My Odyssey: Stories, Poems, and Verse began simply with a high school classroom assignment to write a short story. Author Joseph Kennedy had no idea what to write; he was prepared to fail instantly. Ultimately, however, he succeeded so much so that his short story was published in his high schools collection of writings for that year. Thus began his interest in writing as a way to chronicle his thoughts and ideas. This collection is organized chronologically, following the growth of his creative voice as it develops through his odyssey. His growth, change, and adaptation are both obvious and subtle from the sad Elegy to Mama Cass to the quiet elegance of a January thunderstorm in January Noon, his voice resonates with strength and vibrancy.
