This is a first outing for Denzel Washington as an author. Let me be among the many to congratulate him for a job well done. The central theme of the book is that we, all of us, are standing on the shoulders of others. There are seventy four inspirational, energizing, and motivational examples told to us by people from all walks of life.

Many quotes in the book are poignant, thought-provoking, and stimulating. I especially liked and agreed with the one by James Baldwin: "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."

Unfortunately, this is true for many young people who have bad role models as parents. Nonetheless the book gives hope and encouragement by showing others have overcome this obstacle with the help of influential organizations like The Girls and Boys Club of America.

Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, Bob Woodward, James Worthy, and many others give heart-rendering examples of mentors who have helped them.

Page thirty four has a fascinating story from Walter Anderson, Editor in Chief, Parade Magazine (he went to the same Boys Club in Mt. Vernon, NY as Mr. Washington).

He tells an inspiring story of a teacher in his neighborhood who showed him kindness, interest, and devotion. He remembers prophetic words from her that changed his life: "You can do this, Walter. You can do this."
Even when he would fail classes, be suspended from school, or have problems with authorities -she would not give up on him. It is a powerful example of how lives can be influenced not just with money but with support.

Dale Carnegie was right when he said: "Do not criticize, condemn, or complain." Instead - we should applaud, reward, and help others. Buy this empowering book, enjoy the uplifting ride, and give someone the hand of encouragement. We can do this.

Reginald V. Johnson, author, "How To Be Happy, Successful, And Rich"

This story is filled with stories from people from all different occupations, and the special individuals who have influenced them to achieve their dreams. Actor Denzel Washington was influenced by a professor named Bob Stone, whose letter of recommendation gave him the confidence he needed as an actor. I loved the contributions from people who are not famous like Kelly Zimmerman Lane. She learned the importance of hard work from her single mother, an incredible woman who worked three jobs to support her three daughters. I enjoyed the story of Notre Dame president Reverend Edward Malloy, whose love of learning and reading was instilled in him by his grade school teacher.

There are numerous stories of people who belonged to a Boys and Girls club. This wonderful organization has influenced so many people to succeed in life. I enjoyed the story of surgeon Patrick Kelly. He learned the value of patience and staying calm from a fellow doctor. He also learned to cultivate these traits from his childhood mentor at a Boy and Girls club. Attorney Socrates De La Cruz learned the importance of setting goals from a special person at the Boys and Girls club named Steve Kelly.

There are many contributions from famous people in this book. I loved the contribution from Olympic gymnast Dommique Dawes. She learned the value of hard work and discipline from her coach. Singer Bonnie Raitt learned the importance of maintaining relationships with people and staying healthy physically from the excellent example her parents provided for her. Actor Daryl Mitchell learned to how continue to enjoy life from fellow actor Christopher Reeve, after a motorcycle accident made Mitchell physically disabled. All the stories in this book are so touching and inspirational. I really enjoyed it.