Read and hear what other supporters are saying about Marie Bookman's
"Breach Of My Heart" and "Straight From My Heart".

Reviews & Testimonials

Breach Of My Heart Review By Attorney Victoria Hines

I’ve been making my way through your book of poems and last night I read “Tears.” My eyes began to fill with water before I read the first line. As I read I was reminded of my own experience following Katrina. I was blessed to be able to evacuate the day before the hurricane with some friends and had to return on the Thursday after Katrina with them. (I live on the Westbank) To be honest, I did not want to come back, but I left my car at their house.

The next day I made my way to Baton Rouge via Boutte. As I drove through Westwego, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There seemed to be hundreds of people on that long stretch of road walking, riding in open trunks of vehicles, on the back of pick-up trucks and some trying to hitchhike. This was the most amazing thing to me and I cried so hard I couldn’t wipe my eyes quickly enough to see the road. I wanted to give someone a ride to anywhere, but I was too afraid of what may happen to me (because I was traveling alone). I have never felt so many emotions at one time other than when my father died over 10 years ago. I am not from Louisiana so this seemed even more extraordinary to me. I was afraid, ashamed, excited, dazed and everything in between. It was truly by the Grace of God that I maintained any form of sanity.

Even now I’m fighting back tears as I think back on that day. I just wanted to write to tell you Thank You for being courageous enough to put your thoughts down to paper and sharing them with the world. I think that they will help those of us like myself who share many of your feelings but are unable to really express them.

-Attorney Victoria Hines, New Orleans. LA

Straight From My Heart Review By Tommye Myrick

The eyes are the mirrors. How bold a poet to look within and reveal, for all to see her Soul.

– Tommye Myrick, Director, Business Owner, Community Activist, New Orleans, LA

Breach Of My Heart Review By Dr. Gerri Elie

Your book was so delightful and heartwarming. It tells the real story of Katrina as we saw it. Congratulations again and thanks for letting me share a small part of your fame.

– Dr. Gerri Elie, Lifelong Resident of New Orleans, 70 years young

Breach Of My Heart Review By Chef Marilyn Doucette

Marie, when you told me that you had written a book of poetry expressing your feelings and experiences during the catastrophe we know as Katrina, I held my breath: Yes, I would buy your 1st publication because I love you and support you; but no, I would not — could not read any books retelling the horrors of Katrina.

When I took time a day or so later, I found myself drawn to read a page or two. I did not stop, could not stop until I had read Breach . . . in its entirety.

Your style of expression is not typical of most poets and that is good. My final thoughts: It was easy. I felt some emotion while reading at times, but never a feeling of hopelessness. I would have liked to have read some humor. I have to believe that you were able to laugh at some point during that time.

Chef Marilyn Doucette, New Orleans, Meals From The Heart, LLC

Breach Of My Heart Testimonial by Librarian Daniel L. Wade

New Orleans has been in the news coverage a great deal over the last week. I read Marie’s poems from cover to cover and read “Katrina” in church on Sunday. I think the American people realize a great wrong has been done – Daniel L. Wade, Associate Librarian, Lillian Goldman Law Library, Yale Law School