Patti's Pearls: Lessons in Living Genuinely, Joyfully, Generously

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Summary: PATTI IS AN INSPIRATION
Review: Dynamite. It's not just that it's by Patti LaBelle but the wisdom contained in so few pages sets one's heart aflame. In reading this book I began to realize what is meant by "an intellectual knowledge of the truth does not make it so" vs "knowledge of the heart." Inherently we know what's right yet because of our own feelings of inferiority we don't do them. We stay in jobs and relationships because of fear ("False Evidence Appearing Real"). What Ms. LaBelle and Ms. Lancaster bring forth is truth to oneself comes before truth to anyone else.
Another important lesson to be learned is outward appearances can be very deceiving. Many would look at Patti's career and marriage and would have thought she had it all. She didn't. So it shows comparing ourselves to someone else or wanting to be like someone else detracts from our own happiness. I think though the most important lesson to be learned from all she said is twofold. 1. make sure you take time everyday for those whom you love and 2. stop trying to clear up the problems of the world.
I would recommend this book highly to all who like to read and especially those on a path of spiritual development. The ideas espoused on these pages are simple truths yet as Patti says in the beginning sometimes we have to get older to get wiser. I'm sure all who read this will recognized themselves and words of wisdom that have been spoken to them yet they ignore. These words are pearls of wisdom and adopting any idea within will lead to a more fulfilling life. This book made me realized we may think of ourselves as coal but God, our Higher Power, The Sage or however you may see your Supreme Being sees us as polished diamonds. So think more of you and get this book and become more of who you should be.

To Patti and Laura: I say thanks.

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Summary: Real gems...Lessons to live by!
Review: For 40 years as a singer, Patti LaBelle has mesmerized us with a style that many imitate but rarely duplicate. The stylistic rendering of this diva of song from her third Literary effort, Patti's Pearls: Lessons In Living Genuinely, Joyfully, Generously, are self-help inspirational guidelines delivered in a believable idiom much like her singing -- with invigorating energy that implores one to sit up and listen. After listening, I couldn't help but bring to mind my own upbringing, remembering much of the same logic being dispensed here. Written in tandem with her longtime friend, Laura Randolph Lancaster, this offering is in audio form which adds a different, if not compelling. version in light of Patti's stage machinations.

If the intent is to truly inspire, cajole, and motivate, one easily wonders whether these "pearls" are a direct result from personal tragedy, mayhem, or situations from being there. One thing that I feel listeners will agree with is her candor and down-to-earth voice capturing valuable lessons. If you're looking for something different, perhaps you must take a look at yourself before giving this audio-book a chance, especially if it's perceived that they all are one and the same. I feel that to each his own, and one must give a meaningful listen to get the gist of what this author is trying to say. I recommend it¡¦listen for what it's worth. This would be "the perfect anecdote for the ultimate secret of happiness; to grow wise before you grow old" as Patti opined in one of her pearly delights. Give it a shot!

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Summary: Have a big slice of wisdom pie!
Review: Here is a novel that anyone can pick up and learn something about Ms. LaBelle and themselves. With this book, Patti has given her story in 145 pages, including the life lessons that she's learned, from rectifing mistakes, forgiving past discretions, and moving on from tragedies and life's pitfalls. Not every bad time is to be mire with regret and left to stewed over, and every good moment to be taken for granted. With this offering, Patti's not just reciting her stories, but giving insight on how we can live day to day and see the possibilites that we have to offer ourselves and to the world at large. Very inspirational and extremely provoking, Patti LaBelle is a real testement to all of us with love in our hearts and hopes of a better tomorrow.

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Summary: Get Wise Before You Get Old
Review: I awoke one Sunday morning intent on reading a few pages of this slender little book and did not put it down until I was done. There are few books that make my list of "Books to Buy For Others" but Patti's Pearls is one of them. From her dedication to son Zuri at the very beginning, to the precious "pearl" of wisdom at the end, the book held me to its pages.

As Patti fully admits, these are not her Pearls but words of wisdom passed on to her from family, friends, and acquaintances throughout her lifetime. Precious passages that now influences the way she lives a life on the backside of 50.

Whether you call these jewels, proverbs, cliches or just "sayins'", you will be moved and inspired to live life with greater honesty, compassion and enthusiasm.

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Summary: YOU'LL GET A NEW ATTITUDE!!!
Review: I found the lessons illustrated in "Patti's Pearls" to be inspirational and right on time!!! The finely-honed sayings that she expounds on ("Rotten Wood Can't Be Carved," "Women Lead The Orchestra By Turning Their Backs On The Choir," "Know God, Know Peace, No God, No Peace," "It's Better To Want What You Don't Have Than To Have What You Don't Want," etc.) humbles Patti in her divadom by helping us all relate to the trials and tribulations in her own life. Patti's tone throughout the book is that of a favorite "Auntie" who breaks it down for you without a single hint of reproach, arrogance or judgement. Gift yourself and any other women close to you by adorning these priceless "pearls" in your everyday life. Thank God for the women who passed these lessons down, and thank God that Patti was humble enough to bless us with them as well!!! Don't block YOUR blessings by missing out on this wonderful book!!! GET IT!!!

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Summary: A God Sent Lesson for my life.....
Review: I found this book to be one of the most inspirational books I have yet to read. Each one of Patti's pearls was a joy to read. I know that each of the pearls was a lesson that I may have to someday face. And even though I am 19, I have already gone through some things in that book that helped me face who I am today. I have learned to except who I am. I have always been uncomfotable about being overweight. But through reading this book it helped me understand so many things about who I am and who I should aim to please. It also helped me realize that I cannot go out to search for love, but in the end love will find me. I refer to this book everytime I need to refer to it (which is very often). I immediatley told my mother about the book after reading it (as well as while reading it). She couldn't wait for me to finish so she went out and bought the book for herself. I tell everyone I come across about this book and I would recommend it to every woman that steps on this earth. It is short and sweet and in turn will teach you somethings that you never knew about yourself (as well as Patti). I feel like I know her though this book. I just wish I was able to tell her in person that I really enjoyed this book and how it has impacted my life. PLEASE DON'T HESITATE...GET IT TODAY!!!!

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Summary: Lessons in Life From a Sister Who Has Lived It
Review: In Patti's Pearls, singer/entertainer Patti LaBelle with Ebony columnist, Laura Randolph Lancaster, gives her readers lessons, anecdotes, and pearls of wisdom that she has culled over the years. She takes incidents from her life as an entertainer, daughter, sister, and mother to reveal the fears, trials and joys of life.

Each chapter is headed by a title that will grab and take hold of your senses and make you contemplate, such as "Many a false step is made by standing still", "If you can't be the tablecloth, don't be the dishrag", and "The best way to predict your future is to create it". She shares the heartaches of losing her sisters to illness and the fickle world of show business. She shares candidly the heartache of the end of her long-time marriage and the determination to move on, hopeful that the future promises a brighter future.

This is a little book with big ambitions, not unlike many of the feel-good, self-help books that are offered by many entertainers who want to share their triumphs over adversities. This book is forthright but does not have a preachy tone that can be a turn-off as some other similar books do. I keep this book next to my bed to grab and read a chapter at will for a quick uplifting pick-me-up. Tell it Patti!

Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub

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Summary: Patti's Words of Wisdom
Review: Patti's Pearls was a inspirational read for me. She shared
some lessons of wisdom which was passed on to her.

It was as if you were having a sister girl conversation and she was and did tell it like it is as she sees it .
So much truth to the words of wisdom and great lessons to think about.
I highly recommend Patti's Pearl for a fast and inspirational read. Who knows you might even learn something from her book of life. I sure did.
You might understand some things in your life. Patti, 4.5* for sharing your words of wisdom .

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Summary: Wonderful
Review: What a blessing! This book will encourage your heart and soul.

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Summary: Honest, truthful and uplifting
Review: What I enjoyed most about this book is the way Patti described her own personal moments as she gives the pearls of wisdom. You will not only get some "right on" pieces of wisdom, but Patti will tell the ups and downs in her own life as she began to appreciate the very messages she's sharing. I am already familiar with some of the messages she shares(serenity prayer, for example), but this book will give you a fresh view of some time honored truths. If you are a true Patti fan (and who isn't?) you will be familiar with a few of the stories she shares, but those were life changing moments in her life and the lessons learned should be told again and again. One of Patti's pearls that I just love is "You Don't Need A Certain Number Of Friends, Only A Number Of Friends You Can Be Certain Of"..Pick this up for yourself and the teenagers in your life.