Customer Reviews

Compelling Joy: A Poetic Journey Through Life

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I enjoyed this book. My favorite poems are Virtuous Woman, Compelling Joy, Ode to a Black Woman and Scrumptious Woman. Very strong for a first effort.

I hope to see more from this author in the future. He is sure to improve with time, like wine of the ages!!

Compelling Joy is a wonderful collection of poems that cause the reader to take pause and reflect on the author's message. As I read the poems I experienced a range of emotions. There was joy and laughter as I read "Scrumptious Black Woman" and peacefulness as I read the words in "Celestial Love". I felt compassion when I read "Lonliness" and "What about Love". What Mr. Aiken has done through his words is allow us to take a glimpse into his soul. It is clear to me that his poems are a reflection of his inner spirit and the people and things that he values in life. When I read these poems I get the sense that Mr. Aiken is a deeply spirtual man who has the greatest love for God, family, friends and wo(man)kind. He seems to celebrate life and place value not on material possessions and personal accomplishments, but rather on the simplest pleasures that life has to offer. I believe Mr. Aiken's work offers us a chance to step back from these turbulent times that we find ouselves in and experience, if just for a few hours, a poetic journey through life.

Compelling Joy is definitely "A Poetic Journey Through Life." William Aiken Sr. ("Aiken") presents to his audience a well rounded collection of inspiring and articulate "words of wisdom" that you can hang your hat on as you journey through life on earth. He speaks with a realistic glimpse to my soul on page 89 in "Patrician." Patrician defines itself as a person of high birth; an aristocrat; and a person from a class of unique cultivation. Here, Aiken not only gives a gingerly credence to establish the acumen of the person, but allows the reader to form his own impression of the man. On a case-by-case basis, Aiken allows the reader to dream, wonder and use a little "sanctified imagination" to eloquently feel, touch, taste, smell and see the individual probably as an angel or even as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. But quickly and easily, Aiken brings your thoughts into fruition that the individual's person is "always clothed in immaculate attire." In contrast, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit do not dress in that manner because they are in spirit and in truth. But in contrary, fruits of the spirit are centered around joy, peace, and love that the individual represents. Mr. Aiken's poems are filled with compassion, understanding, and celebrate various episodes of our human experiences. Compelling Joy is written well and speaks to various groups of people within our society today. In my opinion, the book deserves 5 plus (5+) stars!

I had the chance to read the book, as a colleague of mine had a copy of it. To me this is not poetry but rambling. It was worth the price that I paid for it-nothing. Langston Hughes and E.E. Cummings would cringe if they read these "poems."

In this book of contemporary poems, Mr. Aiken covers everyday feelings and happenings in real life. With titles like "Respect", "Courage" and "Power", he puts into words (non-rhyming poetry) the feelings we experience in our jobs, in our relationships and in ourselves. Some have a religious tone and most relate to the Black (African American) experience. Poems like "Mending Depression and "Lonier Still" affect everyone.

Aiken worships his women (four of his five children are female)and his family and these form the basis for many of the 46 one-page poems included here.

A thoughtful first outing by the compassionate poet.

"Life is a colorful montage of joy, pain and everything in between. Compelling Joy is a heartwarming reminder that even in this profound truth, it is all a celebration. Through Aiken's poignant words, we experience the lumpy, nutty, confection of life as the delectable treat that it truly is."

-- Valerie Rose, Author, You Better Recognize! and Cappuccino in the Winter

William Aiken Sr. offers powerful inspiration and insightful "soul food" in Compelling Joy, his poetry collection that is indeed a poetic journey through life. From beginning to end, Mr. Aiken presents a collection that stirs emotions on every level. In "Behold the Lamb" and "I Think You Know Him" we are shown his heart and passion for the Lord. An "Ode to a Black Woman" and "Virtuous Woman" pays homage to black women, young and old. "Elegance" and "Who is She" introduces positive female influences; ones who have truly impacted Mr. Aiken in a tremendous way.

Compelling Joy is truly breathtaking; people from all backgrounds will relate to the poetry that is in this collection. Each poem is refreshing and thought provoking, it provides readers the opportunity to reflect on its essence and meaning. Mr. Aiken is a poet that truly speaks from the heart and his work will uplift, captivate, and inspire you to move onward.

Reviewed by Kanika Wade

The poems are refreshing and thought provoking. Once I started reading the book, I could not stop until I finished it. The poems convey the poet's passion for LOVE - Love of God, family, friends and life. Also convey his plea for help for those in need as well as for justice, truth and respect. One cannot help but stop and reflect on some of the messages. I consider this an excellent book of poetry that you must read, especially if you are a CPA. Thanks Bill for sharing one of your many gifts with us. I am looking forward to reading more of your works.

I know they say that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but based on the cover of this book you can tell that the author, Bill is hosting a great celebration. As a poet, he has captured everything beautiful, remarkable, tasteful, unique and natural of a Black woman, bottled it up, and like a caterpillar on a twig who has experienced a metamorphasis, he sets it free to fly as a sophisticated butterfly, throughout each page. This is just what poetry is and should be, a testimony of what the poet sees with his spiritual eye. It makes me happy to know that this book is not based on physical beauty alone. Although, physical beauty is candy for the human eye, the "Soul of a Man" is so much more intriguing. I can tell that Bill gave his soul the pen and allowed his heart to write. Compelling Joy is a delight to read. It will bring a smile to your face, if you're mature enough to fathom and appreciate it. God bless each reader and an extra special blessing for the author. As an aspiring poet myself, I feel inspired, and also proud to be both a Black woman and a poet. I guess that makes me a sistahpoet and I don't mind, knowing that I and other women like me, shared in the joy that "compelled" Bill to write this book of "joyful" poetry. Best Wishes.
Peace and Blessings.

I know they say that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but based on the cover of this book you can tell that the author, Bill is hosting a great celebration. As a poet, he has captured everything beautiful, remarkable, tasteful, unique and natural of a Black woman, bottled it up, and like a caterpillar on a twig who has experienced a metamorphasis, he sets it free to fly as a sophisticated butterfly, throughout each page. This is just what poetry is and should be, a testimony of what the poet sees with his spiritual eye. It makes me happy to know that this book is not based on physical beauty alone. Although, physical beauty is candy for the human eye, the "Soul of a Man" is so much more intriguing. I can tell that Bill gave his soul the pen and allowed his heart to write. Compelling Joy is a delight to read. It will bring a smile to your face, if you're mature enough to fathom and appreciate it. God bless each reader and an extra special blessing for the author. As an aspiring poet myself, I feel inspired, and also proud to be both a Black woman and a poet. I guess that makes me a sistahpoet and I don't mind, knowing that I and other women like me, shared in the joy that "compelled" Bill to write this book of "joyful" poetry. Best Wishes.
Peace and Blessings.