Over the weekend, while T.S. Fay was drizzling on my roof, I delved into your book of poetry. Just when I thought you could not impress me more, I found a new respect for you through your writing. While reading your book, I reflected on the fact that the 3rd Anniversary of  Katrina is upon us and realized that we are still so far from total reconciliation. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading Straight From My Heart.

Her new book, “Straight From My Heart,” is much more personal. She gives us a peek at the multidimensional phases of love — love of self, love of family, love of friends, love of community. She also paints word pictures of the metamorphism of love: tough love, healing love, romantic love.

Both books are different in how they portray the emotion of love. Both books are the same in that they each touch your heart – Judge Michael G. Bagneris, New Orleans, LA

Attorney Paula A. Brown, New Orleans, LA

The next day I made my way to Baton Rouge via Boutte. As I drove through Westwego, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There seemed to be hundreds of people on that long stretch of road walking, riding in open trunks of vehicles, on the back of pick-up trucks and some trying to hitchhike. This was the most amazing thing to me and I cried so hard I couldn’t wipe my eyes quickly enough to see the road. I wanted to give someone a ride to anywhere, but I was too afraid of what may happen to me (because I was traveling alone). I have never felt so many emotions at one time other than when my father died over 10 years ago. I am not from Louisiana so this seemed even more extraordinary to me. I was afraid, ashamed, excited, dazed and everything in between. It was truly by the Grace of God that I maintained any form of sanity.

Even now I’m fighting back tears as I think back on that day. I just wanted to write to tell you Thank You for being courageous enough to put your thoughts down to paper and sharing them with the world. I think that they will help those of us like myself who share many of your feelings but are unable to really express them.

-Attorney Victoria Hines, New Orleans. LA

– Tommye Myrick, Director, Business Owner, Community Activist, New Orleans, LA

– Dr. Gerri Elie, Lifelong Resident of New Orleans, 70 years young

When I took time a day or so later, I found myself drawn to read a page or two. I did not stop, could not stop until I had read Breach . . . in its entirety.

Your style of expression is not typical of most poets and that is good. My final thoughts: It was easy. I felt some emotion while reading at times, but never a feeling of hopelessness. I would have liked to have read some humor. I have to believe that you were able to laugh at some point during that time.

Chef Marilyn Doucette, New Orleans, Meals From The Heart, LLC

One Love,

Dr. Denese Shervington, New Orleans, LA

Join me at The JuJu Bag Cafe’ on May 30th for a book signing of “Straight From My Heart.”

I am excited to share it with you and the world.

The JuJu Bag is located at:

5363 Franklin Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70122

(504) 286-3933

For more information please contact us here.