Yah
Yah the series is an amalgamation of theory, religious beliefs, mythology,
porch conversation, and questions you never asked, maybe because you didn’t
want to know the answers. Uncle Yah Yah himself is a combination guru, mystic,
theologian, and horseback preacher minus the horse. Filled with proverbs - some
familiar, many original - Vol. II reunites the protagonist, reporter Rudy
Hawkins, with the man changing Rudy’s life and spirituality, Uncle Yah Yah and
his increasing flock.
Hawkins’
life is falling apart, but Yah Yah’s complexly simplistic viewpoint of being
grounds Hawkins and provides him focus. Through Uncle Yah Yah, the author melds
his own view of his past, present, and hopeful future to the wisdoms imparted
upon humankind from the beginning, and presents an offering of opinion that at
a minimum will cause brows to rise, fingertips to tap closed lips, and
occasionally, eyes to roll. But isn’t that the purpose of shared thought and
meaningful inspiration? To create individual thought, regardless of whether or
not the reader agrees with the material presented.
Al
Dickens isn’t some literary scholar bent on changing the world. His prose is
basic, not gardens of flowery phrases. His message is undisguised and undiluted,
just like the man himself. You see, that’s the true beauty of this series. Al
Dickens has a tested IQ of 72. He spent the last fifty years of his life in
prison for a string of bank robberies, studying the writings of those who came
before us in order to understand his own failings, his mistakes, and how by
improving his lot, he might inspire others to broaden their lives as well. What
he has learned he shares with us through Uncle Yah Yah.
Q)
How did the character Uncle Yah Yah come to be?
A)
In prison, Al, spent a lot of his time reading books. He kept a notebook to
save things he found inspirational. After saving notes for 13 years, his
notebook was very large. He wanted to share this knowledge, so he created a
fictitious character, Uncle Yah Yah, and made the notebook the teachings of Yah
Yah.
Q)
There were those who did not believe you were capable of creating such profound
opinions. Did those people detract you, or cause you to dig even deeper inside
for the will to persevere?
A)
At the age of 22, Al started serving prison time. He was considered border line
mentally retarded. He started school at Trenton State Prison, N.J. He started
on a third grade level of grammar school. By the year 1973, he had 74 college
credits and was writing books. Most folks in prison, inmates and prison
officials were encouraging and helpful.
Q)
Of all the faiths and practices you studied, what one do you believe had the
greatest impact on you personally?
A)
Islam; the Spiritual Teachings.
Q)
If you had to choose one message of love and hope to inspire readers, which one
would that be?
A)
What you look for, you will find. What your hands plant will grow. Don’t plant
apples and look for oranges. What goes around comes around. If you do good-good
comes back to you.
Q)
Love of family, holding family together, is hugely important to you. How
supportive has your family been in your endeavors?
A)
After all my family has been through, they are very happy with the outcome . .
. from prison to respectability.
Q)
Any parting thoughts for those not familiar with your work?
A)
There is no God, outside of man, and no man outside of God.
DA
Kentner is an author and journalist. www.kevad.net
Good Interview, I wish there were more questions and answers.
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