Watermelon Magic: Seeds Of Wisdom, Slices Of Life (Paperback)

by Wally Amos (Author), Stu Glauberman (Author), Jack Canfield (Foreword) "Are you happy with who you are?..." (more)
Key Phrases: cookie company, Famous Amos, Wally Amos, New York City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The 'seeds and wisdom and slices of live' presented in this gentle guide uses watermelons as a metaphor for life. Here Amos shares his personal insights on wisdom and humor, telling how to develop joy in living and how to rethink challenging positions in positive terms. Plenty of case history examples are included. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description
The "Famous" chocolate chip cookie entrepreneur recounts his path to success and the lessons he learned along the way, using the uses and associations of the watermelon to offer advice on facing life's challenges. 25,000 first printing. Tour. IP.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books/Beyond Words (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885223471
• ISBN-13: 978-1885223470
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #667,466 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "seeds of wisdom, slices of life", May 26, 2002

By	Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

This is a charming, uplifting, extemely honest little book, full of nuggets of wisdom, and a glimpse into Amos' life. Measuring not much more than 5 x 7, it would make the perfect stocking stuffer, or gift for someone who needs some encouragement and a few positive thoughts.
Wally has been an adventurous soul, and has a wonderful, easy and humorous way with words. He's had his ups and downs, but has known how to get by with a fearless zest for living.

The layout is excellent, and unlike some books of this type, has no wasted space. Its 9 chapters are separated by choice quotes from wise folks like Confucius and Mark Twain, and a short "Wallymelon Lesson", like: "My experiences have shown me that life truly is a journey, and the less baggage we carry the easier the ride" (pg. 38).

I particularly liked the chapter that deals with the loss of his mother, "Gaining from Loss". It was tenderly written and quite moving. Though there's no new revelation in this book, it's an easy, refreshing read, like spoonfulls of cheer, with a lot of heart.
"...we are all strands in the tapestry of life. Whatever we do to the tapestry, we do to ourselves" (pg.83).

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible study on how to live your life to the fullest, March 10, 1997

By A Customer

So many aspects to self-help. I haven't quit talking about this book since I read it 3 weeks ago. I have purchased 3 copies so far to hand out as presents. Everybody should read this no matter what your age, you will gain a positive insight. It was recommended to me by my therapist who has been passing the "word"of Watermelon Magic on to everyone who will listen. I will be giving this book as a present to everyone that I know who has a birthday this year or Christmas or just "because they need it". The only unfortunate thing is that it is not on audio tape for the blind. Work on that

5.0 out of 5 stars A profound joy!, February 9, 2006

By	Afrikwame "Kwame Wright" (Bedford Stuy- Do or Die) - See all my reviews

I got this book as a Kwanzaa gift from my aunt and at first, I didn't know what to expect. The title seemed a bit condescending and "Uncle Tom"-ish, and Wally Amos, the COOKIE GUY???? But since I am an open minded intellectual African, I read the book, to find that I could not put it down!

Amos, a brilliant entrepeneur, has succeeded because of his positive attitude and his joyous approach to life. He makes lemonade from life's lemons (or watermelons) and is so warm and wise, he reminds me of the village elders from Africa.

The book is filled with anecdotes and pearls of wisdom culled from his own experience, as well as the history of our people, and also from philosophers and writers as diverse as Confucius and Booker T.

I most strongly recommend this book to anyone, African or not, to lift their spirits and find a way to smile though adversity.