• The Right Mistake

  • By: Walter Mosley
  • Narrated by: Ezra Knight
  • Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (171 ratings)

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The Right Mistake  By  cover art

The Right Mistake

By: Walter Mosley
Narrated by: Ezra Knight
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Publisher's summary

From award-winning author Walter Mosley comes the third work featuring hardened ex-con turned street philosopher Socrates Fortlow. Organizing other troubled individuals, Socrates starts the Thursday Night Thinkers' Meeting, in which members discuss "the world and what would be the right thing to do."
©2008 Walter Mosley (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"In the face of gangs, drugs, poverty and racism, Mosley poses the deceptively simple question - What can I do? - and provides a powerful and moving answer." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Right Mistake

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Saving the best for last

Would you consider the audio edition of The Right Mistake to be better than the print version?

I've never seen the print version, but, in general, I prefer audiobooks if they have the right narrator. In this case, with basso profundo narrator Ezra Knight, I cannot imagine a better, truer voice to bring Socrates Fortlow—and Walter Mosley's art—to life.

Any additional comments?

The three Socrates Fortlow novels are not always easy to listen to. Walter Mosley's power of description remains brilliant, and his characters absorbing, but these books are much bleaker than, say, his Easy Rawlins novels. Still, Socrates Fortlow's is a voice well worth listening to, and his story pays off magnificently in this third book, The Right Mistake. Like Socrates' Thursday night gatherings of thinkers from all walks of life, this book can make you reconsider all your comfortably known truths, and change your life for the better. You will come to love the characters surrounding Socrates, and you will hold your breath, hoping he will realize that he has grown from a killer into a leader. This novel of love and wisdom will fill your heart.

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6 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Walter Mosley doesn't disappoint.

While this is not his best work Walter Mosley delivers a great story to the life of the intriguing Socrates Fortlow. The Right Mistake is a good read that keeps you engaged throughout each chapter in the book.

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2 people found this helpful

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Unexpected

I expected a mystery with big action oriented solutions. Instead it was as rich with character development as I’ve read. Could well have a subtitle: people aren’t only the worst thing they’ve done. Despite it being different from what I expected it moved right along. I would have been happy with it being twice as long.

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars

Loyal Fan but...

I absolutely LOVE Mr. Mosley's books but this one left me blah. Felt like the story was hovering and stalled. The ending felt rushed.
Not my favorite.

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I like the story of...

Socrates Fortlow. I skipped the second book by accident. This story kept me engaged. I was always on the edge of my seat wonder what was going to happen next.

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The Book for Black Folks of every color and Creed

this was an absolutely amazing story
the narrator for fantastic the storyline was amazing and the salt behind the intention was beautiful my new favorite book

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Mosley presents us with multiple realities of life and society through the trials and tribulations of Socrates

Socrates, from the beginning wraps your attention to the fast moving events of his life, never holding back his past as a two time murder and rapist while ingratiating you with his charm. The charm coming forth from his forthright nature and determination to make amends for the man he was...hard to put this book down!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

THE RIGHT MISTAKE

Walter Mosley does not disappoint. Engaging, provoking, entertaining, current and stimulating. There is no one quite like Mr. Mosley. I think he is a very important American writer.
And always execellent readings, Thank you.

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Excellent!!!!

Socrates gets his roses finally. He’s a great man with so much honesty and integrity. W M You are a fantastic writer. Thank you

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My opinion

An intriguing story of how life after troubling circumstances can still test your “metal” and an ability to stand your ground when truth trumps all. A good read

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