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ogreart's review against another edition
2.0
I am just not into hip-hop. I thought the spoken word parts of this were powerful and affecting. I can appreciate the project, but it's not something I would listen to again.
nbot11's review
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Beautiful. Mixes music, words and stories all into an enjoyable format to feel a deep connection.
wanderlustlover's review against another edition
3.0
Fall 2020 (October);
While not a deep fan of any of the musical interludes that took place in the book (and probably then not the music he produces on the normal), I was seriously and deeply enrapt by the stories between then, by the words and world I could so easily parallel to mine, to those I know, to those kids in my classroom's lives I heard so much about. I walked out of this book with my heart more full than when I walked in.
While not a deep fan of any of the musical interludes that took place in the book (and probably then not the music he produces on the normal), I was seriously and deeply enrapt by the stories between then, by the words and world I could so easily parallel to mine, to those I know, to those kids in my classroom's lives I heard so much about. I walked out of this book with my heart more full than when I walked in.
angelikareadsavariciously's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. I couldn't get completely into it, but I appreciate the story.
adventures_by_nessa's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting concept. Common goes through his experiences of life with lyrics and the written word. I’m not a huge fan of rap, in general, but I do enjoy his work; and so the concept was interesting to me. He would speak a little bit then follow it up with some rap and some background singers. Even when he was speaking it felt more like poetry over standard speaking and that was very enjoyable to me.
This was originally a live show and so was a little off putting once or twice; for example, he would invite someone on stage to dance, well that’s hard to get into when listening to; however, that was minor.
I really liked this. It was a solid 3.5, but I rounded up to 4, because the downsides were very minor.
This was originally a live show and so was a little off putting once or twice; for example, he would invite someone on stage to dance, well that’s hard to get into when listening to; however, that was minor.
I really liked this. It was a solid 3.5, but I rounded up to 4, because the downsides were very minor.
groovygirl858's review against another edition
5.0
Finally!
Finally, an audible original worth listening to! I was starting to think I would be better off skipping the monthly free selections due to a string of horrible time wasters but this listen was a breath of fresh air!
As a fan of hip hop, this was an enjoyable blend of music and storytelling. Common is a talented performer and he shines in this production. He takes the audience on an emotional journey through a letter to his father.
I'm not sure if non-fans of hip hop will enjoy this title due to hip hop music being a large portion of this performance but, if you are a fan of great storytelling, highlighting real human emotion, I would recommend giving this performance a listen.
Finally, an audible original worth listening to! I was starting to think I would be better off skipping the monthly free selections due to a string of horrible time wasters but this listen was a breath of fresh air!
As a fan of hip hop, this was an enjoyable blend of music and storytelling. Common is a talented performer and he shines in this production. He takes the audience on an emotional journey through a letter to his father.
I'm not sure if non-fans of hip hop will enjoy this title due to hip hop music being a large portion of this performance but, if you are a fan of great storytelling, highlighting real human emotion, I would recommend giving this performance a listen.
wordsmithlynn's review against another edition
4.0
I’m torn about my rating on this one. I started at 3, then went to 4.
It sounds great, and Common is always amazing to listen to. And having raised a child with a reading disability, I have a really flexible definition of what constitutes a “book.” However, that said, this really feels more like a concept album than a book so I questioned whether it “deserved” a four-star BOOK rating.
But you know, it’s a really good concept album with such a positive, uplifting message in a sad, dark time.
And maybe we try too hard to put various art forms into little individual boxes when the whole point of art is not to be boxed in. And maybe someone like Common just can’t be fit into a single box. So four stars, just for making me think about that whole issue.
It sounds great, and Common is always amazing to listen to. And having raised a child with a reading disability, I have a really flexible definition of what constitutes a “book.” However, that said, this really feels more like a concept album than a book so I questioned whether it “deserved” a four-star BOOK rating.
But you know, it’s a really good concept album with such a positive, uplifting message in a sad, dark time.
And maybe we try too hard to put various art forms into little individual boxes when the whole point of art is not to be boxed in. And maybe someone like Common just can’t be fit into a single box. So four stars, just for making me think about that whole issue.
kay_slayerofbooks's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Who doesn't love Common's music?
This bit was nostalgic. Just listening to Common speak and perform brought back many memories. I enjoyed this.
4.25 stars
This bit was nostalgic. Just listening to Common speak and perform brought back many memories. I enjoyed this.
4.25 stars