The Rose That Grew From Concrete

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME
Review: I know most reviewers are giving this book 5 stars because of their love for Tupac but if we examine the book objectively we see that it is a very poorly written book of poetry. While Tupac displays tremendous emotion he doesnt quite understand rhythm or structure too well and it seems he tries too hard to create an artistic vision that lower his poems into a category of sloppy and trite high school works. I know his fans will counter that he was 19 when he wrote these works but don't call him a master of poetry because he clearly was not. But the most dissapointing aspect for me was the complete lack of subtilty in his works. With the majority of his works you can understand the complete theme and concept of the poem by just reading the title and none of the poem itself.

Tupac was a very talented man with out a doubt. But that talent was in rapping (and acting) not writing poetry. I'd much rather listen to 2Pacalypse Now than read this book.

Rating:
Summary: A man with many dimensions
Review: The poems in this book were written by Tupac Shakur in his late teens. He was a strong supporter of young people taking up any art form, whether it be arts, music, dance, and in this case, poetry. In many pieces, we see various sides to the man many of us have come to love, miss, appreciate, and cherish. There is sure to be some of everyone in at least one of his pieces of poetry. For me, "The Eternal Lament", "If I Fail", "Liberty Needs Glasses", and "Jada" did them to me. Anyone who has read this incredible work will confess the same thing. This was the side of Tupac some of his detractors would swear did not exist. For his true fans, however, we are not surprised one bit. His legacy will be long-lasting, and this book is a testament to that.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just For Rap Fans!
Review: Tupac is certainly not your average "thug". When you look past the "Thug Life" and foul language, many of his lyrics had a way of reaching out and touching people from every different race and status. Whether you liked him or not, agreed or disagreed with his ways, his words came from the heart and that's what this book is no exception.

These poems were written when he was between 18-20 years old so they reminded me of his earlier music such as "Dear Mamma" & "Keep Your Head Up". You know - sensitive and deep, less hard core and thugish. He even has touching poems dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh & Marilyn Monroe. His words seem to slowly dance up from the pages and wrap around you, pulling you in deeper and deeper into his soul. I wanted to race through each poem to get to the next but I couldn't. I had to read slowly, savoring every word and then after pondering a bit, I went back and read it again.

Tupac's style is really captivating. He writes of so many issues we all can relate to - love, loss, striving to achieve goals and just life in general. This book really made me reflect on my life. (If only I had the same amazing power of the pen as Tupac!) I really don't think you have to be a fan to enjoy this book. In fact, after reading some of Tupac's poetry, a critic might be surprised to find that they're becoming a fan. Pick up a copy of this great collection! Also recommended: THE LOSERS CLUB by Richard Perez

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful teaching tool!!!
Review: I am a middle school English teacher who uses this collection when teaching a poetry unit. While most of Tupac's writing is rough and unedited, it shows students that poetry is a beautiful way to express ideas and emotions. Young people are so full of passion and idealism. Someone as famous as Tupac started off similar to them... Small with bigs dreams and a hunger for growing up and changing the world. It's not so much about rap but about the art of lyrical poetry. My students find it fascinating and inspiring.

Rating:
Summary: a soft side of a thug,,,,
Review: This book is one of the best books I have EVER READ. It gives more insite on Tupac than any biography could ever give. He was truly a complex person. I say hes great while others say he was a thug promoting violence. I think that is a very ignorant statement. He was talking about reality, not killing people. He was saying it how it is. He grew up in a tough neighbourhood. How can you expect somebody that grew up there to sugar coat the truth and tell it? You cant, and he didnt. He had so much to give to us in the little time he was here. He gave many people something to live for. When you're down listen to his music. He helps lift the mood, or it helps to relate to something. He gave A LOT. He didnt just write music. He cared about it. It's hard not to think about a legend when the name Tupac Amaru Shakur is mentioned. I think it all came with understanding. In "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" is a series of poems written by the late great Tupac Shakur. Sometimes they are soft, sometimes heartbreaking but they are truthfull all around. I almost cried when I read some of the poems. They are so heart felt and so factual you cant help but feel their emotions they project. It gives us a look at the softer side of Tupac. He was a man with a great heart and many talents. Writing poetry is one of the many talents he possessed.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK. If you are a fan of poetry READ IT. If you are a TUPAC SHAKUR fan I STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT. If you think im lying READ IT FOR SURE. I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYBODY. My personal guarntee you WONT be dissapointed. HE IS THE BEST!!!

Rating:
Summary: tupac shakur in the hearts of his fans
Review: This book is full of feelings towards love and full of anger towards the government and against politics. His best poetry was written through his expressions and feelings. This book could relate to the way you feel about something during that period of time. The right words are put together to express what you feel within. Tupac was a great poet who was with respect by the society he wrote what he felt, not what people wanted to hear.