Losing My Cool: How a Father's Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-hop Culture Audiobook

" I zoomed through this in a day. I was reallyinterested in how the author changed his mindset from one of immersion in hip-hop culture to one focused on philosophy at the collegiate level. I would like some of my teaching colleagues to read it and see if there are any overall ideas that can come from the author's journey, or if it's just one person's (interesting) story of their personal paradigm shift. "

" On finding a deeper, more universal meaning of culture beyond hip hop through his father's library and influential teachers and friends. "

" Mildly heartwarming as a father/son coming-of-age story, but lacking sufficient perspective or nuance in its portrayal of hip-hop culture. Far too many reductive, sweeping judgments of hip-hop's influence based on tenuous interpretations of scant anecdotal evidence. I'd highly recommend the The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates, for a much sharper take on similar subject matter. "

" Excellent read, perspective, wonderfully needed. Good insight into one young man's perspective/area of hip-hop culture and equally good insight into humanness, beyond any one culture or group. Read it. "

" This book is fascinating. Following along as this young black man recreates himself. Inspirational. "

" The idea was so amazing that I was certain I would enjoy it. However, all I really got from this was that his father taught him to value learning but not women. "

" What a combination -- views of hip-hop culture, the segregated South of the 1950s, New Jersey 'hoods of the 1980s, and Georgetown University; reflections on classic philosophy, and ultimately a wonderful emergence. "

" Excellent read, adding to my library for future reference, either by me or one of my sons. "

" Some nicely observed, resonant passages about cultural dislocation. Great scene at Dean & Deluca's in Georgetown when he's asked to pick up a baguette and guesses (incorrectly) that what his friend wants is a small, French bag. "

" Something every son should read. Even if you aren't lucky enough to have a professor, the owner of 15,000 books or a man to sit you down and do two hours of tuition every night for a father, read how this man took these lessons and became someone his Dad is proud of. "

" Insightful and very reflective reading. Came close to the core of what I experienced when growing up in the areas he mentions. Little disappointed with the amount of profanity. "

" Won this book on First Reads. Great read. Other people have recommended it to me since I read it. So the word is out that this is a must-read. What are you waiting for? Thank you first Reads! "

" Williams chronicles the influence rap and the rap culture had on his experiences, decisions, friends, education and family growing up. Williams was lucky to have parents who counter-balanced this culture, but he's aware of his many friends and acquantainces who were not so blessed! "

" What a combination -- views of hip-hop culture, the segregated South of the 1950s, New Jersey 'hoods of the 1980s, and Georgetown University; reflections on classic philosophy, and ultimately a wonderful emergence. "

" An intriguing story of one mans journey from hip hop to philosopher. "

" An excellent read. Thomas really discusses what it means to be black in the hip-hop era without sounding PC about it. There are other books about hip-hop culture out there, but this one gives a personal spin that makes it better above the rest. "

" Interesting memoir about a young man who discovers the joy of learning and philosophy. A tribute to his patient, learned father, to great writers, to dedicated teachers and professors. "

" I really liked this memoir about the author's struggle to straddle popular culture and the world of education. It seemed to be very honest and I learned some things about what it must be like to be a young black man in America. "

" Thomas Chatterton Williams did a fine job writing this memoir, which depicts the cultural dynamic of the hip hop culture. He enlightens the reader with the impact of how the poetic word over beats cuts deeper than a good song. "

" Excellent read, perspective, wonderfully needed. Good insight into one young man's perspective/area of hip-hop culture and equally good insight into humanness, beyond any one culture or group. Read it. "

" LOVED this book. Everyone should read it. "

" the story carries it more than the voice. "

" Great book for a young man trying to establish his own identity with the peer pressure of the Hip-Hop Culture. It's explores the power of reading and philosphy and challenges the reader to think about their life and the world around you. "

" Insightful look into the motives of this young man as he searches his identity through his mixed-race parentage and delves into his and his friends' motivations and various visions of success. "