Thoughts (Hardcover)

by T-boz (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Sure, maybe Jewel did it firstAa pop star committing her thoughts and poems to audiotape, thus introducing the medium to legions of demographically desirable young fans. But this original tape by "T-Boz" ("T" of the Grammy winning R&B/hip hop vocal group TLC) has the potential to break through to young African-American consumers, demonstrating anew the potential for musicians to embrace spoken audio as a natural, ready-and-waiting creative outlet. Watkins produced and recorded this tape on her own and handed it in as finished product. That air of assurance and artistic autonomy comes across strong in the poems and accompanying music. The Iowa-born singer addresses issues that affect many teens: racism, health, weight, workingAall components of self-image. Her message is one of self-reliance, born out in plainspoken rhyme and culminating in a musical number entitled "Tionne's Song." This makes for an appealing program that speaks directly to fans. Simultaneous release with the Harper Entertainment hardcover. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From School Library Journal
YA-"T-Boz," the T in TLC, a Grammy Award-winning girl singing group, has written a short book of poems and essays, and the lyrical text and photographs will hit home with a lot of teens. The author covers a whole range of topics such as love, relationships, heartbreak, body image, family, friends, and society. Fans get a rare glimpse of T-Boz's life not as a celebrity but as a caring, courageous, and persevering female who has made it to the top of her profession in spite of many obstacles placed in her path. This book is inspirational, soul-searching, and downright funny at times. It should fly right off the shelves and into the hands of many eager readers. Pair it with Tupac Amaru Shakur's The Rose That Grew from Concrete (MTV, 2000). Rarely will readers meet another celebrity so open, encouraging, and sensitive as Watkins. And, just maybe, teens will be inspired to put their own thoughts on paper.
ayo dayo, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 104 pages
• Publisher: HarperEntertainment; 1 edition (November 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061051837
• ISBN-13: 978-0061051838
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #716,296 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, January 3, 2000

By	Robert Crookall (Wollongong, Australia) - See all my reviews

This is not the kind of book I often read, but I became interested in it through my love of TLC's music.

I found so much in this book that is good and truthful. Tionne shares many of her life's most emotional experiences. A lot of this is delightful to read - like the chapters about her brother, her mother, and her grandmother, for whom she shows unconditional love. She also talks about her love for God throughout the book, and tries to give advice to her readers on how to live a happy and virtuous life - by respecting oneself and others, for seeing things for what they are, being honest, and taking responsibility for oneself and being productive. Much of this comes out in the poems, and it earned a great deal of respect from me.

In some ways, the book was hard for me to read, because it made me very aware of my own many shortcomings. But I am grateful for that, and it touched me in a way that no other book has quite done. Also, the chapter "Monster in my Veins" in which she talks about her lifelong illness is hard to read - evoking great compassion in the reader.

And those who love TLC will find the chapter about how the group got together quite a treasure.

The book is organised as follows: a section consisting of 12 poems, followed by 7 essays, then 10 more poems, then 7 more essays, then 12 more poems. There are lavish colour sections at the beginning and end, which contain photos of Tionne and her family and friends, and two of the poetry sections. All the poems are beautifully illustrated.

Tionne has done a wonderful thing by writing this book, and sending such a positive and healthy message to her many young devotees.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars If not for her fame, this woul dhave NEVER been published, November 27, 1999

By A Customer

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with everyone who is giving this 5 stars. I give Tionne her props for her honesty and for talking about some interesting issues...but frankly, I've seen better poems on a Hallmark card. If these poems didn't have so much heart, I would have given this a ZERO STARS because I really think the poetry needs a lot of work.

I couldn't wait to get this book because of the great reader reviews it was getting here...I am soooooo glad I read all the poems BEFORE buying it because there's not much there I would want to read again. If you are a TLC fan or you really have a passion for these subjects, you'll probably enjoy the book. But if you are someone who studies poetry, you might be disappointed. I give anyone, especially a sista, props for writing down her feelings and discovering the writer inside...I just don't think EVERYONE who takes that step needs to be published and I sho' don't think people should have to pay for it! Tionne, keep doin' your thang, but next time you might want to have an experienced poet help you with some editing so that your poems live up to the beauty in your heart.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one and only Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, November 21, 1999

By	Amanda ([e-mail]) (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

Thoughts is an amazing collection of Tionne's personal stories about her life, home photographs, and real life poems. I love writing and am so glad that TT has put this book together. Like everything else she does, she copies no one, always setting her own standards and doing things on her terms. And somehow it always works. Very well. In the book, you learn about how she became the woman she is today and she really tells a lot about her life, which is unique from many celebs. You walk away from the book with a whole new perspective about how T-Boz thinks and who she is, and how you think and who you are. Tionne is not the type of star that seems untouchable - she seems like the type of person that even though you don't know her, after reading the book you could go up and talk to her like anybody else. It's an inspiring, even amusing book, that will help or entertain everybody, particulary young girls. Hey ladies! TLC has always rocked for us and now it's great to see Tionne sharing some of the same thoughts all of us have with us. TT, if you ever read this, great job and know that you are loved and appreciated by millions of fans in whatever you do! Good luck and I love you! BUY IT! BTW - TT, you guys were awesome in concert!