Rating: 
Summary: A Great Conjunction
Review: A great conjunction of author and subject, AFENI SHAKUR: EVOLUTION OF A REVOLUTIONARY will surprise those who think they know it all about Tupac Shakur, or even those who have taken his hint and done a bit of research on his mom, the legendary Black Panther of Oakland. For the actress Jasmine Guy has written a remarkable book, giving us the illusion of actually knowing Afeni Shakur and participated in her struggles for equality and black hegemony in the last third of the 20th century. I didn't know Jasmine Guy could write so well, but here she is, page after page of careful, extensive research plus such a winning way of drawing out her mysterious, courageous subject. This is a book with heart and soul.
Rating: 
Summary: Poorly written, researched, and full of inacuracies...
Review: As soneone who is somewhat familiar with the subject, and an aquaintance of a number of the characters, I found this book an unfortunate piece of personal propoganda. For those of us who know about the Black Panthers, this book at times reads more like a falsified FBI memoir, reeking of COINTELPRO-style accusations, back biting, spite, vengence, and lies.
Afeni Shakur has sworn off any affiliation with "revolutionary" organizations and movements, and so from the title, this book is misleading. Furthermore, Tupac was raised by a supportive community, a community grounded in the very struggle and organizations Afeni no longer identifies with. During her years of heavy crack addiction, Pac and his sister relied on family and friends while their mother disappeared, often for extended periods of time. However, some of these same individuals are demonized in this book and others are made to be responsible for Afeni's own personal shortcomings.
While much could be said about details of this book that are false, what's more important for potential buyers to know is that Jasimine Guy relied solely on Afeni's story and chose not to cross check any information with other sources. Names had to be changed to protect Afeni and the author from liability because even they knew that much of what they were writing was malicious and false, or misleading even when they told the truth.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK if you are interested in an honest account of Pac's life through his mother. Remember, Pac made one song about his mother...but mentioned many of his mentors and hero's in numerous songs. Ask yourself why Afeni has nothing positive to say about any of Pac's hero's and why even today, she refuses to support them with Pac's money, even when his own words indicate thats what he would have wanted.
Rating:
Summary: Thanks for the Memories
Review: Being a contemporary of Afeni and also a graduate graduate of a historically black college and university, this book hit home so many times, while bringing fond memories in the process. I have, in many instances while reading the same page of the book, both laughed and cried. I also have A son who was Afeni's son's contemporary and can only imagine the hurt she feels over the loss of her only. I am impressed with the writing and delivery of this book. My big sunday hat goes off to Jasmine Guy who has so eloquently personified the saying "you can't tell a book by looking at its cover." I didn't think I could truly enjoy any writing besides those of J. California Cooper (read them all and waiting for the next one), but found myself equally engaged in this one. I am glad that, after attending a Hugh Masekela booksigning, I came away with his signed CD and Jasmine and Afeni's book. Thanks for the memories and the black history refresher.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic, warm- hearted and moving...
Review: From the preface to the end, Ms. Guy writes a profound story of the evolution of a woman who is much more than the mother of a superstar genious.Each piece of Afeni Shakur's story is well-told and clear. You feel totally connected to the story as it relates to humanity. Make no mistake this is Afeni's story; but enough of Jasmine's Guy's sensibilities that makes her an integral part and enough of Tupac and Sekyiwa to get a picture of this woman's journey. Jasmine Guy pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you there. The bibliography of the books lists as a biography & autobiography; that is because both voices (Guy & Shakur)are exceptional and distinct. This book gives you sacred insight into women who are grounded and sincere. Phenomenally done ladies; you are in my prayers! This is an absolute must read for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: VERY GOOD BOOK
Review: I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Afeni Shakur is a really interesting lady and so is the story. Evolution of a Revolutionary was written perfectly - I was suprised at how good of a writer Jasmine Guy was. I recommend this book to all readers - I'm sure whoever reads this book will learn at least one lesson!
Rating:
Summary: VERY GOOD BOOK
Review: I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Afeni Shakur is a really interesting lady and so is the story. Evolution of a Revolutionary was written perfectly - I was suprised at how good of a writer Jasmine Guy was. I recommend this book to all readers - I'm sure whoever reads this book will learn at least one lesson!
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and Educational- A Must Read
Review: I purchased this book the day it was released and read it in a few days, and while I'm just now writing my review, I must say that the story is still very fresh in my mind as it is not one to be easily forgotten. The dialogue is real and frank. I felt as if I had a true understanding of Afeni and the demons she struggled with from her childhood on. Afeni is an intelligent woman with a past full of problems, including her crack addiction that she has now overcome. She is a woman who makes no excuses for what she has done and never absorbed herself in the compliments Jasmine gave her. She makes no excuses for her mistakes, and that's what I appreciated most of all. That's were I felt her strength. Now, Afeni Shakur seems somewhat at peace, very family-oriented, and prepared to handle all that Tupac left behind. I also understand how Tupac wrote such profound music, including, of course, Dear Mama, lyrics that ring true to what he saw around him. I felt that Jasmine Guy did a wonderful job of writing the story and was an interesting narrator. Reading this book was an event for me. Much better than TV. I would curl up on my sofa or in my bed and never skip one word or any pages as I read. Often, I felt like I was sitting right beside them. I also enjoyed how the reader was able to get a glimpse into Jasmine's life. I purchased the book because I wanted to get to know the woman who birthed the musical genius Tupac, and I came away with a great understanding of who Afeni Shakur was and how her life evolved.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I was totally immersed in the conversations between Afeni and Jasmine. I felt as though I were right in the room with them, hearing the stories first hand. It would be very wrong to assume that Ms. Guy is only an actress. She writes with such eloquence and candor that one must also call her 'author.'
Rating: 
Summary: Before you read, heed these words.....
Review: If your are turning to this book as an account on the life of Tupac Shakur you are dead wrong from the beginning. This book is about Afeni. From the beginning you are told that the book is based solely off the conversations that Jasmine Guy had with Afeni, conversations that are between friends. Everyone has a different account of their own life, this book is life as Afeni sees it and how she wants to tell it. How truthful is it, I'm not going to dig deep into that because I read this book to find out more about HER and about HER mindset and about how SHE sees things. This isnt a history lesson which demands the burden of proof and fact in order for it to be called history. Read this book if you want to know about AFENI the woman. If not then I suggest you pass on it.
Rating:
Summary: Just Because She's Pretty Doesn't Mean She Can't Write
Review: Jasmine Guy's conversation with and translation of Afeni Shakur gives new definition of the word artist. Guy makes us understand the importance of this revolutionary woman, not because she was Tupac's mother, but because she is a woman of strength and substance and courage who tried to change things socially in this country during some very scary times for African Americans. Though Afeni Shakur did not live a flawless life, we understand the importance that a mother has in admitting her mistakes and learning from them. I completed this book wanting to be a better, more understanding mother.
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