Freedom (A Southern Girl’s Truth), by Tonya Crawford-Baldwin
I am choosing not to assign a star rating, because I am such a novice poetry-reader that I really don’t know how to judge quality. Consider this a novice review with value mainly to other novice poetry readers.
The book begins with a few poems about justice (and injustice). While this is a powerful subject, and I agree that these injustices need to be righted, I confess these poems didn’t really speak to me. Probably because I’ve been fortunate enough not to be on the receiving end of these particular injustices.
Through the middle of the book are a collection of poems about people. These I really liked. In “Gem” I could completely relate to her telling of a mother’s joy for her firstborn. In “Grandma’s Biscuits” I could practically see those delicious biscuits in front of me, and I found myself missing her grandma too. There is a lot of love captured in these poems.
The book ends with some poems about recovery, deliverance, and being true to yourself. I’m sure many would find these inspiring, and they make a good end note to the book.
The book is fairly short, but enjoyable to read.
