IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL YOU WIN: How to Become the Person You Want to Be -- No Matter What the Obstacle (Hardcover)

by Les Brown (Author) "In January of 1993, I was eighteen feet tall, emotionally, spiritually, and in cardboard too..." (more)
Key Phrases: public speaking career, toxic people, radio deejay, King World, The Les Brown Show, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A self-styled graduate of "Hard Knocks University," Brown makes his personal experiences engaging in a way that authors with only academic learning rarely can. In a clear, conversational voice, and with refreshing humility and humor, he writes about life as an African American male abandoned at birth and adopted by a single woman who raised a total of seven such children; about growing up in the Special Education classes of a Miami ghetto school; about rising to fame and fortune as a motivational speaker. He discusses his phenomenally successful PBS special and his high-rated but short-lived syndicated TV talk show; his first book, Live Your Dreams! and his relationship with his wife, singer Gladys Knight. Brown's difficulties with what he sees as "the sleaze trend in television," and his show's quick cancellation, occurring simultaneously with his mother's slow and painful death, triggered his own fall into despair and subsequent rebound to what he calls living "dynamically." While not addressing issues of serious family dysfunction or of mental and/or emotional problems (except by offering firm advice to "get away from toxic people"), Brown delivers an energetic and inspiring pep-talk for overcoming more universal hard times, such as losing a job or a loved one. Part autobiography, part self-help workbook, this volume successfully translates Brown's natural charisma from the podium to the page.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
If you've got potential, inspirational speaker Brown can help you reach it.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (January 8, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684815605
• ISBN-13: 978-0684815602
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #214,801 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiration!, February 6, 2000

By	"eaglesoar" (Beloit, Wi., United States of America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Its Not Over Until You Win: How to Become the Person You Always Wanted to Be No Matter What the Obstacle (Paperback)

This is a powerful book about never giving up. It's a wonderful motivational tool for anyone out there who is struggling to succeed. Les Brown makes many references to his mammy-the wonderful person who loved him and raised him. This book is both inspiring and motivating as it instructs people on how to reach out and achieve the things in life that they want to. I was very impressed by this book-and recommended it to several of my business associates. Together we have listened to it on tape and also have put together plans to achieve our goals. Les Brown has given hope to many. I am particularly impressed with the way he outlines the problems with human nature-and instructs you, the reader, how to solve and create your own dream. Superb book...Thank you Les Brown.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Biography, July 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Not Over Until You Win: How to Become the Person You Always Wanted to Be -- No Matter What the Obstacles (Audio Cassette)

Mr. Brown is clearly talented and has some wonderful things to say. Unfortunately, this audio tape is touted (and labeled) "How to Become the Person You Always Wanted to Be - No Matter What the Obstacle" but should have been called "A Compendium of My Life" or "How I Survived the Cancellation of My Syndicated Show Without Sour Grapes." In the part I listened to before I discovered the defect in the tape (about 2/3) the tape amounted to about 80% autobiography and 20% directly related to the title and the representation on the packaging. Brown is easy and fun to listen to (if your copy doesn't go bonkers like mine did) but don't expect him to reveal sufficient wisdom about recovering from life's low spots. The gems he shares are quite good but they become hidden within his lifetime problems and there is little there to tie them together, in the part I could hear.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably Motivating!, April 27, 2007

By	Edward Foxworth III - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Its Not Over Until You Win: How to Become the Person You Always Wanted to Be No Matter What the Obstacle (Paperback)

Mr. Brown drives home the point of overcoming obstacles! This book is truly an inspiration and his words make it plain and simple for anyone looking to take their lives to the next level. It should be required reading in Universities across the country as a rite of passage!