A Hand to Guide Me
by Denzel Washington
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Book Reviews of A Hand to Guide Me
Book Review: A Push to a Certain Path at a Certain Time...to Reach Our Certain Purpose
Summary: 5 Stars
In "A Hand to Guide Me," American film star and legend, Denzel Washington, sets out shine a light on the 100 year old Boy's & Girl's Clubs of America, an organization of 3,700 serving more than 4.4 million children in all 50 states. Washington's eventual success can be traced directly to the Boys Club in his home town, Mt. Vernon, New York. It was there, by necessity, that he learned purpose, consequences, and how to be a man.
"A Hand to Guide Me" is a collection of short stories by ordinary people from ordinary beginnings, accomplishing extraordinary things. Six dozen people from diverse backgrounds share their memories about role models, mentors and positive influences in their lives. Some are household names like coach John Wooden, director John Singleton, author Toni Morrison, General Wesley Clark and former President Jimmy Carter. Many are alumni of Girls and Boys Clubs of America, while others have taken on leadership roles in these clubs. And some were asked to contribute because there was something to learn from their voice. These are very readable stories ranging in length from two to four pages.
All of the contributors have outgrown a hardship or two to reach a significant level of success and can draw a line from their success to some rock solid foundational experience - sometimes it is a parent, a coach, a neighbor or the inspiration derived from a tragic event.
Washington's resonant message is that we are all extraordinary in our own way but we don't go it alone. There are people on whose shoulders we stand and we, in turn, can provide a shoulder for others.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America are the center of everything for many kids today, providing a shoulder for millions of kids and making a vital contribution to the future of our society. They are a breeding ground for hope, purpose, and direction - where many have learned strength, confidence, and the freedom to dream...to think big.
Book Review: Diverse Reflections of Role Models
Summary: 4 Stars
Denzel Washington uses his star power to assemble personal recollections from assorted successful folks (primarily alumnae of the Boys and Girls Clubs Organizations) about the people who shaped THEIR lives as youngsters.
Some of the stories are more interesting and inspiring than others, and I couldn't help but wonder if this volume couldn't have benefitted from more cohesive editing. But the bottom line is that these are positive and uplifting pages that remind us "if you want to change history, start by changing the life of a child."
Book Review: A wonderful and inspiring read
Summary: 5 Stars
Denzel Washington has captured the most interesting and inspiring series of short stories and memories I have read in a long time. The people on these pages have very compelling stories and are well written.Book Review: Useful in and out of the classroom
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book to use in the classroom. I teach high school students and I think its really important that students these days read about people who made it in life and have a good message to give to the students. In this book there are so many positive stories and very short stories that students will not get bored.
Washington really pulled it off by making the book and the stories in it the star. One can look at the cover of the book and think that maybe its all about Washington but its not. There are stories from Bill Clinton to Jimmy Carter. It's really a fantastic read and I think it has helped many of my young male students who have been searching for a role model.
Book Review: Great Advice from a Wise Man
Summary: 5 Stars
"One of Hollywood's nicest people reaches out again to help others."