Letters to a Young Brother: Manifest Your Destiny [Paperback]

Hill Harper (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 19, 2007

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, Harper, a young black actor and graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School, offers similar inspiration to young men clamoring for advice and encouragement at a time when popular culture offers little positive direction. Interspersed throughout are e-mail inquiries from young men and Harper's responses and those of other celebrities, including Nas, Venus Williams, and Barack Obama. He devotes separate chapters to school and work, sex, and life aspirations, tackling such issues as single parenthood, sexually transmitted diseases, the allure of materialism, and the power of words and faith. Harper offers his personal story: a young man brought up by a demanding father, who developed a relationship with his mother only as he grew older. He views the youth of today as an evolved species, like the latest model car, with improvements that come from the experiences of those who came before. Although aimed at young black men, this book, with its contemporary language and approach, should have appeal for youth of both sexes and all races. Vernon Ford
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

In a direct and often colloquial tone . . . the letters stress the importance of having options and working smart, not just hard. (THE NEW YORK TIMES)

Harper’s message is a solo soaring above the choir. (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Hill writes in a down-to-earth style. . . . A priceless, no-nonsense, step-by-step guide. (The Dayton Defender)

Filled with heartfelt wisdom and solid step-by-step strategies for cultivating self-respect, Letters to a Young Brother is an inspirational guidebook to a better life and a book that will change lives. (Black College Today)

[This] book can serve as a strong and silent mentor. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

In clear, accessible language, Harper encourages his youthful readers to maintain productive values and never give up hope. . . . With frank, loving advice about relationships, careers, sex, education, spirituality, and money, Harper helps young readers take that first step toward fruitful change. (Jabari Asim, The Washington Post)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Gotham (April 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592402496
• ISBN-13: 978-1592402496
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (113 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Teens > Education & Reference > Social Science
  • #67 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > African-American Studies

More About the Author

Hill Harper is the author of the bestsellers Letters to a Young Brother which won two NAACP awards and was named a Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association in 2007, and New York Times bestseller Letters to a Young Sister. Hill was named Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in 2008 and 2009 by the NAACP Image Awards for his role on CSI:NY. His numerous other credits include The Skulls, He Got Game, Lackawanna Blues and The Sopranos. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from Brown University and cum laude with a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He also holds a master's degree from the Kennedy School of Government. Named one of People Magazine's sexiest men alive, he lives in Los Angeles. www.theconversationonline.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 61 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Front to Back Philosophy August 17, 2006

By Shamontiel L. Vaughn

Format:Hardcover

I recommended this book to all of my book loving friends and associates because I saw Hill Harper on 106 & Park and I thought the idea for this book was BIG. I bought a copy to give to my nephews, but I wanted to read it first to make sure it was something I would want them to read.

Cons: I tried to put myself in my nephews' crazy minds and guess how they'd react to certain lines. When Harper kept saying "I love you," I'm sure my oldest nephew would've said something like "Man, I don't know him!" When Harper said he'd send a picture in his scuba gear, I'm sure both of them would've cracked up laughing and said "Ugh, what does he have on?!" Scuba gear is not exactly the coolest outfit to send a young boy. When Harper started talking about surfing, he lost me for a minute. How many young boys that he was talking to (who are thinking of making "quick money," "being in the streets," saying school "is not for me," and trying to have sex with girls would get excited about the thought of surfing? Maybe skateboarding, for those new school hip-hop heads who adore Pharrell, but surfing? Nah, I wasn't buying it. I was a little disappointed with the parts where he was supposed to be talking to the "young brother" and congratulated him on getting an A. But what if the boy reading this actually only got a C? Would that make him feel any less? Harper kept talking about the people he knew and the places he'd been. I wondered if it would come off as bragging to a young boy who has not gotten the chance to barely leave his neighborhood, so he definitely hasn't gotten out of the country.

Pros: To totally contradict my cons, there are so many young boys who have NEVER heard the words "I love you" so it may be a relief and flattering to them to read that SOMEBODY loves them.... DMX was on his reality show talking about how his mother never told him that she loved him, so now he says he loves his kids at least five times a day. I'm sure that's gotta make his children feel good (and probably embarassed if he does it in front of their friends), but it could definitely be a self-esteem booster. As for the places Harper traveled, it could make young brothers want to go to those places just to see if they can have as much fun as Harper.

I loved the quotes from celebrities; those were some of the rawest and relevant quotes I've ever read. I kept hoping Reverend Run would be in there, but hey, Harper had GREAT quotes from people that young brothers would want to hear more about like Jadakiss, Denzel, Will Smith, David Banner, and Andre 3000. When I saw the letter from Nas, I was sold. What young brother would not want to read what one of the classic hip-hop lyricists EVER had to say? Then to top it off, Barack Obama is in here too! I was indeed impressed with that.

I was thoroughly entertained by the back and forth e-mails at the end of each chapter and looked forward to that more than the actual chapters. The chapters on "Friends and Family," "Finding Your Swagga," and "Sex Matters" were the strongest chapters in the book to me and I'm sure to a lot of young men.

I think every young man needs some kind of male role model and if for some reason they cannot find it in a present human being, why not a book concentrating on them? Read more ›

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars (RAW Rating: 4.5) - The Newest and Best Model July 26, 2006

By The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Format:Hardcover

Hill Harper is a well-known and often lusted after actor who has played in movies such as Lackawanna Blues and the hit crime series CSI. However, LETTERS TO A YOUNG BROTHER shows a completely different side of him. Through the book, he shares his commitment to youth as well as a lot of his background and life expereinces. Harper immediately grabs your attention as he shares stories about his trailblazing family and his own Ivy League educational background. From there, he presents a series of letters which address many of the questions he receives from fans at speaking engagements, via email, or other avenues. As hereplies to these letters, he provides sound moral advice about how to live. In addition, he has reached out to some of his famous friends, other positive male role models, asking them to respond to some of the questions and includes thier responses in the book. He touches on education, financial stewardship, relationships with parents, and how to pick good friends. As he touches on the topics, he gives advice in an encouraging rather than preachy tone. In the end, readers will take away a myriad of positive messages, sound advice, and a new appreciation for the importance of hard work and personal responsibility.

Hill Harper has written a timely book that is intended for young, under-served male youth, and particularly African-American males. However, this is a book youth of any cultural or socio-economic background or gender, can benefit from reading. LETTERS TO A YOUNG BROTHER is a good book for parents, and people working with youth can also benefit from reading it.... The MANifest Your Destiny Foundation, which was established by Harper, is a non-profit organization that facilitates the pairing of successful, positive role models with under-served youth and provides scholarship, grant and internship opportunities. The foundation shows the author is not just a man of talk, but also one of action. My only concern is perhaps this is a book that parents would want their children to read, rather than one they would naturally be drawn to.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers Read more ›

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A necessary book for all young brothers. . . April 21, 2006

By Stephen Smith

Format:Hardcover

This book has resonated with myself and many whom I love. I recommend this book very highly because of the brilliant communicated message, anecdotes, quotes and most of all raw truth and inspiration. It is a necessary read for all young brothers.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Manifest the destiny May 10, 2006

By pj

Format:Hardcover

I had the great opportunity meeting/hearing Hill Harper at the Queens Public Library on May 1st 2006. I was moved with his enthusiasm to help the brothers. You felt his passion, sincerity and determination when he spoke.

Now,that I just completed reading the book I was greatly challenged to do more and step out of the shallow into the deep. This book needs to be planted in every brother's hands at achools,halfway homes, substance abuse programs and churches or wherever.

Get the book! Read the book! and Pass it on!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Realism at it's best May 8, 2006

By inspired

Format:Hardcover

I love this book! I enjoyed the personality that shined through and the courage he had to open up, along with the ability to be very candid with the many topics chosen in writing this book. It's encouraging and inviting. You feel him and it makes you think and assess where you are in life, while supplying solutions/options to everyday dilemas. It's a great read for those stuck on what others think about them and has allowed those opinions to stump their growth and or potential. The book also focuses on choices, results and fulfilling your destiny by always being proactive.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent April 27, 2006

By Yashica Bowen

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am so excited that there is a book of hope for young men. I enjoy the positivity and love that is expressed throughout this book for our Young Kings in training. There are about 500 people that I would like to recommend this book to, and I have already made a significant dent in those on my list. Let's continue to lift up these young people in LOVE and let our lives, not our words be the encouragement to keep them motivated!