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Beginnings: From Country Girl To Poet
This is a book of poetry. The book is a first for the author. The poems lead you through her life.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2020
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Judy Ferrell
20 books87 followersJudy Ferrell is a long-time resident of Abingdon, Virginia. Her earliest memories are listening to her grandfather play guitar and spin stories on the front porch of the family farm.
And so a writer was born. Ms. Ferrell, a lonely child, taught herself to read early and began to write. She found she loved words and how they sounded. She asks her fans to join her in each new discovery as she continues her fascination with words and how they can change the world.
With three books written and hundreds of reviews done, Ms. Ferrell hopes that she can in some way help other indie authors achieve their goals.
Her one life goal is to be recognized in her home state as the poet and author she is.
And so a writer was born. Ms. Ferrell, a lonely child, taught herself to read early and began to write. She found she loved words and how they sounded. She asks her fans to join her in each new discovery as she continues her fascination with words and how they can change the world.
With three books written and hundreds of reviews done, Ms. Ferrell hopes that she can in some way help other indie authors achieve their goals.
Her one life goal is to be recognized in her home state as the poet and author she is.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 1, 2021
One thing I always enjoy about Judy Ferrell’s writing is the way it invokes the heart of simple rural life in a lovely way. This collection of short poems is the perfect thing for curling up in an armchair or out on the porch swing on a cool autumn afternoon. 🥧🍁🍂
Some of my favorites from the collection included: THE FARM. I loved the descriptions of cows and chickens and love in the safety of grandparents’ arms. For similar reasons, I also enjoyed COUNTRY ROADS. For a darker piece that spoke to the vampire lover in me, LOVER DARK was simply delicious. And SCARS and CANCER had some really thoughtful messages. A collection I highly recommend!
Some of my favorites from the collection included: THE FARM. I loved the descriptions of cows and chickens and love in the safety of grandparents’ arms. For similar reasons, I also enjoyed COUNTRY ROADS. For a darker piece that spoke to the vampire lover in me, LOVER DARK was simply delicious. And SCARS and CANCER had some really thoughtful messages. A collection I highly recommend!
June 15, 2021
I loved this poetry book! The poems reminded me of the often painful parts of growing up. Nothing stays the same forever, and change can be a wonderful chance for growth if we let it.
June 8, 2020
I totally loved this book. It had So powerful and strong impact on me. The dictions and metaphors were amazing 💕
August 9, 2020
Thoughtful Poems, Straight from the Heart!
Right now, this book of poems sits on my coffee table. I have the kindle version as well as an autographed copy. I recommend this title to all who enjoy heartfelt poetry that stirs your emotions. Poet Judy Ferrell has a beautiful voice and she expresses it powerfully in Beginnings: From Country Girl to Poet. If you like thought-provoking poetry, this one is for you.
Right now, this book of poems sits on my coffee table. I have the kindle version as well as an autographed copy. I recommend this title to all who enjoy heartfelt poetry that stirs your emotions. Poet Judy Ferrell has a beautiful voice and she expresses it powerfully in Beginnings: From Country Girl to Poet. If you like thought-provoking poetry, this one is for you.
August 1, 2020
Right now, this book of poems sits on my coffee table. I have the kindle version as well as an autographed copy. I recommend this title to all who enjoy heartfelt poetry that stirs your emotions. Poet Judy Ferrell has a beautiful voice.
July 11, 2022
Of the handful of poetry collections I've read before, this was the one I connected with the most.
From poems of realistic situations of love and loss to metaphorical descriptions of the longings of the human heart, almost every page revealed a poem or line that could have been written or inspired by me. It was a touching collection!
From poems of realistic situations of love and loss to metaphorical descriptions of the longings of the human heart, almost every page revealed a poem or line that could have been written or inspired by me. It was a touching collection!
July 23, 2020
A very sweet & touching collection. Very heartfelt, quite revealing in places and generally a very solid collection of poetry.
July 16, 2020
An absolutely amazing collection of beautifully written poetry. She has a way of bringing you deep into her world as if you are there walking the path with her.
An excellent read for anyone looking for poems that hits the heart and steals your soul (in a good way haha). I cannot wait for her to wow us with more of her awesome poetry!
An excellent read for anyone looking for poems that hits the heart and steals your soul (in a good way haha). I cannot wait for her to wow us with more of her awesome poetry!
July 14, 2020
A wonderful collection of poetry about life, love and death. At times we are transported to another place and time with Ferrell's words, and at others brought into her present. I look forward to the second instalment.
December 5, 2020
I heard about Judy's poetry books on Twitter and I'm a sucker for some moving poetry so I wanted to check them out. Both books are lovely. Although I liked each poem in this book, I really connected with Autistic, Loneliness and Lover Dark. I grew up in small-town Western NC and the title caught my eye as well. Very well done.
May 30, 2020
A lovely and moving read. This collection of poems takes us on a journey with the author. Some of them made me smile - wistful and charming - but others are much more sober. Throughout all, you see glimpses of the Judy Ferrell's gentle humour and stoicism.
June 8, 2020
Done reading with this hilarious book and I loved it. Each poem comes up with new interpretations and beauty.
June 8, 2020
I was searching for some amazing poems and here I got this book. Full of great poems. It's worth giving it a read✨
October 18, 2021
Good 📚 included all themes nicely. Readable. Thank you!
September 15, 2020
When I learned that Judy Ferrell lives in southwestern Virginia, I was curious about her poetry. I have often visited the Blue Ridge Parkway, and have enjoyed the area. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there’s a rich culture.
Added to that culture are the poems in this book. There’s a directness in these poems. They celebrate the comfort of home, love of family and friends, nature, and music. They don’t shy away from talking about the pains of being misunderstood, loneliness, and heartbreak. They meditate on dreams, time, and sources of happiness.
As the book’s blurb states, the poems are about Judy’s journey. Starting on a farm, as the second poem describes, which is a wonderful and loving environment. The journey from there has difficulties, and scars can come from those. But, as Judy writes, scars can be seen as “beautiful pieces of art.” Joys have also been found on the journey, and Judy describes them well.
Added to that culture are the poems in this book. There’s a directness in these poems. They celebrate the comfort of home, love of family and friends, nature, and music. They don’t shy away from talking about the pains of being misunderstood, loneliness, and heartbreak. They meditate on dreams, time, and sources of happiness.
As the book’s blurb states, the poems are about Judy’s journey. Starting on a farm, as the second poem describes, which is a wonderful and loving environment. The journey from there has difficulties, and scars can come from those. But, as Judy writes, scars can be seen as “beautiful pieces of art.” Joys have also been found on the journey, and Judy describes them well.
December 12, 2020
Vulnerable. Honest. At times evocative, at other times direct. Connected to the natural earth. Exploring fantastic elements of the world beyond this one. Full of themes of finding, needing and losing love and family, this work of poetry takes a reader on a journey through the ups and downs of life. The arc of this work offers an emotional experience with joy interspersed with desperation, need beside theology, and all the way through, a sense of the writer grows stronger with each subsequent piece read. The overall feeling of the work is poignant. This poetry is reflective, and deeply personal, and leaves a lingering sense of sadness tightening the throat of a reader.
August 26, 2021
Reads like a lifetime of love and experience
These poems will make you smile, remember special moments of your own, think of a friend or a loved one, possibly even compel you to make that long overdue phone call. The emotions packed into this short collection are bound to tug at your heart on every level.
These poems will make you smile, remember special moments of your own, think of a friend or a loved one, possibly even compel you to make that long overdue phone call. The emotions packed into this short collection are bound to tug at your heart on every level.
August 20, 2020
A nice collection of poetry
This is a well put together collection of short poems, some of which feel very poignant, all of which have a nice rhythm to them when read aloud.
Several of the poems really stuck out to me, with references that reminded me of family, friends, or, in some cases, my own situation (in particular the ones which invoked memory or loneliness). You can really feel the care and craft that has gone into each poem, and it is obvious the poet, Judy, has taken a lot of time to get the feel of each just right. Conveying a lot with a few well placed words.
I'm not in general much of a poetry reader, but when I do read them I prefer to do my best to try and capture the intended rhythm of the poem, because good poetry is like good music, and deserves a listen.
In my opinion this collection deserves a good listen, so should be enjoyed read aloud.
This is a well put together collection of short poems, some of which feel very poignant, all of which have a nice rhythm to them when read aloud.
Several of the poems really stuck out to me, with references that reminded me of family, friends, or, in some cases, my own situation (in particular the ones which invoked memory or loneliness). You can really feel the care and craft that has gone into each poem, and it is obvious the poet, Judy, has taken a lot of time to get the feel of each just right. Conveying a lot with a few well placed words.
I'm not in general much of a poetry reader, but when I do read them I prefer to do my best to try and capture the intended rhythm of the poem, because good poetry is like good music, and deserves a listen.
In my opinion this collection deserves a good listen, so should be enjoyed read aloud.
August 2, 2020
This Journey Shouldn't Be Missed
I'm not a poet, and I don't really understand poetry beyond perhaps, the basic level. But I know when words move me emotionally. And every poem in Judy Ferrell's debut collection does just that.
Each of the poems tells its own little story, meaning that the reader can dip at will, anywhere into the book. But the true strength of this work comes when you read them in order, because they're chronological stop-off points on the country road of the poet's long journey from growing up on a farm, to where she is today.
We're treated to brief glimpses of Judy Ferrell's life, including thoughts, hopes, happiness, sadness, dreams (sometimes shattered dreams), even serious illness.
Different parts of this superb collection make us cry, smile, laugh, and inspire us. But, above all, when we put this book down having come to the end, we're left with a powerful sense of hope shining strongly through the tears.
The pain of the poet is brought alive with such beauty. I hesitated to use the word "beauty" in what is often a sad context, but that description is a perfect fit of the words Judy Ferrell chose to guide us on her journey through childhood, youth and adulthood.
A journey which, in my opinion, you shouldn't miss.
I'm not a poet, and I don't really understand poetry beyond perhaps, the basic level. But I know when words move me emotionally. And every poem in Judy Ferrell's debut collection does just that.
Each of the poems tells its own little story, meaning that the reader can dip at will, anywhere into the book. But the true strength of this work comes when you read them in order, because they're chronological stop-off points on the country road of the poet's long journey from growing up on a farm, to where she is today.
We're treated to brief glimpses of Judy Ferrell's life, including thoughts, hopes, happiness, sadness, dreams (sometimes shattered dreams), even serious illness.
Different parts of this superb collection make us cry, smile, laugh, and inspire us. But, above all, when we put this book down having come to the end, we're left with a powerful sense of hope shining strongly through the tears.
The pain of the poet is brought alive with such beauty. I hesitated to use the word "beauty" in what is often a sad context, but that description is a perfect fit of the words Judy Ferrell chose to guide us on her journey through childhood, youth and adulthood.
A journey which, in my opinion, you shouldn't miss.
January 15, 2021
An amazing poetry book
This poetry book mesmerised my senses and managed to touch me so profoundly. It gently guides you through the feelings of the author, as a soft summer breeze would caresses your face in the age of innocence. From hope to happiness and peace, it echos an awesome positive energy exactly what we need to overcome these difficult moments.
This poetry book mesmerised my senses and managed to touch me so profoundly. It gently guides you through the feelings of the author, as a soft summer breeze would caresses your face in the age of innocence. From hope to happiness and peace, it echos an awesome positive energy exactly what we need to overcome these difficult moments.
June 11, 2020
This is my book. As the author, I think you will find many things about me in this book. Something you may know some you may not. It was an effort of love to all the people who told me I could do it.
December 2, 2022
A beautiful collection...
...I thought I left feedback after my original read-through when the book came out, but I didn't, so here I am so much time later. I had to get a review in, and it also gave me a reason to read through the book again.
I love the imagery this collection conjures. These beautiful words really conjure the hazy, black and white, film grain memories of (happy, sad, emotional, better) times of yesteryear, people (friends and family no longer here)... this collection really is just so relatable.
If you love thought-provoking imagery, you will love this collection.
Thank you.
...I thought I left feedback after my original read-through when the book came out, but I didn't, so here I am so much time later. I had to get a review in, and it also gave me a reason to read through the book again.
I love the imagery this collection conjures. These beautiful words really conjure the hazy, black and white, film grain memories of (happy, sad, emotional, better) times of yesteryear, people (friends and family no longer here)... this collection really is just so relatable.
If you love thought-provoking imagery, you will love this collection.
Thank you.
January 21, 2023
A gentle poetry collection that is simple yet beautiful. The verses speak of everyday life, love, and troubles. The lines are rhythmic and often rhyme, but not always. Most of the poems are short, like a feel breath of country air. I enjoy the read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews