Hope on a Tightrope: Words and Wisdom [Hardcover]

Cornel West (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2008

      The New York Times best-selling author of Race Matters and Democracy Matters offers open-hearted wisdom for our times in this courageous collection of quotations, speech excerpts, letters, philosophy, and photographs that reflect the profound humanity that fuels the passionate public intellectual. In a world that seesaws between unconditional love and acceptance and blind hatred and exclusion, Hope on a Tightrope will satisfy readers in search of deep wells of inspiration and challenge that marries the mind to the heart.

This gift book features an original CD that highlights Dr. West’s outstanding spoken-word artistry. His August 2007 CD release Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations that featured collaborations with best-selling artists Prince, Jill Scott, and Andre 3000 topped the charts as Billboard’s #1 Spoken Word album.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Educator and philosopher Cornel West is the Class of 1943 University Professor at Princeton University. Known as one of America’s most gifted, provocative, and important public intellectuals, he is the author of the contemporary classic Race Matters, which changed the course of America’s dialogue on race and justice, and the New York Times bestseller Democracy Matters. He is the recipient of the American Book Award and more than 20 honorary degrees.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Hay House (November 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401921868
• ISBN-13: 978-1401921866
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Cornel West Reference November 25, 2008

By Eddie Hutchinson

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Before I state what Hope On A Tightrope: Words and Wisdom by Dr. Cornel West is, let me begin by stating what it is not. Although this book has 12 chapters, titles ranging from Courage, Philosophy, Family to Music, Freedom and Wisdom, to name a few, this is not a book in the traditional sense; certainly not like Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism or Race Matters. It reads, as the subtitle alludes, as though one is reading excerpts from Dr. West's speeches. Having seen and heard Dr. West on a number of occasions, I recognize the many Westian core concepts included in this book and it may seem all too familiar to you as well.

That said, Dr. West is still an educator and a leading authority on faith, freedom and justice, particularly as it relates to the African-American community. His insights are, as usual, critical, coherent and profound. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to partake in any his words of wisdom would find this book enlightening.

A couple of final thoughts: This book was released on Nov. 1st, 2008 and in it there are references to Barack Obama as a candidate for President of the United States. I believe better timing of the book's release (delaying to a later date) and having Dr. West speaking from the view point of Barack Obama winning the general election would have been worthwhile. Secondly, the companion CD which contains an interview facilitated by Tavis Smiley along with couple of musical selections from Dr. West's ventures in spoken word, seems by itself worthy of the book's retail price. The fact that the CD is included with the book is a bonus.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. West is an amazing, charismatic loving man who tells all and guides society in the right direction. November 10, 2008

By Alex Pollock

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Unbelievably touching and down to earth, Dr. West is able to restore true love in our hearts living in a rough world. At the height of academic and philosophical excellence, Dr. West graces us with his wisdom on a variety of topics, ranging from Faith, to Family, to Music, and to Philosophy; all respectable chapters in this life-changing book.

Give it a read, you will not be the least bit disappointed with his work.

Then again, what's new? All his literature is fascinating and real. Plus, the book comes with an audio CD in the back with a fantastic interview between Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect compliment -- Dr. West for everyone! December 2, 2008

By B. C. Hamilton

Format:Hardcover

Now, in truth, I've read a lot of Dr. West, mostly in college. While I've always respected his work and have been deeply effected by what he's written, I have to admit that I've enjoyed seeing him speak live and whenever he's been on shows like Bil Maher's the most.

This newest work is the first time a Cornel West book has come as close to "the real thing." This isn't "Democracy Matters" or "Race Matters", nor is it his more academic text. The book really gives bite-sized gems of Dr. West's brilliance, without sacrificing any of the impact or depth. The scope of what's covered goes across all of Dr. West's subject matter so, whether you love seeing him on late-night TV or have digested all of his academic text, you have points of entry. Definitely suggest this as a gift for anyone looking for a little inspiration this holiday season.