Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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
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!

22 comments:

  1. Very nice review! I've already got this on my list due to another positive review and interview I read.

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  2. What a gorgeous cover! Wow. I mean, really...

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  3. The content of this little book more than lives up to the stunning cover :-)

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  4. It's sounds like a wonderful book, thank you for this review.

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  5. I'm glad to hear you liked this one. I've got it coming up soon so now I'm really looking forward to it.

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  6. Great quotes! Make me want to read it right away. I love small books which hold a lot of wisdom in them. Thanks for reviewing it Teddyree!

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  7. Great review. I have a interview and review scheduled in July for this one and I'm very excited =)

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  8. If you are entering giveaway please leave email address, thanks!

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  9. I'd love to win a copy! Sounds like a lovely little book. I think you know mine but here it is:

    alaineb(at)bigpond(dot)net(dot)at

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  10. Great review! I think I wanted to be Nancy Drew too at one point. Please enter me in the drawing.

    florida982002[at]yahoo.com

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  11. I'd love to readthis book!

    I have an awardhttp://stacybuckeye.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/awards/ for you

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  12. Thanks for the review...I would love to win this one!
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

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  13. Great interview! That is a very pretty picture of her. And yes I would be interested in a book about Yoruba culture. I love learning about other cultures.

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  14. The more I read about "A Worthy Legacy", the more I am inclined to search it out to buy as a gift. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Thanks again Sheree for the post and also for hosting the giveaway. Thanks also to everyone who has left a comment. The greatest honor a writer can wish for is to see that his words mean something to someone somewhere. Seeing all these comments on A Worthy Legacy, I feel greatly honored.

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  16. Shucks! How did I forget to leave my email?! Thanks for reminding me, I swear I sometimes live in a La-la land, lol. I would definitely love to win this one.

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  17. Oh, I would love to win "A Worthy Legacy." I love to read about Africa and issues we might all face in one way or another way. I enjoyed Tomi's interview very much. The cover of the book just hits at my heart in some way. Thank you for letting me enter.

    My email addy is

    teakettle58@yahoo.com

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  18. Great review: I would love to read this.

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

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  19. July 18th the day of the drawing, is my Birthday. Hopefuly it will be my lucky day to win the book.
    Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com

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  20. I would love to win, thanks for this contest!
    adrienne2093(at)comcast(dot)net

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  21. I too, love that phrase you mentioned... how beautiful... please enter me for a chance to win... I would love to read the rest of the book

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