Product Description

The man who inspired millions with his television shows and his bestselling book, "Live Your Dreams", returns with more great advice on overcoming life's obstacles. Imbued with Brown's optimism and enthusiasm, this book is an irresistible addition to the popular self-help market National print publicity. 6-city author tour. TV & radio satellite tours.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52545 in Books
• Published on: 1998-01-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780684835280
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

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.

From Booklist
Motivational speaker Les Brown, author of Live Your Dreams (1992), which sold more than 130,000 copies in hardcover, returns to familiar territory as he once again tells readers how to overcome obstacles and find success. Speaking from experience, Brown details his own dances with despair, occasioned most recently by the death of his mother and his unhappy experience as a television talk-show host. The loosely organized text moves haphazardly from topic to topic, covering the usual subjects: relationships, careers, illness, and death. It is on the latter subject that Brown is most effective as he describes his mother's last illness and the family's reaction to it. Brown guides readers through the grieving process and shows them how to acknowledge the significance of death in their lives. There's not much here that differs from what one would find in any self-help tome by any of the big names on the inspirational circuit, but Brown has an easy, colloquial style that pulls along his familiar messages. Expect aggressive marketing to stimulate the already eager audience. Ilene Cooper

Customer Reviews

An Inspiration!
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.

A Wonderful Biography
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.

Unbelievably Motivating!
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!