Poodlums, Boogeymen, And Booglers
S.L. Chessor & C.L. Blankenship
ISBN: 9781434375001
AuthorHouse
Reviewed By Wendy Paulson
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
In Poodlums, Boogeymen, And Booglers, the follow up effort to her debut poetic collection, My Tongue Fell Out,
S.L. Chessor picks up right where she left off in treating her readers
to an inviting array of compelling verse. Teaming up with her mother,
C.L. Blankenship, Chessor touches on a wide range of topics, including
everything from race relations to family traditions to the precious
bond between parents and children. Regardless of the subject of her
choice, though, she approaches each particular piece with equal parts
savvy and gravity, a unique trademark of her signature style.
Consider for example, this passage from "The Man in the Mask":
"He often wonders
How he can find peace.
With the drugs and the alcohol,
Problems seem to increase.
But he wears his mask
Every day just the same
Hiding the hangover,
Hiding the pain.
He hopes someday
He won't wake in the morn.
Wondering, 'Why?'
He was ever born.
The man in the mask,
Who can it be?
It could be you,
Or maybe it's me?"
And this passage from the equally reflective "Whatever!":
"No smoking, no drugs
And no sex, ever.
Abstinence for now
His reply, 'Whatever!'
No body piercings
and no tattoos, ever.
Put on a bra.
Her reply, 'Whatever!'
You can't have the keys
And twenty bucks? Never!
Go find a job.
Their reply, 'Whatever!'
You don't understand me.
I can't do anything, ever.
Their parents let them.
My reply, 'Whatever!'
Framed
within the context of the ongoing drama between parents and teenage
children, "Whatever" stands out for the cleverness that Chessor employs
in flipping teen angst on its ear.
Also included in Poodlums
is a series of striking poetic anecdotes. In the section entitled
"Fiction…tales hidden in the far corners of our mind," Chessor and
Blankenship take the reader on a daunting journey into the darker
recesses of human nature and conduct. Chronicling such events as
murder, kidnapping, and long-awaited retribution, the "Fiction" section
is quite a departure from the more light-hearted pieces that dominate
the book – but it's also a very engaging read that will surely pique
the reader's interest from start to finish.
Readers already familiar with Chessor's writings will only grow fonder of her considerable talents in Poodlums,
and the strength of the collection will no doubt pull in new fans,
adding to her ever-growing list of supporters. Enlightening,
entertaining – and at times quite surprising – Poodlums, Boogeymen And Booglers is a can't miss treat for poetry lovers from all walks of life. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: S.L. Chessor (Poodlums, Boogeymen And Booglers)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, S.L. We're looking forward to learning more about your new book.
From the way the poems read it seems as though the book was a joy to put together. Was it a fun process to finally bring it to the light of day?
S.L. Chessor: This book was a pleasure to put together. Working with my mom, looking at things through her eyes, and adding her poetry to the book made this book priceless to me. Hopefully, it will bring joy to those who read it as well. I know others will find something in this book they can identify with and read over and over again.
AR: The title of the book is certainly inventive. Can you please explain to our readers exactly what poodlums, boogeymen, and booglers are?
SLC: These come from the imagination of a little boy who sees poodlums instead of hoodlums and booglers instead of burglars. Seeing things through a child's eyes can tell a wonderful story.My brother was the inspiration for many of the poems in this book. In fact, he is still an inspiration to me. His wonderful sense of humor still keeps me laughing.
AR: You actually co-authored the book with your mother. How did that partnership materialize?
SLC: My mother always wanted to write a book and didn't know how to get one started. I suggested that she tell her stories through poetry and that she co-author a book with me. She is an inspiration to all because she was 75 years young when she started this project. You're never too old to fulfill your dreams.
AR: The "Fiction" section of hard-hitting tales toward the end of the book are - to put it mildly - quite eye-opening. Are these tales true life accounts, or do they emanate from the world of lore?
SLC: I believe we all have a dark side. It is hidden in the far corners of our minds. Some may be glimpses of what we think about when we are in pain, but didn't follow through on. Others are just stories of the imagination. I really enjoyed witting them. My husband wants me to do a whole book of fiction stories or story poems, and I am thinking about it.
AR: Where do you get your inspiration from?
SLC: Taking a ride in the country, I saw an old house that was falling apart. That inspired the poem, The House on the Hill. I knew that old house had a story to tell. Some poems are inspired by a memory or a curiosity, and others by a traumatic event. My husband may have said something that triggered a poem. I just know that, when the words come, I have to stop whatever I am doing and write them down.
AR: For those who may not know about it, please share more with our readers about your first book, My Tongue Fell Out.
SLC: My Tongue Fell Out is a collection of poems that developed from tender times and outrageous experiences with my own family. Reviews for My Tongue Fell Out can be seen at Amazon.com.
AR: What can your readers next look forward to from you?
SLC: I am currently working on a novel. In the very near future I will be talking about it at MySpace and at my website.
AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your writing?
SLC: www.50730.authorworld.com
AR: Also, how can our readers contact you directly?
SLC: poodlums@gmail.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
SLC: First of all, I want to thank all of my readers. They have been a big inspiration to me. Through many emails, they have let me know how much they have enjoyed my writing and tell me they are looking forward to the next book.
Second of all, I want to encourage everyone to follow their dreams. If my mom can accomplish her dream at her age, anybody can.
Last but not least, NEVER GIVE UP. Sometimes it is a hard climb to the top of the mountain, but when you get there it will have been worth the climb.
Just a note: My mom, co-author, is very ill, so I'm especially glad that she followed her dream and that I was a part of that dream.
AR: Thanks again, S.L., and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!