading blog about some of the lessons I learned from this book.

Discussion Questions:

• Do you think it is too late to go back to school?
• Do you think you would have the courage to learn how to read as an elderly or older adult?
• What do you do to encourage others to pursue their education and to try to reach their true potential?

Concluding Remarks:
I hope you will find time to read this amazing book. Although Mr. Dawson was treated terribly by whites throughout his life, he learned the importance of forgiveness and he did the best he could with what was given to him.  Since he had to go to work on his family farm at an early age, he continued to work several jobs at a young age and as a result of this fact, he never had the opportunity to go to school.

I sincerely hope and pray that young people read Mr. Dawson's story and learn the importance of getting an education and the gift and the importance of reading.  I walked away from this book with a better appreciation of what older African-Americans within the 1900s had to endure in order to support their family.  I felt so honored, lucky, and privileged to have read this story.  I am glad that Mr. Dawson received national recognition for this story and his hard work before he died. 

Even in his death, Mr. George Dawson is still teaching people and the general public through his book how to appreciate life, how to appreciate education, and most importantly how to live a decent life. 

Ipad2 and its e-reader capability

The purpose of this message is to let others know that I recently purchased the ipad2--at the current moment I am very pleased with this new computer device.

I decided to list this comment on my blog about the importance of reading because the ipad2 can function in a variety of ways as an e-book or e-reader, meaning reading books utilizing the ipad2.

There are several discussion questions I have for current e-book readers using the ipad2:

• How often do you utilize your ipad2 for reading books?
• Are there any particular very good apps that you have downloaded to your ipad2?
• What are some of your favorite works of fiction and non-fiction that you have read using your ipad2?
• Are there any positive as well as constructive feedback you can share about how your ipad2 functions as a e-reader?

Concluding Remarks: 

• I am simply looking for current ipad2 users to share their positive and constructive feedback about the ipad2 in general and how this device functions as an e-reader. 

will smith exclusive

Will Smith's impact and advice to Tyrese Gibson

Introductory Comments:

I have been reading Tyrese Gibson's book titled, "How To Get Out of Your Own Way".  In this book, Tyrese mentions Will Smith throughout the book as someone who gave him very good advice when he desperately needed it.

Within the book, Tyrese shares the story about a time when he was moving away from being a muscial artist and he started his acting career.  This was a difficult time for Tyrese.  He was starting to eat whatever he wanted to eat.  In other words, he was using food as a way to escape reality and to cope with late.

When Tyrese was on a particular movie set, he was rude and unprofessional.  He was showing up late for his part within the movie.

Tyrese contacted Will Smith in order to receive some advice and guidance.

Will Smith mentioned the following: (paraphrasing the major points)

• When you are a muscial artist, the performance or show is all about you.  The muscial is at the center of attention; however, when you become an artist other people are also at the center of attention.

• You have to give your best so that you are able to "feed your family" and if you are able to "feed your family", other people will be able to " feed their family". 

Discussion Question:

• Do you recall a time when you wanted to be the center of attention and you could not be the center of attention?
• What behaviors do you engage in when you do not get your own way?
• What do you do on your job to be your best so that other people are able to "feed their family"?
• What are the things that you do to manage your emotions when you are in the midst of a "pity party"?
• Are you able to admit when you are wrong and what do you do each and everyday to treat co-workers with respect?

Concluding Remarks:

• As a result of Will Smith's "words of wisdom", Tyrese started to treat his co-workers in a more professional manner and most importantly,  Tyrese started to show up on the set on time with a more positive and productive attitude.
• Will Smith's advice to Tyrese helped Tyrese to see how he could improve his work performance regarding acting.  I think the fascinating part of Will Smith's comment and advice is that it reminds all of us to strive for excellence in our chosen profession so that other people could also "feed their family". 
• While there are many stressors and pressures in all of our lives, we need a reminder from time to time to focus on being our best so that in the end we can enrich another person's life.  I sincerely hope and pray each and everyone of us will find a way to live up to our true potential. 

Wonderful World of Reading: Tyrese Gibson sure does like to talk

Wonderful World of Reading: Tyrese Gibson sure does like to talk

CREATION OF THE FIRST LIBRARY “When we speak of the literature of a nation, we are not thinking of inscriptions graven on obelisks and triumphal arches. We mean such literatures as may be stored in a library and possessed by individuals. In a word, we mean books — books, whether in the form of clay cylinders, of papyrus rolls, or any other portable material. The Egyptians were the first people of the ancient world who had a literature of this kind; who wrote books, and read books; who possessed books, and loved them. And their literature, which grew, and flourished, and decayed with the language in which it was written, was of the most varied character, scientific, secular, and religious.

Book: How to get out of your own way by tyrese gibson

This is the first entry into my new blog which will simple talk about book. This blog will also help me to keep track of the many different books that I read on a daily basis.  I sincerely hope it inspired other people to read on a regular and more frequent basis.


The other day, I started to read the book titled, "How To Get Out of Your Own Way".  my neighbor initially told me about this books.

I went to the book store and purchased this book.

This book is an easy read.  It reminds me of the importance of pressing ahead when the odds are truly against you. 

Tyrese provides very good insights and details into what life is like growing up as a poor, African American male in Watts.

He has been able to overcome a great deal.  It is refreshing to read about his humble beginning.  His career or public debut started with a talent show within his community. Since he talks a great deal of his community, it should remind all of us the importance of community. It is within a community of people that inidividuals learn some very important lessons.  I am happy that adults within his community cared enough about him and others within his neighborhood to start a talent show.

By Tyrese sharing his story, I sincerely hope that it encourages many young people to pursue their dreams no matter the obstacles that may be standing in their way.  At the same time, I am also thankful for the fact that Tyrese also explores the notion of the power of mentors in making a big difference in his life.

What is the value of mentors?  I could really relate to the importance of having mentors because mentors can provide a great deal of guidance and support. Many young people today think it is enough just to have an education.  All of us need regardless of age need to have mentors in our life so that we do not continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. 

Tyrese's book also gives hope to me and I hope to others.  It is important to have faith and hope so that in the midst of difficult times and difficult situations all of us learn the importance of continuing to press on even when it does not appear possible.