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Power & Beauty #1
Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets
Hip-hop artist Tip "T.I." Harris has received every acclaim the music world has to offer. Now, working with bestselling celebrity collaborator David Ritz, T.I. applies all his talent and experience to the world of fiction by creating the epic love story of Power and Beauty.
After the death of his mother, Charlotte, Paul “Power” Clay allows himself to be guided by Slim, a local businessman. Slim always has the best of everything, and Power is sure that if he learns Slim's ways, he'll make something of himself--and perhaps be worthy of Tanya “Beauty” Long. From Chicago to Miami to New York, through drugs, women, and violence, Power makes the difficult transition from boy to man and, in doing so, begins to question if those who have taught him--including Slim--truly have his best interests at heart.
Beauty has always known that the only person she can rely on is herself. After her mother died when she was eleven years old, she was adopted by close family friend Charlotte Clay. But with Charlotte's death, Beauty knows she's no longer safe and protected--especially as Power gets sucked into a new kind of life. As soon as she can, she turns her back on Atlanta--and the growing love she feels for Power--for a chance to make it in the Big Apple. With a successful fashion career on the horizon, Beauty takes New York by storm with her wit, business savvy, and breathtaking good looks. But she's never forgotten those she left behind. And when it becomes clear that Power needs her, Beauty will risk everything to save the man she loves.
After the death of his mother, Charlotte, Paul “Power” Clay allows himself to be guided by Slim, a local businessman. Slim always has the best of everything, and Power is sure that if he learns Slim's ways, he'll make something of himself--and perhaps be worthy of Tanya “Beauty” Long. From Chicago to Miami to New York, through drugs, women, and violence, Power makes the difficult transition from boy to man and, in doing so, begins to question if those who have taught him--including Slim--truly have his best interests at heart.
Beauty has always known that the only person she can rely on is herself. After her mother died when she was eleven years old, she was adopted by close family friend Charlotte Clay. But with Charlotte's death, Beauty knows she's no longer safe and protected--especially as Power gets sucked into a new kind of life. As soon as she can, she turns her back on Atlanta--and the growing love she feels for Power--for a chance to make it in the Big Apple. With a successful fashion career on the horizon, Beauty takes New York by storm with her wit, business savvy, and breathtaking good looks. But she's never forgotten those she left behind. And when it becomes clear that Power needs her, Beauty will risk everything to save the man she loves.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2011
93 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
T.I. Harris
1 book9 followersClifford Joseph Harris, Jr. (born September 25, 1980), better known by his stage name T.I. or T.I.P., is an American recording artist, film & music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer (CEO) of Grand Hustle Records.
Now, working with bestselling celebrity collaborator David Ritz, T.I. applies all his talent and experience to the world of fiction by creating the epic love story of Power and Beauty.
Now, working with bestselling celebrity collaborator David Ritz, T.I. applies all his talent and experience to the world of fiction by creating the epic love story of Power and Beauty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 6, 2012
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
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
October 27, 2012
I went into this book with high expectations. TI is a great rapper! Has stage presence and is a convincing actor however, as a writer I am not moved.
I bought this book on audio and was able to hear the emotions stressed on the words the way the author intended but even that wasn't enough to draw me in.
The book was descriptive and each character's persona was developed. But that's as far as I'm able to go with the positives.
This book didn't have a plot! Point blank. Where is the plot?
A glimpse into the characters
Power--his nickname wasn't because he was a strong individual mentally or physically but because of his love for a tv show. I was fooled off top because apart of me wanting to read this outside of the fact that it's TI was because I love to read about strong, powerful men/women. I was bamboozled. He was a young man who bowed down to everyone else's power! Fantasized over his adopted sister Beauty (the storyline between this lust/love fiasco wasn't matured enough for me to even overstand why) He was just Slim's tool/fool. His nickname should have been Puppet.
Beauty--had the good sense to leave Slim's house and not get caught up in the glitz and glam of Slim's lifestyle. But she fell off after the first couple of chapters and didn't return until the end of the book and by that point I was already too disenchanted with the story to further love or hate her.
The other characters were run ons....Blah blah blah. If I at least hated the book as I did For the Love of Money by Shoney K I could go into deeper details but I am in the middle. I was left feeling indifferent. And people only express true emotions if they either had an over the top experience or a horrible one. My experience was just blah!
TI--your book has just been blazed!!!
I bought this book on audio and was able to hear the emotions stressed on the words the way the author intended but even that wasn't enough to draw me in.
The book was descriptive and each character's persona was developed. But that's as far as I'm able to go with the positives.
This book didn't have a plot! Point blank. Where is the plot?
A glimpse into the characters
Power--his nickname wasn't because he was a strong individual mentally or physically but because of his love for a tv show. I was fooled off top because apart of me wanting to read this outside of the fact that it's TI was because I love to read about strong, powerful men/women. I was bamboozled. He was a young man who bowed down to everyone else's power! Fantasized over his adopted sister Beauty (the storyline between this lust/love fiasco wasn't matured enough for me to even overstand why) He was just Slim's tool/fool. His nickname should have been Puppet.
Beauty--had the good sense to leave Slim's house and not get caught up in the glitz and glam of Slim's lifestyle. But she fell off after the first couple of chapters and didn't return until the end of the book and by that point I was already too disenchanted with the story to further love or hate her.
The other characters were run ons....Blah blah blah. If I at least hated the book as I did For the Love of Money by Shoney K I could go into deeper details but I am in the middle. I was left feeling indifferent. And people only express true emotions if they either had an over the top experience or a horrible one. My experience was just blah!
TI--your book has just been blazed!!!
November 29, 2011
Did I buy this book just because it is written by T.I.? Yes.
I'm giving this book 4 stars because it exceeded my expectations. I have no idea what the target audience is for this book, and it seems like it was trying to appeal to a lot of different people. At times, it felt like some of the characters were the way they were just so every ethnic and religious group could be represented. Someone had to be gay, someone had to be Jewish, someone had to be Asian, someone had to be ___, etc. And some of these characters wandered into stereotypical areas. But I enjoyed how Power and Beauty were both on journeys that seemed almost mythological; there was a reason they were being sent to each teacher.
Should this one day be turned into a movie, I have no idea who would play Power, but I kept picturing Big Boi as Slim. Though that could very well be the influence of ATL.
**Spoiler**
************
I was pretty much outraged that the book ended in a cliffhanger. I mean-- really?! I would have read book #2 anyway. It would have been nice to have at least some closure to end this book. And when will the 2nd book come out? I felt tricked. Like here I was sitting through the whole book, putting up with things that were less than perfect, scenarios that were unrealistic and characters that were sometimes merely caricatures and I don't even get an ending?
Oh, Tip, why do you toy with my emotions?
I'm giving this book 4 stars because it exceeded my expectations. I have no idea what the target audience is for this book, and it seems like it was trying to appeal to a lot of different people. At times, it felt like some of the characters were the way they were just so every ethnic and religious group could be represented. Someone had to be gay, someone had to be Jewish, someone had to be Asian, someone had to be ___, etc. And some of these characters wandered into stereotypical areas. But I enjoyed how Power and Beauty were both on journeys that seemed almost mythological; there was a reason they were being sent to each teacher.
Should this one day be turned into a movie, I have no idea who would play Power, but I kept picturing Big Boi as Slim. Though that could very well be the influence of ATL.
**Spoiler**
************
I was pretty much outraged that the book ended in a cliffhanger. I mean-- really?! I would have read book #2 anyway. It would have been nice to have at least some closure to end this book. And when will the 2nd book come out? I felt tricked. Like here I was sitting through the whole book, putting up with things that were less than perfect, scenarios that were unrealistic and characters that were sometimes merely caricatures and I don't even get an ending?
Oh, Tip, why do you toy with my emotions?
September 25, 2018
This read is cool. I must admit to being a little disappointed 😔. The storyline is interesting but really surprised by the mediocre writing (meaning boring) for someone like T.I., not necessarily a fan of his music, more so a fan of the man, because we've watched him grow into a rather decent human. Possessing a pretty strong vocabulary and having the ability to utilize this strength when he hear him speak I would have expect this to be illustrated within this work but nope not really. And I’ve been thinking and wondering if T. I really wrote this book or is his name just being utilized like some are doing. I really did not want to put that out there but I really do wonder how much input is really from him🤫. It’s not a bad read but extremely too slow and honestly this read is just set up for you to read the next book.
June 24, 2021
To be continued really?! Good thing the second book is out already! It took me a while to read this book because I couldn’t find my book! I finally got the 1st and second book and picked up where I left off. I enjoyed the book that I couldn’t put it down once I started reading the book again. The cliffhanger is real! Lol can’t wait to read the second book.
February 2, 2022
Pleasant surprise. I thought that the writing was a little chunky but the story itself was good. Power and Beauty tied together by the death of Power's mother and separated by fate. Much better than I thought it was going to be. Solid 3.5/5
October 25, 2011
Power & Beauty, an urban love story written by rapper T.I. and "assisted" by David Ritz, is a plodding tale that seemed like it took me forever to get through. It follows 16 year olds who grew up together as siblings after Power's mother, Charlotte, took in Beauty when her mother dies. When Charlotte is killed in a tragic accident, the pair is left to fend for themselves -- and finally act on their long-standing attraction. After that one passionate night, they vow to never speak of it again. They have more important things to worry about anyway, like where to live.
Fortunately, their mother's boss and friend, a hustler named Slim, invites them live with him, where Power relishes the freedom and abundant women. Beauty, on the other hand doesn't trust Slim, and runs as far as she can, leaving Power behind.
For some reason, Power admires the shady man. Slim takes him under his wing and sends him on journeys to become educated in the world of hard knocks. This is the part that is somewhat interesting but drags...
Told in two parts -- mostly in first person by Power, third-person featuring Beauty -- the story could be cut about 50 to 60 pages. I will say I think T.I. tried to write this with gusto (makes me wonder how much Ritz contributed), but I was unsatisfactorily left wondering at the end what was going to happen next, with the conclusion being so abrupt.
It's, of course, headed for a sequel. I can't see myself reading it, though.
Fortunately, their mother's boss and friend, a hustler named Slim, invites them live with him, where Power relishes the freedom and abundant women. Beauty, on the other hand doesn't trust Slim, and runs as far as she can, leaving Power behind.
For some reason, Power admires the shady man. Slim takes him under his wing and sends him on journeys to become educated in the world of hard knocks. This is the part that is somewhat interesting but drags...
Told in two parts -- mostly in first person by Power, third-person featuring Beauty -- the story could be cut about 50 to 60 pages. I will say I think T.I. tried to write this with gusto (makes me wonder how much Ritz contributed), but I was unsatisfactorily left wondering at the end what was going to happen next, with the conclusion being so abrupt.
It's, of course, headed for a sequel. I can't see myself reading it, though.
December 14, 2014
I usually give up on books that dont grab me within 5 chapters. I love T.I. so I finished it. Interesting story, could have been written better. The ending was a cliff hanger for a sequel but I'm not sure I want more of this. Disappointed
August 11, 2017
This book was lit, very good. T.I. did an excellent job with this story. I been seeing this book around for a minute now. And wanted to read it was not disappointed, I do know I am itching for part 2. I am going over to OverDrive and cop this yes, honey. Because that ending has my heart racing.
February 29, 2012
I can't wait for Part 2. I do not read Street Lit but this book was great. It was at my local library so I picked it up and very happy I did.
September 18, 2014
Excellent Read!
August 22, 2020
I was exited about this read only to be disappointed. They only used TIP’s name for the sales. I can’t believe he’d be a part of something so poorly written. It is a great story with no point. This book only show the lives power and beauty lead a part. What was the purpose of sending power to “learn” from all these men??? WHY!!!! It had nothing to do with anything. SLIM, WANDA????why were they even in the book. Why detail so much of The people surrounding Beauty in New York. This story went absolutely NO WHERE!!!! I wish I could get my time back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
Definitely not the story I was expecting but this was a decent read. The story is well written but it is slow at times. Power (Paul) and Beauty (Tanya) are adoptive siblings with an attraction, longing, and love for one another but being brought up as siblings stops them from being together. They both go their separate ways after their mom dies and experiences life in different aspects and new cities/states. At the very end they are about to be reunited after 5 years but what’s being dreaded happens. I’m assuming they will be a book 2 so we can see how their story ends!
March 10, 2020
Sometime in 2011, (8th grade) I was at Barnes & Noble and saw that T.I had a book! I was interested just by that fact and the cover of the book. I was hooked as soon as I opened the first page. Probably wouldn’t read it again as I remember there were so many grammatical errors and incomplete sentences. Although, the storyline was very interesting.
June 20, 2019
Great read
I couldn't stop reading this book it was a page turner and very well written...even though the characters are different their lives are still entwined with one another...can't wait to read the next..bravo to T.I. Harris and David Ritz..the dynmatic duo...
I couldn't stop reading this book it was a page turner and very well written...even though the characters are different their lives are still entwined with one another...can't wait to read the next..bravo to T.I. Harris and David Ritz..the dynmatic duo...
May 17, 2020
This book was thrown together and just fast paced in a bad way. No thought went into the plot. Like why exactly is this guy trying to kill these people? That is never explained throughly. I am buddy reading this with a friend so that is the only reason I'm reading the sequel 🥴 #ihateithere
June 30, 2017
Well I thought the book was a good read to be a suspense story.
February 26, 2018
Excellent Book
The book was exciting and The title was everything POWER AND BEAUTY,Slim was a killer and he also killed there Mom
The book was exciting and The title was everything POWER AND BEAUTY,Slim was a killer and he also killed there Mom
October 3, 2018
Page turner
February 14, 2019
I was actually surprised with this book, i loved it
June 7, 2019
This book was okay. I will read the second book only to find out the rest of the story. I feel T.I. needs to stick to music.
May 28, 2020
Slim - Charles Simmons
Power and Beauty
Power and Beauty
November 5, 2021
This one urban love story , pretty good storyline
March 2, 2023
Great Read!!!
I couldn’t stop reading this book it had my full attention. It made me want more to see what was going to happen.
I couldn’t stop reading this book it had my full attention. It made me want more to see what was going to happen.
August 30, 2024
I enjoyed the book it wasn’t what I thought it would be but it did keep my attention.
August 10, 2017
Blog: https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...
Omg, Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets by Tip "T.I." Harris was so good, I been wanting to read this book for awhile now and glad I gotten the chance. And finally, when they were about to meet again Power got snatched up ugh… I got to get part 2 I need to become I’m itching to know what will happen.
Btw: the narrator did an excellent job with this story.
Omg, Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets by Tip "T.I." Harris was so good, I been wanting to read this book for awhile now and glad I gotten the chance. And finally, when they were about to meet again Power got snatched up ugh… I got to get part 2 I need to become I’m itching to know what will happen.
Btw: the narrator did an excellent job with this story.
April 14, 2012
This book was ok. I did not go into it thinking that it was going to be a literary masterpiece; but really, if this were a work of fan fiction, then the book's main characters would be amongst the biggest Marty Stu and Mary Sue characters out there.
*Warning: Spoilers Follow*
I found the character of Beauty to be the most problematic of all. She was written in such a way that her character ran the spectrum of female character stereotypes. She was so beautiful that every guy she ran across wanted to be with her; and she was so smart that she was able to launch her own line aimed at pre-teens AND run a major department store's pre-teen section by the age of 21 without any formal training (beyond working at Claire's) or a college degree. Not only that, but she was chaste - but not TOO chaste. That said, she dealt with the moral dilemma of almost being a kept woman who almost gets exactly what she wants by sleeping with a man - but is relieved that it doesn't happen. THEN she goes and hits the manipulative, conniving female stereotype bell by doing exactly what she was fretting about so that she can advance herself and her career.
I feel this is a bit problematic for the character. Flaws are fine, but they didn't really explain what lead to the drastic change in the character's morals. Essentially, I feel like they wanted Beauty to be the "perfect woman" - the woman all men want and the woman all women want to be. They settled for her suddenly compromising her previous moral integrity to get her to a certain place in the story. But they didn't want to take the time to get her to that place in an at least somewhat realistic way.
I felt this book dragged on quite a bit too much. I also felt that the ending was too abrupt. I know they're going to have a sequel, but they could have had a better segue for it.
I didn't go into reading this book to thinking it would be a literary masterpiece. It was entertaining enough for what it was.
*Warning: Spoilers Follow*
I found the character of Beauty to be the most problematic of all. She was written in such a way that her character ran the spectrum of female character stereotypes. She was so beautiful that every guy she ran across wanted to be with her; and she was so smart that she was able to launch her own line aimed at pre-teens AND run a major department store's pre-teen section by the age of 21 without any formal training (beyond working at Claire's) or a college degree. Not only that, but she was chaste - but not TOO chaste. That said, she dealt with the moral dilemma of almost being a kept woman who almost gets exactly what she wants by sleeping with a man - but is relieved that it doesn't happen. THEN she goes and hits the manipulative, conniving female stereotype bell by doing exactly what she was fretting about so that she can advance herself and her career.
I feel this is a bit problematic for the character. Flaws are fine, but they didn't really explain what lead to the drastic change in the character's morals. Essentially, I feel like they wanted Beauty to be the "perfect woman" - the woman all men want and the woman all women want to be. They settled for her suddenly compromising her previous moral integrity to get her to a certain place in the story. But they didn't want to take the time to get her to that place in an at least somewhat realistic way.
I felt this book dragged on quite a bit too much. I also felt that the ending was too abrupt. I know they're going to have a sequel, but they could have had a better segue for it.
I didn't go into reading this book to thinking it would be a literary masterpiece. It was entertaining enough for what it was.
October 25, 2015
Well this will be short and sweet. Power is left with his sister Beauty after their mother Charlotte is killed in a fire. Beauty is not Power's biological sister, they were raised as sister and brother after Beauty lost her mother. Which to me is the same thing as being sister and brother.
It was so hard for me to get past the first couple of chapters. (sections because they aren't really long enough to be chapters) I feel like TI was trying to write how he raps. The were just a bunch of sentences clustered together. Kinda like preschool. (The dog was brown. The house was blue. The sky was grey.) give me a break.
I have to be honest, I wasn't able to finish this book...I tried God knows I tried, but I just couldn't finish it. I don't know where he was trying to go, but I couldn't follow him. I had a very hard time, with him not only sleeping with his sister, but not being able to even deal with other women unless he was picturing her face. (unbelievable... L0L)
I wanted to give this book a chance, but after so many, I had to give up and move on the the next book. No sense wasting time on reading something that just isn't doing it for me.
Sorry TI..I prefer your music and acting. As for David Ritz calling TIP a great writer and brilliant literary mind..did he read this book or was he smoking? save your money, I do not recommend reading.
It was so hard for me to get past the first couple of chapters. (sections because they aren't really long enough to be chapters) I feel like TI was trying to write how he raps. The were just a bunch of sentences clustered together. Kinda like preschool. (The dog was brown. The house was blue. The sky was grey.) give me a break.
I have to be honest, I wasn't able to finish this book...I tried God knows I tried, but I just couldn't finish it. I don't know where he was trying to go, but I couldn't follow him. I had a very hard time, with him not only sleeping with his sister, but not being able to even deal with other women unless he was picturing her face. (unbelievable... L0L)
I wanted to give this book a chance, but after so many, I had to give up and move on the the next book. No sense wasting time on reading something that just isn't doing it for me.
Sorry TI..I prefer your music and acting. As for David Ritz calling TIP a great writer and brilliant literary mind..did he read this book or was he smoking? save your money, I do not recommend reading.
January 3, 2012
(FROM JACKET)After the death of his mother, Charlotte, Paul "Power" Clay allows himself to be guided by Slim, a local businessman. Slim always has the best of everything, and Power is sure that if he learns Slim's ways, he'll make something of himself-and perhaps be worthy of Tanya "Beauty" Long. From Chicago to Miami to New York, through drugs, women, and violence, Power makes the difficult transistion from boy to man and, in doing so, begins to question whether those who have taught him-including Slim-truly have his best interests at heart.
Beauty has always known that the only person she can rely on is herself. After her mother died when she was ten years old, she was adopted by close family friend Charlotte Clay. But after Charlotte's death, Beauty knows she's no longer safe and protected-especially as Power gets sucked into a new kind of life. As soon as she can, she turns her back on Atlanta-and the growing love she feels for Power-for a chance to make it in the Big Apple. With a successful fashion career on the horizon, Beauty takes New York by storm with her wit, business savvy, and breathtaking good looks. But she's never forgotten those she left behind. And when it becomes clear that Power needs her, Beauty will risk everything to save the man she loves.
Beauty has always known that the only person she can rely on is herself. After her mother died when she was ten years old, she was adopted by close family friend Charlotte Clay. But after Charlotte's death, Beauty knows she's no longer safe and protected-especially as Power gets sucked into a new kind of life. As soon as she can, she turns her back on Atlanta-and the growing love she feels for Power-for a chance to make it in the Big Apple. With a successful fashion career on the horizon, Beauty takes New York by storm with her wit, business savvy, and breathtaking good looks. But she's never forgotten those she left behind. And when it becomes clear that Power needs her, Beauty will risk everything to save the man she loves.
December 2, 2012
I think the book dragged. The book started off well with Power and Beauty becoming intimate after a loss which adds spice to the novel. However when they separate to travel down their own "on the job" training trajectory it appears as if they are going to reconnect. I understand baiting the reader but don't bait the entire novel! Then the novel spent more time on Power rather than Beauty. I understand he is the main character however, there would not be a Power & Beauty: A love story of life on the streets without her!
Another compliant, I have is that there was too much time/character development with the trainers during Power's section. At the end of the day, we don't need to know that much about them because they don't matter. You read about them for a section, then they are basically killed off or replaced. Finally, we reconnect with Beauty long enough for her to help Power and then BAM the book ends. Really?! The next novel maybe better. However, the question remains am I going to buy the next novel? Do I care enough to find out what will happen between Power and Beauty. Right now, I don't. A first novel is suppose to entice you to read the second novel not dread it.
Another compliant, I have is that there was too much time/character development with the trainers during Power's section. At the end of the day, we don't need to know that much about them because they don't matter. You read about them for a section, then they are basically killed off or replaced. Finally, we reconnect with Beauty long enough for her to help Power and then BAM the book ends. Really?! The next novel maybe better. However, the question remains am I going to buy the next novel? Do I care enough to find out what will happen between Power and Beauty. Right now, I don't. A first novel is suppose to entice you to read the second novel not dread it.
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