The Book:
Georgia Banks-Martin walks us through an art gallery. We view art, which she has processed and questioned, through her lens: Lawrence, Monet, Van Gogh, Beardon, Sargent, Degas, to name a few of the artists. She challenges the reader to face slavery, grief, and joy, to feel the weight the South bears, to examine art across centuries for lessons. These poems revive what has been omitted in our history books-individual life stories. She uses sound, music and voice to make imagery pulse in these ekphrastic poems. In her poem "Railroad Station," after a Jacob Lawrence: "Those leaving the towns where father and mother/labored in fields without being offered a yard of thread spun/from the cotton they pulled, have assembled./Packed: Hopes of work, three bedroom homes/water heated in water tanks, classrooms." As memories populate her poems, so does the theme of hope permeate her book; in Death Dancing, after a Max Slevogt: "I wish memories could be buried as easily as bodies." . . . a book to remember as you stand face to face with art.
My Thoughts:
When I had originally decided to host a spot on this tour, I wasn't quite sure what I would be getting into. New authors are always a little scary and exciting at the same time. When I finally sat down to read this book...I was glad that I took the leap!
Rhapsody for Lessons Learned or Remembered is a terrific collection for any lover of poetry and the written word. With each page more powerful than the last, how can you pass up the chance to read it?
Georgia Ann Banks-Martin has such a wonderful way with words that I couldn't put it down. In this collection of poetry, you can really feel her struggles, thoughts, experiences, and feelings. You become who she is. Poem after poem of deep, meaningful art flows through each page and I was mesmerized. This is definitely a great afternoon read to just curl up with a glass of wine and enjoy!!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
To find out more information about Ms. Georgia Ann Banks-Martin, you can find her and her works at these great places:
Contest Time!!!
For being a host for this great tour, I have graciously been given the chance to give away one (1) paperback copy of Rhapsody for Lessons Learned or Remembered. Wanna win? Yeah you do! Simply write a comment below with your email and let me know that you've checked out this post. Extra entries will go to those who checked out Ms. Banks-Martin on Facebook and her personal site.
Contest closes midnight July 31 and is open to US, Canada, and UK.
Wanna know where Ms Banks-Martin will be tomorrow? You'll find her visiting with Sue @ Books, Books, The Magical Fruit. Be sure to stop in!!
