Butter in the Morning: pieces of a kentucky life

by Georgia Green Stamper

Praised by critics, the award-winning Butter in the Morning is a collection of personal essays connected by a Kentucky landscape and recurring characters. A former NPR local commentator, Stamper's essays were written to stand alone, and emerged over a period of years, in different voices, sometimes laughing, sometimes not. Yet, even the lightest pieces lead the reader on a personal journey toward home, to the recovery of the reader's own memories of people, time, and place. The pieces create a pattern, like the fragments of an heirloom quilt, and if read in order from the beginning to the end, become something large enough to wrap around the author's life and often the reader's life also. Gwyn Hyman Rubio, author of Icy Sparks, says Stamper "is to Kentucky what Bailey White is to Georgia -- unique in every way. Humorous, perceptive, and poignant, her essays are perfectly crafted gems..." Silas House, author of Clay's Quilt and The Coal Tattoo, says "...Stamper's essays do that most important thing that only the most accomplished writers are sometimes lucky to do: capture and preserve a place, a time, and its people. ... Here is a book brimming with poetry and wisdom." The Louisville Courier-Journal Book Review wrote, "Each entry is wise, most are humorous and all are instructive. But it is the grace of Stamper's syntax. . . that renders her writing special . . . all of the author's essays are as sharp and polished as faceted stones ..." Linda Scott Derosier, author of Creeker and Songs of Life and Grace, writes, "Seldom have I read anything so rich and satisfying as Georgia Green Stamper's delightful Butter in the Morning. It is a memoir, a history and a sociology text all in the guise of a collection of essays. These are no ordinary essays, however, they are tales from a life made extraordinary in the living and the telling. Indeed, in these difficult times when every day seems to bring news of yet one more failure of the human condition, Georgia shares story after story reflecting the intermingled sorrow and joy that have been the legacy of her people and her place. Through it all her outlook is one of hope, optimism, and humor--a joy from cover to cover." Butter in the Morning was included in the 2013 Great New Books by Kentucky Writers reading series, juried and sponsored by the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[Leatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, Georgia Stamper's second collection of essay meditations, her topics range from history to the foibles of contemporary life, each entry grounded by her acute sense of family and home. In one sense she is writing the woman's experience in Kentucky -- or any rural place. Daughter, mother, descendant, student, dreamer, comedienne -- Georgia Stamper is all of these between the covers of this book. She reminds me who I am -- who I want to be. I am grateful for this book. If I could I'd give a copy to everyone I know.

[Marda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia's writing is lovely, packed with literary devices and twists. This was a delight! Her essays made me laugh out loud so many times. Georgia's very insightful but keeps the tone, for the most part, light. Though I've met her, and her heirs, in real life, I had no idea that she is such a gifted writer. I look forward to reading more from her.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the emotions the stories in the book invoked. I smiled frequently and was nearly brought to tears several times. If you grew up in a rural area or listened to stories from family members that grew up during the depression era, you will understand and love these stories.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. They are stories from the authors life but they are very well written and highly entertaining. I even learned life lessons that I will carry with me. If you like Bailey White you will love this.

[Harry F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Reminder of Things Past

So much of this book brought back memories of my KY youth. Though I was raised in town, rather than a tobacco farm, the Bluegrass experience is pure and clear, and the warmth is unmistakable. The individual stories are joyous, as are the characters. I recognize so much of the familial tug, as aunts, uncles, grandparents and the like are so very much a part of who we are. There is magic in their individuality that never dies. The book brings their struggles to life, losing ones house to fire or a beloved parent to such a horrible accident, yet the humor is that moves one through the pages, nearly non-stop as it happened. The Ashland memories are familiar, as that’s where I was born. This book reminds me of my first introduction to writers like Rick Bragg and Alice Walker. I too love to gaze at stars and remember when...

[Sherry Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review here.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful book! Americana come to life. She's a gifted writer.