Ollie Marshall-Rico
About the Author
Ollie Marshall-Rico
Ollie has published seven books: The ABC Character Builder, Fire in My Bones, Commander in Chief (The 44th President), Searching-Genealogy-Connecting: Phase I, Sprouts of the Spirit, Scattered Changes, Equality, Injustice or What.
She is the seventh of sixteen children, a native of Springfield, Arkansas, from the community of Union Chapel. She now makes her home in Orange, New Jersey, with her husband. She is a retired Newark Public School educator and a former VISTA Volunteer. She speaks through her poetry. She received a BA in Sociology from Northridge State University, Northridge, California; a Secondary Certificate in Social Studies from Montclair State University through the State of New Jersey; a Certificate in Preschool and Special Education, Kindergarten through the 12th grade from Kean College State University, Union New Jersey. As a VISTA Volunteer, with other VISTA Volunteers, She played a significant role in helping create the first Rent Control Bill in the City of Newark; she is a lifetime member of the NAACP, a community activist, and an active member of the church.
About the Book
Ollie Marshall's Books
Scattered Changes
Changes are within me, bridge leaping, outward, under, and over.
Scattered nerves are rocking within me.
Sometimes, they are creepy crawls.
Nerves are crawling inch by inch throughout this body, itching.
Happiness, sadness, joy, boldness, serenity, these cries are all within me.
Whooping changes, wallop, and deep, all mixed in the same bowl. Mini steps getting lost, leaving one step hanging on the ladder, unstable meeting the sane… life in the raw.
Equality, Injustice, or What?
Over one hundred individuals have met the tragedy of death within this book, which is only the tip of the iceberg, ranging from Julian Alexander to Daunte Wright.
Ollie recalls the elements of the Jim Crow Area as she writes the lines contributing to the hardship her parents had experienced at the hands of officers who did not honor the oaths they undertook as law enforcement. She has cried out through her pen words for the many loved ones’ families who have died senseless deaths. Deaths through asphyxiation, lack of mishandling the mental illness, or using the gun unjustifiably. Once an officer says, I was in fear of my life, that is the key for most officers to be excused for the kill, whether it was a cell phone, or I thought he was reaching for my gun, or a person standing on the porch with a broom. How does any officer justify shooting someone in the back while the victim is running away? I thought it was my Taser, not my gun. I thought it was my apartment, not his, which occurred on a different floor.
As officers have taken away loved ones, parents, siblings, friends, or strangers on the street unjustifiably, are we free of this responsibility for allowing this to happen? Has the power structure not implemented programs for mental illness, forcing law enforcement to deal with mental illness when they are not equipped? When unqualified officers meet the mentally ill, an easy way to solve it is to kill the person.
Surviving The Stain Of Losing My First Love
Pacific Book Review: Brilliant, emotional, and thoughtful, author Ollie Marshall-Rico’s Surviving the Stain of Losing My First Love is a must-read book on non-fiction and spirituality meets relationship studies. It was both intriguing and emotional to read the author’s experiences and readers who do lean more towards the spiritual side will be pleased with the author’s personal connection to faith, and how it plays an important role in her coming to terms with the loss she endured at such a young age, as well as future losses to come. The heart and passion for which the author wrote is evident in her writing style and the connective way she was able to relate her own story. Readers will be able to feel the powerful storytelling component which kept me, as a reader, totally invested.
Commander-in-Chief (The 44th President)
Ollie has never met the President, nor anyone connected to his family roots. Yet, in a personal way she feels connected because her perception of the President. She feels strongly the President identifies and connects with the common person within the community. While he holds one of the highest respected offices in the world, she thinks he is connectable to any person on every level through his displayed trust and honorable skill of communication. Therefore, this poem collection is through her personal perception of labor. She has debated with many foes and friends while listening to his speeches, reading his books and various articles which have been her only connection to the President of the United States of America, President Barrack Obama. The creation of these poems began three days prior to his reelection. When Ollie found it impossible to sleep rest or relax, an unhealthy state to find oneself, especially if you are a senior citizen; she put her pen to work, through this act alone, a state of relationship developed. It was through this act Ollie’s nerves curved. The President’s speeches connected deeply with Ollie. It was as if he was speaking directly to her, alone. Yet, Ollie knows, she was a million Ollie’s. This President had the ability to touch one’s soul. It was as if she was back into the VISTA World again, forty years yonder gone. Yes, this was the gifted auditor, who was a server of the people, the son of a Kenyan man, father; the Kansas mother who had attempted to expose her son to all elements of life, bringing him to this point.
Reviews
In Scattered Changes, Ollie shares her unique perspective on a variety of relevant and relatable topics. It is quite interesting reading, and there’s definitely something for everyone!
What a read, I was unable to put the book down. It appears at times, the author had transferred me into the words of the book. At times I wanted to slam the book on the floor but somehow that was not possible. I wanted more as I went from one poem to the next. My question was how can this author come into my mind. Each poem was a story within itself. How can one poem be a complete story? Within this book, one poem has the ability to hold an audience as a complete stage play. It's true I laughed and cried both, that to me, tell the true story of this book, Scattered Changes: Step Ladder Changes. In my words, this book is a real winner.
Scattered changes is the most fascinating,heartwarming,tearjerker,funny poetry book ever! I have read this book twice and I still enjoy going over it.I say to the author more, more, more, this book is guaranteed to make you cry,laugh out loud and think! A really good read!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant, emotional, and thoughtful, author Ollie Marshall-Rico's Surviving the Stain of Losing My First Love is a must-read book on non-fiction and spirituality meets relationship studies. It was both intriguing and emotional to read the author's experiences and readers who do lean more towards the spiritual side will be pleased with the author's personal connection to faith, and how it plays an important role in her coming to terms with the loss she endured at such a young age, as well as future losses to come. The heart and passion for which the author wrote is evident in her writing style and the connective way she was able to relate her own story. Readers will be able to feel the powerful storytelling component which kept me, as a reader, totally invested.
Commander-in-Chief is an interesting and accurate decription of, as well as a fitting tribute to, President Obama's term of service as America's 44th President. I like the way it takes us from birth to the Presidency with pertinent background information. Great Job!
I really enjoyed this book,in my opinion it should be read by every american that wants to know,and understand the lows and highs of how this man, president Barack obama became our 44th president! well done Ollie Marshall/Rico....M.OATES,WICHITA,KS
I've read other books on President Obama, but none quite like this. The author takes you inside the Presidents journey to the White House in a way we've never seen before. Its clear and concise and immensely entertaining. It is well written, and highlights important milestones Obama has faced along the way.
The use of poetry to illustrate each of the Presidents experience is absolutely brilliant.
This book is a great read! I recommend it to all!
