Advance Praise for
My Papouli and His Irene:
My Southern Greek Mayflower Memoir

"The Mayflower Cafe is rich with history, and this story of one of its founders, John Dorizas, and his family, helps bring that history into an even sharper focus. The story of the Mayflower begins here, nearly 100 years ago, and Reni beautifully describes the warmth, spiritedness, and hospitality that can still be felt to this day within these hallowed walls." Cody McCain, Mayflower Café Co-Owner

"In My Papouli and His Irene, Reni Bumpas has achieved a testament to her head and heart. In our times, her book also serves as an important reminder that it's a rare American whose life isn't possible but for our own brave ancestor willing to try a start in a daunting new land." Ellen Ann Fentress, author of The Steps We Take: A Memoir of Southern Reckoning

“My Papouli and His Irene is a family story filled with emotion from a several decades perspective. The surface story is a historical chronicle of Jackson, Mississippi’s Greek community, but it is so much more. Arriving from the island of Patmos with barely a penny to their names, these brothers, uncles, and cousins embraced their new land with a shared work ethic and tenacious commitment to building strong families and businesses. The story of how they generously served their communities and took care of each other will warm a reader’s heart as a reminder of what a family legacy can look like.” Marilyn Tinnin, founder and longtime publisher/editor of MS Christian Living magazine, author of MaeMae’s Grandmother Book: Life Lessons for Our Grandchildren (Big People Too).

“My Papouli and His Irene is a delightful and informative story of the life of many immigrants that came from Greece in the early 1900s. There are many entertaining stories that are so true. If you enjoyed the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you will enjoy this book.” Sophia Vallas Cox, Fellow Patmian and Jackson Native

“My Papouli and His Irene is a heartfelt memoir that blends meticulous research, family oral history, and evocative storytelling to illuminate our grandfather’s journey as a Greek immigrant to America. Through thoughtful reconstruction of our family’s past, my cousin Reni Bumpas helped me reconnect with beloved relatives whose voices have faded over time. While rooted in Greek heritage, I believe this tribute speaks to the universal experience of early 20th-century immigration and will resonate with families from many cultures.” Irene Prekezes, First Cousin of Author