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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Home Schooled

Home Schooled Review

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Reviewed by Patti Yackulic for Reader Views (6/07)

From birth, we are bombarded with poetry, pleasant experiences initially in the guise of nursery rhymes and later as song lyrics. Nevertheless, as we mature, we develop a reluctance to read and to permit ourselves to enjoy poetry. We can't seem to recognize that musical lyrics do not differ from stanzas printed on the pages of compilations of verse. What a shame! Those individuals who fail to crack open the cover of a poetry book miss the incredible experiences of viewing vivid pictures emblazoning pages with various styles of verse.

Larry Rochelle's "Home Schooled" is a prime example of an artist employing words to project countless detailed images in the minds of his audience. As we devour stanza upon stanza, we're immersed into the Kansas landscape, gaining a deep appreciation for the people of this region. Although we do not always concur with the views Rochelle portrays, we understand the history which has led to the evolution of this region. As we follow the central theme Rochelle has woven, by expounding on various pertinent issues, throughout "Home Schooled," we experience Rochelle's thoughts and emotions as we gain comprehension of the Kansas mindset.

As I read through each poem included in "Home Schooled," I acquired a cadre of illustrations imprinted in my mind, each picture representative of one of the topics circling the central theme of the book. I realized that I visualized each scene with such ease simply as a result of the mastery of Rochelle's words; hence, I'm appreciative of the awards Rochelle has garnered with his previous works. Indeed, Rochelle's ability to educate me with his verses has me searching through the shelves, of my local bookstore, for his other volumes of poetry.

Larry Rochelle's latest book of poetry, HOME SCHOOLED, depicts the lives of Kansans as they fight the forces of change in their schools, their small towns and in their relationships.