The Gravity Soundtrack

by Erin Keane

With poems that are "as entertaining as they are compelling" (Greg Pape) The Gravity Soundtrack will please both veteran readers of poetry and those who've never before picked up a book of poems. In this debut collection Erin Keane explores subjects ranging from classic myth, philosophy and religion to rock 'n roll, pop culture and children's book characters. The poems are finely crafted, with a "confident and alert use of language" (Greg Pape), and each one shows keen insight into the nature of what it means to be human. In The Gravity Soundtrack, the poet is not a voice from above passing truths down to the reader, but rather is right there with us in the muck and mire of human experience--and, all along, shows great compassion for our questioning, our losses, our uncertainty. In the end, Keane has few answers for this questioning, but, still, the book leaves us with a feeling of redemption and hope. Is it our very stories, she says, that finally redeem "I couldn't give you/anything to hold, so take this wakeful night/know it can't make sense. What's left? At least/make it a good story. An offering, one last" ("Grievous Angel").

Genres: Poetry

88 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Pamela Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Period.

[DeAnna Rigney]

I haven't really read poetry in quite a while, keeping to the assumption that I get all the poetry I need from well written songs. Though I still believe that to be mostly true, I will have to acknowledge that I would miss great stuff from folks like Keane if I continued to hold exclusively to this idea. Keane is a gritty gal from Louisville, and her poetry is earthy, smart, witty,and atmospheric. Another element that I love about her poetry is her use of music and her clear respect for that art. Music is a natural part of the settings and mood in her work, and I relate strongly to this. This is certainly worth checking out.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book of poems from a localish poet (Louisville is close enough). I dislike a lot of contemporary poetry, but I like this stuff. 'The Gravity Soundtrack' is another good example of smart poetry that isn't avant-garde blah blah blah.

By coincidence I walked into Morris Bookshop when Keane was signing her latest collection of poems, so I will have to sit down with that soon. It's a narrative collection of poetry about the circus...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keane takes her inspiration for The Gravity Soundtrack from popular music, children's literature, her southern surroundings, and unexpected visions of the divine. She is at times witty, snarky, sensual, touching, and all of the above. This beautiful first collection should be passed from one friend to another.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky enough to have heard and read many of these fine poems during the past five years. Keane's poems float in the gloaming hour between corporeal and the ethereal and follow you into your own life.

[Terri]

Writing group peeps!

[Heather]

So I finally ordered it, it arrived last week, I think I will take it with me to Spring Break in Sonora......

[Sherry Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review

[Christine Loftin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its Fabulous,witty,and an all around good read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local(Louisville)young author. I enjoyed this edgy, funny, contemporary book of poetry.