> Home> Alison's Music> Love's A Cure > Alison's Book
> Alison's Articles
> Alison's Blog > How To Be Happy
Follow us on Subscribe To This Site      |
Desperately Seeking Jude: Confessions Of A Sex-Mad Beauty Queen
When Alison was a little girl she thought every family had a drunk violent father and a stressed out mother with no money in her purse. Bewildered by the chaos of her surroundings she drew pictures in the air and tried to memorize lines from 'The A Team' or 'Knight Rider.' Only her stutter prevented her from ever getting them right. As a teenager she just wanted to escape. Along came the boys, the booze and the drugs. A story of love, hope and forgiveness on the wrong side of the tracks of a small town in South Africa. Warning:The below extract from Desperately Seeking Jude contains highly explicit language.
Jailhouse RockI am four years old and fast asleep. I am having a nightmare; something horrible is chasing me. I am running in slow motion. Unable to move forward, the creature is closing in. There is a crash and I wake up. My bedroom light is on. My father is lying on the floor, large thick globs of blood smeared across his chest and the handle of a knife protruding. I open my mouth and scream. My mother comes running into the room. My father sits up and laughs. 'It's just tomato sauce,' he says. 'Are you crazy?' my mother screams. 'How can you do that to your child!' 'It was just a joke, Emma.' My father totters unsteadily out of the room, falling over on his way to the door but catching himself before hitting the ground. 'Just a fuckin' joke.' 'Did you hear your child screaming, Daniel? That's not funny.' 'Listen, you CUNT, these are my fucking children and I can joke if I want.' I hear a crash as glass breaks against the kitchen floor. 'You want some real blood? How'd you like that? Is that what the WHORE wants?' I hear a cupboard door open and close, the sound of a broom being pushed across the kitchen floor. I hear my father stumble into the living room. A few moments of silence follow. Then the house erupts... You aint nothin' but a hound dog 'Come dance, Darl.' 'GO TO HELL!' my mother screams. There is another crash as he falls into furniture. I can hear his footsteps echoing down the passage in the seconds before my door swings open. 'Come on, kids! Out of bed - time to dance with the king!' I can see blood seeping from a cut on his hand. He pulls open April's door. 'Come, Fatty, get some exercise, the king is on!' Number forty-seven said to number three:
'April, pull my finger!' he says, proffering his version of the olive branch. She obligingly pulls his finger. Over the music we hear a tiny fart. 'Ah, didn't have much to offer there... sorry girls.' His mood quickly changes. 'Okay, fuck off, go back to bed.' He sits down on the couch, his black eyes staring moodily at the blank TV screen. His dark hair needs a cut; it's falling down over his collar. He has thick sideburns curving down to his chin, just like Elvis. A blue cloud of smoke hangs over the room. He lights a cigarette. We are unsure what to do. He is unpredictable. Tense and insecure, uncertain what is expected of us, we stand and wait. The three ashtrays dotted around the living room are overflowing. There is a dank, stale smell emanating from him, the smell of liquor and cigarettes and sweat.'I said FUCK off! Go to bed, NOW!' As I climb back into bed I hear him opening the kitchen door and stepping outside. 'Yoko, you stupid mutt.' Yoko is our Alsatian, named in honour of Yoko Ono. I hear her yelp in pain. Once, twice, three times. He is kicking her again. 'Daniel! Leave Yoko!!!' my mother shouts. I lie awake in bed; holding my body stiff and concentrating with all my might; maybe if I stay awake and focus really hard, everything will be okay. I can still hear Elvis blaring over the speakers in the living room. Thankfully, that is all there is to hear. Against my will I drift off to sleep. My nightmares increase.
A really touching story and so honest. It isn't often that you come across such brutal honesty. I was hooked from the very first page, and through all the traumas and tragedies, it never got self pitying or mawkish. A really great debut!. NicoleThis is a good read!! A benefit to everyone who needs a story of success in modern times! I could not put it down.... not until i finished it at four in the morning! Jonathan WMy book Desperately Seeking Jude: Confessions of a Sex-Mad Beauty Queen is now available in print AND as an ebook. The above is an extract from the first chapter of Desperately Seeking Jude - Jailhouse Rock. Instant Download - Only $7.99
|
Reviews of Desperately Seeking JudeI found this book a gripping read. A real page-turner. Despite the insanity that seems to surround the protagonist throughout the course of the story, the reader is compelled to be optimistic. There is a feeling that everything will turn out for the best. I laughed, I cried and then I read it again. Sam Goldstein
This was a truly gripping read, i could not put the book down from the first page. Alison really captivates the reader from the get go, you become totally consumed in this story of pain, hardships, turmoil, love and laughter. All issues that we have to deal with in our daily lives. This is a truly inspiring story and i highly reccomend this book to everyone. Alexis Walker
Desperately Seeking Jude is a profound book about the search for truth and self-worth amid the constant crises and chaos of a dysfunctional family, and an honest portrayal of human relationships, with all their faults. It is the story of a teenager who struggles to find herself in a world of drugs, sex and alcohol. A gripping tale which gives hope to its readers, that no matter what your circumstances or your life story, if you truly seek happiness, freedom or love, you will find it. Alice ShultzDesperately Seeking Jude provides a stark look at the world of today and the author brings that world to life with remarkable clarity. Her character develops into self awareness, as she learns to forgive and in her search to find her true self, realises that she is indeed 'good enough'. Heart-warming, thought-provoking and beautifully written, Desperately Seeking Jude tackles serious subjects with sensitivity and grace. Minnie
A truly inspiring story of love and the human condition. It makes one realise that regardless of the chaotic, mad world that exists, the human spirit, if strong and determined enough, will break free and shine as it is meant to. Despite my harsh reaction to some of the characters in the story, I could not help feeling sympathetic and compassionate towards them. When I felt things could not be worse for Alison, a sentence or two would have me laughing out loud. If you like a bit of drama with a happy-ending then this is a book you may enjoy. K.A.H
What an inspiring story! One of those excellent reads that leaves you remembering that it's actually gonna be alright! Do yourself a favor and read it yourself! Definitely worth the time... Jackson
An inspiring read. I completed this book in one sitting. I could not put Alison's story down. It is encouraging to read Alison's amazing recovery from a traumatic childhood of alcohol abuse, drug addictions and various difficult relationships. Her story is a testament to love and hope. Pen
A great read! A totally honest and touching account of growing up under very difficult circumstances and the author's personal journey to find love and happiness for herself and with the members of her family. This book might inspire others in similar situations to have the courage to find their dreams and for the rest, they might learn that life's path is not easy for everyone but there is always good to be found if you take the time to look for it. Denise
This is a great book; it really touched a chord. It made me realize the power of our potential to develop in the face of difficult situations. It's a fascinating glimpse into how sometimes challenges can be exactly what we need for growth. It's also a cogent reminder that we often attempt to fill the void with a desperate search for love and approval, but this can only come about when we are ready to love ourselves, and embrace our personal journey. Although the circumstances were often sad, the overwhelming message is one of love and joy. Scarlet
|
Copyright © alison-andrews | All rights reserved.
Powered by Site Build It!