American Dreams

by Sapphire

Book Overview

In the tradition of Alice Walker, this electrifying new African American voice delivers the verdict on the urban condition in a sensual, propulsive, and prophetic book of poetry and prose. Whether she is writing about an enraged teenager gone "wilding" in Central Park, fifteen-year-old Latasha Harlins gunned down by a Korean grocer, or a brutalized child who grows up to escape her probable fate through the miracle of art, Sapphire's vision in this...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679767991
• ISBN13: 9780679767992
• Release Date: June 1996
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Seeing life from a different street/another window, You learn something. Not all of us like to lear

When I read a book like "Push" and "Sapphire" it takes me totally out of my comfort zone. Once you are out of your comfort zone then what? Well for me I continue reading, I think that books are meant to be read and we can learn something about someone else and their life. Many people do not even like the thought of an association with people in these some of these books. They like to think of them as someone's dark story and not a real life. Well unfortunately this is someone's life and all our stories need to be shared and told. Some far more than others. I read far more than the average person and I read to learn something I do not already know (and I do). I want to be a part of the change when change is necessary. (and isn't it always necessary) I would like to share some of my life with some of yours.(to learn from each other) There are few books that I have read that I have not learned something from, usually something important. I would like to thank the writers for their efforts, they are wonderful. Even the awful ones are wonderful because they have shared something with me that I needed to know. As I read Precious's story and how little she had from everyone in her life I sat and cried, actually sobbed. But she valued everything she was given and everything she learned, she was so much braver than me. How I wish I had the ability to reach out there and help the people like Precious who need so much and have so little. and so few who want to help them. Thank God for people like Blu Rain who are there and give so much.

Art for Sure...

Art can be bludgeoning and people have become desensitized to many of the issues on which the writer focuses due to the sensationalism of the news. This is a beautiful book, which those who choose not to feel may find harsh. Life can be harsh and Sapphire's art reflects that. This is art. Feel.

Keeps you glued to the pages!

This was very intriguing! It was so REAL as she takes you through her life experiences. You really feel for her! Excellent Writing!

ELECTRIFYING! A SOUL STIRRING ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF BEAUTY

THE ABSOLUTE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER EVER READ OF POETRY AND SHORT STORIES THAT EXPLORE ISSUES OF SEXISM AND RACISM AND OVERALL HUMAN-ISM'S. THIS IS A TREASURE, THE MOZART, THE COLTRANE, THE HENDRIX OF BOOKS, CREME DE LA CREME. SAPPHIRE ADD A NEW #1 FAN TO YOUR LIST!!! YOU ARE THE BOMMMMMBBBBBB, BABEE!!!!

heart-wrenching, stomach-turning, life-changing

possibly one of the most powerful and moving books i've ever read. this was given to me as a gift by a friend who assured me it would change my life. it made me cry, laugh, get angry, grow stronger. incredibly poetic - it will hit you hard.