Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Book Review : Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia

Patricia Neely-Dorsey


2008/90 pp.


Poetry














REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA













As both a Mississippian and one who has written poetry,I find this book a truly wonderful addition to my library!To me, a poem is a song without music. It should tell me a story, resurrect a memory, make me feel something!What I want most from poetry are words that makes sense to me. This book is 90 pages of pure delight! These poems do make sense. They tell me a story or raise a memory long buried in the recesses of my heart, they make me feel the emotion of their lines! I am from Mississippi, but I also lived my twenties, thirties and forties in Tennessee, making me mostly just a true southern woman. This book is TRUE SOUTHERN !! It really is some of the finest southern poetry I've read ! Patricia Neely- Dorsey knows southern, she knows poetry and she knows emotion. She has a bright future in the written word!



This is my favorite poem from her book............wonder why..



BOOKWORM


( page 72 )



Reading is fundamental,


That's what they always say;


Without it, I couldn't even imagine,


Wanting to start the day.


My mother's love of reading,


Was passed down straight to me;


And wherever it is that I am,


Some book with me you will see.


In my purse, or under my arm,


Or maybe in my car;


I'm not so sure where the book would be,


But it couldn't be very far.


My mother says she remembers,


Books and papers' round her mother's bed;


Where she would spend the whole day long,


With knowledge being fed.


I love to read all kinds of things,


I never get enough;


I guess I could live without my books,


But, boy, it would be tough.



I have a new, signed copy of this book to giveaway!Each comment puts an entry in the pot If you had a correct guess on yesterday's weird picture, it is an extra entry. Winner announced Saturday!



22 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for the wonderful review and
showcasing my book for your readers. I am so glad that you enjoyed my "little book of southern
poems." I know that you they will too. (smile)

www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

the wild raspberry said...

what a nice poem....i hope i pass my love of reading on to my children.
have a wonderful day.
chasity

Angie Ledbetter said...

I love southern writers/poets! Thanks for the review, and best of luck to the poet.

Glynis Peters said...

What a delightful poem! It described me to a T :))

Rosaria Williams said...

This is a treat, a review, a preview and a comment from the writer. Nothing could be finer.

Wobegon Cottage said...

My sister was always known as the bookworm but I find as I am getting older I love to read. Books can take you places where you might never have been able to go and so much better than t.v. Hunter is only 10 months and we read everyday, and listen to lots of music, I hope it gives him a love for both. I will have to check out a book of poetry next time we are at the library. I have always admired southern women, their grace and hospitality.

JoyceAnn said...

The book sounds delightful, I love reading about southern culture.I'm sure I'll enjoy the poetry. So please count me in on the giveaway.

Cynthia Pittmann said...

I share in the sentiment that a life without books would be difficult. I think we would have to write for each other, Carol, then we would have something to read. Maybe blogs are becoming our new books? <3

Reader Wil said...

How great to have the author herself writing a comment on your blog!Wonderful to have so many books, isn't it?! Thanks for sharing. I like this statement:"a poem is a song without music"!

Kat Mortensen said...

I get that poem, that's for sure! I have a compulsion when it comes to books - they are everywhere in this house!

Kat

Tess Kincaid said...

I loved this poem! Count me in. And as for the weird picture, I guess Angelina Jolie's lips. But I might be wrong.

Renie Burghardt said...

What a lovely review, Carol! I love the poem, and I love books! Had my nose stuck in one all morning. "Bookworm" describes me to a T, as well.

Renie

Sharon Rose said...

My mother used to read poetry to us. As I read that poem, I could hear her sweet southern voice. THat was lovely.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for printing the poem. I love books that well too. If I can't find my current book (I'm always leaving them somewhere) then I can't rest until I've found it again.

NitWit1 said...

Yes a understandable POEM!

My Mother read to me and my siblings every afternoon before our naps.

She continued it until I started public school.

crochet lady said...

Wonderful poem. I love it when I find a poem or a bit of written prose that connects with the thoughts already in my head.
Jen

Janet said...

that sounds like a wonderful book. I love poems that rhyme. Put my name in the drawing, please.

Unknown said...

Thank you ALL for your lovely comments and your interest in the book.
Please visit my website for more info about me and the book. I would love for you to read it and tell me (e-mail me) what you think. I love feedback!!
Help me to "Celebrate the South" by spreading the word.
SOUTHERN LIFE
If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I'll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.
You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore

Jennifer said...

What a nice poem. I love to read but I just don't always make that time for myself to sit down with a good book. Loved your blog!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Lovely poema and one I can relate to! I'm always reading soemthing, even if it the back of a box or a flyer that came in with the mail. :-)

T said...

What a lovely poem! As a fellow Southern gal (I to grew up in TN) I love finding books and other works from my region.

I just found your blog and I'm looking forward to coming back often.

T said...

Wow Carol! Thank you!!

For some reason I can't send you the email - so here is my email address.


picturethis.tlh@gmail.com