My Magnolia Memories and Musings in Poems - A Book Review

On the last page of her second book of poems, Patricia Neely-Dorsey quotes William Faulkner, who said "To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi." After reading Neely-Dorsey's newly-published book of poems, "My Magnolia Memories and Musings in Poems," it is evident the Tupelo resident not only understands her native state, but that her poetry is indeed a labor of love. 


Beginning with the book's first section, aptly named "Southern Sights, Scenes, and Sentiments," Ms. Neely-Dorsey takes the reader on a unique journey through poems entitled "Natchez Trace," "The Delta (Black, White and Blues)", "Memphis," "Front Porch (Hospitality Headquarters)", and "The Truck Patch...Gone, But Not." And in subsequent sections, she sentimentally recalls memories that deal with childhood, church, the (neighbor) hood, and love. Through her poems, Ms. Neely-Dorsey offers the reader an insightful glimpse into southern culture, specifically Mississippi's own unique culture, one that is often misunderstood by those who have not experienced it.  Patricia Neely-Dorsey is truly an ambassador for the State of Mississippi, and through her newest book of poems, she has invited the world to experience the people, places, and ideas of "a place like Mississippi."