WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14 -20
The Right Mistake: The Further Philosophical Investigations of Socrates Fortlow
by Walter Mosley
Fiction
Basic Civitas Books
October 2008
He’s eloquent. He’s sharp. And he’s the best-selling author of the popular Socrates Fortlow Series: “Walkin’ The Dog” and “Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned.” His writings are raw, riveting and popular. So, expect nothing less from author Walter Mosley’s new novel, “The Right Mistake: The Further Philosophical Investigations of Socrates Fortlow.” Expect colorful players, true-to-life dialect and plenty of details.
What new revelation is awaiting loyal readers about the tough, no-nonsense Socrates Fortlow who spent 27 years in prison for double homicide and rape? The answer lies in Mosley’s unique and believable development of complex characters.
Philosopher and ex-convict Socrates, along with others at the Big Nickel’s Thursday night Thinkers’ meeting, meet in a modest house with tin siding and little else. This “school” of thought issues a platform for serious and not-so-serious thinkers. And everyone is welcome to this meeting of the minds in the gang-infested neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles … well just about everyone. Gang bangers, prostitutes, church goers, felons, drug dealers, clergy and professionals all gather at the Big Table … a wooden platform reserved for thinkers. And at the very first meeting someone catches his eye. She smiles back. What woman would dare seek the affections of such a “dangerous” man? Surprisingly, this diverse group has a lot to offer and even Socrates is enlightened.
‘You got a tongue like the Devil, Socrates Fortlow.’ ‘And the Devil, Deacon, is in the details. That’s what I’m talkin’ bout on Thursday nights. Every man, woman, and child in that room has a different part to play. But they all think they the same, at least they talk like that. You might wanna think I’m the devil, Mr. Saunders, you might wanna run from me. But the details, the words we speak, will go on with or without you. You could sit up in that church with your degrees and fancy clothes but the world still goin’ on out here, brother”
Troublemakers aren’t welcome. Imposters are soon outed by the observant Socrates. And sure enough, someone in the “Thinkers” group has a different and troubling agenda. Who would be stupid enough to challenge Socrates, a man known for his dangerous hands? Will the perpetrator come clean?
Socrates the thinker, and Billy Psalms the gambler are tight — so tight that Psalms makes a revelation so shocking it leaves the usually talkative Socrates speechless.
What started out as a small mission, with somewhat unruly and unpredictable characters, is a huge moral undertaking. And as always, Socrates Fortlow is as impressive as his creator. “The Right Mistake” is the right book to read!
MORE BOOKS PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel
by David Wroblewski
Fiction
HarperCollins Publishers
September 2008
The War Behind: Vietnam Veterans Confront the Truth About U.S. War Crimes
by Deborah Nelson
Non-Fiction
Basic Books
November 2008