A Worthy Legacy by Tomi Akinyanmi is a small book that packs a powerful message within it’s pages. It’s a true story based on real life events when Tomi and her family are called to her Grandfather’s bedside as he lay dying. It is here that he imparts his last words of wisdom with the young and old of those he loves the most. Tomi shares with us these last life lessons and what we experience through these words is incredibly beautiful and inspirational.
On the anniversary of her Grandfather’s death, Tomi goes back home and remembers that she and her Grandfather had a secret journal that they had shared between the two of them. He would write a question and she would think on it and then answer him. Most precious about this journal was that just before he had died he had sat down and written down many thoughts for Tomi’s eyes only. What a beautiful gift to have from such a beloved person in your life. His message was this…
- ‘Never forget this, my girl, life is nothing but a gift, and it should be treated as such.’ (pg 93)
The lessons that Tomi’s Grandfather passed on were things like learning from the past, a recipe for happiness, our fears, and character to name a few. These are lessons we can all learn something from and it’s amazing for Tomi to be left such a legacy by a man she so clearly loved and who loved her just as much. I also want to mention that this book isn’t sad. Yes, it’s sad to lose someone loved so much but to be able to take away from someone’s passing a wealth of thoughts such as these is, as the title of the novel tells us, A Worthy Legacy.
There are so many beautiful quotes one could share from this book. Truthfully I felt like the whole book could easily be quoted but I really liked this one…
‘Search out the beauties in our world,
That they might bring your heart some peace.
In the midst of a raging storm.
When hope seems lost,
And life seems forlorn,
Look for beauty in the setting sun
As well as in the crescent moon,
And your faith may be renewed.’
(pg 37)
This is a special and beautiful book. It’s heartwarming and uplifting. The writing is exquisite as is the artwork throughout and take a look at the cover – it is beautiful. It’s a book I intend to keep by my bedside and pull out when I need a little something to give me that little piece of wisdom and inspiration that I might need at the time.
Make sure to check out all the Blog Tour stops here and see what others have to say about A Worthy Legacy and be sure to stop by Tomi’s website here and the website for A Worthy Legacy here. You can buy A Worthy Legacy here in the US and here in Canada.
Please join me tomorrow in welcoming Tomi to Peeking Between the Pages where she will share a special guest post with us.
Every review I've read of this books reminds me that I need to spend some extra time alone with my 89 year old father the next time I'm at my parent's, so I can focus on him and some of his stories. Great review.
what a beautiful passage, I do love books that can bring out those feelings in me. Books that are just beautifully written
Thanks for a heartwarming review.
Those quotes you included are beautiful. I haven't seen one negative review of this book. I'll have to keep this one in mind.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
what a wonderful little treasure you found! thank you for sharing it with us!
I have read a lot of good things about this book. It sounds beautiful.
I just finished a similar book, that had an untimely death in it, but was one of the most uplifting things I've read in a long time. I absolutely adore this cover too. I know you said it isn't sad, but I have to think I would cry, just from the sheer sentimentality of it.
Great post Dar… I agree wholeheartedly. I want to buy some of these for gifts also.
Now this has a beautiful cover! Every time I see it I gasp.
Sounds like a great book.
Thanks for the review!
Totally love your review Dar. I chose the same quote on p. 93. It just left such an impression on me although I thought to myself "Of course, why don't I think of life like that?!"
My stop was earlier this week. I really enjoyed the book =)
This sounds like an incredibly touching book. I love books like this, and think I will probably grab a copy when I can. Great review!
Life certainly is a Gift and a beautiful one at that!
Beautiful Passage, I really read a eview of this one on Violet's blog! It sounds so heart-warming!
Thank YOU for the lovely review!
I love that cover and then I read your words and fell in love with the quotes that you posted!! I want to read this as it sounds totally inspirational and uplifting!
I love the quote! I'm going to check this out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks everyone for your comments on my review. I hope you'll all have a chance to read this book. If you do, I'd love to read your thoughts as well.
Tomi, thanks for stopping in and your welcome.
Kathy, this book really does remind you how important it is to spend time with those you love.
Sandy, it's funny a book can make you cry and yet be uplifting at the same time. That's how I found this one.