Doing What's Right: How to Fight for What You Believe--And Make a Difference [Paperback]

Tavis Smiley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 2000

In Doing What's Right, Tavis Smiley shows how each one of us can battle complacency and fight for the causes we support. Smiley is the host of "Black Entertainment Television Tonight with Tavis Smiley," a one-hour nightly talk show that reaches fifty-five million households, and his political and social commentary is heard daily on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," a national radio program with a listenership of seven million. "The Smiley Report," his monthly newsletter, has a circulation of three to four million readers.

Smiley's career was inspired by his lifelong determination to make a difference. Through the media, he has helped to galvanize public opinion and initiate national grassroots campaigns on everything from corporate responsibility to voter turnout. In Doing What's Right, Smiley urges everyone to become involved and presents a practical and motivating gameplan for making it happen.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This collection of essays from popular syndicated radio and BET talk-show host Tavis Smiley hinges on his philosophy of self-improvement through community involvement. Smiley tackles racism with a quick wit, relying on the rich historical legacy of African American achievement to make his points while avoiding social-science stereotypes. At its core, Doing What's Right is a call to action. After briefly outlining some of the societal problems he sees, Smiley lists specific ways to begin solving them on both a local and national level. Railing against cynicism, he emphasizes the power of the individual to make a difference, challenging readers to fight for causes they believe in. Interjecting his own biography throughout the book, Smiley recounts his origins as a community advocate at the age of 13 and the tragedy that led him to devote himself to his community. Now, with an audience of millions, Smiley's message is being heard on a grand scale. Using hooks such as seven "land mines of Democracy," five reasons "why people shy away from advocates," and a slew of "Tavis Tips," he succeeds in bridging practical advice and an inspirational message. Equal parts Norman Vincent Peale and Dear Abby, Smiley is proof that the seeds of human self-esteem always outgrow the weeds of self-doubt. --Eugene Holley Jr. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In this commentary, TV talk show host Smiley points out that because our neighborhoods are unsafe, our communities are falling apart, and our most basic values are being destroyed by the Oval Office, we should stand up and take action for those causes we believe in.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition (December 26, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385499310
• ISBN-13: 978-0385499316
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,302,817 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A New Advocate, February 4, 2000

By 

WAN B. (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doing What's Right: How to Fight for What You Believe--And Make a Difference (Hardcover)

Tavis did a wonderful job with this book. It was easy to read/understand and I got a lot out of it. I hadn't ever even considered being an advocate for anything or anybody until I read this book. After reading this book I realized that there are things that are important to me that I would like to see improvement on and now I know how to go about doing something about it. Thanks Tavis.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Reading, January 25, 2000

By 

Laurie (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doing What's Right: How to Fight for What You Believe--And Make a Difference (Hardcover)

Doing what's right is a must have for both liberals and conservatives. Tavis Smiley keeps the reader on his/her toes with his sharp and decisive insights on the world today.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coalitions and Movements, July 12, 2000

By 

Glennis P. Gray (Baton Rouge, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doing What's Right: How to Fight for What You Believe--And Make a Difference (Hardcover)

Tavis writes what should be an inspiring and enlightening book for us all. He has reawakened a consciousness in all people that portrays the fact that we must take a stand for something or we will fall for anything. In every way we must continue to encourage each other to rise, take action and make a difference, which is what advocacy is all about anyway. Tavis gives us the inspiration to do just that. Thanks Tavis for the uplifting words that will bring us out of complacency and into ACTION!