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A Hand to Guide Me
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,"
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,"
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2005
53 people are currently reading
1256 people want to read
About the author
Denzel Washington
20 books103 followersDenzel Hayes Washington, Jr. is an American actor and director. He has garnered much critical acclaim for his work in film since the 1990s, including his portrayals of real-life figures, such as Steve Biko, Malcolm X, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Melvin B. Tolson, Frank Lucas, and Herman Boone.
Washington has been awarded three Golden Globe awards and two Academy Awards for his work. He is notable as the second African-American (after Sidney Poitier) to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, which he received for his role in the 2001 film Training Day.
Washington has been awarded three Golden Globe awards and two Academy Awards for his work. He is notable as the second African-American (after Sidney Poitier) to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, which he received for his role in the 2001 film Training Day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 13, 2015
Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised to know that he has written a book paying tribute to the people that made an impact on his life. This book is more about the lessons that he learned growing up, the trials he had to overcome and how he remain tenacious to overcome every obstacle. Usually books like this is only about the author but this book was more about different people from diverse professions such as celebrities, musicians, actors, athletes,etc who all expressed gratitude to the people that made a difference in their life.
I enjoyed every story but I think my favorites was Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Clinton,and John Singleton. It is hard to narrow down to top three, all of the stories were inspiring and very sentimental. Usually I am not a fan of books like this but this was extraordinary. Honestly this was one of the rare books that I may actually buy and lend to people that want to be encouraged. No one walks this road of life alone, there is always someone there to nudge our shoulder. Most of these stories were concise but it had such a powerful life lesson that we can learn from.
Very inspiring read, it really made me appreciate the people that told me to never give up but to keep going!
I enjoyed every story but I think my favorites was Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Clinton,and John Singleton. It is hard to narrow down to top three, all of the stories were inspiring and very sentimental. Usually I am not a fan of books like this but this was extraordinary. Honestly this was one of the rare books that I may actually buy and lend to people that want to be encouraged. No one walks this road of life alone, there is always someone there to nudge our shoulder. Most of these stories were concise but it had such a powerful life lesson that we can learn from.
Very inspiring read, it really made me appreciate the people that told me to never give up but to keep going!
September 27, 2022
قرأت النسخة العربية من هذا الكتاب والتي صدرت عن دار شغف وقد كانت الترجمة سيئة للغاية أما عن فحوى الكتاب فهو عبارة عن سيرة الممثل الفنية بشكل مقتضب وآخر صفحاته ( كيف تصبح ممثلاً) ، باختصار تجربة مخيبة للآمال .
February 14, 2021
If you are looking for a memoir about Denzel this would not be it. These are short (2-3 pages) by various celebrities (heavy on the sports figures) talking about who has been the most inspirational in their lives and compiled by Denzel. After a while they kind of all started to sound the same, which is why I only gave it 3 stars. I think I liked Gloria Steinham's the best because it was kind of quirky and one of the few that didn't mention a parent, teacher or coach. ***spoiler alert***it's Louisa May Alcott.
March 1, 2018
Enlightening as I am often interested in who and what motivated people.. It is good to know that most people are encouraged by "regular" people.. this can may you reflect on who had a positive impact on your journey. kind words and act can move people to move mountains.. this book is filled with inspiring accounts .. the book gives one a rewarding experience that anyone can accomplish anything in life if you have confidence in yourself and trust those who continually encourage you to go forward with your life.. there were so many people that I didn't know had common people behind them pushing them along the way.. I was very surprised at the celebrities not being ashamed of telling their stories.. this book would be a great asset for teens who are struggling with their lives.. this book gave me confidence on some of the things that I have tried and did not believe that I made a difference in the young person's life. this book just makes me have even more respect for Mr. Washington on his views on life and his contributions to the young people.
February 25, 2026
Denzel Washington has put together seventy four stories of people who have been successful in life and like him often had a mentor who made an essential impact on their thoughts and feelings while coming of age. The copyright 2006 is by The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and included people like Bonnie Raitt and Bill Clinton as well as many atheletes, business people, actors & actresses. Spokane has a Boys & Girls Club that is benefitting our community.
August 7, 2012
This book of inspirational essays continually impressed me, so much so that I want it for my classroom. It's perfect for teaching the personal essay, and they can even be analyzed for the more complex organizational structures I prefer to teach.
The anthology opens with an introduction from Denzel Washington, and it closes that way as well. I've always loved his voice, and as I read, I could hear it clearly in my head. Though it's mostly about The Boys and Girls Club of America, the stories are deeply personal and highly inspirational. It contains contributions from a variety of well-known sports and big screen celebrities of all ages and nationalities, but it also features poignant essays from lesser-known people we really should know about. The insight and appreciation I gained cannot be measured in mere words.
I cannot review them all, but I can point my finger to one essay that particularly struck a chord with me. I've always known who Gloria Steinem was, but I never really knew much about her. I can tell you that her essay is one of the first I'll be reading to my middle school classes. The woman is simply amazing. She teaches us how to make heroes when we cannot find them, and she teaches us not to judge people -- because we don't know what it's like to walk in their shoes. Swin Cash, Bud Selig and John Singleton stand out for me as well. Some of the essays were duds. I now have zero respect for John Mellencamp, especially in light of the other essays in this compilation.
In two essays, writers pointed to the same person as having been a huge influence in their lives. This serves to remind me, and other people in a position to influence the moral and social development of children, that our job is never done. Once one group of kids leaves, the next group needs us just as much, and sometimes more. When we feel like we don't have 100% left to give, dig deep because somebody needs that from us.
For a good quote, I could literally reproduce the whole book. I took to dog-earing pages, which the media specialist will not like when I return this copy, and halfway through I found I was dog-earing 80% of the pages. So here's one quote out of hundreds:
p. 217 John Singleton: The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They're not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion -- to care about people and about your children.
The anthology opens with an introduction from Denzel Washington, and it closes that way as well. I've always loved his voice, and as I read, I could hear it clearly in my head. Though it's mostly about The Boys and Girls Club of America, the stories are deeply personal and highly inspirational. It contains contributions from a variety of well-known sports and big screen celebrities of all ages and nationalities, but it also features poignant essays from lesser-known people we really should know about. The insight and appreciation I gained cannot be measured in mere words.
I cannot review them all, but I can point my finger to one essay that particularly struck a chord with me. I've always known who Gloria Steinem was, but I never really knew much about her. I can tell you that her essay is one of the first I'll be reading to my middle school classes. The woman is simply amazing. She teaches us how to make heroes when we cannot find them, and she teaches us not to judge people -- because we don't know what it's like to walk in their shoes. Swin Cash, Bud Selig and John Singleton stand out for me as well. Some of the essays were duds. I now have zero respect for John Mellencamp, especially in light of the other essays in this compilation.
In two essays, writers pointed to the same person as having been a huge influence in their lives. This serves to remind me, and other people in a position to influence the moral and social development of children, that our job is never done. Once one group of kids leaves, the next group needs us just as much, and sometimes more. When we feel like we don't have 100% left to give, dig deep because somebody needs that from us.
For a good quote, I could literally reproduce the whole book. I took to dog-earing pages, which the media specialist will not like when I return this copy, and halfway through I found I was dog-earing 80% of the pages. So here's one quote out of hundreds:
p. 217 John Singleton: The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They're not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion -- to care about people and about your children.
July 22, 2016
Denzel for starters surprised me with the humor... quoting such instances as; “…which is really a euphemism for saying I was on academic probation.” --Oh, that was so funny, as funny as his opening was heartfelt. Ali’s words for Mandela touched me too, and I cried on Walter Anderson’s story. George Bodenheimer laid down a quote his father gave him that had me nodding in approval; “when you’re starting out or over, make a career decision, not a money decision.”
And there were others, many others; like wasn’t no way I wasn’t falling in love with Clinton’s Uncle Buddy, or Mellancamp, for those of us who don’t always have that hand to guide us. General Wesley Clark shared an empowering lesson… and Holly Robinson Peete left us with a beautiful story. Toni Morrison shared a revelation that caught me by surprise too. ‘Sometimes people do say things that is not so much what they said, as what we heard.’ John Singleton’s statement was another truth. “The strongest, toughest men all have compassion.” And (of course) Bernard Shaw had me smiling with the “read, read, read.” But, whoa…Ahmad Rashad! I loved it though! And kudos to Colin Powell who summed things up perfectly. There was just so much inspiration and influence; dozens of favorite stories rousing beneath that wonderful cover. Highly recommended.
And there were others, many others; like wasn’t no way I wasn’t falling in love with Clinton’s Uncle Buddy, or Mellancamp, for those of us who don’t always have that hand to guide us. General Wesley Clark shared an empowering lesson… and Holly Robinson Peete left us with a beautiful story. Toni Morrison shared a revelation that caught me by surprise too. ‘Sometimes people do say things that is not so much what they said, as what we heard.’ John Singleton’s statement was another truth. “The strongest, toughest men all have compassion.” And (of course) Bernard Shaw had me smiling with the “read, read, read.” But, whoa…Ahmad Rashad! I loved it though! And kudos to Colin Powell who summed things up perfectly. There was just so much inspiration and influence; dozens of favorite stories rousing beneath that wonderful cover. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2023
A Hand to Guide Me is full of inspirational essays from numerous great people with various careers, educational levels, and diverse backgrounds. Many contributors speak of their youth, time at the boys club, sports team influences, early jobs, and the people who inspired them to reach for dreams and succeed.
Others talk about their family members, employers, and neighbors who looked out for them and kept them out of trouble. Many of the people are widely known, and others I had to look up. I enjoyed learning how small moments lived forever in their minds.
Some had trouble, and others caused trouble. Some lived in destitution, and others worked hard to stay out of poverty. I loved the core message of never giving up, reaching for more, and living your dreams. This is an excellent book for youth, young adults, and anyone who loves a good inspirational story. This book shows that we can make a difference when we choose to love and uplift others.
I loved Gloria Steinen’s quote that a person's spirit lives on in books.
Others talk about their family members, employers, and neighbors who looked out for them and kept them out of trouble. Many of the people are widely known, and others I had to look up. I enjoyed learning how small moments lived forever in their minds.
Some had trouble, and others caused trouble. Some lived in destitution, and others worked hard to stay out of poverty. I loved the core message of never giving up, reaching for more, and living your dreams. This is an excellent book for youth, young adults, and anyone who loves a good inspirational story. This book shows that we can make a difference when we choose to love and uplift others.
I loved Gloria Steinen’s quote that a person's spirit lives on in books.
June 29, 2014
I have just enjoyed reading this book by Denzel my favorite actor!! I loved the fact of this book interjecting that a lot of times you do get help to make it to your destiny in life. It is filled with many motivational short stories from and about famous individuals writing about the people who made a difference in their lives. It reminds me of my athletic teacher in grammar school who encouraged me and told me that I do anything if I put my mind to it.... Loved the book and it has definitely found it's home on my coffee table.
July 20, 2023
This book was written in another era. It was a refreshing read to hear from many famous people how someone helped them along the way and that hard work got them to where they achieved fame. Everyone was humble and came from a background of being grateful for what they received and working hard to achieve their greatness. It was refreshing to read as you don't seem to hear from individuals like this any longer. Everyone now wants to be a victim and believe they are entitled to fame. Congratulations Denzel for bringing these individuals together.
January 26, 2016
If I knew how to add a half a star, I'd rate this at 3 1/2 stars.Moew twstinbials than real memoirs, the essays included in this book all say the same thing: we all need a mentor, we all need a positive influence when we're young.
September 5, 2018
Excellent read! I especially love how Denzel has identified people who have been inspired and inspired him along his life's journey. I too believe that there is always someone or something that motivates and inspires us to be more than we are.
June 22, 2013
I was okay but towards the end all the essays seemed to be repeats. I was struck by how many successful people came for very humble beginnings.
March 30, 2015
Total inspiration - Shows Denzel's compassion and heart for others. And his gratefulness for those who came along side him in life's journey.
December 15, 2019
A great book of leaders sharing stories of the people that helped to guide and shape them despite circumstances.
August 30, 2023
Love the book. celebrity that talk about peoples that influence theirs life.
June 26, 2025
Fluff. Conceptually good. Agree with another review that this is lacking in qualitative stories. Should have done fewer persons with more depth in the story of that individual.
September 4, 2022
The Boys' and Girls' Club was a safe haven for Denzel growing up and he has been an advocate for the organization for decades. This collection of essays from a wide range of public figures demonstrates how young people can respond to a relationship with a steady adult and accomplish great things.
For some it was a leader at their local BAGC, for others it was their own parents, grandparents, a teacher, a coach, a church leader, etc.
One surprise was Jamie Farr, the actor who played Klinger in MASH. He actually lived in Toledo, and served in Korea as well as Mike Farrell and Alan Alda.
The power of encouragement from a trusted adult goes a long way to making this world a better place.
For some it was a leader at their local BAGC, for others it was their own parents, grandparents, a teacher, a coach, a church leader, etc.
One surprise was Jamie Farr, the actor who played Klinger in MASH. He actually lived in Toledo, and served in Korea as well as Mike Farrell and Alan Alda.
The power of encouragement from a trusted adult goes a long way to making this world a better place.
January 5, 2023
An excellent collection of inspiring personal success stories about people from a wide variety of backgrounds. These stories recount those adults who raised, coached, mentored, instructed, or disciplined them such that they moved on to be responsible and productive citizens. Denzel’s quoting of Proverbs 22: 6 is most apropos and appreciated; however, in the editorial preface and post script he leans a bit too close to the “it takes a village” or “tribe” philosophies, which imply collectivist “wisdom” as mandates. The stories themselves tell of a different narrative: one of individual responsibility, vision, and hard work, while acknowledging the guidance provided, and not blind obedience to a statist worldview. By far the best story of all was written by John Wooden.
January 25, 2019
This autobiographical novel written by Denzel Washington as well as multiple other authors, reminds readers to recognize the effect of the people around them. Washington and the other authors speak about the effect of their friends and family, and how those people have shaped them into the people they are today. Some of the other authors include Tony Gonzalez, Hank Aaron, Whoopie Goldberg, and Michael Vick. This novel is easy for readers to connect with and for that reason it is a great read.
December 1, 2023
A lesson to get out this book is to understand the power of external influences in one’s life to achieve their desired goals and dreams.
Learn to pick on every experience, every person you meet and let it work as a fuel to drive you forward. Pay attention to your surroundings as they pour into your life the energy they have and if that energy is not what you want. Be mindful and change that.
Great book. 📖 ✌🏾
Learn to pick on every experience, every person you meet and let it work as a fuel to drive you forward. Pay attention to your surroundings as they pour into your life the energy they have and if that energy is not what you want. Be mindful and change that.
Great book. 📖 ✌🏾
May 16, 2024
This is an inspiring anthology celebrating and remembering people who changed lives through kindness, time, and care. It reinforces the power of being in someone’s corner and believing in them.
This book shows how just one helping hand, no matter how small, can change the trajectory of someone’s future.
A Hand to Guide Me is a positive book of hope that could benefit people of all ages.
I recommend it.
This book shows how just one helping hand, no matter how small, can change the trajectory of someone’s future.
A Hand to Guide Me is a positive book of hope that could benefit people of all ages.
I recommend it.
March 10, 2022
Not awful, but just a little boring. You cannot blame the participants, it is just boring in its structure. You gather a bunch of people and instruct them to write about someone who has always been in their corner and what do you know, you end up with a lot of interchangeable essays: this person, that person, some other person - always in my corner.
February 1, 2025
A really captivating collection of individuals expressing who their inspiration was who left a lasting life long impression. I made me think about where I got my inspiration from and who has influenced me.
December 24, 2016
Excellent!
Favorite quote: Whatever abilities you have, you have to use them. Do the very best you can and that's all anyone can ever expect.
Favorite quote: Whatever abilities you have, you have to use them. Do the very best you can and that's all anyone can ever expect.
June 9, 2017
Very good book, but the stories start to repeat more toward the end. But, other than that great book that provides a lot of thankfulness toward the people you have in your life.
November 27, 2019
True inspiration to any person!
November 15, 2020
I liked reading the many mini biographies in the book.
January 14, 2021
Each little letter, from an amazing array of folks, held special lessons for all.
April 17, 2021
Some nice stories from some interesting personalities.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews