The Immortality Of Influence (Hardcover)

by Salome Thomas-EL (Author), Cecil Murphey (Author)
Key Phrases: unrecognized influence, chess team, chess program, South Carolina, Covenant House, New York (more...)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758212666
• ISBN-13: 978-0758212665
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #441,225 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Make a Difference, June 2, 2006

By	The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

Salome Thomas-El caught the attention of many readers in his previous book I Choose to Stay. With his latest book, THE IMMORTALITY OF INFLUENCE, he shakes things up a bit. The overarching theme of the book is that each of us as individuals make a difference in the lives of those around us and that the results of our actions (or inaction) has a lasting impact on the larger world. Because of his background in the field of education and in working with inner-city youth, the book's primary focus is on how we can make a positive impact on the lives of young people, particularly African-American males. In chapter one, titled "Failed Influence," the author shares a tragic event that changed his life and how he viewed his role in the world. The incident is one that will jar the emotions of readers and leave them eager to read what the author has to say. He then outlines the importance of acknowledging your individual influence and committing to using your influence in positive ways. From there, influence is discussed in the context of a number of subject areas including: parents, discipline, grooming, the workplace, forgiveness, purpose, faith, and the community. Each chapter highlights both strengths and weaknesses, provides real life examples, and tangible suggestions.

There have been countless books on the problems that exsist within the African-American community, but far fewer that actually offer tangible advice on how to address them. Salome Thomas-El has provided a realistic blueprint that parents, educators, churches, and really anyone can use to begin to address social issues that plague not only inner-cities, but American society as a whole. He is a strong advocate for personal accountability, parental involvement and discipline and he incorporates his views on these and other issues into the book while citing examples from his personal life, the lives of students he has worked with in the past, and from other books and interviews. The book has a conversational tone that is not only engaging and inspiring, but a pleasure to read. Rarely do I read a book that I would call "life changing," but THE IMMORTALITY OF INFLUENCE is one of the rare books that fall into the category. Readers may not agree with all of the author's points, and they may not incorporate all of his suggestions into their day-to-day living, but I am sure that they will touch them and make them want to become better people. My actions have an immortal influence on the lives of everyone I meet, especially the young people I encounter--now that, is something to think about.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

4.0 out of 5 stars Item in Excellent Condition & arrived promptly!, March 30, 2009

By	SoulChild (Maryland) - See all my reviews

I was very pleased with my order for this book. Just as described, arrived quickly & very interesting book!