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Letters to a Young Brother: Manifest Your Destiny
Offering inspirational advice in a down-to-earth style, this unique compilation of letters provides wisdom, guidance, and heartfelt insight to help the reader chart their own path to success. Based on the author’s motivational speaking at inner-city schools across the country, the letters deal with the tough issues that face young people today. Bombarded with messages from music and the media, Harper set out to dispel the stereotypical image of success that young people receive today and instead emphasizes alternative views of what it truly means to be a successful male, such as educational and community achievements and self-respect. Intended to provide this frequently regarded “lost generation” of young men with words of encouragement and guidance, Harper’s deep-rooted passion regarding the plight of today’s youth drove him to write this book, sure to change the lives of readers for years to come.
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2006
About the author
Hill Harper
18 books154 followersFrancis Harper, known professionally as Hill Harper, is an American film, television and stage actor, and author. An alumnus of Harvard Law School, he is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on the CBS drama television series CSI: NY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
July 27, 2008
The premise of this book is that Hill Harper (an actor I'm not really familiar with from CSI: NY) was inspired by the book Letters to a Young Poet and decided to write a book similiar to that for young African American males. He said that the letters were based on questions he's gotten from fans in emails, letters, and when he talks to kids at schools, etc.
That being said I was excited to see someone taking the time to be a positive role model for young men. When I saw this book I thought it would be one that my students would enjoy (I teach at an innner-city 7-12 grade all boys school). I'm not completely convinced. While it was neat that Hill took the time to write these letters all on topics: saving money/debt, relationships/sex, dreams/goals, importance of education, etc. Sometimes the stance seemed like he was trying to show off about how successful he is, more than truly writing from the heart. For example, he would end his letter by essentially saying "I'm here in Hawaii living the good life" or "I'm off to shoot another movie" or "I met a really hot girl and now we're going to hang out". IT also was inscessant name dropping, "I'm off to Jay-z's VMA party" or "I was hanging out wiht Gabrielle Union the other day" etc. etc. Thus the book came off as corny frequently, and I wonder if my students would really connect to what he said. It felt like Harper needed a pat on the back for his ego a lot.
That being said the messages that he was attempting to give to young men, especially that of working hard and working smart, living within your means/saving your money, "staying in the game" (school) were all messages that my students could really benefit from, and on the flipside it is neat to hear this successful African American guy say that to them. Harper is not just an actor he also graduated from Brown University as well as Harvard Law, and frequently stresses the importance of staying in school.
All in all the book isn't going to do any harm, but I wonder would students truly connect.
On one last seperate note his "universe conspiring" to bring you good things when you.... philosophy did not sit well with me either, but I won't even begin to delve in on that one.
That being said I was excited to see someone taking the time to be a positive role model for young men. When I saw this book I thought it would be one that my students would enjoy (I teach at an innner-city 7-12 grade all boys school). I'm not completely convinced. While it was neat that Hill took the time to write these letters all on topics: saving money/debt, relationships/sex, dreams/goals, importance of education, etc. Sometimes the stance seemed like he was trying to show off about how successful he is, more than truly writing from the heart. For example, he would end his letter by essentially saying "I'm here in Hawaii living the good life" or "I'm off to shoot another movie" or "I met a really hot girl and now we're going to hang out". IT also was inscessant name dropping, "I'm off to Jay-z's VMA party" or "I was hanging out wiht Gabrielle Union the other day" etc. etc. Thus the book came off as corny frequently, and I wonder if my students would really connect to what he said. It felt like Harper needed a pat on the back for his ego a lot.
That being said the messages that he was attempting to give to young men, especially that of working hard and working smart, living within your means/saving your money, "staying in the game" (school) were all messages that my students could really benefit from, and on the flipside it is neat to hear this successful African American guy say that to them. Harper is not just an actor he also graduated from Brown University as well as Harvard Law, and frequently stresses the importance of staying in school.
All in all the book isn't going to do any harm, but I wonder would students truly connect.
On one last seperate note his "universe conspiring" to bring you good things when you.... philosophy did not sit well with me either, but I won't even begin to delve in on that one.
April 8, 2010
Hill Harper gives a young man the tools required in order to be someone notable in a tough generation via e-mail. Young Brotha is that young man. He’s very confused about his life and is seeking somewhat of a father figure which he’s never had to help him traverse through life’s many obstacles. It all started with one letter. Hill eventually befriends Young Brotha, and they begin to exchange letters. Like every young man, Young Brotha is faced with adversity and Hill provides him advice on how to deal with it appropriately. Young men these days are bombarded with artificial images of what a man SHOULD be. Hill guides Young Brotha and teaches him the real meaning of what being a man is.
This book is a heartwarming example, that in this life, although there may be many circumstances in which you will be put under pressure, with the right judgment, you will overcome. I found this book enlightening, and I bet if young men took the time to read it they would also. I was as well as Young Brotha, worrying about my career and education until I read this book. Hill answered many of my questions about life and I’m thankful for that. I believe that this is a potentially life-changing book. That may sound exaggerated, but if you read this book, you’d understand.
This book is a heartwarming example, that in this life, although there may be many circumstances in which you will be put under pressure, with the right judgment, you will overcome. I found this book enlightening, and I bet if young men took the time to read it they would also. I was as well as Young Brotha, worrying about my career and education until I read this book. Hill answered many of my questions about life and I’m thankful for that. I believe that this is a potentially life-changing book. That may sound exaggerated, but if you read this book, you’d understand.
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April 8, 2011Black male struggle seems to be a clique them that finds its way into American society. Though this theme may seem redundant, repetitive and continuous, the truth of the matter is that there is a struggle with Black men in America as there is one in many other countries. Reading "Letters to a Young Brother", I felt as though many of the themes concerning Black men such as personal success, respect for your brother and mother, taking responsibility for your life and actions, and many more were touched in this book.
From just reading the title, you know the book is targeted to young men. Then with the understanding of Black culture, you can infer that the book is targeted to African American males. Underneath the title, you can see that the man in "Manifest You Destiny" is in all capitals, suggesting that Hill Harper's idea in this book is to teach young Black males to be men. I think he does a good job of that. The things with these books is that they don't do that much of a job connecting to struggles that are already known. He took a different approach by being blunt with many of his ideas and thoughts, speaking openly about tough topics like being a father and having sex for example, he went over many ways to be responsible when faced with these situations. Not only were his opinions in the book, but other celebrities were too.
Black celebrities have the ability to make an impact on other Black people simply through speech. Hill Harper is known for playing in movies, and being a main character in CSI: New York. He's been a NAACO award recipient and nominee, and he gives much of the credit for his successes to his family. In the book, he talks much about that aspect of not only his life, but life in general.
One thing that I think everyone should still take from this book even considering that it's targeted to Black males, is that this is a book for all young males. In every society and different parts of society, whether it be culturally, socially, racially, and economically, every young male goes through a similar struggle becoming a man. Respect for other individuals, getting and maintaining an education and job, avoiding legal troubles, and being a role model to everyone they come across that looks to them for guidance are just some of the things that males experience themselves coming across daily. This book touches on all these things and more. So with that being said, don't let the title deter you from allowing the book to reach all kinds of people because it can.
From just reading the title, you know the book is targeted to young men. Then with the understanding of Black culture, you can infer that the book is targeted to African American males. Underneath the title, you can see that the man in "Manifest You Destiny" is in all capitals, suggesting that Hill Harper's idea in this book is to teach young Black males to be men. I think he does a good job of that. The things with these books is that they don't do that much of a job connecting to struggles that are already known. He took a different approach by being blunt with many of his ideas and thoughts, speaking openly about tough topics like being a father and having sex for example, he went over many ways to be responsible when faced with these situations. Not only were his opinions in the book, but other celebrities were too.
Black celebrities have the ability to make an impact on other Black people simply through speech. Hill Harper is known for playing in movies, and being a main character in CSI: New York. He's been a NAACO award recipient and nominee, and he gives much of the credit for his successes to his family. In the book, he talks much about that aspect of not only his life, but life in general.
One thing that I think everyone should still take from this book even considering that it's targeted to Black males, is that this is a book for all young males. In every society and different parts of society, whether it be culturally, socially, racially, and economically, every young male goes through a similar struggle becoming a man. Respect for other individuals, getting and maintaining an education and job, avoiding legal troubles, and being a role model to everyone they come across that looks to them for guidance are just some of the things that males experience themselves coming across daily. This book touches on all these things and more. So with that being said, don't let the title deter you from allowing the book to reach all kinds of people because it can.
January 12, 2010
OK, I have to quality my rating for this book. I didn't really enjoy it that much, mostly because his voice and writing style seem forced and unconvincing.
HOWEVER...I understand that I am not the intended audience for this book, and that's why I give it 5 stars. The intended readers are teenage males. And considering how frustrating I find it that so few celebrity males go this far out of their way to be role models for youth, how could I really criticize this guy for not being the best writer ever?
I have to respect any male who is not afraid to reveal himself as honestly as Hill does here. He talks about confidence, girls, success, education, fear, commitment, hard work, etc. I applaud his message and I will recommend this to my students.
HOWEVER...I understand that I am not the intended audience for this book, and that's why I give it 5 stars. The intended readers are teenage males. And considering how frustrating I find it that so few celebrity males go this far out of their way to be role models for youth, how could I really criticize this guy for not being the best writer ever?
I have to respect any male who is not afraid to reveal himself as honestly as Hill does here. He talks about confidence, girls, success, education, fear, commitment, hard work, etc. I applaud his message and I will recommend this to my students.
September 30, 2014
"Unreasonably Happy" Thank you Hill Harper for Letters to a Young Brother. This is a must read for every young man. If you have a son, young brother or just know a young man I recommend you gift this book to them. The principles Hill Harper shares and teaches young brother are lessons everyone can benefit from especially young men.
April 27, 2011
Written in a series of letters and emails between Harper and a "young brotha," this books has advice about school, relationships, and being your best. The letter format makes it easy to read this book in chunks.
March 19, 2008
Great self-help book whether man or woman.
March 10, 2021
It's a toss up between 2 and 3 stars.
This book is full of good advice. It's one that I would want to share with young men in my life. But, I wish I could edit it a little. #1 the book, published in 2007, now feels a little dated. Although the majority of the actual advice is still relevant. #2 Hill Harper, in whole, feels authentic, however, there were too many instances where the book didn't feel genuine. Hill writes as if he needs to constantly remind the reader that he is a celebrity. The Hollywood name dropping annoyed me. But, maybe that is how he feels he needs to hook young readers. At times he went out of the way in storylines just to mention a rapper or an athlete or actor. It wasn't necessary. And it didn't always enhance the message.
I get the feeling that now that I've read one of these books, I don't feel the need to rush to reading the others. The book did not change my opinion of Hill. I still remain an admirer.
This book is full of good advice. It's one that I would want to share with young men in my life. But, I wish I could edit it a little. #1 the book, published in 2007, now feels a little dated. Although the majority of the actual advice is still relevant. #2 Hill Harper, in whole, feels authentic, however, there were too many instances where the book didn't feel genuine. Hill writes as if he needs to constantly remind the reader that he is a celebrity. The Hollywood name dropping annoyed me. But, maybe that is how he feels he needs to hook young readers. At times he went out of the way in storylines just to mention a rapper or an athlete or actor. It wasn't necessary. And it didn't always enhance the message.
I get the feeling that now that I've read one of these books, I don't feel the need to rush to reading the others. The book did not change my opinion of Hill. I still remain an admirer.
December 4, 2019
There's definitely some chuckles reading this in 2019 as some of the references are dated. Trump is mentioned without the added groan that is associated with him currently, and an enterprising Senator Obama offers advice. Still the advice given is still solid and covers a variety of areas that men (and women) still battle today. I understand my reaction would be different as a woman, but it was a quick read and could serve as a reference going forward.
February 5, 2014
Hill harper wrote a great meaningfulbook for young adults. The events in the book were based on the experiences Harper had mentoring kids. Harper gives the kidd some good advice from his perspective . Then he would call up and contact one of his close friends and they would give the kid some good advice too. Throughout the book Harper and the kid did not communicate through phone calls, in person but through emails.through the phone or even in person it was through emails. Also in the book he talks about where he got his name from and how he made the debate team and how his siblings and him got beat and he and his brother moved into a foster home.
January 30, 2019
A bit cliche/corny to me. Not bad of a read, just wouldn't spend too much time reading it. Great for the demographic that he is aiming towards. Definitely would recommend this to all my young, Black brothers. Thank you for your contribution to literature Hill Harper.
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June 8, 2009this book is very helpfull for young man to know how to survive in life. I personally believe that every young male should read this book to better there life
November 29, 2018
I found this book very motivated & inspirational.
It helpt me to focus on my goal to become a nurse
It helpt me to focus on my goal to become a nurse
December 12, 2023
Hill Harper’s Letters to a Young Brother is a really good read. This book is basically just a compilation of letters and emails, and he breaks them into 5 parts. Building a solid foundation with friends and family, getting and using resources like money and school, the responsibility that comes with girls and sex at a young age, making your dreams happen, and setting sail into the real world.
The main style of this book is not Hill sitting there telling people what he did, in hopes that the reader finds out for himself. No, it is just responding to letters, where he breaks it down into the basics. It sounds simple, but it’s so much more detailed. Each chapter is a different kid, or a different letter he is replying to. And then after the chapter is over, there is still like another page or two that would act as replies to emails that he gets from various kids about life.
I read a few reviews of this book before I started writing this. For example I found one from a school teacher named Kathryn, and she says that the book comes off a little bit “braggy,” almost like he’s bragging about what he has been able to accomplish up to that point. While I could see where she is coming from, I completely disagree with the angle she’s coming from. Instead of “braggy,” I see this book as Hill coming out and saying, “Hey. Here’s what I can do. Here are the steps. Now do it yourself.”
Now it is important to say that I have not completely finished the book. But out of everything that I've read so far, this book easily gets a 4 star rating from me. As the target demographic, I love how Hill tries to talk to us. That’s another point that someone else made in a different review. It’s hard for young men, especially black young men, to find that positive male role model. And to his credit, you can see Hill trying to do that here. Hill wrote this book for young, black men in America who are having a little trouble finding their way, but it is an amazing book that I believe any young man should read.
The main style of this book is not Hill sitting there telling people what he did, in hopes that the reader finds out for himself. No, it is just responding to letters, where he breaks it down into the basics. It sounds simple, but it’s so much more detailed. Each chapter is a different kid, or a different letter he is replying to. And then after the chapter is over, there is still like another page or two that would act as replies to emails that he gets from various kids about life.
I read a few reviews of this book before I started writing this. For example I found one from a school teacher named Kathryn, and she says that the book comes off a little bit “braggy,” almost like he’s bragging about what he has been able to accomplish up to that point. While I could see where she is coming from, I completely disagree with the angle she’s coming from. Instead of “braggy,” I see this book as Hill coming out and saying, “Hey. Here’s what I can do. Here are the steps. Now do it yourself.”
Now it is important to say that I have not completely finished the book. But out of everything that I've read so far, this book easily gets a 4 star rating from me. As the target demographic, I love how Hill tries to talk to us. That’s another point that someone else made in a different review. It’s hard for young men, especially black young men, to find that positive male role model. And to his credit, you can see Hill trying to do that here. Hill wrote this book for young, black men in America who are having a little trouble finding their way, but it is an amazing book that I believe any young man should read.
August 15, 2021
I've always had a crush on Hill Harper after seeing his portrayal of Ruben Jr, in the film adaptation of Ruben Santiago Hudson's "Lackawanna Blues". I've also admired that though he has chosen not to have a romantic partner, that he has adopted a son named after friend, actor Pierce Brosnan, and he writes works of affirmation that provide young boys of color (and young boys in general) wisdom of what it is to have passion, drive, and the ability to make choices and changing your mind when you have conviction. One thing though that I have a small criticism about this book is that Mr. Harper writes kindly about a former Donald Trump that wasn't president yet, but as a confident man who knew how to hang on to his dreams- since this memoir was published in 2006, while "The Apprentice" had been a popular TV show. But I've seen interviews in the present that shows Mr. Harper's criticism of the former president, and with good reason.
Mr. Harper does name drop a lot- including an email to the "young brother" by then Senator Obama, who was Harper's classmate at Harvard Law. He also includes anecdotes and emails from famous friends such as Jerry Bruckheimer, Gabrielle Union, Saana Lathan, and Anthony Anderson to name a few. It seems to me, in agreeing with someone else's Goodreads comment that to prove himself to this the young man he writes this book for- that he is only worthy to the kid's eyes because of his celebrity friends. But then I know Mr. Harper is trying to lead by example, and writes with clarity and truth, especially his take on families and making your own choices, "we are all individuals who must make our way in the world separate from anyone, even our parents" (Harper 23). He definitely nailed this point.
Mr. Harper does name drop a lot- including an email to the "young brother" by then Senator Obama, who was Harper's classmate at Harvard Law. He also includes anecdotes and emails from famous friends such as Jerry Bruckheimer, Gabrielle Union, Saana Lathan, and Anthony Anderson to name a few. It seems to me, in agreeing with someone else's Goodreads comment that to prove himself to this the young man he writes this book for- that he is only worthy to the kid's eyes because of his celebrity friends. But then I know Mr. Harper is trying to lead by example, and writes with clarity and truth, especially his take on families and making your own choices, "we are all individuals who must make our way in the world separate from anyone, even our parents" (Harper 23). He definitely nailed this point.
April 13, 2023
"Hill Harper's 'Letters to a Young Brother' is an inspirational and educational book that offers real-world advice and direction to young men facing the difficulties of adolescence and young adulthood. The author offers a potent message of hope and inspiration to young men experiencing hardship and uncertainty by drawing on his own experiences as a prominent actor, novelist, and activist.
The book's straightforward honesty is one of its advantages. Harper doesn't avoid talking about contentious issues like racism, sexism, and poverty, but he does so in a style that is upbeat, and solutions focused. He stresses the value of knowledge, self-respect, and hard effort and offers doable methods for succeeding in academics, the workplace, and interpersonal interactions.
The book's format—a series of letters addressed to a fictitious younger brother—makes it interesting and simple to read. Harper uses personal experiences and examples from the real world to illustrate his arguments in his clear, succinct writing style that is accessible to all readers.
All in all, "Letters to a Young Brother" is a great book that all young guys should read. It offers a useful road map for navigating adolescent and early adulthood's obstacles and delivers the resources and motivation needed to thrive in life. I heartily urge everyone looking for direction and inspiration on their road to success to read this book.
Self-help; Motivational; Inspirational; Education; Personal development; Guidance; Young adult; Success; Mentorship; Life skills; Role models; African American culture; Career development; Adversity; Empowerment.
The book's straightforward honesty is one of its advantages. Harper doesn't avoid talking about contentious issues like racism, sexism, and poverty, but he does so in a style that is upbeat, and solutions focused. He stresses the value of knowledge, self-respect, and hard effort and offers doable methods for succeeding in academics, the workplace, and interpersonal interactions.
The book's format—a series of letters addressed to a fictitious younger brother—makes it interesting and simple to read. Harper uses personal experiences and examples from the real world to illustrate his arguments in his clear, succinct writing style that is accessible to all readers.
All in all, "Letters to a Young Brother" is a great book that all young guys should read. It offers a useful road map for navigating adolescent and early adulthood's obstacles and delivers the resources and motivation needed to thrive in life. I heartily urge everyone looking for direction and inspiration on their road to success to read this book.
Self-help; Motivational; Inspirational; Education; Personal development; Guidance; Young adult; Success; Mentorship; Life skills; Role models; African American culture; Career development; Adversity; Empowerment.
May 24, 2017
I would give letters to a young brother a 5 star rating because it tells alot about the struggles that I have at school and the things that I deal with. One of the letters took us deeper on how some people feel without a parent in their life. That is because a kid had written a letter asking how should I feel on mother's day if I don't have a mom. Harper replied sharing a story about how he did not have a dad growing up and how he had to live without him. But he also said that his mom was not running away because of him, she was running from responsibility of taking care of him.
To be honest this book was one of the best books i have ever read and on a scale of one to 100 its 1000, for sure recommended.
To be honest this book was one of the best books i have ever read and on a scale of one to 100 its 1000, for sure recommended.
July 19, 2017
This was a wonderful read and I'm glad I decided to pick it up.
Pretty amazing how well he conveys the messages to the "Young Brotha" and how easy the message are to understand.
I enjoyed some of the ups and downs Hill Harper takes the reader through and how he explains the bigger picture of some of his failures or mistakes.
Pretty amazing how well he conveys the messages to the "Young Brotha" and how easy the message are to understand.
I enjoyed some of the ups and downs Hill Harper takes the reader through and how he explains the bigger picture of some of his failures or mistakes.
April 13, 2024
Letters to a young brother
This book was astounding. A lot of good advice and guidance for young men like me. Would definitely recommend to young men trying to navigate the world on their own.
This book was astounding. A lot of good advice and guidance for young men like me. Would definitely recommend to young men trying to navigate the world on their own.
August 10, 2022
Good book by Hill Harper really gets in to talking about what is manhood.
January 22, 2024
A must read for young black males between their teenage years and 20s! Harper stepped up in this book as a positive black role model. He has all my respect.
April 8, 2020
Some nice thoughts to live by:
- Do not let others ignorance interfere with your happiness or success
- Quitting is a bad word. Deciding not to do it anymore is very different
- He who has not tasted the bitter, does not understand the sweet
- Education and money are both tools that buy and afford you choices
- Loving life is like a fast-paced video game
- Take more deeper breaths and relax. This will help you "re-act" less and therefore "act" more relaxed and courageous. The more you are relaxed, the less you will be reactive.
- Do not let others ignorance interfere with your happiness or success
- Quitting is a bad word. Deciding not to do it anymore is very different
- He who has not tasted the bitter, does not understand the sweet
- Education and money are both tools that buy and afford you choices
- Loving life is like a fast-paced video game
- Take more deeper breaths and relax. This will help you "re-act" less and therefore "act" more relaxed and courageous. The more you are relaxed, the less you will be reactive.
February 10, 2024
First I liked the author's theme about his characteristic grounded tone. “Use school, don't let it use you”. (pg41) He's talking about using the resources and breaking down the education don’t let it drain you. This shined a light on school for me changed my perspective on schooling and made me a better person and student. Having that diploma opens so many doors. I love this book. I have nothing bad to interpret about this book. This shows your character growth of yourself. “Work hard, more importantly, work smart’’ (pg97). This quote hit home because it talks about working more efficiently within your field and what you're doing. Work hard but don’t overwork yourself to the point of overdoing it. This brought balance in life and just overall well-being, Really opened my eyes to a different perspective on handling my business. “Have to recognize opportunities and seize the moment” (pg 125) this is talking about recognizing and analyzing life's goals and opportunities they bring forward knowing it and controlling it maximizing what to do and conquering the opportunity to make sure you stay intact this showed me different ways to attack life in general. Overall in this book, I like how Hill Harper delivers heartfelt insight, wisdom, and counsel on difficult challenges confronting our country's children. He questions accepted ideas of success and places a strong emphasis on the value of self-respect, education, community service, and mental wellness.
June 7, 2012
Forget about the title. Hill Harper has crafted a fabulous book that will appeal to nearly all teens -- not just at-risk African-American boys. While the book speaks directly to African-American males, its smart yet cool approach to the problems that plague all teens, but particularly young people who are poor or members of a minority group, will also be a hit with girls and members of other beleaguered minority groups, as well. The language is laden with slang but intelligent, and both Harper and his extremely phat friends will make inroads where even caring teachers and parents might not. The book could easily have become sappy, but it never does.
Harper's inclusion of his celebrity friends and of full-color photographs of him partying with them might provoke some teen to read the book who might not at first been inclined to do so. It was another spot-on move by Harper. I am really grateful to him for providing young people with such a frank blueprint for growth.
Students who might be Caucasian and affluent will still love the book's message that everyone -- even handsome, successful TV stars -- sometimes feel lonely, have trouble approaching members of the opposite sex, and make mistakes.
What about straight-A students bound for Yale? They will be attracted to Harper, who graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude. The school's jocks will love that Harper was a college football hero. For the free spirits out there, Harper begins each chapter with a pithy quote from sources as disparate as the Persian poet Rumi, former President Bill Clinton, and rapper Andre 3000 (nee André Benjamin). Harper really has a hook for most of the cliques in American high schools.
Harper's inclusion of his celebrity friends and of full-color photographs of him partying with them might provoke some teen to read the book who might not at first been inclined to do so. It was another spot-on move by Harper. I am really grateful to him for providing young people with such a frank blueprint for growth.
Students who might be Caucasian and affluent will still love the book's message that everyone -- even handsome, successful TV stars -- sometimes feel lonely, have trouble approaching members of the opposite sex, and make mistakes.
What about straight-A students bound for Yale? They will be attracted to Harper, who graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude. The school's jocks will love that Harper was a college football hero. For the free spirits out there, Harper begins each chapter with a pithy quote from sources as disparate as the Persian poet Rumi, former President Bill Clinton, and rapper Andre 3000 (nee André Benjamin). Harper really has a hook for most of the cliques in American high schools.
February 16, 2017
I am now starting to read this book and this book is very honest with men in real life today. Hill young brother is a smart young boy and he is trying to get his work done but his friends are punking him out so this book is really honest and I like this book. I'm on page 22
January 27, 2008
Let's be honest: I'm not exactly the target audience for this book. But I read it because I work with high school boys and was hoping it would live up to its hype as an inspirational, real book for young men,
and it did. I like Hill Harper a lot after reading this book. He comes across as caring, accessible, and honest. His advice is clear and easy to understand, and he calls on other role models (Barack Obama, Venus Williams, Nas) to help him tackle the issues in the book (school, family, sex, money, etc.). His advice is straightforward and makes sense: save money, don't disrespect yourself or others, make healthy choices about sex, focus on schoolwork, dream big, and always work to improve yourself.
The only thing I thought this book was lacking was some mention of homosexuality... aren't gay young brothers still brothers? I would have loved for Harper to address the homophobia that has become so acceptable among young men.
Highly recommended for middle- and high-school students.
and it did. I like Hill Harper a lot after reading this book. He comes across as caring, accessible, and honest. His advice is clear and easy to understand, and he calls on other role models (Barack Obama, Venus Williams, Nas) to help him tackle the issues in the book (school, family, sex, money, etc.). His advice is straightforward and makes sense: save money, don't disrespect yourself or others, make healthy choices about sex, focus on schoolwork, dream big, and always work to improve yourself.
The only thing I thought this book was lacking was some mention of homosexuality... aren't gay young brothers still brothers? I would have loved for Harper to address the homophobia that has become so acceptable among young men.
Highly recommended for middle- and high-school students.
April 26, 2010
The book "Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny (Paperback)" is a compelling book that I think all young men should read. What I like about this book is that it spoke the truth, even though it was published in 2006 the problems that youths and young brothers are facing are still going on today four years later. I like the way the author connected the different letters that he recieved to his personal life. If I were the author I would write a book to the females in this world, becuase they need as much guidance in the world as males do. It would probably also be helpful if the women get to see a male's point of what is going on in the world, or what men may think about them. I noticed how the author (Hill Harper) was really affected by some of these letters becuase some of the problems that were happening in these young men's lives also happened when he was younger. I would rate this book as a 10 out of 10 becuase it really was a capturing book. I would also recomend this book to every young man trying to make it in life but needs help.
October 21, 2015
I think this book was very beneficial. Hill Harper had a program called Manifest your destiny, and I attended and that is were I found the book. This book is beneficial in many ways of telling me how to become a young man by him giving lots of his experiences in his life leading up to his success of being an actor. I want to be An actor so he gave me tips on what I need to do before getting to that point. He also gave very important details about his life which told the reader or audience that they were not alone in making mistakes. There were some incidents were he had girlfriends that distracted him from going to college, or him being younger and shooting his brother in the eye with a bi bi gun, basically telling the reader he guarantees that he has made some very tragic mistakes. But the main message of this book was believing in something that you set your goals on. If you want to be something later on in life don't give up or blow it off. It may take a long time for your goals to be accomplished, but it will soon be met.
October 16, 2009
I picked this book up because it was chosen as THE Best Book for Young People by the American Library Association for 2007. That is quite an endorsement. I had never heard of the author or seen his TV show.
"Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny" was outstanding! I wish I could put a copy in every single young person's hands. While the title implies that the book is especially relevant title for young black males, anyone would find this book inspirational.
I loved hearing about Hill's grandfathers and family life. Hill grew up in Iowa City, Iowa and the family history is especially interesting to me because I'm an Iowan. The way he described what could be learned in a single-parent household was so lovingly described and unusual to hear. I also respected how vulnerable the author made himself by sharing his mistakes. The stories create incredibly powerful and interesting lessons.
This is a great gift to give to any young man between ages 14-20.
"Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny" was outstanding! I wish I could put a copy in every single young person's hands. While the title implies that the book is especially relevant title for young black males, anyone would find this book inspirational.
I loved hearing about Hill's grandfathers and family life. Hill grew up in Iowa City, Iowa and the family history is especially interesting to me because I'm an Iowan. The way he described what could be learned in a single-parent household was so lovingly described and unusual to hear. I also respected how vulnerable the author made himself by sharing his mistakes. The stories create incredibly powerful and interesting lessons.
This is a great gift to give to any young man between ages 14-20.
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July 27, 2011Hill Harper is an actor, but he is so much more. A classmate of Barak Obama's at Harvard Law, he is also a motivational speaker who spends his free time talking to high school students about making the right decisions.
He has written this book for the young men he speaks to all over the US as a series of letters. In each one he answers a fictional question from his "young brother", dispensing advice on how to cope with things like girl problems, school issues and money. The book also includes advice from other prominent African-American stars that Harper has asked to contribute.
The book is eminently readible and appealing to the teens to whom Harper is trying to talk. His conversational style makes him seem like an older brother dispensing advice. He is also not afraid to show emotion, although at times this can come off as a little artificial.
Still, I would buy this for the young man in your life.
He has written this book for the young men he speaks to all over the US as a series of letters. In each one he answers a fictional question from his "young brother", dispensing advice on how to cope with things like girl problems, school issues and money. The book also includes advice from other prominent African-American stars that Harper has asked to contribute.
The book is eminently readible and appealing to the teens to whom Harper is trying to talk. His conversational style makes him seem like an older brother dispensing advice. He is also not afraid to show emotion, although at times this can come off as a little artificial.
Still, I would buy this for the young man in your life.
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