Book Look! Poetry Review For June, 2025

 

TITLE: THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE

AUTHOR: TUPAC SHAKUR

PUBLISHER: POCKET BOOKS 

PAGES: 150

REVIEWER: HENRY OAKS

Tupac Shakur's poetry is much more engaging than his rap songs, because it eliminates the sensationalism intended to attract and titillate music audiences. It's raw, unpolitical, and unapologetic.  With an open invitation to the essence of who he was, he cries out for understanding of his behavior, rather than attempting to justify it. He had great regard for women of color; particularly his mom and Jada Pinkett. His writings seemed to reflect a frustration and confusion as to why his sentiments about Black women were not shared by more Black men.  

The book has an interesting foreword provided by Nikki Giovanni, in which she emphatically states: "He (Tupac) deserves to be taken seriously and we must therefore mourn."

 "The Rose..." is broken into four chapters which include: 

THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE

NOTHING CAN COME BETWEEN US

JUST A BREATH OF FREEDOM

LIBERTY NEEDS GLASSES

After reading "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" I am an even bigger fan of his creative talent. I was literally drawn into the dynamics of this book. I found it to be heartfelt and captivating. One could feel the authenticity pouring from his very soul. 

He reveals a great love and regard for God; which some might consider a contradiction to his gangsta' image and often rebellious lyrics. 

With the closing of this book, as well as his life, Tupac yearns for brothers to unite.

The Rose That Grew From Concrete will definitely "grow" on readers.

BIO:

Henry E. Oaks is a graphic artist, writer and poet residing in Illinois. He is the author of Black Rhymes With a Reason.  

Join us For Some Hot Jazz & Cool Poetry!

 

Get in where you fit in! Join us as we celebrate National Black Music Month, with some fusion of jazz & poetry.

WHEN: 

JUNE 21, 2025 FROM 2:30-4:30 P.M.

SATURDAY

WHERE:

WEST PULLMAN LIBRARY

830 W. 119TH STREET

CHICAGO

Light refreshments served. Free to the public.

Image credits: Pixabay.com

Poetry Corner* Dr. Archan Mehta

 

 Fate?

A gypsy once told me that death and destruction

Are on the cards: the wise, old woman gazed deeply

Into her crystal ball with a twinkle in her eyes. Even

So, we can still make the most of the little time we

Have left, my dear, and ride this magic carpet to

The Promised Land. Look, my love, do you see

This Garden of Eden? Ah, look at these rabbits

Scampering in the lush, green landscape where

Time stands still and one is locked into the 

Warm, comforting embrace of eternity. Just 

Beyond the threshold, there are fertile lands 

Where red roses bloom and lilacs welcome you.

The yonder lake shines like a mirror and sends

Dew drops like a messenger from paradise. This

Is the time to keep hope alive: let the flame of

Life touch the stars and transport us to Mars. Enjoy

This fleeting moment before it melts away into the dusk.

BIO:

Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, he likes to stroll the outdoors and party with close friends. 

He is also fond of meditation.

Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.