Maya Angelou
Common has written a magnificent memoir. It states that it is a book about his fascinating life. That is true. More importantly, his story is the story of all young people trying to grow up. His saga reminds the reader that love liberates and poverty cripples. Common writes beautifully, like the poet he is.
The Substance of Hope - Jelani Cobb
Raw in its honesty, profound in its insights, One Day It’ll All Make Sense establishes Common as a voice that is as compelling on the page as it is on a record. This is not simply the story of an individual artist but a crucial page the history of hip hop itself.
Quincy Jones
"Common is a 360-degree human being, and I don't say that about many people. He never needed to "pimp the hood" to achieve his deserved success. He is an eloquent and honorable role model and his memoir is a perfect example of his depth as a human being. In addition, reading about his childhood and upbringing in Chicago is really a trip - because we went through so many of the same experiences albeit decades apart. Chicago is still the roughest and primary "Institution of Hard Knocks," and if you can make it there, you can truly make it anywhere!
Toure of Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness
A thoughtful and beautiful book that tells us much more about Common. . . . His mother’s perspective takes this to another level.
The Color of Water - James McBride
Praise for One Day It'll All Make Sense
"Common distinguishes himself here as a true artist and a writer of deep talent. This book is the story of an artist in constant evolution, one who embodies the strength of the brilliant woman that raised him, the love of the Southside Chicago land that spawned him, and the raw spirit of the pro basketball player who fathered him. I’ve always heard that the people of Southside Chicago were special. I’m glad their native son Common shows us why."
Queen Latifah
A powerful memoir that speaks to all audiences.
Author of Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness - Toure
A thoughtful and beautiful book that tells us much more about Common. . . . His mother’s perspective takes this to another level.
Author of Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness - Toure
A thoughtful and beautiful book that tells us much more about Common. . . . His mother’s perspective takes this to another level.
Queen Latifah
A powerful memoir that speaks to all audiences.
From the Publisher
Common distinguishes himself here as a true artist and a writer of deep talent. This book is the story of an artist in constant evolution, one who embodies the strength of the brilliant woman that raised him, the love of the Southside Chicago land that spawned him, and the raw spirit of the pro basketball player who fathered him. I’ve always heard that the people of Southside Chicago were special. I’m glad their native son Common shows us why. —James McBride Author of The Color of Water
“Common has written a magnificent memoir. It states that it is a book about his fascinating life. That is true. More importantly, his story is the story of all young people trying to grow up. His saga reminds the reader that love liberates and poverty cripples. Common writes beautifully, like the poet he is.”
–Maya Angelou
“A powerful memoir that speaks to all audiences.” –Queen Latifah
