I recently had an opportunity to get an early copy of the Tao of Pimpin: a folktale by Blue. First, Blue is one of the most genuine internet personalities I’ve ever virtually met (I’ve never seen or met Blue in person, but that’s besides the point… it does let you know that this is not a paid advertisement or a hook up, I guess). Like all artists, I kind of look for different things and when there is a connection to things locally in the Memphis area I seek out those people so that I can build a bridge. Blue lives in Portland. She is originally from St. Louis. She knows a lot of people in Memphis (six degrees?) Everyone should do this, right? I got my ebook copy of The Tao of Pimpin’ and my obvious first response was ‘this already is a paradox/oxymoron, Tao of Pimpin?’. I somewhat pride myself on being well informed and when it comes to philosophy I’ve read a number of books. Buddhist philosophy ranks high on my list of navigating the world. I find in Buddhism, a way (see what I did there?) to better take on the daily difficulties of being a small business person and well, a person. So how could someone create a folktale about pimpin based on The Tao? How can a pimp folktale be more than Goldie sitting Snoop down in the planetarium and teaching him how to keep his hoes in check? When I read the book I submitted my statements to be included as a blurb and to my surprise she used part of this review I’m posting for you on her novel. (brushes shoulders off and feels important 😉 This is what I wrote and I’d like to get a little feedback on this if you decide to pick up the “folktale”.
In Blue’s Tao the prologue immediately brings to mind the words of the grandfather in Ellison’s Invisible Man and also inspires thoughts of Qualities of the Prince (Yep, I’m pulling from all kinds of stuff here). The knowledge in the text seems gleaned from a lost Wu Tang manuscript. This text translates across genres and class and captures the essence of what it is to understand how to navigate through all worlds. If these words are read and studied, we all become Delia Jones leaving the washbasket for Sykes. We allow nature to take place. This is a multipurpose manuscript: everyone from capitalists to pacifists should take heed.
There are structural issues: The dialogue needs tags or some punctuation to establish the breaks. Blue does a good job of using space breaks but quotes could prevent confusion especially from unschooled readers. The writer should also use page alignment to give the book space for notetaking. I feel that the book could be used as a business manual; there should be a notes section in the back of the text.
Blue’s use of short and direct sections allows for an easy read and lends itself to being reread. Chapter 20 is everything!!!!!
This might be the best book I’ve read in a while. Sharp as a tack and insightful. When I’ve read the Tao, I’ve always felt the need to put it down and return to it after a long time away (the actual Tao, not Blue’s). The same with 5% Lessons, but this is a concise and functional literary marvel. It accomplishes in a few pages what the Bible attempts to do in 1000. This is not a blasphemous comment, but an acknowledgement that gospel is gospel that is easily accepted when it’s accessible. This is accessible and by being easy to grasp can possibly change more lives than any philosophy or creed that is considered a religion.
While I know this is less of a review and more of an analysis, I would be wrong if I didn’t share it with you and let you know that this text is available. I think it’s worth your time. Anything that can take me away from business has to be worthwhile.
