Customer Reviews

The Matter Is Life

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

all praise to j.california cooper the book was one of my all time favorites and i think that she should receive an award for this book! it made me cry and laugh her short stories are the bomb you go girl! you've managed to top terry mccmillian..

I need more stars.

J. California Cooper is one of the best authors of our time who doesn't receive the praise due to her. Her short stories are filled with colorful characters that keep you turning the pages. I'll read anything she releases. Ms. Cooper is in a class by herself. Much love and support to you. I can't wait for your next release.

I love California Coopers work for years I reread this in 2 days and was filled with southern comfort and charm by the books end.

This is my favorite storyteller and her short stories are wonderful. They transport you to another time and place. The thing I love best about this book is the little life lessons she puts in it not preachy just real things you can relate to and learn from.

I have heard for years what a great writer J. California Cooper is and how people love just about anything she produces. Despite hearing all of the accolades and praises for this author, life happened and I never got around to reading one of her works. I could slap myself for all of the years I missed out on the tales from this adroit storyteller. Her dialogue brings Hurston to mind, and her characters in THE MATTER IS LIFE are just as strong as any of the greats. In fact, I am adding Cooper to my list of greats after reading this collection of beautifully human stories about how people can get in their own ways and how life is life.

My favorite story in this collection happened to be the longest. Could it be that I was able to savor even more of Cooper's wisdom in "The Doras?" It's possible, but more than that, this was a story that had me hanging on to every word about a woman with a dream for her daughters. The narrators in all the stories seem to be sages of sorts; the narrator isn't always a central character in the piece, but she seems to know all the goings on of the people of whom she speaks. This was refreshing and different, and I felt as though she and I were having an all-out gossip session. Don't get me wrong; the stories in this compilation are deep and to the point. There is a lesson to be learned within each tale's contributory pages.

I just can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this reading journey. My only complaint is that it was over too soon. Luckily for me, there are numerous other Cooper releases for me to enjoy.

Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers