Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Okay..." (more)
Key Phrases: young sistah, debt pit, Los Angeles Dear Young Sistah, Forwarded Message, African American (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his follow up to his ALA award-winning self-help Letters to a Young Brother, actor and author Harper uses an epistolary format, interrupted by youth-centric digressions, to capture the hearts and minds of his audience, young women. Each chapter is a letter beginning with an uplifting quote and post-scripted with a question posed via email (the formatting is lifted whole) and answered by a famous, successful woman like Nikki Giovanni, Michelle Obama, Ruby Dee and Eve. Writing in a conversational style, Harper focuses on a variety of different issues loosely grouped into topics like blues, love, family relationships, saving money and appreciating life (though not overly religious, Harper isn't shy with his beliefs). Chapters are short and focused, and though Harper's approach is framed as a "Black man to Black woman," his gracious, uplifting text is suitable for any young woman looking for perspective; his advice is nothing new, but it is genuine and accessible.
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Review

"When Hill told me about Letters to a Young Sister, my first thought was how badly I could have used a book like this growing up."
-Gabrielle Union

"This book would make a wonderful gift for any teen looking to find her place in life."
-Star Tribune (Minneapolis) "Hill, speaking like an older brother, lays out his vision to young women who are confronting rough issues on how to become the architect of their own lives."
- Ebony

"In his straight-talking style, Hill helps his young sister build self- confidence, self-reliance, self- respect, and encourages her on her journeys towards becoming a strong and successful woman."
- Concrete Loop

"Letters To a Young Sister: Define Your Destiny" won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 278 pages
• Publisher: Gotham (June 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592403514
• ISBN-13: 978-1592403516
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,163 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #44 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Girls & Women > Nonfiction
  #47 in	Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Special Groups > Ethnic Studies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I'd had this growing up, June 3, 2008

By	Ebonee Monique - See all my reviews

I'm so enthusiastically thrilled at the things Hill Harper is doing and this book will forever put him in a good light to me. I loved that he was writing a book for young guys to use to manuever through this crazy world; but when I heard he was writing a similiar type of book for young ladies, I was thrilled. I read through portions of the book and, honestly, this is something that girls AND women can relate to and learn from. You are never too young or old to learn a lesson and Hill has done a PHENOMENAL job in helping guide young women down the right road. In a day and age where reading hood-books are the norm, I think it would benefit any parent, guardian, friend, etc. to pass this book onto any lady(pre-teen, teenager, older women) who needs a lesson or refresher in the beauty of being a woman. I thank Hill from the bottom of my heart for providing a little bit of knowledge- from a man's perspective- to the younger generation. This book isn't just for African-American girls, either, this is full of knowledge and I'd recommend it to anyone. I purchased two books- one for my household and one for my younger cousin. Hill discusses sex, gossip, the b* and h words and overall respect. I love the tone of the book and how it REALLY seems like this is your older brother giving you a piece of advice. If you don't have it- get it. If you haven't heard of it before now, let this be all the notification you need that THIS can help a young girl see that she's more than a body and face...she has to DeFINE her destiny to see her worth! LOVES IT!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Marvelous Effort! It shows What is Right with all who have asked: What is Wrong?, July 31, 2008

By	Reginald Johnson "Success-Tapes.Com" - See all my reviews

After purchasing Mr. Harper's earlier work, Letters to a Young Brother, I eagerly anticipated Letters to a Young Sister. Upon viewing it (prior to giving it to my teenage-daughter), I was not disappointed with the contents. It comes with one hundred pages more and almost twice as much stimulating advice for budding young ladies.

All young girls will appreciate the introduction to the book written by the talented actress, Gabrielle Union. She reveals a gut-wrenching saga in her life along with an uplifting message of survival. Mr Harper leans heavily on contributions from her and other well known and talented women to help give his efforts added dimension and credibility.

It is interesting to note that all the doubts, inhibitions, and self-esteem issues young boys have, can be equally applied to young girls. There are slight variations in the way girls view their problems in way of priorities, but the list of issues is still the same. The bottom line is they want to be on the same page with their peers in appearance, attitude, and aptitude.

I thought I understood (almost) my teenage-daughter. However, after reading Letters to a Young Sister, I realized (in her vernacular) "that is not the way she rolls". There are many things young girls (and boys) will not share with their parents, no matter how much we urge them to do so.

"Letters to a Young Sister" and "Letters to a Young Brother, "... can be viable alternatives towards mentoring young people in need of an outlet ... for expressing their innermost feelings. I recommend both books, to one and all. Reviewed by Reginald V. Johnson, author, How to Close More Customers

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PLEASE GET THIS BOOK FOR YOUR GIRLS!, June 29, 2008

By	D. Mitchell (Somewhere in Maryland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Hill Harper is a genius! He has started a revolution for young people. First, with "Letters to a Young Brother-MANifest Your Destiny", and now with "Letters to a Young Sister-DeFINE Your Destiny". He is mentoring these young people on paper, or as he's called it a platonic hug on paper. He discusses self-esteem, education, sex, belief system, and other topics in the book.

With his educational background, he could write this book all by himself, but he doesn't. He gets help from his friends(Michelle Obama. Gabrielle Union, Nikki Giovanni,etc). This gives his targeted audience advice from two different perspectives, male and female.

He is not keeping the money. All of the proceeds go to his Manifest Your Destiny Foundation. He want to set up a permanent on-line vehicle that mentors young people.

If you have, know, or just see any young women from about 12-24, please but them this book. I bought 8 books the last time. I have have to do the same with this one. Be apart of the revolution.