The Last Book I Read...

A little over two years ago, I was skimming through Essence Magazine (my upmost favorite mag) and I fell upon the Single Man of the Month segment. There was a handsome and distinguished bachelor being featured that month. He was a young pastor who was also a writer and activist living in Chicago, IL. I remember reading the profile and thinking how crazy it would be to send an interest reply. I called one of my girlfriends, talked it over as a joke…and let’s just say before we could say goodbye I had already prepared my message. I can’t remember exactly what I wrote but I hit the send button with one eye closed.  And then I waited and waited and waited eagerly for a few days (ok, maybe a week or so) for a reply but nothing ever came from it. Ugh… Oh well I thought to myself. It was at the very least a quick flash of fun and fantasy. I put that moment in the back of my head and purposely forgot it ever happened and I never told a soul about the mini venture (except a few girlfriends over cocktails).

Truth is… I’ve always been such a hopeless romantic. So prematurely eager to experience that “He‘s THE ONE” moment...yep that’s me. Lol!  I am a pro at wanting what is far from my reach, hence, my never ending crush on Idris Elba. So as for this childish and brief instant of admiration for Essence’s Single Man of the Month, it was nothing to recover from.  BUT let’s fast forward to 2011 because the plot thickens…

                I had only been living in Chattanooga, TN by way of New Orleans for few months. The transition wasn’t the easiest for me. There were no parties, good restaurants or even loved ones to pacify me instantly. I was lonely and I was faced with the difficult challenge of embracing it. It was just me… There was a lot of quiet time…almost too much sometimes. One particular evening, I was home writing in my journal and “facebooking” simultaneously. I received a message online. It was a very brief but nice compliment about my writing. The sender of the message was a guy who I recognized in 5, 4, 3, 2… seconds as the subject of my daring and whimsical act way back in 2009!! No way. I was beyond shocked! I laugh now at the boldness in my response telling him how eager I was to write a review for his new book, “Love Again”.  And there you have it. Full circle. So enough already right?! You want to know who he is and if the book is any good?!

His name is Patrick D. Shaffer. From my few encounters with Patrick, I experienced a very humble spirit. Not easily taking compliments without sending back immediate and positive words of encouragement, Patrick is a gentleman.  He is a 35 year old, divorced pastor; a dynamic leader doing extraordinary things in the community. Patrick is a true inspiration and uses his testimony in such a beautiful way.  His new book, “Love Again” is more than a good read, it is life confirming in many ways. Patrick shares the male perspective on the emotional layers intertwined in love and relationships. He is so wise in his revelations about the struggles and joys in marriage as well as the single life. Patrick gives hope through his honesty and faith. His self-discovery is delightful! There are so many “aahhaaa” moments in this book. And several L.O.L . moments too! No description I give can truly showcase the fullness of this spiritual memoir.  So I’ve taken a moment to note a few excerpts from “Love Again” that will demand you get your own copy, read it and discuss it at your next book club session!

“Every love story doesn’t have a happy ending but love is not lessened when it’s not forever. Sometimes the mere fact that we had love to give is a miracle all within itself.”

“We may not use the colorful language women do and our words sometime may sound so foreign that they might not at first hear the love hidden inside them but it is there and it is real.”

“I understand now that a beautiful wedding doesn’t make a beautiful love. Millions of women long to hear the words “Will you marry me?” But this powerful question in no way carries a guarantee of love and happiness. …And perhaps the next time I find someone to share the rest of my life with, the question won’t be: “Will you marry me?” It will be: “Will you make love with me?”

Patrick’s story is a gift that was so “on time” for me.  It was not by accident the order in which the events occurred that led to this review. In the text, Patrick mentions how Job in the bible understood that life is a book and we are not the authors. He adds that while that can be troubling, there’s also great peace in knowing it. Ain’t that the truth?! Love it!

I recommend this book to everybody: especially those who may be hurting from a past love, seeking to understand what goes on in a man’s mind regarding love, those on the journey of self-discovery and most of all those uncertain of the role that FAITH plays in love and marriage.  For more information about the author, visit WWW.PATRICKDSHAFFER.COM; follow @PATRICKDSHAFFER and @LOVEAGAINBOOK on Twitter and “Like” Love Again on Facebook.