Odessa Maxwell's Storefront

5 out of 5 stars. Brilliant, Passionate Words - Truly from the Heart and Soul! , December 12, 2006 Reviewer:W. H. McDonald Jr. "The Military Writer's Society of America / Author of: A Spiritual Warrior's Journey"


One might be very pleasantly surprised at the kind of poems found in Odessa Maxwell's book "Thoughts of My Mind, Heart, and Soul". She is an unusual woman in many ways. She was born in Germany into a mixed racial family. She has endured racism and social segregation, yet she emerges strong enough mentally, physically and spiritually to become a West Point graduate and a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. She is both gentle and tough with her thoughts and words as well.

Her poetry reflects so much of her inner and outer worlds. She exposes her vulnerability and leaves the reader a naked profile of her very soul. She is not afraid to share as she states in her poems--"true to be myself ", "true to be with my feelings "! She writes from her feeling "woman side" of her brain but also shows strong male warrior energy as well.

Odessa's poetry is well written and shows depth of emotions without losing sight of the simple basic focus of her life--which seems to be an inner journey looking for both acceptance and understanding.

The book is short but profoundly satisfying for the spirit of the reader. Truly a simple gift of prose for those seeking a softer uplifting message that does not beat you to death with the obvious. I personally recommend this book for all poetry lovers. There are also some thoughtful black and white photos accompanying the poems.

About the Author

O. Maxwell, affectionately known as "Odie" by her closest friends, was born in Germany of a Japanese mother and an Air Force Sergeant and father. The family settled in her father's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Life was not easy in the segregated city and state. Not only did she face racial discrimination and prejudice, she also faced adversity from other family members because of her immediate family's inter-racial culture and family unit. It was a lesson that taught her to embrace both of her beautiful and valued cultures. Consequently, Ms. Maxwell found comfort in her mother's wisdom, encouragement, and guidance as well as the will to succeed.

Even at a young age, she contributed to the community by volunteering at the Louisville Zoo, 4-H, Teen Leaders Care, and creating and donating the most shoebox care packages for the children of Nicaragua. She attended the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, an all-girls Catholic highschool where she lettered at track and field and cross-country. In 1990, she was honored to make her graduating class speech. At 17, Ms. Maxwell was accepted for appointment to the United States Military Academy, Class of 1994 following in the military footsteps of her father. Though it was a mental, academic, and physical challenge, she graduated to be commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army as an Ordnance Maintenance Officer.

She served in numerous positions of increasing responsibility and in various assignments in Germany, Virginia, Maryland, Kansas and District of Columbia. Her career spanned six years Active Duty and 7 years National Guard (MD and DC). She resigned her commission in May 2006 to pursue her writing career, her small business goals, and to care for her three beautiful children. Her life is also enriched by her 5 Chinese Cresteds, who compete with her in conformation and obedience events, and her 3 pet guinea pigs.

Currently, Ms. Maxwell is working on her next 2 poetry anthology that are tentatively named For the Red, White, and Blue: Poetry for Military Men and Women, Veterans, and Their Supporters and Why Should I Pray?

Ms. Maxwell's present accomplishments:

2005:
"Brilliant Beautiful Ebony Blue" published in anthology The Best Poems & Poets of 2005, Aug

2006:
"Beautiful, Woman, Thou Art" published as Academy Women 3rd Annual Symposium "Leading From All Fronts" theme supported poem, Oct

Self-published book, Thoughts of My Mind, Heart, and Soul, Nov

Awarded International Who's Who in Poetry 2006 status, Nov

Third revision of Thoughts of My Mind, Heart, and Soul published by Lulu.com and currently available to retailers and readers, Dec

Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Stephanie Bright and Maelan Magazine for publishing one of the new and upcoming poems that is to be featured in the new poetry anthology!

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