Book Review - Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia by Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Title: Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia: A Life in Poems
Author: Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Publisher: GrantHouse
ISBN: 978-0-9796294-2-6
Price: $15.00
Read It: To wax nostalgic about childhood and life in the American South.

Patricia Neely-Dorsey sent me a copy of her first poetry book to read and tell you about.  Many of the poems in this collection of life poetry are literal, descriptive celebrations of Mississippi and Southern culture: soul food, manners, traditions. Others are personal reflections on childhood, family, love, relationships, being a Southerner and being a black woman.

Neely-Dorsey has a talent for imagery that  makes me smile and recall memories of my own childhood. Poems like "Southern Life"  affectionately detail the "simple things", emblems of Southern life like "mockingbirds", "rocking chairs and front yard swings", "hot cornbread" and "ice tea that's syrupy sweet." Others, such as "Sounds of Summer" and "Summer Night (Southern Style)" are lyrical and sweet depictions of nature and country life.

Her sense of humor comes through in poems like "Country Cure (All)"  – about the myriad uses for Vick's vapor rub –  and the unfortunately vivid, yet funny poem, "Hog Killing Time". Others poems  are sweet tributes to her family and, friends, and to a way of life that has nearly faded from the American landscape: neighborhood grocers, downtown dept. stores, country doctors who make housecalls.

I also enjoyed a few of the poems  that explore more personal and serious themes, such as "Shades of Lovely (Good Enough to Eat)," "Loving Me" and "Happy (With the Nappy)" all of which deal with  identity and self-acceptance, And the poem: "Right to Vote" tuches on civil rights issues confronted by the poet's parents.

Young readers would likely enjoy this poet's poems about nature and the South.  I could see a parent or grandparent reading Neely-Dorsey's  upbeat, descriptive rhymes about Southern culture, country life and bygone days to children. And I think  anyone who grew up in the South, or who enjoys the laid back nature of rural life, will appreciate the sentiments expressed in this collection.

About Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is a Mississippi native. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Psychology in 1982, and currently lives in Tupelo, Misssissippi with her family. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). For a sampling of poems, more reviews of Mississippi Magnolia, and interviews, check out Patricia Neely-Dorsey's web site.