Product Description

• In his debut as an author, Denzel Washington shares his personal story of the mentors who helped guide his life.
• Washington pens the introduction for the stories of more than 70 of America's leading personalities in theatre, sports, business, and politics as they tell their life-changing stories of mentorship.
• Contributors include Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Antwone Fisher, Bonnie Raitt, Cal Ripken, Alex Rodriguez, Dick Vitale, Whoopie Goldberg and more.
• A portion of the book's proceeds benefit 4.5 million children currently involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Customer Reviews (28)

A Hand to Guide Me
This book, A Hand to Guide Me, gave me hope for our society.It show how everyone needs a helpful hand in this life. It's nice to know there are people who care about guiding the children in the right direction.Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all could put someone on the right path by our actions today.

Inspiring Look at Role Models
Since watching Remember the Titans for the first time in third grade, I have followed the career of Denzel Washington, being thoroughly impressed with his superb acting prowess.From lines on screen to words on page, Washington continues to leave an indelible mark on me.A Hand to Guide Me is an example of how a multi-talented, caring man can work across multiple mediums with a pure motivation.To write the book, Washington draws upon his experience of being involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

This book is a must-read for all who are
1. looking for a role model
2. interested in who motivated successful people
3. struggling be a shining role model to a young man or woman

As for the format, the book is a light read with short biographical accounts, none of which exceed four pages.Contributors include professional athletes, former Presidents, actors, business people, musicians and more.Each of these individuals displayed strength and character, which they were able to pass on to other human beings.I particularly enjoyed the story written by Coach John Wooden.While growing up on a farm in southern Indiana, Wooden's father instilled in him a love of literature, teaching his sons principles to live by, scripture, and character.

Everyone can relate to this book because we all have hardships and difficulties that we have defeated or seek to overcome.Washington's essential point is that we dont accomplish amazing things by ourselves.We need inspiration and guidance from those around us.

Five stars!
Joe V

excellent
I received my products in a timely fashion and in excellent condition...I would certainly recommend this seller to others...Thank you and may God bless and prosper you.

YOU GOT TO GET THIS BOOK!!!
This is a great book!It's very inspiring.I love to read books about the "process" that people went through to arrive at their present place in life.Like the saying goes "It's not a cake until it's baked" Everybody has to go through something to become something. If you read this book you will definitely will receive alot to encourage you to press on in this journey we call "life".

Fails to Inspire
An interesting construct for a multi-author book, but the contributions are safe and lacking in personal connections with the reader. I mean, Muhammad Ali (whom, interestingly enough, influenced me as a teen) chose Nelson Mandela and it sounded like the relationship was mostly an admiration from afar rather than any personal connection between the two men. By far the best contribution is that of Mr. Washington himself, who allows himself many more pages than others in describing the relationship with the Boys and Girls Club and the mentor who helped to mold his life.The thing about mentors is that often the relationship is informal and the influence isn't realized until many years later. Some people just make you a better person by being themselves. I think if the contributors to this book had focused on that part of it, this book would hit the inspirational mark that it seeks. ... Read more

Product Description
Taking readers behind the scenes of the Oscar-winning actor's films, a biography explores his life and career, showing what each of his many films, from Cry Freedom to The Pelican Brief, reveals about him.Amazon.com Review
Denzel Washington is certainly one of the finest actorsworking today, having earned an Academy Award nomination as StephenBiko in Cry Freedom and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for hisrole in the Civil War action/drama Glory. But perhaps hisgreatest contribution to American cinema is something he has donebetter than any other African American actor before him--transcendracial lines. As Douglas Brode, author of Denzel Washington: HisFilms and Career states, "Denzel has always insisted, in hispersonal life, that he wants to be treated in a color-blind manner,while professionally he has always been on the lookout for just suchfilm roles."

The best moments here are the revelationsregarding Washington's film choices, including how he turned down arole in Oliver Stone's Platoon because, he said, he didn't justwant to play "one of the black characters" who either"cleaned toilets" or "left before the fightingstarted." Instead, he pitched himself to Stone as one of the leadcharacters, the part eventually portrayed by Willem Dafoe. He hassince gotten his chance at starring roles many times over, often withimpressive results. This biography and film history chroniclesWashington's film career admirably up through the 1996 dramaCourage Under Fire, complete with 24 pages ofphotographs. --Walt Opie ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
I receive the book in excellent condition and in a timely delivery.
Thank you.

Denzel Washington:His Films and . . . His Films??!
If you are looking for a definitive, "traditional" biography ofDenzel Washington,this book is definately not it.Author Douglas Brode(who, it should be noted, is a well-respected writer of film and televisionpersonas) offers the reader a biographical filmography of sorts, whichappeals more to film wonks and students of cinema than it does to theaverage Denzel fan.Strictly speaking, Brode just doesn't reveal exactlywho Denzel Washington is off-screen; indeed, the first chapter,"Deconstructing Denzel," is as close as the reader gets tofinding out about Denzel's past (included are brief mentionings of hisyouth, his pre-acting days and his time at Fordham University, where he gothis first taste of "serious" acting).The rest of the book takesthe film-by-film approach to Washington's career, squeezing Denzel'spersonal life into the extra spaces of the context in which each film isdiscussed.This approach becomes problematic -- and frustrating -- as thereader never really is able to fully recontstruct Denzel after the book'sintro, a fact that further enhances the charismatic performer's notoriously [and ironically] enigmatic and aloof off-screen persona(anyone who'sread or seen an interview of Washington knows exactly what I mean). The book, however, shines in its extensive analysis of Washington's filmsfrom a critical standpoint and enables the reader to be privy to"behind-the-scenes" information on all of his films, from theforgettable "Carbon Copy" (1981) to "Courage UnderFire" (1996), while adding an impressive technical insight not foundin many mainstream bios of "celebrities." That said, it isregrettable that there is little mention of Denzel's non-cinematicsuccesses and failures; I would have liked to have read more on his"St. Elsewhere" days as well as his early struggles as an actoron the New York theater scene.I also would have enjoyed more informationon his family, particularly his wife, Pauletta, an accomplished artist(pianist, actress, songstress) in her own right.Make no mistake:despiteits numerous flaws, the book is a valuable resource for Denzel fans and isespecially good as a reference to supplement one's viewing experience afterwatching any one of Washington's powerful performances (excluding the onein the aforementioned "Carbon Copy") that prove why he remainssuch a widely admired [and coveted] "A-list"-actor.

---- K.J. Martin ... Read more

Product Description
He blew critics away with his performance as a black infantryman in Glory, he stunned audiences with his powerful portrayal of Malcolm X, and he showed us a new kind of prejudice in his role as the homophobic lawyer in Philadelphia.Since then, Denzel Washington has continued to dazzle fans in films such as Devil in a Blue Dress, The Pelican Brief, and the remake of The Bishop's Wife, co-starring Whitney Houson.He currently commands upwards of $10 per film, and has become an undeniable sex symbol for women the world over.

Star biographer Chris Nickson takes you behind the scenes into the life and career of the chameleon actor, the superstar, and the family man, to give you the real essence of one of Hollywood's most talented stars.Learn about:

What experience ignited his passion for acting
How his role as a black activist in Cry Freedom changed his career
How, despite his admitted infidelities, his marriage and family have supported him in his career
Why he vehemently resists the image of sex symbol
Why he doesn't view himself as a role model to African-American culture

Packed with revealing details, this fascinating biography gets to the real heart of today's most versitile and exciting actor.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

WHY DO WRITERS DO THIS??
This is an okay book in terms of the man's life (most info is culled from other sources) but when it comes to Denzel Washington's career the author commits an unpardonable sin. He writes way too much about each individual film the actor's made up to the time of the book's publication and then gives away the ending to each and every one of them!
UNACCEPTABLE!!!!

This book is as appealing as its subject
I admire Denzel Washington very much as an actor, so I decided to read this book. After I have finished reading it, I was not disappointed with him as a man. This book is an accurate, though modest, description ofWashington's life up-to-date (1994-1996). It tells about his childhood,youth, and his family background. Then, the author goes into tracingWashington's life according to the films, he has been making at the time.This book does not have a lot of good pictures and it isnot about a"Hollywood Hunk", "the most handsome man", etc. Instead, it talks about a real man, who is very good at acting as well asat living his life of a Hollywood star. If you like Washigton as an actorand as a personality (granted, he is also an undisputedly and exremelycharming man), then you should read this book and see how he became what heis now. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GREAT READ FOR KIDS IN SPITE OF ITS ERRORS
I picked this young adult bio up at the library to quickly find out more about this impressive superstar and was not disappointed. Puts Washington's life and career in cultural perspective with a smooth narrative style, photos and several useful bibliographies. The author did make one glaring error: In discussing the 1967 film IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT she claims it co-starred Carroll O'Connor. Not only was it Rod Steiger (O'Connor starred in the subsequent TV series) but Steiger won the Academy Award for his performance. Not a big deal but it explaisn my rating of 4 stars instead of five. Still, a great read! ... Read more

Product Description
Two hilarious Jamaican folktales starring a tiny spider whose boasts are bigger than life! In the first of two tales, Anansi outwits the prideful Snake in order to win possession of all the stories in the jungle. In the second tale, Anansi gets caught in his own web of lies and ends up as bald as a mango. Brian Gleeson's uproarious adaptation perfectly evokes the rhythms of the West Indies, and Steven Guarnaccia's graphically bold Anansi is as hip and as lovable as they come. Music by UB40. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Video to Use in the Classroom
I bought this VHS video to use with my first grade students.They loved it.It was a great visual alternative to the standard read aloud.I only wish it were available as a DVD.

Yah mahn!
This is a really fun video for any age. Denzel Washington's Caribbean accent and UB 40's funky music are real treats, and the cartoons are cool. This video even managed to capture our oh-so-cool and very hard to please seventh-graders! I heard plenty of "yah mahn's" around the halls in school afterwards. Enjoy this video of the clever teeny-weeny spider who tricks both the longest and the strongest animal in the jungle! ... Read more

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Profiles a man whose talent and hard work led him to a highly successful career as a television and film actor, with four Academy Award nominations; more than any other African American actor. ... Read more

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! American Gangster is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott adapted from a New York magazine story "The Return of Superfly", by Mark Jacobson, starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a real-life gangster from Harlem who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War. Crowe portrays Richie Roberts, a detective attempting to bring down Lucas' drug empire. Filming was done on location in New York City. American Gangster was released in the United States and Canada on November 2, 2007. The film was also nominated for two Academy Awards, including a notable Best Supporting Actress nomination for Ruby Dee who appears on screen for less than 10 minutes. ... Read more

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A biography of the African American actor who won an Academy Award for his role in the movie "Glory." ... Read more

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Told by Denzel Washington with music by B. B. King

The story of the great African-American hero who defeated the steam drill in one of the most famous man-versus-machine competitions in history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Reading with the King
That's Denzel Washington (not Eric Clapton) teaming his prodigious talents with those of blues legend B.B. King in this powerful retelling of the classic American legend.This is another treasure from Rabbit Earproductions: a beautifully illustrated book that can be read on its own, orwith the included cassette.Go for the cassette first: You'll be treatedto Denzel Washington's warm, rich, folksy, awe-struck, conversationalnarration.

"So y'all listen up, `cause I'm gonna tell you theguaranteed, gold plated, ninety-nine-point-nice percent truth about JohnHenry."

Then, enjoy the inimitable riffs of B.B. King, as he andhis guitar (presumably "Lucille") sing out with the pure, clear,authenticity of the blues: "My name is John Henry. I'm a born naturalman. I was born one morning with a hammer in my hand . . . "This iscollector material.

John Henry's triumph defends the dignity andperseverance of human labor against the encroaching machine.In its ownsmall way, with a low-techassist from the aural majesty of Washington andKing, this volume preserves and extends the pleasures of the written page.

my child has listened to this tape for the last 90 days
John Henry is one of the best Rabbit Ears titles - which is saying a lot. BB King is wonderful; Denzel Washington is wonderful.I'm not writing this for me - but if my 8 year old goes to sleep to it every (I mean, make sure you rewind that tape) night, then it is a wonderful book ... Read more

Product Description
NOTE: This edition has a linked "Table of Contents" and has been beautifully formatted to work on your Amazon e-book reader.

This is the acclaimed 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools—most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He was also appointed to lead a teachers' college for blacks. From this position of leadership he rose into a nationally prominent role as spokesman for African Americans. Washington in 1901 was the first African-American ever invited to the White House as the guest of President Theodore Roosevelt.

This special edition also includes his essay, "Industrial Education for the Negro."

His main goal in life was to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up by the bootstraps. He describes his efforts to instill manners, breeding, health and a feeling of dignity to students, and the futility of teaching only intellectual, classical subjects as later espoused by W. E. B. Du Bois and others.

These issues (and this book) are just as relevant today as they were in the early 20th century.

Booker T. Washington on the idea of success: "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."Amazon.com Review
Nineteenth-century African American businessman, activist, andeducator Booker Taliaferro Washington's Up from Slavery is oneof the greatest American autobiographies ever written. Its mantras ofblack economic empowerment, land ownership, and self-help inspiredgenerations of black leaders, including Marcus Garvey, ElijahMuhammad, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrakhan. In rags-to-riches fashion,Washington recounts his ascendance from early life as a mulatto slavein Virginia to a 34-year term as president of the influential,agriculturally based Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. From thatposition, Washington reigned as the most important leader of hispeople, with slogans like "cast down your buckets," which emphasizedvocational merit rather than the academic and political excellencechampioned by his contemporary rival W.E.B. Du Bois. Though manyconsidered him too accommodating to segregationists, Washington, as hesaid in his historic "Atlanta Compromise" speech of 1895, believedthat "political agitation alone would not save [the Negro]," and that"property, industry, skill, intelligence, and character" would provenecessary to black Americans' success. The potency of his philosophiesare alive today in the nationalist and conservative camps that composethe complex quilt of black American society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (75)

Great read
I read this book with my 12 year old as part of a book club.I didn't know much about Booker T. Washington,and this book was very interesting.He was truly a remarkable man living in a time of extreme change for our country.I feel I now have a broader view of the post slavery South then I had,even growing up there.

He Knew His Role and Performed It Well...
A fascinating read about the life and times of Booker T. Washington and his march from slavery to one of the foremost men of his time.

His views may seem quite antiquated in today's world, given what has happened and not happened in the last 100 years in race relations and it is easy to see how Black leaders of today might be critical of Washington's views and perspectives.

But to do so would be to make the all too common mistake of imprinting and transferring today's value system and experiences on a culture and time of long ago. Anyone can look back with 20-20 hindsight and criticize. What matters most is having a plan to move forward from where you are, and Booker T. Washington certainly had that. His is a remarkable story of courage, grace, and iron-willed determination, for himself and forhis race.

While today's leaders and purists might criticize Washington, it should never be forgotten that he took the first steps and led his race and the entire South in the first steps, no matter how imperfect they may be in hindsight, up and away from slavery.

There had to be a Booker T. Washington to bridge the gap between what was and what was to be.He knew his role and peformed it well.

My Hero
Up From Slavery Booker T. Washington has been one of my all-time favorite American heroes -- ever since I first read about him in 4th grade.Washington had a gift for writing, and his autobiography, as well as his essays, are very easy to read, understand, and enjoy.The more I study and learn about him, the more impressed I am with his vision, his integrity, and his drive to improve his people and their lot in life.

up from slavery
a good read with much information from the early america era. Booker T. Washington use the brain over violence and suceeded where others failed. excellent read.!!!!

No Less Than an American Classic!
What an outstanding autobiography regarding a true American heroe! This book details the triumphant acts of Booker T. Washington's efforts to not only develop the famous Tuskegee Institute, but to positively build bridges with America.A former slave who became a self taught, political mastermind came from the worst of what humanity had to offer to meeting and influencing American Presidents. What an honor it would have been to meet a man who provided so much to the African American man and woman. He was also willing and often did help southern whites in his community. It's ashame that in America, where education is offered legally, there is a 50% dropout rate among African American high school students. This man and his "cadres" fought for and provided educational opportunities in a country that treated them worst than second class citizens.This book should be a required reading in ALL schools, especially those predominantly filled with African Americans! ... Read more

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"What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" These famous lines from Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing delightfully show the verbal sparring between the reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedick who are happily brought together at the end by the schemes of their friends. And, no story is complete without at least one evil character, Don John, who unsuccessfully tries to tear apart the wedding plans of Hero and Claudio, the other lovers in this sparkling tale.

Written in rhyming couplets, Much Ado About Nothing, the eighth book in this successful series, captures all the exciting elements of the original story, and is truly a delightful read for both adult and child.

Lois Burdett has been a teacher at Hamlet Public School in Stratford, Ontario, for over twenty years and her expertise in bringing Shakespeare to life for children as young as seven is reflected in the children's clever insights and wonderful drawings which complement the play.

Her success has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for workshops as far afield as Europe and Australia where she instructs educators on how they too can familiarize young children with Shakespeare.

From the Foreword by Denzel Washington

"[Lois Burdett's] delightfully entertaining text is complemented by her students' thoughtful interpretations and charming artwork which make Much Ado About Nothing come alive in a whole new way."

Customer Reviews (2)

An amazing work done by a public school teacher
It's a pleasure to read "Shakespeare for kids" to my daughter (8) and son (6). The way Lois Burdett writes makes it easy for them to understand the contest (either commics or tragedy). The drawings are also wondeful.

Book of the Year!!! I'd give it 10 stars..
This is one of those series that is so well done you can't imagaine EVERYONE not knowing about it! Have you always been a bit out of the loop or intimidated about Shakespear? Or are you good with it but don't know how to show/share that love with your family and students. This series will do it!! It's good for ALL ages, my middle school students found it fun and informative yet... really young (4ish) children could learn from it too. Save your self the upgrade and buy it in hardback, this will be one that you keep for generations and get the "WHOLE" series, each one is just as good as the other! ... Read more