Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded

by Barry Robbins

Lessons from the Encounters with the Discarded is a mesmerizing exploration into the extraordinary within the ordinary. Follow icons like Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill, and Alfred Hitchcock as they stumble upon everyday objects completely detached from their fame. Each encounter, from Napoleon Bonaparte's confrontation with a tube of toothpaste to Hamlet’s run-in with a feather, offers profound insights into the human condition and the universality of experience. This collection is an unexpected journey through history, the icons themselves, and our shared experiences, inviting readers to discover the deep lessons embedded in life's mundane detritus. Don't miss this chance to see history's greats—and perhaps even yourself—in an entirely new light.

237 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2023

About the author

Barry Robbins is a retired CPA with a keen interest in things having nothing to do with accounting. He spent 26 years working for a large accounting firm. Then he quit. He moved to Helsinki, Finland with his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters 20 years ago. He now spends much of his time living in Florida, struggling to adapt to life in what often seems like a foreign country. The years spent in Europe gave him new eyes through which to see the U.S. That, plus the time spent freelancing as a ghostwriter of book reports for lazy third graders, make him uniquely qualified to serve as Chronicler-in-Chief of the Oh Daddy Chronicles.

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded” by noted author Barry Robbins is a brilliant and inspiring collection of encounters the famous and infamous of history have with the ordinary, mundane, or the discarded–and the life lessons they can show us. Some of the encounters are sensory-related, such as Hemingway’s encounter with the aroma of coffee beans–a highly relatable example. And some are intellectual, like Vonnegut and the Rubik’s cube. Other categories include Friendly Disagreements, The Memoirs, The Others, and there are more.

Here you will read insights and encounters about recognizable names and how they might perceive everyday objects. If you’ve ever dropped by a secondhand store, a garage sale, or even encountered something set out for sanitation to pick up, you too may wonder about its history and understand that there can be meaning in the ordinary object, and everyone experiences that object in a unique way. You may find a teapot with a chip in it, and it may remind you of something, or it may touch or repel you in some way. An example of this from the book is Leonardo da Vinci being mesmerized by an old yo-yo. What would he have in common with a yo-yo? And what would you?

Robbins has opened a door to a thoughtful, philosophical exercise if you will. By showing us encounters historical figures have with the ordinary, he leads us to reflect on ideas like dreams, goals, and our inner truths. What seems trite at first glance often can have a deeper meaning for us and can show us more similarities than differences with one another.

This is the kind of book that can inspire your creativity, and your thought processes, to look inward and outward to see how we connect in life and others. There is also a thread of humor that runs here and there, and that is refreshing as well. The author’s ability to connect ideas and share them so that the average reader can grasp them is much needed and appreciated.

Having all these observations of the iconic in one place is a treasure. Think of the everyday objects in your home, from an umbrella to a birdcage, to a purse–they all play a part in our existence. It’s all about perspective and taking the time to find it. These brief little snapshots have the ability to inform and uplift. I like that the author explains that he used AI to help conceive the book. Let history and the ordinary come to life as you read “Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded” by author Barry Robbins.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barry Robbins' Lessons from the Sidewalk is a heartwarming and insightful read that takes readers on a journey through the lives of history’s most prominent figures, those marked by lessons learned from the most unexpected places - the sidewalks. With an eloquent and often humorous narrative, Robbins invites us to look at the world around us with fresh eyes and an open heart.

The book is structured as a series of short stories, each one a vignette of experiences and encounters. Through these seemingly mundane moments, he manages to extract moving insights about life, love, and the human condition. From chance encounters to reflections on his own personal challenges, Robbins weaves a rich tapestry of wisdom that is both relatable and inspiring.

One of the most striking aspects of Lessons from the Sidewalk is Robbins' ability to find meaning in the everyday. He reminds us that life's most valuable lessons often come from the simplest and most unexpected sources. His writing is filled with warmth and authenticity, making it easy for readers to connect with his stories and the universal truths they convey.

Robbins' storytelling is a true strength of this book. His anecdotes are vividly described, allowing readers to picture the scenes he paints with his eloquent words. Whether it's a chance encounter or a moment of introspection while strolling in the rain, Robbins' prose is both evocative and emotionally resonant.

Lessons from the Sidewalk offers a beautiful message of hope and resilience. Lessons from the Sidewalk is an emotionally resonant book that reminds us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world around us. Barry Robbins' unique perspective and storytelling prowess combine to create a work that is both thought-provoking and heartwarming. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking wisdom and inspiration in the ordinary moments of life. It's a testament to the idea that profound lessons can be found right under our feet, on the sidewalks we walk every day.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a compelling and captivating genre fiction read. The blend of historical fiction with historical and celebrity psychological deep dives made this such a gripping read. The way the author is able to tackle so many different historical figures and pair them with so many different ordinary objects really shows off the creativity and insights that the author has.

The most striking aspect of this book was how the author’s use of these everyday objects with these historical figures spoke to the historical figures’s mindset about the humanity that resided within these figures outside of their fame. The importance of these everyday stories and objects and the role they place in the world, along with the mindset and way in which these characters view the world made this a remarkable read.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Barry Robbins’s “Lessons from the Sidewalk” is a must-read genre fiction novel. The historical fiction aspects of each figure’s story and experience with these objects and the human condition they speak to make this book fly by and become one of the more introspective reads of the year.

[Katrina Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded, is an interesting departure from the usual. I read a lot, but this is like nothing I've seen before. I've only just started reading, but I'm interested enough in the concept to keep reading and give it a shot. For those seeking an unconventional read that challenges conventions and point-of-view, Lessons from the Sidewalk is worth exploring.

There are some things the author could do better, and the mention of Chat GPT in the introduction doesn't fill me with hope, but it's worth a look for something new.

[Nicole Shabrou · Rating 5 out of 5]

miscellaneous things

In a world of collections and mementoes this author built a dialogue between the Miscellaneous things and the people who use them. From satchels to paintbrushes, toothbrushes to fig newtons, things that we would never think would impact our lives play a role in the mundane features of our lives.

Definitely makes you look at the miscellaneous things in your life in a new light.