The Matter Is Life

by J. California Cooper

Book Overview

A collection of eight short stories by one of America's most respected black woman writers. 'These stories are jazzy, clubby, folksy, small towny, populist, perky, and if you don't like them you must... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038541174X
• ISBN13: 9780385411745
• Release Date: September 1992
• Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The Matter is Life

Love this author, one of my absolute favorites .Love how she can tell a full story in just a few pages .Had the book before ,glad to get it back.

You are in for a Treat

When you read one or any of Ms. Cooper's works it is like talking to your mother , grandmother and elderly siblings who never sugar coat life but make it plain and simple. This is what she continues to produce from such short stories. My favorite excerpts from this one is "The Big Day"- what a great way to share and look at aging and saying goodbye for the last time. I tell you that another favorite is "Vanity", this is so touching and sad that we know or have heard of how cruel 'Vanity" can be but the truth always prevails. You reap what you sow. I like the "Doars" because it shows how triumph can be but if you can learn to rise above it, God will take care of you. I must add that this excerpt was tad too long but I understand the premise for the rationale. You can never go wrong with the works of Ms. Cooper. You are always guarantee a short read full of life lessons.

A BOOK THAT MAKES YOU *FEEL*

J. California Cooper has a way of crafting a story that makes you feel as if you are sitting in the room with the characters as they go about their daily lives.These stories make you actually FEEL what the characters are going through, and when the stories end, you feel like a friend has walked away.I definitely recommend this book and any others by this author.

The Matter Is Life

This book is a wonderful mosaic of characters, perspectives, and lifestyles. I've always seen Cooper's books in the store, but didn't pick one up until "The Matter is Life." I haven't been able to put the book down and am looking forward to picking up more of her short story collections.

An introduction to J. California Cooper

I read this book about 6 years ago. This was the first book that I had ever read by J. California Cooper and it is also what made me a fan of her writing. Cooper had a style of writing that I was not used to, but I got accustomed to it quick. This book of short stories is full of lessons that give insight on life. While I enjoyed all of the other books that I read by Cooper, this one was my favorite.

Anything she writes, I'll read!

J. California Cooper has a way of making each of her characters come alive. She reminds me of a modern day O. Henry; mixing irony, real life, and struggle into a story that inspires laughter and sometimes tears. While reading you'll get the feeling that this author is someone you would love to have in your life and any books that make you feel this special are worth it. I've bought all of her books and my only regret is that there aren't more for me to read. You'll find yourself re-reading her books just so you can get a healthy dose of J. California Cooper.

This was so nice, I had to read it twice.

J. California Cooper is one of the few authors who books I re-read and enjoy like I am reading it fresh each time. She is about the best we have going today. Much love.