Above Neil Rock: Stories & Poems by James Ross Kelly is a memoir in which the author recounts his life and shares the past with poems and short stories. The author takes the reader through his life from 1952 when he worked different jobs. From farming, ranching, and then joining the US Army, the reader experiences everything with him through his prose and poems. Stories like “Why the Fairy Shrimp Left” gave a realistic yet very personal look into the life of the author. “The Red Gate” showed an emotional look at his time on the farm. It was filled with nostalgia and a bittersweet type of pain that I could also feel.

Above Neil Rock by James Ross Kelly gives the reader a glimpse into his heart and mind. However, these stories and poems also offer a glimpse into the lives of those who call the Pacific Northwest home and give us a look at working-class families who have struggled to survive during tumultuous times. The author’s writing is infused with a sense of urgency and a deep love for the natural world. While he recounts his past, Kelly isn’t bitter or angry; he is nostalgic and even sad in certain parts. I found comfort in his narrative style; it felt like he was a long-lost friend whom I met again after a long time. I enjoyed the pace that seemed to follow the ups and downs of Kelly’s life. The attention to detail, the way he described his emotions and the way he didn’t shy away from baring his soul had me hooked until the end. I know I will be revisiting Above Neil Rock very soon!

Above Neil Rock is a collection of stories, poems, and prose by James Ross Kelly. It combines personal and familial stories set against great social commentary. The book covers stories from the author's childhood, including the warmth of Christmas, learning farming from his grandfather, and fishing and swimming with friends. It also delves into the complexity of family life, such as his father's PTSD from fighting in WWII, his mother's struggle with sobriety, and the grief of losing his brother. The author gives an account of his military experiences, detailing the joyful times as a group and the gloomy memories of losing friends. He narrates hilarious stories that shaped his understanding of the world and his experience of planting trees and dealing with loggers. From relationships and fatherhood to guilt and social views, Kelly discloses his most vulnerable moments and deepest thoughts.

Above Neil Rock is a captivating book that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. James Ross Kelly jumps from one event of his life to the next with detailed descriptions that will make you laugh or cry. His reflections are thought-provoking, delving into the beauty of nature, the importance of hard work, morality, responsibility, and the impact of genocides and political unrest. The author is an engaging storyteller and poet, drawing readers into his narrative with a unique blend of humor and drama. The poems complement the narration as they are perfectly placed in the story, enhancing the emotional depth of each chapter. The author tackles issues like environmental protection, the current political climate in the United States, the Holocaust, the foster care system, addiction, and abortion, treating each with the utmost sensitivity and respect. The stories about his family and community perfectly illustrate the interconnectedness of human experiences and highlight the weight of personal and collective history. Overall, I enjoyed reading Above Neil Rock and learned many lessons from the author's experiences. This book is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who loves memoirs with poetry and social commentary.