Eye to the Sky: Storytelling on the Edge of Magic by Bobby Norfolk


Eye to the Sky: Storytelling on the Edge of Magic
Title : Eye to the Sky: Storytelling on the Edge of Magic
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1624910475
ISBN-10 : 9781624910470
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 224
Publication : First published February 1, 2016

Nobody knows how to tell a story like Bobby Norfolk, and here he tells his own life story. Norfolk grew up in hardscrabble neighborhoods of Saint Louis, Missouri, during the 1950s and 60s, sometimes walking to elementary school from an apartment his parents could not afford to heat. Lifting himself up by force of will and God-given talent, Norfolk defeated a childhood stutter to become a high school dramatist and later an exceptional college student. The path was never easy—and often frightening. With men of color being killed all-too-frequently in America, Norfolk sought a personal identity based upon talent and hard work, but also upon where safety and justice might be found. He tells these stories—some heartwarming or humorous, some frightful and treacherous—honestly, with a graceful mindfulness that all would do well to emulate.

Eye to the Sky: Storytelling on the Edge of Magic Reviews

  • Lisa

    Bobby Norfolk was one of my top three influences and his book one, Moral of the Story: Folktales for Character Development, of my top three source books when I began storytelling 17 years ago. It was wonderful to read his autobiography and learn about this excellent storyteller's life.

    I was thrilled to read about his mentor relationship with Jackie Torrence a wonderful storyteller that I have adored on media but never seen in person.

    Love also that he has studied religions, belief systems and is a vegan. His experiences traveling and in nature, are fascinating. I loved reading about his Park Ranger experiences too.

  • Tony Parsons

    Bobby Norfolk (A/A) grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Like all big inner-cities in the 50-60’s they were turbulent times of racial tension, changing America, protests & the Vietnam War.

    I haven’t forgotten those days growing up in 13 different states & attending 23 different types of schools all over the US.

    Playing Mumbly peg with my homies, & power booster pills a chick where I worked sold them to me, didn’t have that bad of luck but I quit taking them really quick.
    A remarkable story how he overcame all odds & became quite successful in his own right.

    I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

    A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written memoir book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great social history movie, college PP presentation, or mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

    Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Parkhurst Brothers publishers; paperback book
    Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

  • RYCJ

    Never heard of Norfolk before this book, so the impact of the stories, and thus storytelling, came as a much welcomed surprise.

    The childhood stories were a treat. Big Mama… his want to be superman… particularly the Clark Kent stunt jumping off that roof (not so funny)…though his reflection on the human slinky were a few favorites. I actually folded over crying laughing after reading about that trip to Temple University to join a Black Panther rally. Oh.my.goodness… few pictures emerge as memorable, or more humorous than the one Bobby created, that gratefully, ended on a redeeming note.

    An adventurous spirit for sure; …the pills, the mountain hikes and comedy ‘killer shows’ compliment the wide berth of entertainment contained in this small book. The inserted poem “thoughts”, his training and eventual employment as a Park Ranger, alongside numerous stories; “Theatre of my Mind,” “The Bald Eagle”, “Maid of the Mist” the swans, the moving vermin in food…a list that goes on and on underscores Bobby’s ability to take every day stories and make them taller. Simply phenomenal. Highly recommended!

  • J.R. Sedivy

    It is said that one’s life purpose is only clear in hindsight. Eye to the Sky proves this saying true. I found it interesting while reading this book to witness how the events of the author’s life unfolded individually, but also came together over time to create a cohesive whole. Bobby Norfolk has a knack for telling an intriguing story with an engaging simplicity. Eye to the Sky is a fascinating autobiography that led me to envision many of the events as described in the book, no doubt as a result of Bobby Norfolk’s expertise gained as a career award winning storyteller. Beyond historic storytelling, the author provided useful insights in the areas of career, diet, mind, spirituality, among others, as experienced firsthand by the author or passed along through experienced mentors. Eye to the Sky is an enjoyable read with invaluable insights.

  • Ted Parkhurst

    I read and re-read this storyteller's life stories. Some are priceless, many are memorable records of living as a Black child and man in America of the latter half of the 20th Century. Full disclosure: I was editing the book for publication as I re-read it. A vivid tells big of first-person American history during a critical time in our history.

  • Nancy

    I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
    I enjoyed this book. Nice walk down memory lane with a wonderful storyteller.