Customer Reviews

One Day It'll All Make Sense

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While this review might be the kiss of death since I'm probably not the target audience, I have to say I thought this book was terrific. I didn't know much about Common, although I had heard about Fox News coverage of his visits to the White House. When I saw him on the Daily Show last night it became clear that this Common wasn't the same guy that was villified by Fox. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down. While I probably disagree with most of his politics, the observations he had about fatherhood, responsibility and being a man were universal. I really enjoyed Common's writing style and the juxtapositioning of his Mother's comments throughout the book was priceless. Parts of the book were quite funny (like the story about Common being an ugly baby), but the overriding message of what personal responsibility and a Mother's love can accomplish was extremely inspirational. Common is a man of strong faith, while being open to other religious paths. He admits his mistakes and takes responsibility for them, while recognizing that we can all be better people and have more that should unite us than divide us.

Malik Sayeed and Hype Williams should snap up the movie rights to this incredible coming of age memoir. It would make a great film and THEY could probably get the artists to play themselves...what an ode to hip-hop THAT would be!!! (I want in on opening night if this becomes a feature film)...

I'm probably not the demographic either; yet Common always fascinated me. His style, his swagger, his humility, what he said and MORE IMPORTANLY what he NEVER said. NOW he speaks, eloquently, spiritually, honestly about himself, his flaws, his yearnings, his desires - which were and are no different than any other Black boy in America. I heard about this book via PUT ON BLAST, and I was directed to an excerpt. Each chapter begins with a letter written by Common. His mother also contributes and her wisdom -- well she can and should expand and write her own book. I would recommend this book to any young single mother of a boy; especially a Black boy. Mrs. Hines has a lot to say about womanhood, motherhood, and raising a boy that is worth reading beyond Common's story. Common is blessed. His mother is one sharp woman! I LOVE the three criteria for allowing Common to move back into her home...and the letter to her son is GENIUS!!! In my opinion it is right up there with the writing of Lorraine Hansberry expressed via Lena Younger, "Raisin In The Sun" (the "you feelin' better than him today" soliloquy to Beneatha Younger). Common and his Mother have collaborated to create an extraordinary memoir!!!

I had the pleasure of attending his book signing in NY earlier this week, and I'm glad I supported this book AND got a signed copy from both Common and his Mom. I love that brothers are telling their stories (Tyrese has a very good book out and the long awaited Kevin Powell tome is coming). I laughed, I learned about boys transitioning into men and I could not put this book down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. As Mos Def said, "I ain't no perfect man...I'm trying to do the very best I can..." (Wow we need a book from Dante too, and isn't that the perfect opening credit song for the feature film?). Common IS all that...and YES it ALL makes SENSE!

I would have to say I am the demographic this book is for. I've been a Common(sense) fan since high school in Houston when my boy Brandon from the Chi put me on to his first cassette. I've followed his career ever since happy to put people on to his music who didn't know and sometimes having to defend his artistic growth to a barbershop full of non believers (Electric Circus, i tried lol). This book has helped me get a better perspective of the artist I respect now even more as a fully discovered man. Sometimes you put entertainers on another level that isn't human, you forget that they have the same issues you might have and are growing just as you are. This feels like a chat with a friend that you are catching up with after years apart. I could relate to many of his reminisces since we are about the same age and I feel like I've grown as a man along the same path. I grew up on his music, I was a student at Howard U (with a Resurrection poster on my dorm wall) during the Million Man March, I've lost close friends to violence and disease. It's refreshing to be able to see what he was going through and thinking at times when I can remember where I was and what I was going through as well. I loved the insight into one of my favorite artists. I've passed his earlier music on to my nephew and god son and they are now fans and look forward to his new music. I think this book will make it to them as well. Hell, after his movies now my mom asks who he is so she's about to get down too. Good looking out yet again Com.

Started reading and killed it in a day or so. I was so into this book. I also came of age on the South Side of Chicago just a few years behind Common...all of the old haunts, how vividly he portrayed it...he nailed it. This is a great book and I highly encourage gifting it to your sons, nephews, little brothers, any young man trying to find his way. There was much food for thought...you'll laugh (the weed trip...pure comedy). You'll also see a very transparent Common...the letters say it all. I was pleasantly surprised at just how raw and eloquent this book was at times.

Highly recommended!!!!

This was the first book that I read in 2 days.. it was so interesting.
I would be interested to meet Common one day because he is worth it!

This book was so inspirational that I would like to leave my thought with me and not to share it here.
At least now I know that I'm not the only person like "that" in this world.

Additionally, when I listen to "Be" now his music received a new dimension.
I'm waiting for new artistic expression from him in a form of music and other books!

First I would like to thank Commons Beautiful! Black! .....Mother!....You Queen have done an Excellent! Job raising such a Powerful! Black! Man!...that make's us all Proud!...also,thank you Mama for your words of wisdom
(smile).

Now to the...Book.....

Such honesty! to be naked in a way that exposes the soul....that's rare! and we need more of that coming from our Black Men...Common.....your words your book are a...Healing Balm for the Soul and Spirit....Powerful! in it's own right...and you in yours....Thank you Black Man for such a Gift.

Commons Words...his book, should be read by all....it crosses all Color lines...and ......"Demographics"! and I pray that your book have thee intent that you desire it to have...God Bless you brotha and good luck.

*Note: Someone tell...Common....has he ever thought of changing his name to....
..................................... Un-Common!!!............................

Because that! Black Man is not!...."Common"...at all!!! ....Smile.

Sis. Quamay of....(BK, N.Y.)

It's funny seeing other reviewers comment on how they couldn't put this book down. Because neither could I! I had to read this book after reading the prologue online and listening to "Book of Life" (a song that I am currently relating too). I always knew Common was an amazing rapper/person so I really was interested in his insights. This book provides a wonderful account of how he came from a humble beginning in Chicago to becoming one of the most respected rappers in hip-hop. I love how his mother provides her opinions throughout the book. She was just as open as Common and provides a unique juxtaposition to certain statements and opinions. The book is extremely honest, inspiring and intelligent. It places so much importance on intrinsic values, loving everyone and always striving to be a better and more noble person. These things may sound corny and typical of any autobiography, but Common describes them very eloquently. His story and thoughts, regardless of who you are, can be applicable to many situations. My only problem with the book is that the last three chapters (after the one about Erykah) seem rushed. He barely talks about his last three albums (and BE honestly deserves it own chapter because it truly placed him in a huge spotlight...and it's one of my all time favorite albums :D). Besides that, the book is great and I definitely recommend it. It is a great story of someone who succeeded without having to sacrifice his morals and beliefs.

That quote comes from Lonnie Rashid Lynn, or Common as he is known world-wide. One Day It'll All Make Sense is a true page-turner. After reading this memoir, one comes to discover a man with a wonderful grasp of written and spoken word. I even found myself marking certain passages.

Through no holds barred recounts of growing up book-smart and street-wise in Chicago, Common details early memories of growing up with a father battling demons, while being raised by the epitome of what a mother should be. He gives a soul-baring view into his mind and heart and reveals a drive to succeed born from one of Black History's most prolific tragedies. Some stories are funny. Some tug at the heartstrings. Some give meaningful life lessons. All are real and show many facets of a "star" on the rise.

The letters included to family, friends (here and gone) and even a past love are powerful, to say the least. One letter in particular moved me beyond words from the sheer realness of subject matter and heartfelt emotion. Also reading about his friendship with legendary producer James Dewitt Yancey (J Dilla) was also powerfully moving.

Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines' words, thoughts and intensely real perspectives of her son's journey are plentiful and mirror the chapters in this memoir. The closeness, respect and deep love of their relationship shines off the pages and is simply beautiful. We come to see where Common's respect and appreciation for women is born and he isn't shy about letting a sista know.

One Day It'll All Make Sense is a must read. Kudos to you, Common, for peeling back the layers of your soul and giving the world a glimpse of what it is like to travel a path to "inspire and raise consciousness". You are indeed keeping your promise to Emmett. Keep doing what you do, brotha.

Love.

It feels strange to be referring to Hip Hop artiste and actor Common as a Legend in what feels like a young career still filled with the promise of so much more to come, but his body of work is unquestioned. This memoir from the poet/emcee is a thoughtful and not surprisingly well written account of his journey...so far.

Common has a lot of insight and raw delivery that captivates the reader. One of my favorite autobiographies HANDS DOWN