Soulgasm [Paperback]

Alice Kelly-Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 20, 2004

SOULGASM, the book of poetry, is a journal.  Moreover, it is an adventure that crosses the emotional pathways of its readers. Embark upon the odyssey of the human heart. Journey from the dark shores of "Eclipse Of  The  Soul," through ports of call known as "Soul Sojourn," and "Soulmate Chronicles" unto a place called "Soulgasm." Ready for an adventure? See for yourself if SOULGASM will not leave an indelible mark upon your imagination and mind as you travel through life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alice Parris is a singer, songwriter, and poet. Alice has spent a great deal of time counseling others, with careers that range from spiritual advisor to psychiatric nurse. She is the mother of five children and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410777472
• ISBN-13: 978-1410777478
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,445,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poet Arrives At Soulgasm, April 20, 2004

By 

Helen Losse (Winston-Salem, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soulgasm (Paperback)

Soulgasm, a poetic journal in four parts by Alice Parris, begins with the unhappy words: "Everyday I die, kicking, screaming, cursing, alongside my dreams." A woman betrayed, her "cup empty of wine," the author cries out for consolation and love, and she prays. Her prayers seem unanswered. Then come the "winds of change," but Parris is cautious, believing she has "sold her soul to the devil, and there's hell to pay." The pain is deep, psychic.

"Staggering as a drunken man," she searches for meaning in her life. And her suffering transforms her into the fifty-year-old woman she is. It is then-as her life takes on meaning-that she meets her lover of five years. After that, they part, and Parris begins her longing once again. Her poems show riveting sensuality and great spiritual depth. The connection between the two becomes clear. Even so, Parris struggles, as she seeks balance for her life-"My body in subjection to my spirit."-she digs deep into the "spirit well."

Soulgasm is packed with powerful words: Words that shout out loud even as Parris does. In this her first volume of poetry, the poet impresses her reader with simple, crystal-clear imagery. Filled not only with snatches of ethnic pride but also with universal longing, her poems demonstrate an intuitive knowledge and mastery of enjambment: of rhythm, syncopation, and the kind of deep-throated booty-talk at which many black writers excel. With her short lines, sometimes a single word on each, she never wastes a syllable. Her words, autobiographical throughout the book, make her the most vulnerable, when she says, "Poetry has been created from the dust of my soul." Why her soul? Why not her spirit? Well, it is at this juncture that the Christian message becomes strong.

In the two final parts, Parris deals with her shame, realizes her strength, finds the love of her life (her husband), and learns to live in the light of God's love. (...) She has come a long way from "the little girl with no one to care" that she once was. Discovering the meaning of soulgasm, Parris has discovered who she is; and she likes herself, even though she has not yet realized all of her dreams.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An adult read, March 27, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Soulgasm (Paperback)

I have never read poems with such stark realism and palpable emotion. These aren't the flowery poems that you've read before. They are sultry, aggressive, passionate & intensely thought-provoking. Not for mere entertainment...It is stark reality through the lens of a woman that is a survivor. You can tell from every line that she has endured so many of life's trials. This lends a voice to pain, passion, ecstasy...I would recommend it for adults, only...Put the kids in bed & huddle up next to the one you love, read & discuss each poem in its entirety. You will uncover things about each other that you never knew existed. That is especially valuable, if you're considering marriage, and want to know where your prospective spouse stands on a number of personal issues that don't arise in everyday, casual conversation. It's gripping-expect to be deeply affected. Personally, I am led to continue thanking GOD for what he's done in our lives. Many times it's too hard or inconvenient to confront painful and sensitive issues head-on. This definitely does that & more...

5.0 out of 5 stars this is a classic !, January 12, 2005

By 

art lover (Venice Beach, Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soulgasm (Paperback)

This book is haunting. Alice is a master with words and knows when to end the poem for effect, and what an effect! I grew up loving the book "The Best Loved Poems Of The American People",
so most poetry is a hard act to follow, however this book does. It's a must for every woman to read! I also got a copy of the CD Soulgasm spoken by Alice Parris, set to music it's fabulous!