Book Review: The Celestine Sibley Sampler

By Julia Padgett

During the uncertainty of recent times, the wit, warmth, and honest brilliance of author Celestine Sibley will bring much needed comfort to readers. For those who may be too young to remember her writing in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution or her popular books, The Celestine Sibley Sampler is a great place to start. Snippets from Sibleys books easily pull you into her world, which will be like visiting a childhood friend with every turn of the page for those who are familiar with her work.

Even the authors who introduce each section are an impressive reminder of Sibleys influence, but yes, especially in the South. Where else can you find an author who wrote about murder as easily as she wrote about gardening? Sibley has many devoted readers who enjoy the range of emotions that her work elicits.

When Sibley lost her Muv (mom), it was felt keenly by some Georgia readers people who may have walked the same streets, taken the same MARTA train, and had the same appreciation for turnip greens, but never met her. That is why another visit shows how her voice still rings true after all these years.

It would be wonderful for new readers connect with Sibley and her sense of place. So, pull up a chair and sit a spell with this lovely book.