One Day It'll All Make Sense

Common has always been one of those people that you want to keep a watch on. His music, though in the beginning, was a bit controversial has been inspiring and had a message that reached all people.

In "One Day It'll All Make Sense", Common offers up himself and his mother provides a great backdrop to his story. I love the relationship between the both and how conscious Common is when expressing the loss of loved ones and the love that he has had for the women in his life. This book offers great life lessons for everyone, I will always remember the quote that his mother said about having friends and the importance of where to place them. I enjoyed reading and being introduced to the people that had an effect on Common, whether good or bad.

I recommend this book because it is one that every person in their lives can identify with, no matter how old you are or your race, religion, or creed. Common writes in such a transparent and effortless way, that you cannot help but be in engage in what he has to say. Buy this book, you will not regret it.

Malik Sayeed and Hype Williams should snap up the movie rights to this incredible coming of age memoir. It would make a great film and THEY could probably get the artists to play themselves...what an ode to hip-hop THAT would be!!! (I want in on opening night if this becomes a feature film)...

I'm probably not the demographic either; yet Common always fascinated me. His style, his swagger, his humility, what he said and MORE IMPORTANLY what he NEVER said. NOW he speaks, eloquently, spiritually, honestly about himself, his flaws, his yearnings, his desires - which were and are no different than any other Black boy in America. I heard about this book via PUT ON BLAST, and I was directed to an excerpt. Each chapter begins with a letter written by Common. His mother also contributes and her wisdom -- well she can and should expand and write her own book. I would recommend this book to any young single mother of a boy; especially a Black boy. Mrs. Hines has a lot to say about womanhood, motherhood, and raising a boy that is worth reading beyond Common's story. Common is blessed. His mother is one sharp woman! I LOVE the three criteria for allowing Common to move back into her home...and the letter to her son is GENIUS!!! In my opinion it is right up there with the writing of Lorraine Hansberry expressed via Lena Younger, "Raisin In The Sun" (the "you feelin' better than him today" soliloquy to Beneatha Younger). Common and his Mother have collaborated to create an extraordinary memoir!!!

I had the pleasure of attending his book signing in NY earlier this week, and I'm glad I supported this book AND got a signed copy from both Common and his Mom. I love that brothers are telling their stories (Tyrese has a very good book out and the long awaited Kevin Powell tome is coming). I laughed, I learned about boys transitioning into men and I could not put this book down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. As Mos Def said, "I ain't no perfect man...I'm trying to do the very best I can..." (Wow we need a book from Dante too, and isn't that the perfect opening credit song for the feature film?). Common IS all that...and YES it ALL makes SENSE!

First I would like to thank Commons Beautiful! Black! .....Mother!....You Queen have done an Excellent! Job raising such a Powerful! Black! Man!...that make's us all Proud!...also,thank you Mama for your words of wisdom
(smile).

Now to the...Book.....

Such honesty! to be naked in a way that exposes the soul....that's rare! and we need more of that coming from our Black Men...Common.....your words your book are a...Healing Balm for the Soul and Spirit....Powerful! in it's own right...and you in yours....Thank you Black Man for such a Gift.

Commons Words...his book, should be read by all....it crosses all Color lines...and ......"Demographics"! and I pray that your book have thee intent that you desire it to have...God Bless you brotha and good luck.

*Note: Someone tell...Common....has he ever thought of changing his name to....
..................................... Un-Common!!!............................

Because that! Black Man is not!...."Common"...at all!!! ....Smile.

Sis. Quamay of....(BK, N.Y.)

I'm only halfway through the book and stopped reading to write a review. Being from Chicago, I have to say that Common made me proud as a Chicagoan. He talks about his upbringing around Chicago Gangs, his high school days, people that have influenced him over the years, and mistakes he's made as well as triumphs. All in all he explains how despite the things he was exposed to (good and bad) there was a light in him that continues to shine, just as there is one in each one of us. He writes letters to people that have influenced him over the years as well as a younger version of himself. His mother's words are also heartwarming and encouraging. It's not a novel, it's an account of his life. It's a good read and a valuable teaching tool for young men. Yes, he goes into some detail about his sexual history as I read from another reviewer, but he talks about all the emotions and experiences that young men have. Reading it is like getting insight from a big brother (although I'm a few years older than him, lol) Good book, worth the read, and if you are from Chicago and 35-40, you definitely should pick up a copy. His references to house music in the 80s as well as how hip hop was shaped here in Chicago will definitely make you smile and go down memory lane. Good stuff.

That quote comes from Lonnie Rashid Lynn, or Common as he is known world-wide. One Day It'll All Make Sense is a true page-turner. After reading this memoir, one comes to discover a man with a wonderful grasp of written and spoken word. I even found myself marking certain passages.

Through no holds barred recounts of growing up book-smart and street-wise in Chicago, Common details early memories of growing up with a father battling demons, while being raised by the epitome of what a mother should be. He gives a soul-baring view into his mind and heart and reveals a drive to succeed born from one of Black History's most prolific tragedies. Some stories are funny. Some tug at the heartstrings. Some give meaningful life lessons. All are real and show many facets of a "star" on the rise.

The letters included to family, friends (here and gone) and even a past love are powerful, to say the least. One letter in particular moved me beyond words from the sheer realness of subject matter and heartfelt emotion. Also reading about his friendship with legendary producer James Dewitt Yancey (J Dilla) was also powerfully moving.

Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines' words, thoughts and intensely real perspectives of her son's journey are plentiful and mirror the chapters in this memoir. The closeness, respect and deep love of their relationship shines off the pages and is simply beautiful. We come to see where Common's respect and appreciation for women is born and he isn't shy about letting a sista know.

One Day It'll All Make Sense is a must read. Kudos to you, Common, for peeling back the layers of your soul and giving the world a glimpse of what it is like to travel a path to "inspire and raise consciousness". You are indeed keeping your promise to Emmett. Keep doing what you do, brotha.

Love.

Common of course specializes in a form of positive yet witty and uplifting hip-hop known as conscious rap. It's a little different from the beat and cadence heavy, lyric sacrificing mainstream rap we often hear on the radio. This music elevates and leaves the listener feeling empowered. Given Commons music is both clever and inspiring; you can bet his biography is no different. Even the title- "One day it'll all make sense" is a play on his former moniker "Common Sense".

The major takeaway is that the conscious rapper Common wasn't always SO conscious. He speaks of some of his lifelong shortcomings and player ways with opposite sex, even owning up to fingering different girls at his moms house in High School. He details episodes of fighting fans, getting drunk, disagreements with his mother, beef with Ice Cube, peer pressure to smoke weed and other borderline ratchetness. He also touches on very sensitive subjects like his Christianity, his father's absence, life in Chicago, acting and his daughter. It's also interesting to learn how Common dealt with heartbreaks from relationships (Erykah Badhu, Serana Williams, etc) and even at one time fostering a sense of jealousy for Andre 3000. This show's that Common is just like us... A Man. Growing from these experiences, Common ties all of the positive and negative life events together by balancing it with what attracts us to him-- the music.

Through the reading, Common definitely shows another side of himself and conscious rap. You get to know the evolution of Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr and really get a feeling of "if he can grow, I can grow. If he can do it, I can do it". Like Water for Chocolate.

It's funny seeing other reviewers comment on how they couldn't put this book down. Because neither could I! I had to read this book after reading the prologue online and listening to "Book of Life" (a song that I am currently relating too). I always knew Common was an amazing rapper/person so I really was interested in his insights. This book provides a wonderful account of how he came from a humble beginning in Chicago to becoming one of the most respected rappers in hip-hop. I love how his mother provides her opinions throughout the book. She was just as open as Common and provides a unique juxtaposition to certain statements and opinions. The book is extremely honest, inspiring and intelligent. It places so much importance on intrinsic values, loving everyone and always striving to be a better and more noble person. These things may sound corny and typical of any autobiography, but Common describes them very eloquently. His story and thoughts, regardless of who you are, can be applicable to many situations. My only problem with the book is that the last three chapters (after the one about Erykah) seem rushed. He barely talks about his last three albums (and BE honestly deserves it own chapter because it truly placed him in a huge spotlight...and it's one of my all time favorite albums :D). Besides that, the book is great and I definitely recommend it. It is a great story of someone who succeeded without having to sacrifice his morals and beliefs.

I was deeply moved after reading this powerful memoir. Common gives a well-detail and honest portrait of himself as a man, father, son, and great friend. His sapience molds inspiration for people who feel they are hopeless and not loved. He entices readers to have faith at all times in their lives. We are human beings created by God to think positive and bless others with our gifts and talents. Common discusses this message in every chapter. He inspired me to be a better man as well as a future father and husband. Thank you Common for sharing your testimony with avid, biographical readers like myself. May God continue to bless you brother as you continue to bless people through words of wisdom and music.

Even though he is not quite 40, Common has written a thoughtful account of his life so far. He covers his growing up in Chicago, the decision to leave college to pursue his rap career, diversifying into acting, and his much publicized love life.

What really makes this book shine is his mother's input (she really should have been listed as co-author) and the letters that Common writes to loved ones at the beginning of each chapter. I loved that throughout the book as he shares his life journey and the decisions he made, his mother writes about her reaction to those different points in his life. Also, the letters he writes frame the subject matter of each chapter to give you more insight into what is about to be told. The book begins and ends with letters to the reader and includes others to his mother, father, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, his deceased cousin Ajile and others. I thought that was a great choice.

I would normally recommend a book like this to young men in high school and college because Common is really candid about his growth as a person, flaws and all. The only thing holding me back is that he is also quite open about his sexual history, so discretion must be used.

What I feel for this book is pretty much described to a T in all the reviews before me...I just had to say something to give it another 5 stars lol. I LOVE this book. It made him more human and it definitely inspired me to be better and do better with my God-given gifts. I always felt that he was a good person and love what I got to know about him in his music...but this book made him great in my eyes and I LOVE his mom! I would read her book if she ever wrote one for sure. The love and shining example she provided for her son...and others...is an example that will stay with me through my life. There's something to be gained for anyone in this book whether you're a Common fan or not.

It's funny seeing other reviewers comment on how they couldn't put this book down. Because neither could I! I had to read this book after reading the prologue online and listening to "Book of Life" (a song that I am currently relating too). I always knew Common was an amazing rapper/person so I really was interested in his insights. This book provides a wonderful account of how he came from a humble beginning in Chicago to becoming one of the most respected rappers in hip-hop. I love how his mother provides her opinions throughout the book. She was just as open as Common and provides a unique juxtaposition to certain statements and opinions. The book is extremely honest, inspiring and intelligent. It places so much importance on intrinsic values, loving everyone and always striving to be a better and more noble person. These things may sound corny and typical of any autobiography, but Common describes them very eloquently. His story and thoughts, regardless of who you are, can be applicable to many situations. My only problem with the book is that the last three chapters (after the one about Erykah) seem rushed. He barely talks about his last three albums (and BE honestly deserves it own chapter because it truly placed him in a huge spotlight...and it's one of my all time favorite albums :D). Besides that, the book is great and I definitely recommend it. It is a great story of someone who succeeded without having to sacrifice his morals and beliefs.

I was deeply moved after reading this powerful memoir. Common gives a well-detail and honest portrait of himself as a man, father, son, and great friend. His sapience molds inspiration for people who feel they are hopeless and not loved. He entices readers to have faith at all times in their lives. We are human beings created by God to think positive and bless others with our gifts and talents. Common discusses this message in every chapter. He inspired me to be a better man as well as a future father and husband. Thank you Common for sharing your testimony with avid, biographical readers like myself. May God continue to bless you brother as you continue to bless people through words of wisdom and music.

Even though he is not quite 40, Common has written a thoughtful account of his life so far. He covers his growing up in Chicago, the decision to leave college to pursue his rap career, diversifying into acting, and his much publicized love life.

What really makes this book shine is his mother's input (she really should have been listed as co-author) and the letters that Common writes to loved ones at the beginning of each chapter. I loved that throughout the book as he shares his life journey and the decisions he made, his mother writes about her reaction to those different points in his life. Also, the letters he writes frame the subject matter of each chapter to give you more insight into what is about to be told. The book begins and ends with letters to the reader and includes others to his mother, father, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, his deceased cousin Ajile and others. I thought that was a great choice.

I would normally recommend a book like this to young men in high school and college because Common is really candid about his growth as a person, flaws and all. The only thing holding me back is that he is also quite open about his sexual history, so discretion must be used.

What I feel for this book is pretty much described to a T in all the reviews before me...I just had to say something to give it another 5 stars lol. I LOVE this book. It made him more human and it definitely inspired me to be better and do better with my God-given gifts. I always felt that he was a good person and love what I got to know about him in his music...but this book made him great in my eyes and I LOVE his mom! I would read her book if she ever wrote one for sure. The love and shining example she provided for her son...and others...is an example that will stay with me through my life. There's something to be gained for anyone in this book whether you're a Common fan or not.

I have always had a crush for this poetic handsome man. This life story is an amazing story of will power. Very nice read & he is hot too :) The Pastor's Heart