Customer Reviews

Keepin' It Real: Post-MTV Reflections on Race, Sex, and Politics

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I think that this book was so hot because it is written by a person from my generation. I have to say that Kevin did "Keep It Real" and that he told us what was on his mind. I also like that Kevin matured in the book as he was able to see what his flaws were. I also have to thank him because after reading his book I realized that I was making some of the same mistakes that he made. Kevin is a great author and I can't wait to read some more of his work.

After listening to a lecture that Kevin gave here at Auburn University, I immediately bought his book the same night. After reading the book in two nights, I wanted to call him up and thank him for writing my biography. His stories were real, so real that they brought back memories. His letters were touching, so touching that I cried, laughed and cried again. His words were so vivid, I could close my eyes and see what was going on. This book is a must read for any young urban african american male, and for anyone who wants to understand them.

I bought Keepin It Real shortly after it was published in 1997. I started to read it but it was just too painful. Last week, I picked it up again and read it within three days. Kevin's letters are so raw and honest. I felt for the brother. There is not a false note anywhere in this book.

Kevin Powell a successful young writer (and original cast member MTV's: The Real World) shares his life, his pain and his heart with us via a series of letters to: his cousin, a female friend his father and us. He bares his soul as he sifts through his feelings about his impoverished childhood, his absentee father, his love/hate relationship with his mother, his sexist and sometimes abusive behavior towards women and the inescapable anger caused by the toll of racism.

Critics might say "stop whining! We've all been through it. Get over it!" I too, at points, wanted to ask "how long can we use this as an excuse for destructive behavior?" But, this book is uncannily reminiscent of Nathan Mc Call's 'Makes Me Wanna Holler'. How many of these painful accounts from so-called successful black men do we need before this problem is acknowledged and addressed ?

At times, Kevin may be indulging in a bit of self-pity, but he is at least attempting to get over and beyond the things which he feels affected his life so drastically. Whether you believe him or not, whether you identify with him or not, this book gives us the opportunity to at least listen ... and perhaps understand.

In a time when young Black men throw up the saying "Keeping it Real", as an expression of ones "blackness", as well as manhood, Kevin puts an end to this expression through his insight. I think his thoughts were well put...perhaps the reviewer that commented earlier from GA, did not experience the same live as Kevin Powell and lived a life of priveledge, nevertheless, it is ashame that he did not accept Kevin's viewpoint. I do not agree with all Black opinion, but no ONE Black persons speaks for us all!!!

Kevin Powell once again proves that it would be a grave mistake for America to dismiss the thoughts of many Americans that are considered to be a member of the Generation X. His insights are direct and honest, with detailed accounts of the childhood episodes that has shaped his poignant opinions.

Interesting

I was never impressed with Mr. Kevin Powell as a person when he was on MTV's The Real World and I am even less impressed with him as a thinker. The essays in his book range from naive analysis to adolescent musings. Why a publisher would think Mr. Powell's opinions on race, gender, politics, and sex matter are beyond me. As a 37-year-old African American educator I fail to see the purpose of this book.