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Above The Fold - May 31, 2010
FOLAKE TAYLOR
Inspired Author & Physician
With A Moving Personal Testimony
FOLAKE TAYLOR was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian–born parents in the early 70s and was raised in both countries before settling in the United States to live the American dream. She obtained her medical degree in 1998 from the Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. After medical school, she underwent a year of rotational internship in Nigeria, after which she relocated to the United States. She is a 2006 graduate of the Internal Medicine Residency Program of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA.
Folake is a member of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). She is also a practicing Christian who describes herself as an incurable optimist. According to Folake, the best part of her job is being able to affect people’s lives in a positive way, and writing her debut offering, The Only Way Is Up, satisfies her goal of reaching an even bigger audience with her message. Her objective for the book is to facilitate change in her environment by the collective involvement of each individual in the community. Though dealing with critical issues, The Only Way Is Up is written in a laid back, often comical manner that will hold your attention until the very end.
www.theonlywayisup.net
BOOK VIDEO TRAILER:
The Only Way Is Up
(Folake Taylor)
The Only Way Is Up
(Folake Taylor)
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Folake Taylor (The Only Way Is Up)
Apex Reviews: Folake, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to sharing more about your book and other efforts with our readers.
Folake Taylor: Thank you for having me.
AR: What compelled you to craft this inspiring self-help guide to happier, healthier living?
FT: I believe it was inspired primarily by God. It came to me while I was vacationing with my family. I was watching my husband interact with our daughter and it reminded me of my relationship with my father in my childhood and how he really did help develop my sense of confidence, self esteem and self worth, all ingredients for success in life. On the flip side, it became all too clear to me how many kids growing up now do not have that, with recent statistics showing 70% of African American families as single parent homes. It is especially hard for a woman to teach a young boy how to be a man. That is why the absence of fathers is particularly worrisome to me. Kids obviously need a mother too but the common scenario in single parent homes is the absence of the father. Without a father in the home, and oftentimes no appropriate male role model in the community except the drug dealers around the corner, the young men are lost. Without an example of a man in the home, the young ladies also are more subject to abuse and self esteem issues. That was my state of mind when I saw a Larry King Live special on much of the same issues incidentally on the same day I had these thoughts. I picked up my blackberry and started to type right there!
AR: How did your own personal experiences ultimately influence the development of the book?
FT: I grew up in a two parent home with stability and I know how it made me who I am today. Kids need both parents without a doubt, regardless of the sex of the child. I felt compelled to offer my help to those kids out there who do not have the same privilege; those parents out there who have lost hope that they can create a certain kind of life for their kids against all odds. You can rise above your situations. You can turn it around for good. There are people and resources in the community that can help you. But you have to understand you need help and accept it when it is offered to you. Sometimes you even have to seek out help.
AR: Your reviewer commented on how your status as an immigrant helped provide the insights that you share in the book with a fresh, unique perspective. Please share more with our readers about your origins.
FT: I was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian born parents and I was raised in both countries while growing up. My parents being educators believed in the value of travel as a form of education and they ensured I got a lot of that in my childhood, even if we didn’t have a lot of funds left over for shopping etc. I was taught from very early that it was not about the stuff but about the experiences. Even at ten years old, I got it. I have lived in the United States for ten years and I love it. I just find it concerning and disheartening when I look around and see the social decline in the greatest country in the world. My global experiences have given me a unique perspective on these issues and what needs to be done differently to obtain an alternate and desirable result.
AR: What are some of the primary differences that you've noticed between life inside & outside the U.S.?
FT: In America, a lot is taken for granted. There is so much opportunity that some of the American people cannot see. Immigrants who are driven come in here and not only see it but take advantage of it.
Marriage is not revered as much. People will get a divorce at the drop of a hat. This is not because marriages in other parts of the globe are any less stressful or challenging. Comparatively, I have noticed there is a loss of respect for the institution of marriage as a covenant between the two parties. In the case of a Christian, God is part of that agreement.
Many women do not feel they need a man which I respect as a personal choice. However, I believe when you choose to have a child, you should not forget that child needs both parents. When this fact is ignored, I find this a little selfish, though I also am sensitive to the fact that it is sometimes a hard choice. I am speaking to the people who make this decision lightly however without realizing the depth of it.
America also happens to serve the largest food portions probably in the whole world which of course translates to the most obese nation. As an MD being aware of the health consequences, it bothers me.
I am in no way passing judgment, but I am available to help people live their best lives if they are interested. I do love this country and I am a part of the community which is why I am making an effort to help. Some people just talk; I also act!
AR: What kinds of responses have readers had to the book thus far?
FT: The responses have been excellent: Great reviews, great comments and emails, encouraging responses on the social networking sites such as facebook and positive responses at all the Book Signings. Everyone has been great so far. And the book does not only speak to women, African Americans and immigrants. Men have come up to me to tell me the message of hope, empowerment and restoration is for everyone.
AR: What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the book?
FT: My main message is that of empowerment and family values.
AR: How has your publishing experience been thus far with CreateSpace?
FT: It’s been great. Createspace is the most cost effective POD out there and you can pay as much and as little as you want to get your book published, especially if you are tech savvy. It ranges from no money down (except for your proof copies) to just about any professional service you may need. They have the services a la carte so to speak. If they could just have a direct relationship with Ingram so that the books appear in the Ingram catalogue, they will be perfect for getting your book into major bookstores. But we know that is not going to happen because Ingram has its own POD company–Lightning Source! Createspace being an Amazon affiliate is also a plus.
They have great customer service and the author has total control of each step of the way. You set your own sales price, your wholesale discounts etc. Turnaround time is excellent on orders. It was definitely a great first experience.
AR: In addition to being an author, you're also a practicing physician. Please share more with us about your endeavors in the medical field.
FT: I am an Internist who practices Primary Care Medicine; that is on an outpatient basis only. I am essentially a family doctor who can take care of the more complicated individuals with a host of medical problems. However, because I am not a Family Practitioner, I do not care for your pregnancy or perform minor surgeries. I also do not see kids.
It is not at all strange for me to have a patient with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, COPD, congestive heart failure, hypothyroidism, obesity and arthritis who is chronically on twenty different medicines daily and in the hospital once or twice a month. That may be complicated for some family doctors but that is what I was trained to do.
I do talk to my patients about my views and offer a lot more counseling than most Internists typically do. I love what I do and I put my heart in it. I am in the process of changing jobs and believe it or not, my patients have been crying. It shocked me. That is a blessing.
AR: What's next for you?
FT: I’ll keep spreading my message and promoting my book, The Only Way is Up. I have always shared my views with family, friends and my patients but I just never knew I would have this platform. For that I am thankful. I do see some more writing in my future but not just yet. For now, I will savor my time with my two year old (it does go by fast!), my husband of four years now, practice great medicine, get into mentoring and just generally go with the flow.
Watch out though, I’ll be around for a long, long time!
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
FT: I have a website, two blogs, Facebook, Twitter and more!
http://www.theonlywayisup.net
http://theonlywayisupblog.blogspot.com
http://folaketaylor.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/folaketaylor
http://www.facebook.com/pages/F-Taylor/238094610556
AR: How can they contact you directly?
FT: FT@theonlywayisup.net
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
FT: Never give up. Wherever you are in life, whatever situation you are in, it can get better. Truly, The Only Way is Up!
AR: Thanks again, Folake, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
FT: Thank you!
Apex Reviews: Folake, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to sharing more about your book and other efforts with our readers.
Folake Taylor: Thank you for having me.
AR: What compelled you to craft this inspiring self-help guide to happier, healthier living?
FT: I believe it was inspired primarily by God. It came to me while I was vacationing with my family. I was watching my husband interact with our daughter and it reminded me of my relationship with my father in my childhood and how he really did help develop my sense of confidence, self esteem and self worth, all ingredients for success in life. On the flip side, it became all too clear to me how many kids growing up now do not have that, with recent statistics showing 70% of African American families as single parent homes. It is especially hard for a woman to teach a young boy how to be a man. That is why the absence of fathers is particularly worrisome to me. Kids obviously need a mother too but the common scenario in single parent homes is the absence of the father. Without a father in the home, and oftentimes no appropriate male role model in the community except the drug dealers around the corner, the young men are lost. Without an example of a man in the home, the young ladies also are more subject to abuse and self esteem issues. That was my state of mind when I saw a Larry King Live special on much of the same issues incidentally on the same day I had these thoughts. I picked up my blackberry and started to type right there!
AR: How did your own personal experiences ultimately influence the development of the book?
FT: I grew up in a two parent home with stability and I know how it made me who I am today. Kids need both parents without a doubt, regardless of the sex of the child. I felt compelled to offer my help to those kids out there who do not have the same privilege; those parents out there who have lost hope that they can create a certain kind of life for their kids against all odds. You can rise above your situations. You can turn it around for good. There are people and resources in the community that can help you. But you have to understand you need help and accept it when it is offered to you. Sometimes you even have to seek out help.
AR: Your reviewer commented on how your status as an immigrant helped provide the insights that you share in the book with a fresh, unique perspective. Please share more with our readers about your origins.
FT: I was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian born parents and I was raised in both countries while growing up. My parents being educators believed in the value of travel as a form of education and they ensured I got a lot of that in my childhood, even if we didn’t have a lot of funds left over for shopping etc. I was taught from very early that it was not about the stuff but about the experiences. Even at ten years old, I got it. I have lived in the United States for ten years and I love it. I just find it concerning and disheartening when I look around and see the social decline in the greatest country in the world. My global experiences have given me a unique perspective on these issues and what needs to be done differently to obtain an alternate and desirable result.
AR: What are some of the primary differences that you've noticed between life inside & outside the U.S.?
FT: In America, a lot is taken for granted. There is so much opportunity that some of the American people cannot see. Immigrants who are driven come in here and not only see it but take advantage of it.
Marriage is not revered as much. People will get a divorce at the drop of a hat. This is not because marriages in other parts of the globe are any less stressful or challenging. Comparatively, I have noticed there is a loss of respect for the institution of marriage as a covenant between the two parties. In the case of a Christian, God is part of that agreement.
Many women do not feel they need a man which I respect as a personal choice. However, I believe when you choose to have a child, you should not forget that child needs both parents. When this fact is ignored, I find this a little selfish, though I also am sensitive to the fact that it is sometimes a hard choice. I am speaking to the people who make this decision lightly however without realizing the depth of it.
America also happens to serve the largest food portions probably in the whole world which of course translates to the most obese nation. As an MD being aware of the health consequences, it bothers me.
I am in no way passing judgment, but I am available to help people live their best lives if they are interested. I do love this country and I am a part of the community which is why I am making an effort to help. Some people just talk; I also act!
AR: What kinds of responses have readers had to the book thus far?
FT: The responses have been excellent: Great reviews, great comments and emails, encouraging responses on the social networking sites such as facebook and positive responses at all the Book Signings. Everyone has been great so far. And the book does not only speak to women, African Americans and immigrants. Men have come up to me to tell me the message of hope, empowerment and restoration is for everyone.
AR: What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the book?
FT: My main message is that of empowerment and family values.
AR: How has your publishing experience been thus far with CreateSpace?
FT: It’s been great. Createspace is the most cost effective POD out there and you can pay as much and as little as you want to get your book published, especially if you are tech savvy. It ranges from no money down (except for your proof copies) to just about any professional service you may need. They have the services a la carte so to speak. If they could just have a direct relationship with Ingram so that the books appear in the Ingram catalogue, they will be perfect for getting your book into major bookstores. But we know that is not going to happen because Ingram has its own POD company–Lightning Source! Createspace being an Amazon affiliate is also a plus.
They have great customer service and the author has total control of each step of the way. You set your own sales price, your wholesale discounts etc. Turnaround time is excellent on orders. It was definitely a great first experience.
AR: In addition to being an author, you're also a practicing physician. Please share more with us about your endeavors in the medical field.
FT: I am an Internist who practices Primary Care Medicine; that is on an outpatient basis only. I am essentially a family doctor who can take care of the more complicated individuals with a host of medical problems. However, because I am not a Family Practitioner, I do not care for your pregnancy or perform minor surgeries. I also do not see kids.
It is not at all strange for me to have a patient with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, COPD, congestive heart failure, hypothyroidism, obesity and arthritis who is chronically on twenty different medicines daily and in the hospital once or twice a month. That may be complicated for some family doctors but that is what I was trained to do.
I do talk to my patients about my views and offer a lot more counseling than most Internists typically do. I love what I do and I put my heart in it. I am in the process of changing jobs and believe it or not, my patients have been crying. It shocked me. That is a blessing.
AR: What's next for you?
FT: I’ll keep spreading my message and promoting my book, The Only Way is Up. I have always shared my views with family, friends and my patients but I just never knew I would have this platform. For that I am thankful. I do see some more writing in my future but not just yet. For now, I will savor my time with my two year old (it does go by fast!), my husband of four years now, practice great medicine, get into mentoring and just generally go with the flow.
Watch out though, I’ll be around for a long, long time!
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
FT: I have a website, two blogs, Facebook, Twitter and more!
http://www.theonlywayisup.net
http://theonlywayisupblog.blogspot.com
http://folaketaylor.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/folaketaylor
http://www.facebook.com/pages/F-Taylor/238094610556
AR: How can they contact you directly?
FT: FT@theonlywayisup.net
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
FT: Never give up. Wherever you are in life, whatever situation you are in, it can get better. Truly, The Only Way is Up!
AR: Thanks again, Folake, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
FT: Thank you!