This is an outstanding book for men!! It covers just about every aspect of being a man in today's society and utilizing the information to be a positive apsect in their community. From penis size to smoking, making love to reading magazines, and health issues. The preface by Tavis Smiley is very good and straight-forward especially on the "endangered species" aspect. This book is easy to read and the type is a decent size. The format is extremely solid and a definite page turner!! I highly recommend this book to all men!!!

I have to say, this is the book that is going to set a lot of brothers free from feeling they have to play the unrealistic role society has told them they must play. I read the hardback version of this book last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave a copy to my father, and he did too. But this updated edition is even better. It includes a great deal more information on men staying healthy, dealing with their emotions, staying faithful to their wives or girlfriends, and being a real man in 21st century. And a whole lot more.

The principles in this book are amazing. The author tells it like it is, and he doesn't hold back. Man, he is a bold brother. (It is not for the faint at heart!) It is well written, and is a got-to-read for black men and women. Even a lot of our young African-American boys growing up today will get a lot out of it (if they read it). It will prepare them for true manhood as they grow into adult men. It just needs to get into their hands.

This book will change its reader's life. I suggest if you want to change your life, buy it here and read it, because it will make you look honestly at yourself and your life, and will inspire you to change it for the better.

Highly recommend it!

With his subtle, yet powerful, words, Oglesby has effectively delivered tangible guidelines by which to pattern our lives. While reading, I realized that the author has truly discovered the secret to the success of the Black man in America: Success begins with how we feel about ourselves, how we think about the world, and how we act upon those thoughts. With so much negativity being attached to who "we" are, it was a great pleasure to read such positive and insightful comments about what "we" can be. The book's easy flow is a testament to Oglesby's obvious commitment to integrity and genuineness; unlike many authors who like to flaunt their pseudo-intellect, Oglesby's motives are seemingly clear. I felt that he wanted the reader to gain and benefit from the knowledge that he was presenting.
This was an excellent read. Furthermore, I will definitely continue to recommend this book to my friends, family and work associates.

J. Hunter, National Association to Broaden and Enhance Images, Inc.

I got these cards about two weeks ago, and I am really impressed with them. First off, I am glad to see some empowerment cards geared towards African Americans. I get them and put them in my purse so I can read and reflect on them. Don't hurt to affirm them as well. Get a set today and be empowered. My favorite ones are: Explore Your Talents, Inquire Within, Love The Skin Your In, Enjoy the Solitude, and Do the D's. CHeck them out.

A VERY GOOD JOB ON DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST I BELIEVE THERE'S ONLY ONE MISTAKE IN LIFE AN THAT WOULD BE NOT GETTING YOURSELF RIGHT WITH THE (LORD)BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR LAST BREATH ANYTHING ELSE,IS MEANT TO HAPPEN TO LEARN FROM, AN BEOME A BETTER PERSON FROM IT. THANKYOU!

I can't say enough about these Two Great Minds of Tavis Smiley&Tom Joyner.it's important to bring to Light about Slave AUctions at Christys? folks have to Understand that Majority of AMericans don't Care about No African-Americans.Slavery is treated like Properity or a joke.folks don't really want to know the full History of this country and how the past is still very much the present.it's Important that our voices are heard mad Props to Brother Tavis&to the Hardest working Man on Radio Brother Tom Joyner.Thank you for Given up The Real On The ONE.

Mr. Smiley receives two thumbs up, two snaps, one exaggerated smile (all teeth included), a complete roll of the eyes, and a full Sista girl neck rotation. Tavis did not talk off the "cuff" but had back-up for his commentaries. It is great to know someone is letting actions speak louder than words. Tavis, Keep on! Keeping on!

Keeping the Faith is a collective group of reflective essays written by famous and not-so famous writers to celebrate African Americans and our strong resolve as a people. Tavis Smiley has written the foreword, along with eight essays that begin each section of the book. The sections of the book delve into black love, grief and healing, overcoming challenges and hope. A favorite was Love and Self Love, a poetic essay that touched my spirit.

The various reflections will inspire and empower the reader and remind one that we have come a long way. This book highlights the inner strength of African-Americans as we deal with day-to-day issues. This book is a welcome addition to a family library.

Reviewed by Robilyn Heath
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Tavis Smiley's Keeping the Faith is a true collective testament of what faith can do in the Black Community. As a featured writer in the book, I was simply proud to be in the number. However, when I received my copy, I sat down and read the hearts and minds of all of the other writers featured. Right next to the Bible, this is the kind of book from which we, as Black Americans, can gather our strength to endure every situation in our lifetimes. This book is such a jewel, a beautiful and multifaceted gem which from every angle illustrates the true liberation of individuals and people. We are a people of strength. We make it through all types of drama in our families, on our jobs and in our relationships. It is no secret how cruel the world can be, but this book will have you laughing, crying, moving, shaking and most importantly, keeping the faith within yourself. If you've been yearning for a good ole' sit-down storytelling, grab hold of Keeping the Faith! Every now and then I pull mine down and read a story -- just to keep me inspired to do what I believe I've been appointed to do. This book is just another show of what can be brought about when we join together in unity, love and faith. Theh books main message is that "we are more than conquerors" when we keep the faith!

Latorial Faison, Poet & Author

What can I say? The brother walks the walk and talks the talk. In promoting his book Tavis made sure that he held signing parties at Black owned book stores. This book will allow others to read about, 'What makes Black people so strong.'

This very slim volume of empowerment suggestions falls under the category of "nothing new under the sun". Tavis takes the tried and true work of others and repackages it into simplistic cliches. It's not worth the read, unless you just fell off a turnip truck and are looking for a map directing you about how to get back on. This book isn't about the community, it is a self-important review of Tavis and his path. It's not even worth it in paperback!

Tavis Smiley is the host of a TV program on the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network, a channel (if you've ever watched it) that was designed in order to provide entertainment to a black audience that clearly enjoys laughing at (accurate) stereotypes of themselves (like the gesticulating rapper who rhymes together every curse word imaginable, and then yells an occasional "oh lawd!" in between songs to prove that he's down with the Lord).

Judging by the lame self-improvement suggestions Tavis has made for blacks living in dangerous urban areas, he's very lucky to have been given permission to write a book like this. Live amongst crack houses and pimps? "Change your attitude," says Smiley.

Unfortunately, Smiley does not discuss the failing drug-war, which has placed a disproportionate number of blacks in prison and is one of the main reasons for the degredation of black neighborhoods; nor does he discuss the fact that whites, filled with guilt for imaginary crimes, have allowed blacks to inhabit an independent moral universe than they do, where no problem exists that cannot be blamed on "white racism."

If you are serious about this topic, skip this book and check out Jared Taylor's book, "Paved With Good Intentions."

After reading Thomas Sowell and Jesse Lee Peterson (gasp, sigh, those smug pooh bahs really are something) I find a man, Tavis Smiley, that, what a concept, cares for his people. Smiley shows compassion not hurtful, unhealthy, and mean spirited criticism. But his solutions can help us all. Thats the great thing about those of us on the Left. Smiley's book is truly a great work full of ways for US, the common man to let our voices be heard since we all know the rich and corporations will have theirs hear. A great and inspiring read.

Tavis Smiley is a self-centered dimwit. Who is he preaching to?
Why is his opinions so important? Maybe his prose would be worthy if he looked at the whole picture. His writing is his opinion. Readers buy books of quality. This is not quality it is meant to brainwash the mis-informed. This book is written like a mad man wrote it. Read at your own risk. A real waste.
And Tavis Smiley views of his race is a real disgrace.

Without exception the worst writing I have ever seen. No facts, no figures, just Tavis' opinions abound, presented as 'quasi-facts'. Pick up a Cornal West book (race matters, etc) for quality 'left-leaning' reading.

I've just had the opportunity to read this book, six years later. Even as some of the specifics, like the "Contract on America" period, have wound up on the dust-bin of history, all the basic themes are all still operative today. "Hard Left" is a concise and accessible overview of a number of issues that still face America, and recommended for anyone who listens to the arguments of the Right and feels that something just isn't, well...right.

A number of the 1-star reviewers here complain about "emotional arguments" (since emotion is not a part of humanity to be considered or discussed) or the lack of pages of extensive empirical data are missing the point. It's "Straight Talk" to regular Americans, not a statistical study and presentation. There's no shortage of books you could find in that vein. The form here is conversational, the way people talk to each other one on one. In this form, the book makes its' points well and is worth the read.

Tavis Smiley is an empty headed provocateur who has been attractively packaged by a bevy of handlers. This book is pathetic and trite, hardly worth the paper it was written on. I got the book because it is Smiley's earliest, but he is about as simple then as he is now. Black American ought to be ashamed for embracing this lightweight as a spokesperson.

"Just a thought". When has Tavis Smiley been thinking? His observations are trite, and he has not improved over time. Take a pass on this book.

I have read Tavis work in the past and he is always good

Tavis Smiley rides on the backs of a group of celebrated African American intellectuals to line his own pockets and further advance his multi-media, empty talkfest. This young man babbles and blaters without much substance, but turns out the crowds becasue of his overexposure both on BET and on Tom Joyner's show. Listen to Tavis if you must, watch him if you will, but buying this book is both a waste of time and encouragement to an already shallow talker that keeping it light is all right. If you are going to buy one book, buy Randall Robinson's The Debt. Or check out Farai Chidea's most recent work. But this is fluff (for example, Tyra Banks implores us to all. . . .(is that get along, Tyra or did they only allow you half a page), nothing more. It plays the black community cheap.

The worksmanship of this piece was excellent. The author did an exceptional job at crafting the book and composed it in readable words. However, though being put together considerably well, the message put out by Mr. Smiley's book is one that creates much controversy. This is simply one point of view, among many.