The Bitter Berry: The Life of Byron Herbert Reece

by Bettie Sellers

Book by Sellers, Bettie M.

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book written to accompany a documentary on Reece's life and works, available on YouTube.

Byron Herbert Reece was from the north Georgia mountains, born in an old cabin in 1917, died at Young Harris in 1958. He was a poet, a farmer, and sometimes (to make ends meet) a teacher. The Bible and old English/Appalachian song ballads were his early literary inspirations; a love of the land and north Georgia runs through all his poetry. His parents died of tuberculosis and Reece's own health was wrecked by the disease. What wonderful work would be have created if not for tuberculosis?

Book includes a short, sympathetic biography, photos, and many poems. I'm not much of a poetry reader but many of these spoke to me.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become obsessed with the life and poetry of Bryon. He was a Georgia native. Farmer first, and then a poet. Read his poetry and you will be hooked too. Simple appearing, but meaningful and beautiful. This book is paired with the lecture also available on Youtube.
I am bound to return to his word over and over again. Tragic story, but a compelling poet.

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice accompaniment to a documentary I've never seen. Reece is one of my favorite poets and his struggle of a life story was not long. As he said in one of his poems, he cheated death three times. Not the fourth, unfortunately. The book includes a biography, photos, and a pretty good selection of poetry. All his writing is soaked in a time that has nearly been erased. I feel grateful to all who contributed to the saving of this life.