Title: Snuff Jars and Jelly Glasses
Author: Brenda Haynes Brown
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 9781948262316
Pages: 316
Genre: Non-Fiction
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Brenda Sue, as her father likes to call her, narrates tales of good Ol’ Mississippi. She leaves nothing untold. She writes about little nuggets of wisdom derived from her roots. She pays homage to her home—her place of sanctity and birth. She honors the legacy, which was bestowed upon her by having been southern born. Brown outlines how her life experiences have shaped the person she is today.
She is nostalgic and appreciative of the fun times at Sunflower Plantation where she enjoyed her youth. Returning years later did not erase her connection to this place.
Author Brenda Haynes Brown is not merely looking to tell her story. She is looking to pass along a message and leave a mark. She is looking to reiterate that those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it. She understands the role that the past plays and lays out a story about her birthplace and its simple people. She was and still is a country mouse. Having moved to town has not changed her most intrinsic values. Much can be appreciated in understanding how the roles of childhood and hometowns play into one’s true nature.
This author is brilliant. The flow of narration and prose is so silky and smooth — almost effortless. She does not work too hard to keep the reader hooked on every single word on the page. The country scents and warmth of a homey town waft right out of the book. She is vivid and patient as she takes her time and does not rush the plot. The reader can see and feel that this is a book, which nagged at the author’s psyche until written. It is beautiful, passionate, and thought provoking, yet penned with a measure of humor. To top it all, it carries that warm Southern spirit.
If you choose to read this book, do it wholeheartedly and without any doubt. This book will change something in you, and it will do so unapologetically. Be ready for a ride, albeit not a wild ride, but one you will totally enjoy. The twang takes a bit of time to get used to; however, once you get the hang of it, all will be breezy. You might find yourself thinking in the twang for a few days after.
“Those who seem dimwitted are not necessarily stupid. The poor are not necessarily impoverished. The greatly educated are not necessarily intelligent.” Dare to carry those thoughts around with you for a long time.
Snuff Jars and Jelly Glassesmakes sense right from the title. These humble utensils are invaluable. They are irreplaceable. They are timeless. They transcend any attempt to classify or catalog them. These qualities apply to this book.
