This is a first outing for Denzel Washington as an author. Let me be among the many to congratulate him for a job well done. The central theme of the book is that we, all of us, are standing on the shoulders of others. There are seventy four inspirational, energizing, and motivational examples told to us by people from all walks of life.

Many quotes in the book are poignant, thought-provoking, and stimulating. I especially liked and agreed with the one by James Baldwin: "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."

Unfortunately, this is true for many young people who have bad role models as parents. Nonetheless the book gives hope and encouragement by showing others have overcome this obstacle with the help of influential organizations like The Girls and Boys Club of America.

Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, Bob Woodward, James Worthy, and many others give heart-rendering examples of mentors who have helped them.

Page thirty four has a fascinating story from Walter Anderson, Editor in Chief, Parade Magazine (he went to the same Boys Club in Mt. Vernon, NY as Mr. Washington).

He tells an inspiring story of a teacher in his neighborhood who showed him kindness, interest, and devotion. He remembers prophetic words from her that changed his life: "You can do this, Walter. You can do this."
Even when he would fail classes, be suspended from school, or have problems with authorities -she would not give up on him. It is a powerful example of how lives can be influenced not just with money but with support.

Dale Carnegie was right when he said: "Do not criticize, condemn, or complain." Instead - we should applaud, reward, and help others. Buy this empowering book, enjoy the uplifting ride, and give someone the hand of encouragement. We can do this.

Reginald V. Johnson, author, "How To Be Happy, Successful, And Rich"

This story is filled with stories from people from all different occupations, and the special individuals who have influenced them to achieve their dreams. Actor Denzel Washington was influenced by a professor named Bob Stone, whose letter of recommendation gave him the confidence he needed as an actor. I loved the contributions from people who are not famous like Kelly Zimmerman Lane. She learned the importance of hard work from her single mother, an incredible woman who worked three jobs to support her three daughters. I enjoyed the story of Notre Dame president Reverend Edward Malloy, whose love of learning and reading was instilled in him by his grade school teacher.

There are numerous stories of people who belonged to a Boys and Girls club. This wonderful organization has influenced so many people to succeed in life. I enjoyed the story of surgeon Patrick Kelly. He learned the value of patience and staying calm from a fellow doctor. He also learned to cultivate these traits from his childhood mentor at a Boy and Girls club. Attorney Socrates De La Cruz learned the importance of setting goals from a special person at the Boys and Girls club named Steve Kelly.

There are many contributions from famous people in this book. I loved the contribution from Olympic gymnast Dommique Dawes. She learned the value of hard work and discipline from her coach. Singer Bonnie Raitt learned the importance of maintaining relationships with people and staying healthy physically from the excellent example her parents provided for her. Actor Daryl Mitchell learned to how continue to enjoy life from fellow actor Christopher Reeve, after a motorcycle accident made Mitchell physically disabled. All the stories in this book are so touching and inspirational. I really enjoyed it.

Denzel Washington, National Spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, shares "Train up a child in the way he should go, and he might get to where he's meant to be headed all along."

And in his compilation of seventy-four stories from some very visible people whose share what and who guided them to where they are today, this book will make a difference in the lives of both children and adults around the country.

Here are twelve examples of what especially impressed me from "A Hand to Guide Me":

1. Muhammad Ali who shares, "Many of the great influences in my life have come to me as an adult, and if I had to choose just one I would say Nelson Mandela... became for me a symbol of what it means to sacrifice one's life for a cause as great as freedom... more than anyone in the world, he embodies the hopes and dreams of a true, lasting justice and equality, not just for South Africans but for all people."

2. Walter Anderson, Chairman and CEO of "Parade Magazine." He shares that because his father was often a violent drunk, he was often safer on the streets than in his bed at home.

With that type of beginning, it's amazing that he has managed to go so far as to be the head of what I think is the most popular magazine in the world.

3. Yogi Berra, 1972 Hall of Fame inductee: His mentor told him in the late 40s',"The catcher is doing most of the thinking for the most important guy in the game: the pitcher." Another message that his mentor told him was, "Catching is the best job in baseball."

4. Danny Glover: Here is a very successful actor who to this day has trouble reading, because he is dyslexic. His mentor during his formative years, Miss Lumber, encouraged him to focus upon what he excelled at, which was math.

During times where he must read the teleprompter, Mr. Glover uses humor on himself to accept his dyslexia as part of himself, not his entire identify, which of course takes the focus away from limitations.

5. Whoopi Goldberg: Her great lesson was learned when she was in elementary school. One day, it was so important for her to be included amongst the popular kids, that she left out her best friend.

Later, her mother asked her the questions to guide her to learn the lessons about consideration, kindness, and inclusiveness - from this experience.

6. Mario Lopez: He's originally from Chula Vista, California - minutes away from Mexico, in San Diego County.

His role model was his wrestling coach, Bill Virchis, who taught him to believe, "... if you're a successful wrestler, you'll be successful in life, because the attributes you need to be a successful wrestler ar the same you'll need to be successful in whatever it is you do."

7. Toni Morrison's strong influence to her great writing comes from her father's messages, in response to her having complained at age 12 or 13 about her employer's attitude towards her. He told her, "You don't live there. You live here." And, in that message, Ms. Morrison was guided to be committed to doing a first-rate job, knowing that she could not be defined by the work she did.

Another message which was given to Ms. Morrison, through her dad's example, was when she reacted to his having shared that at his welding job he had made a perfect seam with his initials. Her reaction was, "Well, nobody's going to see it." And he said, "Yes, but I know it's there.

In this message her father's hand had guided her to take pride in whatever endeavors that she pursues.

8. Bonnie Raitt: If I were limited to 3 music artists who touch the depths of my soul, get me dancing my hiney off, and make me think greater thoughts at the same time, it would be Bonnie Raitt along Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin, because their music requires full attention, with the intent to rise to great

Hooked on giving! Predicated on the biblical principle of reaping what you sow, I found Mr. Washington's words and that of his collaborators ringing truth. We don't live in this world alone and we need people along our different pathways. Our living should not be in vain. I work with behaviorally challenged children and teenagers. One of my co-workers is using this book for inspirational readings during therapy sessions to help motivate children and aid them in making positive turn-arounds. I support and join with her in meeting the challenges that young people face. This book is a positive and inspirational source of knowledge and experiential reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a memory maker!

What a wonderful surprise reading through the pages of Denzel Washington's 'A Hand To Guide Me' is! Writing with humble fluidity, Washington shares with the world, and perhaps himself (?) how we all are connected to one another, and so, have a significant responsability to help those around us, with great emphasis paid attention to children. Through the Boys and Girls Club of America, Washington openly shares that he was able to find his own way, with the assistance of kind hands by others. The role of 'Mentoring' our youth is all about what this wonderfully inspirational book is all about, and Washington shares some unique stories about other high-profilers who have particiapted as mentors - which, in its own way, places seeds of activism in the mind of his readers. In a certain sense, this book helps clear the record of one of the world's greatest actors as being self-centered: clearly Washington is a private man with a giant heart and kind intent towards children. Well done.