Happy Joyful Month of August! I love summer so much, especially this summer!
I continue to be delighted and humbled by the response to my book of poems, "In the Grip of Grace." I am especially thrilled to receive the above photo from my great nephew holding a copy of the book in front of the house where I was born and where he now lives on the family farm. The house is mentioned in several of the poems in the book, and his mother, my niece, shared that these are his favorties and that he asks her to read them to him over and over! The house was built in the 1880's and is located on the traditiional land of the Cherokee People. It is included in a book about historical homes of Southern Virginia and served as the residence of at least one ghost! My nephew may be my youngest reader; my oldest is 93 years old!
I so appreciate all the comments that readers of my book have shared with me! Below is a compilation of some of the shorter ones, and you can read longer reviews on Amazon and on Goodreads. If you purchase the book on Amazon, you can post a review there. I'd like to send a big shout out to my fellow poet, Michael A. Wells, from Missouri, for adding his wonderful review to those posted on Goodreads and for sharing it on his substack. Michael and I met online and then in person for the first time at the AWP Writer's Conference when it was held in Portland, Oregon. Maybe you’ll recognize your words or your initials when reading the comments below:
“A stunning and moving collection.” I.L.
“Heartfelt and transporting and made me cry – something I will be able to return to again and again.” E.H.
“I love the poems in this book! Happy I purchased it – more than worth the read, a treasure trove of stories!” M.S.
“I could not put it down and had to read it twice!” R.M.
“I read half of the book in one sitting and just think it is great. Brought tears to my eyes.” C.B.
“I’ve enjoyed this book of poems. It is a fine collection. I’ve read it twice so far. My special favorites are: Why I Eat Pears on My Birthday, Keeping the Peace, Cedar Hill, On Becoming a Writer, Marry Up, Ode to My First Grade Teacher, Learning to Whistle and Scattering the Locks. Your ability to recall details and moods from your past is a gift. As is crafting these into stories that connect with the reader and create clear pictures.” W.M. (age 93!)
“I love the way it is written, with humor, sadness and history. I’m in awe of these poems! I cried and sat in wonder while reading them. I have copied my favorite, “How to Get a Pretty Man” to send to my friends; I have read that one six times and still weep!” B.H.
“Your poems are beautiful and so touching.” A.M.
“I savor the poems like chocolates, allowing myself to read one each night.” J.B.
“Concisely crafted, poignant memories of family and growing up in the Appalachia Mountains, well honed with a sensitive hand by a remarkable woman.” C.L.
“My son absolutely loves all the poems, especially the ones about the house. I’ve had to read them to him over and over!” J.L.
I had the pleasure of "performing" my poem, "Scattering the Locks" during the open mic portion of Poetry Night held at SoulFood Cafe in Redmond WA on July 18. I say "performing" because the poem is a long one interspersed with lyrics from the gospel song, "I'll Fly Away" which I sing. For folks who live in the Seattle area or Pacific Northwest, I highly recommend Poetry Night. It is led by Michael Dylan Welch and begins with a presentation by a featured poet followed by the open mic reading in which anyone is welcome to share. Michael, along with the staff at the cafe, create a safe and welcoming atmosphere where even first time readers and beginner poets feel confident to share and the community vibe is excellent.
Many thanks to my friend, Jean (the Queen) Kercheval, for these photos from the Open Mic Reading:
My next scheduled reading is planned for October 19 at 11:00 AM in Wise, Virginia, which is the home of my Alma mater, The University of Virginia's branch campus located in Southern Virginia, in the heart of Appalachia. The reading will be held in the Clapboard House which has been the site of many readings by Appalachian authors. Many thanks to owner, Travis Kennedy, for the invitation to share my book in that special venue!
Here in the US, there is a rising tide of hope and JOY that is spreading across our homeland, a feeling that positive change is possible after the long dark stormy waters we've traversed over the past decade. Let's lean into that joy; let's take it and run (and dance) with it, let's revel in it! Let's take it to the polls and vote for it in November (or Roevember, as I like to call it). I leave you with the following quotes about the power of JOY:
"Authoritarianism can't flourish in the face of JOY." ~Heather Cox Richardson
"JOY is the one thing that can't be taken from us. It can not be stolen." ~Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin/Resistance Live
"We need to run on the politics of JOY." ~ Governor Tim Walz
"JOY is an act of resistance." ~Poet Toi Derricotte
"A cheerful heart is good medicine." ~Book of Proverbs (17:22)
Wishing you much JOY,
Marianne, aka: Wild Honey
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