[MariaBeautys]

i think i understand what you are saying. if you want some books that can relate the Buddhas teachings to the present day and to your life with out long storys here are some books i think might help you.

that which you are seeking is causing you to seek, made by "a center for the practice of zen Buddhist meditation"
the zen book, by daniel levin
its easier than you think, by sylvia boorstein
the lotus still blooms, by joan gattuso
the Dalai lama's little book of inner peace, by H.H Dalai lama

im a fan of the Buddist parables myself, and zen poetry, one good book of parables that seem better then Ram Dass's is;
Buddhist parables: tales to illuminate, by Axiom

hope this helps friend.