A Worthy Legacy by Tomi Akinyanmi + Giveaway & Interview

Please join me today in welcoming Tomi Akinyanmi to The Eclectic Reader. She is the author of the beautiful and inspirational book, A Worthy Legacy. I'd like to thank Tomi for answering a few questions and for generously offering 2 copies of A Worthy Legacy to giveaway. My review of A Worthy Legacy has also been re-posted. Teddyree: What’s your favourite ‘pearl of wisdom’ from A Worthy Legacy? Tomi: "you will always be unhappy if you try to be like others. However, if you will find who you are and be that, you will have happiness in life". Teddyree: Can you tell us what you are working on now? Tomi: A journal companion to “A Worthy Legacy” as a starting point for people who have been inspired by the book, to write their own legacy as well as a book on how the lessons of “A Worthy Legacy” can be applied to everyday life in the present millenium. There have also been questions on the Yoruba culture from some readers of A Worthy Legacy maybe I'll begin work on that as well. Teddyree: Do you have a favourite book from childhood? Tomi: Uncle Arthurs Bedtime Stories Teddyree: What are you reading now? Tomi: Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. It is an old classic but this is the first time I am reading it. Teddyree: Bookmark or Dog ear? Tomi: Certainly Dog Ear cut's the hassle out of looking for a bookmark but since I've lost a few book ears this way, I'm learning to use the bookmark now. That way, the ears on my books will last as long as the book. Teddyree: If you could be any character from a novel who would you be and why? Tomi: Nancy Drew. I would've said Ms. Maple but that will make me too old. Teddyree: Do you have a guilty pleasure? Tomi: Soaking in a hot tub sipping the only bottle of Goya Malta in the house after everyone goes to bed so I don't have to share my drink. Teddyree: When you were little what did you want to grow up to be? Tomi: Happy Teddyree: 3 must have items if you were stranded on a tropical island? Tomi: A pen and paper to write my experience; a corked bottle to hide it in when i'm done.

A Worthy Legacy

Published: October 2008 Pages: 101 Genre: Inspirational

A wonderful read, simple, eloquent & inspirational. The author Tomi Akinyanmi draws on personal experience to create the story of a woman called home to Nigeria to say goodbye in a traditional manner to her dying Grandfather. Before the Grandfather leaves this world he wishes to "...share among you that which I own" & he asks a favour of those gathered around him "...that you lighten my heart with a smile." This small book is a veritable treasure trove, overflowing with humble pearls of wisdom. The Grandfather's last words include advise to guide his family through the years, advice on character, life, tough times, human nature, using initiative, & finding happiness to mention just a few. "As fruits are eaten that the body might acquire the materials necessary for its growth, these words will indeed give strength to your souls." This is one of my favourite quotes from A Worthy Legacy - "... not all who smile at you are your friend. Indeed, true friends are discovered, not made, yet you won't know the difference until there is a storm. False friends are bound to betray, and true friends will forever stay by you." page 42 At the 1st anniversary of the Grandfather's death family & friends gather for a remembrance service & the grandaughter is saddened by the apparent family fractions & how quickly many seem to have forgotten the wise old man's words. In her Grandma's home she discovers once again the secret journal she shared with her Grandfather & in it his final message to her; making clear "the essence of Grandpa's gifts." The tale is told in both story form and with poetry & I thought it was a beautiful way to share with the world, the obvious love between this Grandaughter & Grandfather & honour a Grandfather's 'Worthy Legacy.' The origins of 'A Worthy Legacy' - "When my father died suddenly in a car accident in May of 2001 without a chance to say good bye, grieving him was tough since there was no sense of closure. Dad was a man of words, so I knew he would have wanted to have one last say before he took his final breath. With this thought in mind, the writer in me sought closure by writing his last words for him. " - Tomi Akinyanmi from A Worthy Legacy You can also read more about this talented poet, author & artist on her personal website Thank you to Tomi for my signed copy of A Worthy Legacy, I am richer having read this beautiful book!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Tomi has graciously offered 2 copies of A Worthy Legacy to giveaway to 2 lucky readers. Tomi will be posting to the winner personally.

Simple rules: leave a comment with an email address to be entered in the giveaway

Winner will be drawn on Saturday 18th July and announced on this blog. Good luck to all!