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The Future Has a Past: Stories
From the beloved author of Family and A Piece of Mine comes a dazzling new collection of stories featuring ordinary women who discover that love sometimes comes when you least expect it.
Vinnie is an overworked and self-sacrificing single mother who gets a second chance at love and independence, in "The Eagle Flies." In "A Shooting Star" a happily married mother of two laments the fate of her beautiful friend Lorene, whose naivete about desire has deadly consequences. In "A Filet of Soul," Luella's luck soon changes when her mother leaves her a modest inheritance, but not as soon as she initially imagines. And in "The Lost and Found," Irene confronts her womanizing boyfriend with the one piece of information that will bring him to his knees. Bursting with earthy wisdom and humor, these warmly engaging tales are a testament to Cooper's gifts as a storyteller.
Vinnie is an overworked and self-sacrificing single mother who gets a second chance at love and independence, in "The Eagle Flies." In "A Shooting Star" a happily married mother of two laments the fate of her beautiful friend Lorene, whose naivete about desire has deadly consequences. In "A Filet of Soul," Luella's luck soon changes when her mother leaves her a modest inheritance, but not as soon as she initially imagines. And in "The Lost and Found," Irene confronts her womanizing boyfriend with the one piece of information that will bring him to his knees. Bursting with earthy wisdom and humor, these warmly engaging tales are a testament to Cooper's gifts as a storyteller.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
35 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
J. California Cooper
24 books763 followersJ. California Cooper first found acclaim as a playwright. The author of seventeen plays, she was named Black Playwright of the Year in 1978. It was through her work in the theater that she caught the attention of acclaimed poet and novelist Alice Walker. Encouraged by Walker to turn her popular storytelling skills to fiction, Cooper wrote her first collection of short stories, A Piece of Mine, in 1984. Called "rich in wisdom and insight" and "a book that's worth reading," A Piece of Mine introduced Cooper's trademark style: her intimate and energetic narration, sympathetic yet sometimes troubled characters, and the profound moral messages that underlie seemingly simple stories. Two more story collections followed on the heels of A Piece of Mine. In 1986 came Homemade Love, winner of an American Book Award, and, in 1987, Some Soul to Keep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 20, 2013
Once you read one J. California Cooper book you desperately want to read them all...in one setting. Her stories are made of a comforting blend of love, lessons, and a touch of sadness.
March 2, 2014
The Future has a Past by J. California is a novella comprised of four different stories, each with their own morality-themed lesson given at the end. Each story tackles serious themes that unveils themselves from serious consequences -- love and actions.
The Future has a Past is a really good book with a serious undertone of consequence with each of the four different stories that it tells. It is emotional and engaging. However, each story is told in a slightly similar fashion (conflict is introduced; characters are structure to see who's good and who's bad, etc.). While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I found myself being able to anticipate what is going to happen next. Usually, it was something bad because of the how these themes are taken into play. I enjoyed the characters too. They weren't overexaggerated like many authors do (at least at the beginning). For example, California would give a brief and simple description of a character's personality and how he or she looks and feels around others. There's this character named Mattie in the second story who California will initially describe as nice and kind, but then will make the character out to be something you probably didn't anticipate. I liked the movement of the plot the best. It had a subtlety to the emotional feel at times, such as when a tragic part of the story is told, California's writing style made it so powerful as it was introduced. For example (spoiler),, the way it was written made you not see it coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I probably wouldn't recommend it to a friend though. It has a serious and explicit of telling its stories. It probably more for an adult going through a rough time in life. However, that doesn't mean the story wasn't enjoyable to read.
The Future has a Past is a really good book with a serious undertone of consequence with each of the four different stories that it tells. It is emotional and engaging. However, each story is told in a slightly similar fashion (conflict is introduced; characters are structure to see who's good and who's bad, etc.). While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I found myself being able to anticipate what is going to happen next. Usually, it was something bad because of the how these themes are taken into play. I enjoyed the characters too. They weren't overexaggerated like many authors do (at least at the beginning). For example, California would give a brief and simple description of a character's personality and how he or she looks and feels around others. There's this character named Mattie in the second story who California will initially describe as nice and kind, but then will make the character out to be something you probably didn't anticipate. I liked the movement of the plot the best. It had a subtlety to the emotional feel at times, such as when a tragic part of the story is told, California's writing style made it so powerful as it was introduced. For example (spoiler),, the way it was written made you not see it coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I probably wouldn't recommend it to a friend though. It has a serious and explicit of telling its stories. It probably more for an adult going through a rough time in life. However, that doesn't mean the story wasn't enjoyable to read.
March 12, 2015
The only two stories I liked was the first and the last one. In the first story "A shooting Star."- narrated by a woman name Maisha is deeply disturbed by her friend Lorene who looks for love in the wrong places. Daily she expresses to her how she craves affection from strangers that do not care to start a relationship with her. While Maisha is convinced that she is simply using her body for pleasures, Lorene feels that she is not ready to settle down for a relationship. Thinking to herself that marriage is for old people, not for her who wants to spread her love to anyone that is willing to receive it. On the other hand, Maisha perception of love is s huge family and falling in love with one person. Now that she has fulfilled her desire as an older woman, Lorene is still in the same stale place that leaves her hopeless in the end. Lurking in the shadows are people that want to see her change her life for the better, but Lorene life abruptly comes to an end when she love is taken for granted.
"The Lost and Found."- An older woman is stuck in her traditional mindset, eavesdropping on the neighbor that cannot stop crying. According to her, life comes with lessons that needs to be instilled at a young age, she tells vivid stories about people that stay nearby her. Yet she is certain that no one will ever give you anything without a sacrifice, thus she makes a living spying on people that she feels that she can help. Even in her old age, she has a lot of wisdom that she longs to depart to naive people that do not know where life will take them.
I really hate to give this book three stars but these are the only two stories that were good. Mainly the first one was one of the best short stories I read in awhile. However as new stories were introduced, it was not a match to it's predecessor.
This was a solid three, I enjoyed two out of the four stories. Cooper ability to write sympathetic characters is without question a gift .
Despite minor inconsistencies, I will recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of short stories.
"The Lost and Found."- An older woman is stuck in her traditional mindset, eavesdropping on the neighbor that cannot stop crying. According to her, life comes with lessons that needs to be instilled at a young age, she tells vivid stories about people that stay nearby her. Yet she is certain that no one will ever give you anything without a sacrifice, thus she makes a living spying on people that she feels that she can help. Even in her old age, she has a lot of wisdom that she longs to depart to naive people that do not know where life will take them.
I really hate to give this book three stars but these are the only two stories that were good. Mainly the first one was one of the best short stories I read in awhile. However as new stories were introduced, it was not a match to it's predecessor.
This was a solid three, I enjoyed two out of the four stories. Cooper ability to write sympathetic characters is without question a gift .
Despite minor inconsistencies, I will recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of short stories.
December 13, 2015
Each and every story in this novel of short stories has in some way spoke to me through the things I have experienced in my life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes or loves reading short stories that will have you laughing, crying and cheering on the characters in the stories.
March 27, 2015
Love and miss J. California Cooper
I always love reading J.California Cooper books, her books always had a nice, spiritual meaning to them. She tells it like it is. Her books will always be on my read list. She will be missed. #RIP
I always love reading J.California Cooper books, her books always had a nice, spiritual meaning to them. She tells it like it is. Her books will always be on my read list. She will be missed. #RIP
May 7, 2022
Absolutely loved it!
March 7, 2023
Purchase the book on Amazon
Book Title: The Future Has A Past
Book Author: J. California CooperFormat: PaperbackRating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Public Library
My first exposure to J. California Cooper was in 2011. Life at this time for me seemed plagued with misfortune and sadness. Nothing appeared to be going right. I was going through a horrible divorce. At this time, reading was my best escape. I read about as much then as I did as a child.
I transferred to Wingfield High School for the Spring Semester. One day, my duty assigned included an extended period in the library. I decided to grab a random book off the shelf. I chose the book, A Piece of Mine, by J. California Cooper. Before getting the book off the shelf, J. California Cooper's work was unfamiliar to me. I am so glad that I was exposed to her then. I have read quite a few of her books and just can't put them down. Her storytelling skills demonstrated in. her books leave you feeling like your grandmother just gave you a wealth of knowledge that you need to store for later.
Recently, things have been kind of difficult for me, and I felt that I needed a J. California Cooper book to make me feel better. So, I made a special trip to the library to find a book that I haven't read by J. California Cooper. My library did not have any of her books, and I was so disappointed. However, I requested two books from other libraries in the county system.
When I received my notice, I raced to the library to get my book. The librarian informed me that the books were not on the shelf. I am working on being patient and not easily irritated, but I couldn't help it. I needed these books. I needed to feel better. I wanted the books. She only found one of the books in the back. Was someone trying to save my books for a friend? These books are not popular books, but still, I was surprised. So that day, I only walked away with The Future Has a Past. I had to wait for the other one to arrive.
I often do not like reading short stories because sometimes I become so engulfed in a story that I am filled with disappointment when it stops, usually before I am ready for it to finish. Yet, J. Califonia Cooper's short stories are well worth the read. The Future Has a Past is a collection of four short stories that illuminate how true love can happen when you least expect it and no matter what you have experienced in your past.
"You got to watch life, cause it's moving all the time, every minute!"
The first story, The Shooting Star, is full of the reality that if children aren't given love as a child, they spend their adult life searching and suffering for that same love. Lorene's life and its quick demise remind you of how people can recognize your weaknesses and prey on you.
"Learn a little about what love is."
A Filet of Soul is the second short story in The Future Has a Past. Luella's gullibility to Silki is probably a familiar story to some many women. Everyone else could see Silki as the crook he was, but Luella's inexperience and desire to feel important and loved by someone blinded her from the truth. Even though she paid tremendously, there was a ram in the bush for her. Silki's departure was the best thing to happen to Luella. She would have never met Sidney.
"She just working herself to death for them useless grown kids of hers."
The story, The Eagle Flies, is about Vinnie. She is a single mother, who has spent her entire life being overworked to support her children. Even though her children are adults and living their own lives, Vinnie continues to sacrifice her needs and to overwork herself. Her blind desire to support her adult children conceals how much her children are taking advantage of her.
"We have a whole life apart from you and you didn't think enough of use to look and see it."
The final story, The Lost and Found, is about Irene. She is a single mother of two boys. The surprising ending tickled my soul. Witnessing the demise of a womanizing arrogant man at the hands of the only woman, who truly loved him, gave me great pleasure. I won't give away the details, but I would recommend that you read it to see how this story unfolds.
I must say this book gave me just what I needed. When I finished it, I could not help but be pleased. I smiled and held it closely, while silently thanking her for sharing her talents with us. I am grateful.
The wisdom etched within the lines of this text will make you want to write it down, agree with it, tweet it, and appreciate it. J. California Cooper's books appeal to every type of reader, especially one who enjoys a good story. I wished that I would have gotten to meet her or even the chance to listen to her. Check out the YouTube video above to see who J. California Cooper was.
February 10, 2015
It's been quite awhile since a read a J. California Cooper book. I am not sure how I forgot her moral standing. These stories show a part of "normal" life that doesn't get as much visibility as it should while also proving moral guidance, which now for me seems heavy handed. Still this is a good read.
February 27, 2007
It's Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou and all the greats wrapped in one author who has her own simple way of explaining complex life situations.
December 16, 2010
I love the simple,straight forward storyteller style of these stories. Cooper's narrators tell it like it is with an open and honest voice. The style is simple, but the stories are complex and compelling.
January 13, 2019
I love J.California Cooper her books always give a very true facts about life. I love the first and last chapter in this book because it is something I can really relate to in life. The characters are great as well as the plot. This is a book worth reading.
August 6, 2009
Basically the same story told four times but it was such a fast read and light while having meaning and 'a point' that I liked it.
September 14, 2011
A joy to read this Love story, Of passionate souls willing to grasp at their destiny. Love comes when you least expect it, is what I've taken away from this read.
July 9, 2012
LOVE this writer! How did I not know of her work? Her stories are about looking for love and are well, lovely.
March 18, 2022
This review has spoilers. Also, I discuss death, necrophilia, and sexual assault, so please read with caution or skip this review.
I am going to extend a bit of grace to Joan Cooper who authored several books under the pen name J. California Cooper. This collection of stories was published 22 years ago. I am fairly certain that I read The Future Has a Past: Stories when it was first released. I own paperback copies of all of Cooper's books and recently decided to purchase her work on my kindle and reread the books as well.
I've changed my mind.
The first story in the collection is titled, "A Shooting Star." It centers around 3 young girls transitioning into womanhood and is narrated by one of the girls. One of the characters is promiscuous. Over the years, she finds pleasure in every unmarried male in their small community. The men that sleep her are able to maintain their status within the community. The narrator even states that the men never ganged up on her because each knew that they would have an opportunity to be with her. This was stated as if the men should be applauded for their patience. The young woman, of course, gains a reputation in the community.
When she's an adult she moves away and lives in various cities while enjoying her life and the company of men. The people in her hometown continue to track her movements and shame her from afar. The narrator places great value on her own life because she marries and starts a family while demeaning her two "friends" who have not found similar "success" in life.
Just when I thought the story couldn't get worse, the "promiscuous" character that has moved away is murdered by a necrophiliac and is sexually assaulted for days after her death.
The self-righteous narrator goes on a long unhinged rant in which she sums her deceased "friend" up as a vagina, blames her for her own murder, ridicules the other "friend" for having babies out of wedlock, and offers unkind "advice' to sex workers. I was horrified reading this. I cannot imagine why 20 year old me loved this, but thankfully 41 year old me has evolved greatly.
Simply put, the stories illustrate that the foundation of a woman's worth is built on being married, educated, having children, being God-fearing, taking care of your parents, community, and withstanding pain with a smile on your face and gratitude in your heart. Anything less than that deems you worthless and God forbid a man hurts you or even takes your life-well, you were asking for it.
Cooper passed away in 2014. I am grateful for her work because voracious reading has seen me through some tough times. I am not sure where I was mentally when I purchased and fell in love with all of her work, but it's time to move on. I am choosing to believe that over time, Cooper's thinking and writing would have evolved.
I am going to extend a bit of grace to Joan Cooper who authored several books under the pen name J. California Cooper. This collection of stories was published 22 years ago. I am fairly certain that I read The Future Has a Past: Stories when it was first released. I own paperback copies of all of Cooper's books and recently decided to purchase her work on my kindle and reread the books as well.
I've changed my mind.
The first story in the collection is titled, "A Shooting Star." It centers around 3 young girls transitioning into womanhood and is narrated by one of the girls. One of the characters is promiscuous. Over the years, she finds pleasure in every unmarried male in their small community. The men that sleep her are able to maintain their status within the community. The narrator even states that the men never ganged up on her because each knew that they would have an opportunity to be with her. This was stated as if the men should be applauded for their patience. The young woman, of course, gains a reputation in the community.
When she's an adult she moves away and lives in various cities while enjoying her life and the company of men. The people in her hometown continue to track her movements and shame her from afar. The narrator places great value on her own life because she marries and starts a family while demeaning her two "friends" who have not found similar "success" in life.
Just when I thought the story couldn't get worse, the "promiscuous" character that has moved away is murdered by a necrophiliac and is sexually assaulted for days after her death.
The self-righteous narrator goes on a long unhinged rant in which she sums her deceased "friend" up as a vagina, blames her for her own murder, ridicules the other "friend" for having babies out of wedlock, and offers unkind "advice' to sex workers. I was horrified reading this. I cannot imagine why 20 year old me loved this, but thankfully 41 year old me has evolved greatly.
Simply put, the stories illustrate that the foundation of a woman's worth is built on being married, educated, having children, being God-fearing, taking care of your parents, community, and withstanding pain with a smile on your face and gratitude in your heart. Anything less than that deems you worthless and God forbid a man hurts you or even takes your life-well, you were asking for it.
Cooper passed away in 2014. I am grateful for her work because voracious reading has seen me through some tough times. I am not sure where I was mentally when I purchased and fell in love with all of her work, but it's time to move on. I am choosing to believe that over time, Cooper's thinking and writing would have evolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2017
The Future Has A Past
What a great start - The metaphoric Author's Note. As we build our futures from a bit of yesterday's tomorrows and tomorrow's todays, what does it look like? Will it be of solid foundation? Will we have a window? Will the view be what we want to see when we look out?
The Shooting Star
God knows anybody with a brain doesn't want to be seen as a walking vagina.
A Filet of Soul
What the beauty of African American folklore is about. Well woven characters, Mattie, Corrine, Luella, Silki, Sidney and Mrs. Ready. Oh Luella, so eager to feel what "living life" feels like is almost completely stolen from herself by Silki. Thank goodness for the perfect irony discovered in Turtle aka Sidney.
How clever for Mrs. Ready to break the ice with the open ended question on loneliness. Perfect.
Can a heart or soul be cured of its afflictions through knowledge, information, awareness and conversation, or is everything a process like a seed that blooms?
The Eagle Flies and The Lost and The Found were just as enjoyable and nuturing.
The relationships of sisterhood on display in The Eagle Flies, while The Lost and The Found prevails in demonstrating the hidden strength of Irene and how Cool's arrogant manhood gets the best of him. Can't wait to soak in Family - Yes mam!
What a great start - The metaphoric Author's Note. As we build our futures from a bit of yesterday's tomorrows and tomorrow's todays, what does it look like? Will it be of solid foundation? Will we have a window? Will the view be what we want to see when we look out?
The Shooting Star
God knows anybody with a brain doesn't want to be seen as a walking vagina.
A Filet of Soul
What the beauty of African American folklore is about. Well woven characters, Mattie, Corrine, Luella, Silki, Sidney and Mrs. Ready. Oh Luella, so eager to feel what "living life" feels like is almost completely stolen from herself by Silki. Thank goodness for the perfect irony discovered in Turtle aka Sidney.
How clever for Mrs. Ready to break the ice with the open ended question on loneliness. Perfect.
Can a heart or soul be cured of its afflictions through knowledge, information, awareness and conversation, or is everything a process like a seed that blooms?
The Eagle Flies and The Lost and The Found were just as enjoyable and nuturing.
The relationships of sisterhood on display in The Eagle Flies, while The Lost and The Found prevails in demonstrating the hidden strength of Irene and how Cool's arrogant manhood gets the best of him. Can't wait to soak in Family - Yes mam!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
The Future Has a Past is a powerful collection of stories that felt deeply personal to me. J. California Cooper writes with warmth, wisdom, and a voice that feels like home. As someone who grew up with not nearly enough guidance, I saw myself in these characters—their struggles, choices, and hopes. The third story was especially relatable (and frustrating!), while the final one was a slow burn that stayed with me. Cooper reminds us how exposure and empathy can change lives. This book left me feeling reflective, grateful, and inspired.
May 16, 2025
What an imaginative group of stories
I enjoyed reading these stories about life. The life that poor people go through is a lesson to learn. In the last story, Cool learns his lesson a little too lare. Karma has caught up with him and I don't feel one bit sorry for him. Although Mr. Summer has the patience of Job, he must have really loved Irene enough to let her get Cool out of her sysfem.
I enjoyed reading these stories about life. The life that poor people go through is a lesson to learn. In the last story, Cool learns his lesson a little too lare. Karma has caught up with him and I don't feel one bit sorry for him. Although Mr. Summer has the patience of Job, he must have really loved Irene enough to let her get Cool out of her sysfem.
September 16, 2019
I’m such a fan of J California Cooper. When I want to read something close to the heart that will make me smile, I go to her. Her stories are simple and real without being nostalgic, drippy, goofy - three things that turn me off every time! I would read another collection first. This one is about women and love. Not my favorite group but still, all Cooper. She is missed.
January 14, 2021
Finished "The Future Has a Past: Stories" by J. California Cooper last night. The characters are lifelike; the stories really draw you in. The last story grabbed me and has been holding on to my thought. Great storytelling.
September 4, 2021
Great read
This book was a great read. The stories were captivating. Each one ended not how I expected. I love a book that’s not predictable. I would recommend this to any teen or adult.
This book was a great read. The stories were captivating. Each one ended not how I expected. I love a book that’s not predictable. I would recommend this to any teen or adult.
December 3, 2022
I am a fan of anything J. California Cooper writes. This book is intriguing and the short stories remain current in any era. The characters are extra-ordinary life givers and I find myself admiring their strength individually and as a couple and family dynamics. Soulgiving.
May 15, 2023
I found this set of stories to be a wonderful series of self actualization through the lenses of different women, with different circumstances all hoping and working toward the same thing — happiness.
December 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It's amazing to read a book in the language that you actually speak, and that is what I enjoyed the most. There were many stories about life's important lessons.
July 29, 2019
You will not be able to put this book down. It’s like sitting at the elders’ feet and learning life lessons.
June 1, 2023
I loved each of these stories. They are about hope and love and not giving up on life❤
September 8, 2025
Perfectly written short stories with phenomenal characters!
March 5, 2022
Cooper is a wonderful story teller, I'm sorry she's not here to tell more. This collection of what I call love stories, beautifully illustrates what one of her characters says: "Love is good, but you have to have the strength to endure it."
These stories are women empowering (how appropriate for Women's Month). Cooper's protagonists are often beaten down by life and the men in it. Then following a series of circumstances and good talking to's by their girlfriends, they develop the self esteem and confidence to demand what they want from life. And to find love. What could be better?
These stories are women empowering (how appropriate for Women's Month). Cooper's protagonists are often beaten down by life and the men in it. Then following a series of circumstances and good talking to's by their girlfriends, they develop the self esteem and confidence to demand what they want from life. And to find love. What could be better?
December 26, 2007
One of my favorite books from Ms Cooper.
June 26, 2009
Long time J. California Cooper fan. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews