A Conservatory of One: Exploring the Writing Craft & Life

Poetry, Poesie, Verse & Line....

2008-04-01T13:20:00.005-05:00

If Only It Could Be National Poetry Month All of the Time!

If you're looking for a one stop internet resource to help you celebrate National Poetry Month, the Academy of American Poets have you covered. Poems, biographies of well loved verse technicians, poetry writing instruction, essays on the craft and other articles are just some of the poetic offerings available at Poets.org.

More NPM fun:

Farrar, Straus and Giroux's National Poetry Month blog:

Of course, we had to bring you a new ringtone, recorded just for you by one of FSG's most illustrious poets;
More audio of some of greatest poets, including a long-time FSGer who somehow managed to escape recording for us last year, even though he had a new book out;
A whole week devoted exclusively to poetry in translation;
All-new downloadable posters (guaranteed to brighten up even the saddest cubicle), guest bloggers, and giveaways.

April Poem-A-Day Challenge with Robert Lee Brewer

Prompts
Poems
Fun

(You can view my daily poetry posts in honor of National Poetry Month at Chocolate and Other Poems. Wish me luck and fortitude, better yet, post a poem of your own in the comments section.)

Help Save RIF!: Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Funding Cut From Government Budget

2008-03-08T16:10:00.001-06:00

My mother read to me from an early age. She grew up in a household of teachers; she understood the importance of introducing literacy early and reinforcing it often. She deserves most, but not all of the credit for my love of a good book. The Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program sealed the deal.

When I was in kindergarten RIF visited my school and scattered books on, under and around a large table positioned center stage in our auditorium. I selected my book then as I do now, with great patience and consideration. I was one of the last to leave. A RIF sticker saying, "This book belongs to Desiré," was centered in the front cover of the book completing the exchange. It was the first time that I chose the story; that day, my reading life became my own, and I became a writer in the making.

Stories like mine are being jeopardized by recent budget cuts. Given the successful 42 year history of the program and the consistent lament regarding the state of literacy in the U. S., a state of decline, how can this budget cut have been supported? If you believe in RIF's Mission, write your Congress person and let them know that you want funding returned to this successful and necessary program.

Celebrate Women's History Month 2008: Women's Art: Women's Vision

2008-03-03T17:19:00.004-06:00

Creative Energy Moving and Shaping History

From quilt's to photograpy, women's art provides beauty and function to the environments, in which we live. This year's Women's History Month theme acknowledges the creative and aesthetic contributions of women to our world. Visit the National Women's History Project website to learn why they chose this year's theme and whom, they've chosen to honor.

Take a Literary Approach to Valentine's Day

2008-02-12T17:05:00.001-06:00

Valentine's Day recognizes the special bond between lovers. The holiday's roots can be traced to a pagan celebration, the Roman fertility rites of Lupercalia, and to possibly two Christian martyrs named St. Valentine, a perfect irony given the two opposing potentials of human love; it can be exceptionally self-centered and exceptionally self-sacrificing.

Traditions observed on this day vary between cultures, but they share a common thread. Tokens of affection, flowers, candies, and love notes, are exchanged between lovers.

If you're still stumped about what to give your valentine on Thursday, here are a few suggestions:

Buy or rent a copy of the film, Love Jones. He's trying to finish his great novel; she's a photographer in the wrong gig. Poetry brings them together; their bad timing and immaturity keep them apart, but they've got a jones, so they keep coming back for more... Watch it over dinner or if things really go well brunch.

Write them a love letter (If you need help, learn how here: Part I & Part II). This will win earn you more romantic capital than a store bought card, even if the card quotes Shakespear. It's the one gift that is a triple threat; a letter is an investment of time, energy and emotion . Throw in any favorite, chocolate, flowers, a book, or picture (framed of course), and your love will crown you king.

For the truly starving artists, here's a no cost valentine: Grab a collection of love poems (go to the library), mark your favorites, then take turns reading them to one another, over dinner, over brunch, in the tub...make a long weekend of it.

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

Make Your Black History Month A Memorable Writing Opportunity

2008-02-02T16:06:00.001-06:00

Our nation's bad habit, over departmentalizing and compartmentalizing information and history, can work to a writer's advantage. For the next, 27 days, thank God for leap years, we celebrate the survival, contributions and triumphs of Black people in American History, and to think, it all began with one week. Below, you'll find some resources to help you learn more about African-American History and the contemporary African American experience. As you peruse the links, consider the wealth of stories and subject matter available for a writer to use in their work. You may have a contribution to make to the legacy.

Happy Writing.

The Root is a daily online magazine that provides thought-provoking commentary on today's news from a variety of black perspectives. The site also hosts an interactive genealogical section to trace one's ancestry through AfricanDNA.com, a DNA testing site co-founded by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who is also The Root's Editor-In-Chief. The Root aims to be an unprecedented departure from traditional American journalism, raising the profile of black voices in mainstream media and engaging anyone interested in black culture around the world.

2008 Black History Month Theme from ASALH the Founding Institution of Black History Month: Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism

From its inception, America has been a landscape peopled by diverse ethnic and racial groups, and today virtually all peoples are represented. If America has always been racially and ethnically diverse, the nation's self-image has not always recognized its multicultural history. Until the last decades of the twentieth century, America has seen itself largely as the flowering of Anglo-Saxon culture and prided itself on allowing immigrants to adopt the American way.

During the early years of the twentieth century, a small number of intellectuals began to question whether America was simply a transplant of English civilization. W. E. B. Du Bois, Theodore Herzel, and Randolph Bourne believed that modern America should embrace the cultural differences that newcomers brought with them to America. Democracy, they believed, required tolerance of difference and could sustain those differences in harmony.

Among those intellectuals of the Progressive era, Carter G. Woodson did most to forge an intellectual movement to educate Americans about cultural diversity and democracy.(Read the full text here)

Amistad Digital Resource

Starting February 1, teachers across the country will have free accessto http://www.amistadresource.org/ <http://www.amistadresource.org/> , wherethey can download maps of civil-rights riots and demonstrations, FBIdocuments, rare photos and film clips, personal correspondence, oralhistory interviews, and songs that chronicle the Civil Rights and BlackPower movements. Several states, including the New York StateDepartment of Education, have enacted legislation requiring the integration of African-American history in K-12 social studies curricula.

Columbia's Amistad Digital Resource, accessible to users at no cost,will provide a much-needed solution that helps teachers fulfill thisnew curricular requirement and be a resource for secondary school teachers to enhance their knowledge and ability to teach African-American history to students.

PictureHistory.com
License digital images illustrating more than two hundred years of American history

Click on this link to PictureHisory.com to view pictures highlighting African-American history.

Do you know of any other resources? Feel free to add them in the comments section.

Turn Your New Year's Resolutions into Writing Goals

2007-12-31T20:55:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow brings the first day of the New Year, and for many the downward spriral of failing resolutions. As the year marches forward, the good intentions of January 1st become daily afterthoughts, or postponed tasks. How do you keep this from happening to the list of resolutions you selected after a solid investment of time and reflection?

You don't....unless those resolutions go through a conversion and become goals. Goals are accomplished in measurable increments and have deadlines or due dates. Take a look at your list. Then, for each of your resolutions, write the steps required to accomplish them. Next, go through your calendar and select a due date for each step, followed by a deadline for completion of the actual goal. It's a little more work upfront, but the odds of success go up exponentially.

Here are a few suggested goals for the writing life in 2008:

1. Improve your current organizational systems, or if you don't have any, get some.
2. Get a planner and use it. I'm trying out the Franklin Covey 365 system from Target.
3. Learn how to sell yourself. In this competitive publishing world, auhtors have to be their own best publicist--just the way it is.
4. Get more and better sleep.
5. Get fit. Writing is not only about genius;it's about longevity--outlive the competition. You'll up your chances of large scale, long term publishing success.

Suggestions anyone?

Merry Christmas: Twelve Days of Books to Beg, Borrow or Buy

2007-12-26T14:34:00.000-06:00

For some of us, the Christmas Season is just beginning. For the remainder of this week through January 5, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to the celebration of the arrival of the three kings, magi, in Bethlehem bearing gifts, which is celebrated on January 6. Many cite this tradition as the origin of a favorite Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Even if you don't celebrate an extended Christmas season, it is still fun to stay in the spirit of giving as long as possible. It's why many of us loved singing the Twelve Days of Christmas as children. Here are a few gift ideas to get you started. Take advantage of the "After Christmas" sales and get something for yourself.

12. Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider

11. How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead by Ariel Gore

10. Writer Mama;How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids
by Christina Katz

9. This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley

8. You Inc.; The Art of Selling Yourself by Harry Beckwith

7. Art That Pays; The Emerging Artist's Guide to Making A Living
by Adele Slaughter & Jeff Kober

6. The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden

5. The Daring Book for Girls byAndrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz

4. For the Love of Letters; A 21st-Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing
by Samara O'Shea

3. The Well-Fed Writer;Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowman

2. The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success (The Renegade Writer's Freelance Writing series) by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell

1. Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories from History and the Arts by Clive James

One Person Can Create at Least Part of a Solution

2007-12-10T09:59:00.001-06:00

Cell mogul Mohammed Ibrahim offers a radical solution to solving Africa's ills.

Mohammed (Mo) Ibrahim, 61, is a Sudanese-born billionaire who made his fortune building Celtel, a mobile phone company that serves 15 African countries. He sold it in 2005 for $3.4 billion and is worth an estimated $2.5 billion today. Now he has a philanthropic idea that is as novel as it is potentially naive. On Oct. 22 his Mo Ibrahim Foundation will award its first $5 million annual prize to a former African head of state who has shown exemplary leadership in things like political freedom and promoting the rule of law. The prize, which dwarfs the $1.5 million Nobel Prize, will be spread out over ten years, with $200,000 a year after that.....(Read more.)

Why isn't there more foreign development in Africa?
Infrastructure and education. We also have a problem presenting a balanced view of Africa. The media by its nature is a hostage of time. Africa has its 15 seconds. And that 15 seconds is Mugabe, a dictator.----Mohammed Ibrahim

Source: Outfront; Forbes.com: 10/29/07

Going Bare and Starting Fresh

2007-11-27T12:33:00.000-06:00

Source:http://www.moramahogany.com

I've adopted the Minima template while I'm plotting a new course for A Conservatory of One. Anyone, who visits here regularly, noticed the changes and additions, that I've made to the layout and the semi-regular/somewhat eclectic content as I worked to update the design and content of the blog.

It wasn't working for me. Now that I've had an opportunity to recharge over Thanksgiving break (I actually wrote a poem yesterday; my creative spirit has been revived!), I'm going to do what any artist aspiring to greatness must, I'm going to re-evaluate, regroup and come with something different. Stay tuned.

Confession: I fell off the NanoWriMo wagon again.....how'd you do?

I'll still be posting occassionally, and feel free to browse my previous posts and links as I chisel away at this work in progress.

Suggestions and tips are welcome.

All right, I finished Dorian Gray.

2007-11-02T13:44:00.000-05:00

I should have read something by Poe. When it comes to reading something scary, I prefer his more graphic and straight forward writing in contrast to Oscar Wilde's poetic and winding prose. Oscar Wilde's work is highly quotable and well worth a second reading, with characters saying things like:

He bores me dreadfully, almost as much as he bores her. She is very clever, too clever for a woman. She lacks the idefinable charm of weakness. It is the feet of clay that makes the gold of the image precious. Her feet are very pretty, but they are not feet of clay. White porcelain feet, if you like. They have been through the fire, and what fire does not destroy it hardens. She has had experiences.
--Lord Henry

Sometimes, this quality, became a distraction from the unfolding horror. It almost seemed as if I was reading two differnt novels. Possibly, Wilde intended it that way. (Dorian gets way into split personality behavior before the book is finished.)

The Picture of Dorian Gray is what we would today call a psychological thriller/murder mystery with some paranormal aspects; I wouldn't categorize it as a horror story, which is how it is most often presented. The ghastly aspect of the story comes to us as we walk with Dorian into total corruption. Dorian makes it his life's mission to experience the great expanses of debauchery, or in his terms, pleasure, the world has to offer. He suffers none of the physical consequences of his actions, because he imbued the portrait painted by Basil with his soul, so the picture becomes the visage of a man wrecked by living a life of excess and amorality, not Dorian himself.

I also found the end a bit of a let down. I would have preferred to see him suffer the revelation of his true self others while he remained living.

Ready! Set! Go! Write Your Novel By November 30th

2007-11-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Inertia often proves the death of many projects, its the getting going and keeping going that prove difficult parts of completing any project. Inevitably, in the course of completing a project, there comes a point of inertia, where movement or progress becomes insignificant to none. If you're still mulling over writing a novel, be it your first or you hundredth, NaNoWriMo is here help. For the last nine years, the Office of Letters and Light has hosted this now international homage to the written word and novelists toiling in their offices, cafes, and libraries, trying to get that novel done! With forums, special offers and local events, you'll stay motivated and engaged. Check out the National Novel Writing Month website, and join the fun!

Also, I'll wrap up the Dorian Gray commentary this Friday. I got a bit sidetracked this past week.

Buy a Book and Save a Tree

2007-10-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Better World.com offers bibliophiles with a grand opportunity; it's a triple threat cause defender. By offering used books for sale via the web, Better World allows people to protect the environment, support literacy and save money. In short, they are a socially, environmentally and financially responsible resource for people wanting to purchase books rather than read them on the web or via a mobile reader device. They also offer free shipping in the US.

Dorian Grows Up & Remains Oblivious: Chapters III--VI

2007-10-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

Dorian Gray continues to be the object of Lord Henry's attentions, so much so, that Lord Henry's wife seeks him out in order to get a look at the man for herself. However, Dorian remains oblivious to the fact that Lord Henry may be a bit overly solicitous where he is concerned. This is partly due to his previously mentioned vapidness ( maybe Wilde intend it to be youthful naivete), and in part to his new love/infatuation with an equally beautiful young stage actress.

Lord Henry is amused and intrigued by this new development in Dorian's psyche. He views it as an outward sign of the social maturity he's been cultivating in the young man. The object of Dorian's affections, the aptly named Sibyl Vane, could be described as Dorian's equal opposite, dark to his fair, a stage dweller, where Dorian begins as a somewhat introverted frequenter of private salons.

During the next series of events, Dorian becomes engaged to Sibyl. Sibyl's brother, who is departing for Australia promises to kill Dorian, unbeknownst to him, if he should cause any harm to befall Sibyl. It's a right proper dose of melodrama and a foreshadowing of the darkness soon to enter young Dorian's life. To be honest, I'm still waiting for the horror to hit.

Visit We Read Big Books for this week's discussion questions.

A Horror Bromance Reveiled: The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapters I--III

2007-10-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

The first three chapters of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray provides an extended and highly quotable introduction to the main characters of the novel. Basil Hallaward, a painter, has discovered a living muse in the form of Dorian Gray, a relationship which is quickly growing into obsession. Lord Henry, a visiting friend, finds Basil's affliction intriguing and over stays his welcome in order to meet Dorian. Thus, the triangle of obsession between the three is formed.

After, an extended conversation with Lord Henry prior to and during his sitting for a portrait being painted by Basil, Dorian Gray goes from being merely vapid to being vain and vapid. Lord Henry is himself enthralled by Dorian's physical attractiveness, golden hair and true blue eyes, scarlet lips and unblemished fair skin, the usual list of late 19th century attributes of beauty. He remarks, "Youth! Youth! There is absolutely nothing in the world but youth!," as he cautions Dorian to make the most of his beauty, because it's destined to fade. Dorian comprehends this when he views the finished portrait of himself and foresees the coming betrayal of time. He exclaims that he would give his soul to forgo the tragedy of losing his beauty.

Later , we learn that he is the son of starcrossed lovers, a wealthy beautiful woman, who ran off and married a soldier. Her father plots to reclaim her by nefarious means, the soldier dies in a duel which was apparently a set-up. Dorian meets Lord Henry for lunch as agreed during the portrait sitting; he is enthralled by his wit and his apparent understanding of LIFE itself, the way of the world if you would. This lunch concludes as the small salon with Basil, Lord Henry and Dorian did, with Dorian trailing behind the more worldly Lord Henry.

I never realized that The Picture of Dorian Gray was a horror/ bromance. I've always seen or heard the story referred to in terms of horror, like in the film,The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and he was always depicted as irresistible to the fairer sex. Go figure. This is going to be interesting.

Join the discussion at We Read Big Books.

Introducing Friday Classics at A Conservatory of One

2007-10-09T21:52:00.001-05:00

"We can forgive a man for making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it. The only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely. All art is quite useless." Oscar Wilde from the Preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray

In honor of Halloween, I'll be reading The Picture of Dorian Gray a bit at a time for the remainder of this month via my email subscription at DailyLit.com. This website provides visitors with a section of the book selection of their choice at intervals by email or RSS feed. Read a chapter a day, every other day, or once a week. You set up your subscription to reflect your preference. If you're itching to read the next chapter, that's easy to remedy. Login to manage your subscription and request the next chapter. Registering is free and many classic works of literature are available for subscription for free as well. Some, more recent works, are available for a nominal fee.

My plan is to read, or revisit a classic a month. I started my personal read the classics campaign a while ago with Vanity Fair. I'll be honest. I haven't read that much Vanity Fair (considering its length, it probably wasn't the best first choice), so I'm making myself accountable (and picking a shorter book). I'll list my current classic reads in the right hand column of this blog and post a bit of my thoughts about the classic of the month each Friday. Feel free to take DailyLit.com for a spin and read along with me. I look forward to your comments. The ongoing book discussions will take place at my other website, We Read Big Books.

Banned Books Week Sept. 29--Oct. 6: Walk the Edge, Read a Book that Changed the World

2007-10-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Say it with me, "I read a banned book." Whether it's true or not, just saying it feels liberating. If you've read a book that others decried as too risque, politically incorrect or inappropriate for your age (before you were legal), it probably gave you a bit of a thrill. You were walking the edge, challenging social expectations and more importantly, challenging your intellect. Some of the classics of the western canon belonged to the banned book list at one point or another. Take some time to checkout the list of most challenged books of 2006, and visit the American Library Associataion's website to learn more about banned and challenged books. They also provide a listing of Banned Books Week events in your area.

Starving Artists--Want a Job?

2007-09-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

The Renegade Writer recently opened its writing market wiki to members. "This is the place to share information about magazine markets for freelance writers. You can include price info, editorial contacts, e-mail formats, phone numbers, tips, guidelines, and your own experiences with the magazine." You have to open an account to contribute to the wiki. Stop by and check it out. You may find a job and make some great connections.

Jena 6 Day of Action: Demand Equal Justice

2007-09-19T17:11:00.000-05:00

I mentioned the legal travesty taking place in Jena, Louisiana in a previous post. The lives of six young men have been derailed, because some people refuse to lay down the vestiges of our country's legacy of racism and segregation. I would argue that the current events in Jena, the case of Ginarlow Wilson, and the recent rape, torture and abduction of an African-American woman in WestVirginia, speak to one point, the Supreme Court jumped the gun this past June.

Visit Color of Change.org to learn all the details about the Jena 6, and learn how you can support their cause. Let our governing officials know that equal justice is a right of citizenship not privilege.

Lemonade, the Power of Positive Thinking & Making Things Happen

2007-09-17T20:05:00.001-05:00

Life can seem capricious. Some days you get up and nothing feels or goes quite right. The car takes a minute longer to start, causing visions of an unexpected repair bill. The dog escaped during the night and totaled the neighbor's lawn...again. I could continue, but I won't. You get the idea. On another occasion, you find that you're walking in the footsteps of King Midas; everything you touch becomes golden.

It may seem that there is no pattern to the positive and negatives that fill our lives, but that's not the case.

If you take a moment and reflect, you'll remember eating that extra slice of turkey and watching that last half-hour of television. You went to sleep later than usual and you're out of balance. The other incidents just add to the burden. On the other hand on your good day you prepared the presentation weeks before it was due and practiced until you knew what you would say as naturally as breathing.

Preparation keeps the appearance of caprice at bay.

Word for the Week

Caprice

a sudden turn of mind caused by a whim or impulse

Building a website is a piece of cake.
Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.

2007-09-12T19:51:00.000-05:00

Quote for the Week

“America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between.”
--Oscar Wilde

2007-09-10T20:05:00.000-05:00

I've really been enjoying my time at Gather.com. The conversations have been lively and stimulating. If you haven't found an online writer's workshop or found the right place to connect with other writers online, I'd definitely recommend Gather.com. The site provides these elements and more:

Live chats with popular authors, like one of my personal favorites, Diana Gabaldon
Special Election 2008 Group
The opportunity to earn points which can be redeemed for products, gift cards, and if you get enough of them cash

Word for the Week

community

ownership or participation in common

Keep informed on Gather.com! Content ranges from politics to cooking, and we earn Gather Points™ or cash for using the site!View my content here: desireh
desireh.gather.com

Contests! Contests! Everywhere....

2007-09-06T21:01:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy playing with words, free books and making literary friends in the blogosphere. Check out these contests and feel free to post others currently underway in the comments section.

Writer Mama Back to School Daily Give Away--Win a book, exchange ideas, meet other writers

Make Up a Word @ Writer Unboxed--Be creative. It's not Scrabble, or Boggle, or Hangman.....

Let multi-talented graphic designer, David Airey help you make your pub chic and shiny like his. This fellow blogger from Northern Ireland knows how to celebrate success. To mark the one year anniversary of his graphic design blog, he's giving away over $4000 dollars in prizes and his logo design skills to contest winners selected via random drawing. Prizes include:

*$25 via PayPal courtesy of Gayla McCord of Mom Gadget

*a Behringer Podcastudio USB Podcasting Kit,

kindly donated by Fraser’s Affiliate Marketing Blog

*a 2GB USB storage key x 3 courtesy of Jamie Clague at Terinea Weblog

*two premium quality books designed and produced by David Hyde of david the designer

*a Watercolour print from Ed Roach Watercolours and more.

Check it out.

(In case you haven't guessed, this is my entry. Where's yours?)

A Room of My Own with a Clear View

2007-09-04T19:24:00.000-05:00

I once avoided Sister Solitude. I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts. I would find a television, a friend, or a phone call. In the past, even one of my most cherished pastimes, reading a book, could be a means to escape her quiet presence. An author may be physically absent, but their thoughts prove good company during the act of reading. All that to say, with two kids and an extremely budgeted schedule of time to myself (mostly stolen from sleep's embrace), today, a little solitude sounds pretty darn good. Oh, the error of youthful ignorance!

All right that's enough of that. Where's my pen and that outline?

Word for the Week

Solitude

being solitary or alone
seclusion
a secluded place

Michael Vick's Trial in the Court of Public Opinion Continues

2007-08-28T20:47:00.000-05:00

Michael Vick's story continues to compound tragedy upon tragedy. We have his personal tragedy, the tragedy of a fallen hero. The tragedy of our public response, that the deaths of animals and the bad choices of one celebrated athlete, has caused more public outcry, than social injustices, like the ongoing vicitimization of Katrina survivors and the young people in Jena, Louisiana, continues.

Today, Vick apologized for his role in the dogfighting and gambling scheme he helped to finance, and in which, he participated to a degree. Now, not only is he judged for his admitted crimes, he's being judged for the way he apologized. It wasn't good enough. He didn't apologize for the right things, in the right way. I believe that Vick should bear the consequences for his crimes. I also believe that the many people casting stones at him are but one choice away from finding themselves in an equally tragic state. Measuring someone else's contrition, that takes a lot of nerve.

Word for the Week

contrite

crushed in spirit by remorse or guilt
resulting from remorse or guilt

Book Review: Under the Liberty Oak Visits Two Long Hot Summers in Georgia

2007-08-24T20:09:00.000-05:00

Under the Liberty Oak
Paige M. Cummings
BookSurge, LLC
317 pages

Under the Liberty Oak draws its readers into a small town mystery which began in the heat of Freedom Summer 1964. Brittan Lee Hayworth, concert pianist, music instructor and grassroots activist finds herself called home. Her return places her once again in the eye of a personal and social storm.

The body of a young girl believed to be that of her best friend Brittan Ann, is discovered at the bottom of the river running through Liberty, Georgia. Brittan Lee returns to Liberty after 40 years of exile and acts as a key witness of the current investigation into the disappearance of her child hood friend and civil rights crimes that occurred simultaneously during the summer of ’64. Andrew Zeller, FBI Agent and romantic interest to Brittan Lee, leads the local investigation to find the person responsible for Brittan Ann’s disappearance and death. He also has a personal interest in the Liberty investigation which he later reveals to Brittan Lee. Can she help solve the crimes, discover the murderer of her best friend and clear the young Black man, Ebon, who bore the blame for it?

These riveting questions along with the author’s authentic characters, dialogue and descriptions hook readers into Brittan Lee’s story. Paige M. Cummings manages to integrate bits of history and cultural interest in an authentic style which places readers in the heart of the south, its extended families and communities. She highlights Civil Rights Movement history and its still resonating effects without drifting toward preachiness or patronizing rhetoric. Her African-American characters are well drawn with integrated personalities, not caricatures, iconic figures, or stereotypes.

Although Cummings alternates her storytelling, she writes from Brittan Lee’s perspective as a young girl in 1964 to relate past events and her adult self in 2005 to tell the story of the current investigation, the story still drags in some places. The chapters of the novel related to us in the voice of a nine year old Brittan Lee ring strong and clear, pulling us to the next part of the story. Those chapters set in 2005 lose some of that clarity. The believable dialogue and depiction of southern community and family becomes a bit of a drawback. The characters tell the story, specifically past events through their dialogue in a manner which causes the novel to read more like a play. They become narrators rather than living the story as Cummings reveals it to the reader.

Regarding the mystery aspect of the novel, some of the answers to the numerous questions raised by the investigation are held a little too long. Later in the novel other revelations come together a little too quickly as the novel approaches its close. In short, Under the Liberty Oak could use a bit more balance; the strong elements, character, under treated historical context (which makes this novel an attention grabber) and dialogue, are almost lost due to the intermittent faltering in the rhythm of the story. Despite these issues, Cummings deserves credit for ending Under the Liberty Oak with an unexpected and satisfying twist.