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RAWSISTAZ Literary Group Attn: Reviews Editor 5885 Cumming Hwy, Ste 108-232 Sugar Hill, GA 30518
Reviewed: May 5, 2009
Gumbo For The Soul: Here's Our Child, Where's The Village? by Beverly Black Johnson RAW Rating: 4.5 (out of 5) GUMBO FOR THE SOUL: Here's Our Child, Where's the Village? compiled by Beverly Black Johnson, is a collection of essays and poems focusing on the foster child, the adoptive child and the families who care for them. Also, surprisingly highlighted are the different type of villages, one may not have considered. Each author of an essay or poem has knowledge of the subject matter and each eloquently expresses their views or experience. It is very difficult to select a favorite essay, so I will list a few. Will by Anna K. Stone depicts a defiant child and the struggle of a teacher who literally provides shelter and guidance in a very unorthodox way. She was not “his” teacher, she was “a” teacher in the building who stumbled upon his mishaps. Call Me Ma'am by Terra B. Little highlights the respect she commands for herself and for her clients as a probation officer. Through the Eyes of A Child: Aunt Louise's Red Shoes by Sharon Gray is a love story about the unconditional love of a child toward her aunt. When the aunt's mask is revealed the continued love from the child shines through. In Our Ghetto by Michael Guinn, the author paints a picture of the ghetto through the use of analogies and metaphors utilizing a lyrical prose. The technique is effective in forcing you to visualize, acknowledge and empathize with what is written. Some of the poems I enjoyed were Love Stew-Cooked in a Slow Cooker by H Renay Anderson, Am I Tomorrow's Keeper by Lorraine Elzia and Mama Cries by Demetrius Phillips. This GUMBO FOR THE SOUL collection is a testament to the many people throughout the world who create and maintain our villages for the sake of the children. Also included is a resource section which provides additional knowledge as it relates to foster care and adoption systems. This is a wonderful collection which provides some awareness to the mounting situation of our children's struggles. Reviewed by Dawn Reeves, RAWSISTAZ.com © Copyright 2001-2008
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