Powerful Combination
Power (Paul) and Beauty (Tanya) have been friends for years. Their mothers were friends, co-workers and neighbors. When Beauty’s mother died from cancer, she entrusted her daughter to Power’s mother, Charlotte. Power and Beauty went from friends to siblings. Some years later with the death of Charlotte, Power and Beauty only have each other.
I had put off reading this book because of the less than favorable reviews. *flashback to MIDNIGHT by Sister Souljah* However, it was sent for review and a reviewer’s got to do what a reviewer’s got to do! And so I cracked opened “Power & Beauty” not knowing what to expect but not expecting much. Three hundred and forty pages later I closed the book with a sense of satisfaction.
The name on the cover of this book works for it as much as it works against it. The name T.I. brings about certain expectations, whether right or wrong. You have folks that picked up (or will pick up) this book looking for the T.I. whose CDs they listen to, whose videos they’ve watched and they are looking for that same grit, rawness, intensity and hardcore street edge. You have folks that have a predilection for what’s been dubbed the “street lit” genre that picked up (or will pick up) this book looking for what they’ve become accustomed to with that genre. And then you have folks that are expecting it to be a bad read and only want to read this book to tear it apart just because. All three of those groups will be disappointed.
Like Sister Souljah’s follow-ups to THE COLDEST WINTER EVER, “Power & Beauty” falls victim to being well-written. I know that sounds absolutely crazy, but folks have gotten so used to instant gratification, microwavable drama, Hollywood-type hood stories and mediocre-written books they can’t appreciate a book that’s not those things. Instead, “Power & Beauty” takes its time in developing its plot and characters. Those with short attention spans will fall to the wayside quickly. With that said, its leisurely pace at times was too slow and drawn out. The story builds on itself. A lot of story is given to build onto the next part of the story. Much of it was necessary but not all. I would have preferred more streamlining when it came to certain aspects of the story.
I was disappointed to see this book follow some trends, or more like gimmicks, from the ‘street lit’ handbook starting with Beauty being of mixed ethnicity (African-American and Asian) and physically flawless. Some things were a little too neat and convenient. Also, so not feeling that this book did not conclude. There are three hundred and forty pages that serve only to set up the NEXT book. Sure, you get a story but it is more like prep work and the real story will begin with book two. Stop the madness and give readers a complete story!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t say this - I did not FEEL T.I. in this book at all. Beyond one of the settings being Atlanta and a plug for a clothing line, this book could have just as easily only had David Ritz’s name on it, and I would believe it. I get it, the whole ghostwriting, co-writing, assistant writing or whatever you want to call it thing. It’s the business. But I do hope there is more of T.I.’s influence in the next book.
“Power & Beauty” is engaging and I think it’s worth the read. Anyone looking for a well-written tale should give it a try. However, it’s not a read for everyone (see above). I’m looking forward to what’s next and a conclusion with “Power & Beauty 2.”
Reviewed by: Toni
3.75