Rating: 
Summary: to Derek M.A. Alexander
Review: In response to Derek M.A. Alexander, while you and other reviewers made good points about Ashanti's work reflecting her younger and current age, the samples I read were poor, and I have taken into account that she wrote them when she was younger. This has nothing to do with her literary or educational level or even or maturity. Frankly, I've written better poems when I was younger, and I write better poems now. [...]
Rating: 
Summary: It's not the worst poetry book I've ever read
Review: "Foolish/Unfoolish" is very much like T-Boz's "Thoughts" in terms of structure: poetry is intertwined with antedotes and somewhat misguided advice for the consumer. Unlike "Thoughts," which dealt with T-Boz's ideas about things she didn't understand (like Marilyn Manson, in my opinion) and things she did (like her troubles with sickle-cell disease), this book deals with 1) Ashanti's poems, 2) what Ashanti thinks about love and 3) Ashanti's love life in high school, especially her proms. I have to admit to liking some of the poems--"Watch Me Glisten" and "To the Club" are my favorites--but one has to remember that she wrote all these poems in high school, meaning that they lack maturity and possibly a few good edits that professional poets would do before releasing poetry books. Every poem in Ashanti's book could be written by any junior high/high school girl in America (whether they're in a honors English class learning about "fancy-smancy" poets like Ashanti brags about or not); when I think of Ashanti's poems, I think of the girls in my 10th grade honors English class that still wrote sappy poems about love (and I wasn't one of them). There's nothing extremely special about most of these poems (unless you include the fact that parts of "Gotta Get Out" and "Us" were used as interludes on "Chapter II" and "Concrete Rose," respectfully). As for the antedotes, my favorite is when Ashanti forgets to pick up her sister to take her to a dance...to reveal the rest would be a spoiler. Otherwise Ashanti is either trying to provide good advice for teenagers in love or talking about her boyfriends. I couldn't care less about her boyfriends--she comes off as this preppy, popular, lovestricken teenager with fairly mundane adventures. If I grew up with her, I probably would be an outsider watching Ashanti maneuver her way through the popular crowd, not giving a damn about whether she would be homecoming queen or not. And since I am four years younger than Ashanti, practically her peer, I can't really take her ideas about romance seriously since I feel she lacks the romantic experience and confidence to give good relationship advice. (I also feel that she has some hang-up about sex, since she never delves into the topic fully in this book or in several of her romantic songs.) I feel that Ashanti could possibly be a good writer (and, sadly, for you people hoping she should never write a book again, she's inked deals to write more books for children) if she were a bit wiser and confident in love.
Rating: 
Summary: Foolish/Unfoolish
Review: "Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love" features beautiful and deep words from the talented artist. Great poems and thoughts from Ashanti on her frist ever book.
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Summary: From The Author of "BrainChild: Visions of a Blind Poet"
Review: A reviewer of my book referred to Ashanti's and so I was compelled to read it. In her introduction, Ashanti states that she released this book in response to fans who wrote to her and asked her for more insight into her life. The book is conversational in nature, much like listening to a young person speaking their mind to someone about episodes from their past. It takes a lot of courage to reveal yourself to all for public scrutiny. Ashanti states that she understands what she calls "fancy schmancy" poetry, but chose to be true to herself and write in her own style. I can certainly relate to that. Ashanti is not trying to write like Maya Angelou. She is writing like Ashanti. I liked the book for what it is. Others seem to dislike it for what it's not. I thought that it was interesting. I learned a little more about the young lady, and that was the goal of her book. As Ashanti matures, her words and works will mature with her. If you think that you can do better, write a book, and we'll review you.
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Summary: SO TRUE
Review: Everything That she said in her book is so true about guys and dating. I loved the book. I felt like she did. I would recommend this book to anyone who is an Ashanti Fan. I AM A HUGE FAN.LISA
Rating: 
Summary: Off to a good start
Review: Foolish/Unfoolish is a compilation of honest reflections on love and experiences by Ashanti. Throughout this book, Ashanti discusses dates with her friends, jealously, cheating, embarrassments, and falling in love. Although this is Ashanti's first book, she does a job well done with her writing style. Her writing style isn't very complex and her rhyme patterns are easy to read and relate too. Some people would think Ashanti's writing style is to elementary and not in depth enough. But, I like the book for what it is. Ashanti is being true to her and has her own style. I found this book to be very interesting and informative about her life. "There's really only one thing that made me want to publish a book of my writings-my fans!" In that statement Ashanti is reaching out in a response to all her fans that encouraged her to write a book about her life and past experiences as well as thoughts. Most of these poems imitate some of the lyrics to the song tracks on her self-titled album. As I read this book I caught myself smiling because some of her reflections are funny and easy to relate too. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because it was short in length. Considering the length factor I would rate this book 4 stars. This is definitely worth reading.
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Summary: Nothing new
Review: Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love is a very short book only 100 pages. I was surprised when I reached the last page of the book so suddenly. The book looks well over 200 pages because of the thick sheets of paper, the text didn't even feel up most of the pages. This book lacked a lot of details, Ashanti only mentioned her situations such as the way she felt when her prom date stood her up and she had to go alone with her girl friends; and the time she went on a date with her boyfriend and kissed in the restaurant after dinner and didn't care who was looking because she was in love, or the time she got into a very bad argument with another boyfriend in a car. If I wanted to hear experiences girls have with relationships I could asked any girl, not worth the price of this book. Your better off listening to Ashanti's album of the same name. Each chapter starts with lyrics from her album. Ashanti never delved into any sexual situations which was a disappointment. Lets hope Ashanti comes out with an autobiography someday.
Rating: 
Summary: Too teenage
Review: I bought this book because I am a poet and a hip hop efficianado and was dissapointed by it. I give Ashanti some credit because her writing style is nice, but these poems completely lacked depth. I am in middle school and most of them reminded me of those frivilous relationships of my peers that last for five days. Please don't write anymore books, Ashanti
Rating:
Summary: Very Mediocre
Review: I checked out this book because I was searching for the hidden talent to back up the tremendous hype Ashanti has been receiving. Perhaps I could find it in her "phenomenal" writing skills. Yet, just like her songs, her poems lack sophistication and depth. They are always about the same old topic: "ups and downs of love." She might as well put her song lyrics (from her debut album) in the book and called it poetry. The grammar and the structure of the stanzas seem to reflect "elementary school" level poetry. Despite my negative comments, I must give her credit though for having the courage to publish her poetry. All she needs is a bit more inspiration and maturity in order to become the true artist she was meant to be. She has wonderful potential, unfortunately, its being channeled in the wrong direction.
Rating:
Summary: Very Mediocre
Review: I checked out this book because I was searching for the hidden talent to back up the tremendous hype Ashanti has been receiving. Perhaps I could find it in her "phenomenal" writing skills. Yet, just like her songs, her poems lack sophistication and depth. They are always about the same old topic: "ups and downs of love." She might as well put her song lyrics (from her debut album) in the book and called it poetry. The grammar and the structure of the stanzas seem to reflect "elementary school" level poetry. Despite my negative comments, I must give her credit though for having the courage to publish her poetry. All she needs is a bit more inspiration and maturity in order to become the true artist she was meant to be. She has wonderful potential, unfortunately, its being channeled in the wrong direction.
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