The Wisdom of Yawdy Rum

By Micheal Lane

On a stormy flight to New Orleans a business executive meets Yawdy Rum, an old jazzman who turns out to be a sage. From this meeting, grows an endearing tale that leads to the world of New Orleans... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931945705
• ISBN13: 9781931945707
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Expert Publishing
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A must-read

The Wisdom of Yawdy Rum is a nice read! The plot was intriguing and I finished reading the book within three days. I enjoyed reading about the rich history of New Orleans and loved how music and jazz were integrated into the plot. As a former musician, I liked how author Mike Lane showed great creativity by including the music symbols with Yawdy's advice at the end. Curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and enjoy this book!

A truly satisfying read.

Written by successful marketing executive Michael Lane, The Wisdom of Yawdy Rum is a memoir-style novel following the path of the author's fictional alter ego, an overworked businessman who suddenly finds himself amid a workplace flare-up that could spell the beginning of the end. His frequent business trips take him far from his wife and three children, one of whom is autistic with special needs. Just when his life seems bleakest, he forms a friendship with an old jazz musician and learns about seven basic principles, which help him come to a turning point to positively change his life. Set in New Orleans prior to and during Hurricane Katrina, The Wisdom of Yawdy Rum combines the candid tone of a memoir, the perplexity of real-life dilemmas, and the optimism of the resilient human spirit to create a truly satisfying read.

The Wisdom Of Yawdy Rum

Micheal Lanes definitive wisdom will compel readers to rush to libraries and bookstores, where they can dive directly into the writers' works. Within this book of keys to our lives, readers will find not only strength of talent but also strength of character; they will find hours of enlightenment, and of pleasure. It is enduring and full of life.

Compelling and inspiring...a great read!

What a great book! I quickly got caught up in the story of the businessman and the character of Yawdy Rum and couldn't wait to see where the friendship would take them next. The author's description of New Orleans both before, during and after the hurricane made me feel like I was in the book. I could almost taste the food and hear the music. The story felt very authentic to me. The challenges that the main character faces at work happen in real life every day, and the way he struggles to balance family and work is something most people relate to in one way or another. I was very pleased with the wisdom, or life lessons that he shared, as well. They're very down-to-earth, doable ideas that could be used in a variety of situations. Simple concepts that can translate into big results. Just what we all need!

Good message for all of us

If you love jazz, New Orleans or an inspirational story about changing your life, Lane's visit with Yawdy Rum is for you. Lane writes in first person, telling of his unhappiness with supervisors and the extensive traveling, keeping him away from his family for days. On one plane trip to New Orleans, he took his usual traveler's stance of being busy to avoid chatty seatmates. However, Yawdy Rum noticed that Lane carried a guitar on the plane, and their mutual love of music started a conversation and a long friendship. The pre-Katrina New Orleans is realistically portrayed, as is the music scene, including Preservation Hall where jazz has held court for many, many years--with Yawdy Rum in the front row, playing his heart out. Lane learns about New Orleans music--and about himself from Mr. Rum in their many visits when Lane returns on business. This story is about hurricanes, both real and emotional as they spend several days together during Katrina's worst time. You could feel the wind and rain and taste the crackers and sardines they shared while stranded. Using musical terms, Rum gives Lane seven secrets of "paying attention" to your own life--and acting on what you learn. In comparing music to life, Rum tells Lane that every one of us plays our notes and supports the rhythm of life. In another conversation, Lane's alter ego Rum said, "You might learn something from music--and it might not be something you need but you will learn it nonetheless." This sums up Rum's philosophy about a lot of things. Rum also said, "The main thing about life is to learn as we go along to make adjustments in who we are and who you want to be." This relationship of listening and giving was powerful--and will make many jealous Yawdy might not be around to help us like he helped Lane let go of his unhappy security and start to live his dream. Armchair Interviews says: This message is to slow down and pay attention to the world around us--and live our dream.