“It’s one thing to tell a child how to act and another thing entirely to show him. A Better Man does the latter through poignant stories about real people, told by the very people who lived them. This book provides lessons that pave the way to a newer, brighter future for men who will not only achieve great things in their lives, but also in the lives of the better men they will raise and mentor. Thank you, Kelly Johnson, for giving parents, educators, and young people a book that will positively influence the lives of our nation’s men for generations to come.” “There is no question that young men are negatively affected by the fractured, incoherent images of manhood so prevalent in the media today. Computer downloads, streaming videos, incessant cell phones, and iPods all contribute to a relentless onslaught from which our boys can find little relief. Until now. In her new book, A Better Man, Kelly Johnson has brought together twenty-six true American heroes and asked them to share some of their thoughts and insights on a host of topics. The result is a book of timeless wisdom that offers young men the unique opportunity to hear from great men their stories, the lessons they’ve learned, and the truth about being a man. It is a book whose time has come.” “We are a nation in constant motion toward fulfilling the aspiration of equality. The life lessons from these amazing men are a true gift to the next generation of young people of all races, all nationalities, all walks of life. Kelly Johnson has compiled a treasure trove of honest and intimate experiences that will open eyes and hearts… and inspire anyone who reads it—man, woman, parent, or child—to take bold steps to better themselves and the world.” “There is a disquieting trend in our society towards accepting less than our best—and it’s bled over into the outlook we have for the boys we are raising into men. A Better Man reminds us not to settle but to encourage our sons, our nephews, our brothers, and our neighbors to cultivate within themselves those qualities that make them better men: men of drive, honor, compassion, and integrity. Every young man would greatly benefit from the lessons learned in this book. Its positive impact will be felt for generations to come.” “Kelly Johnson is unabashedly passionate about making a difference in the lives of young men, and her work in assembling a spectacular series of essays and interviews will do just that. Her efforts lead to a singularly important question that goes to the heart of growing up, and that is: Do you want to be in charge of your life, or do you want someone else to decide what you will become? A fundamental truth is that all young men have the potential to set their lives on the right track, to become ‘A Better Man.’ To be sure, there are barriers, obstacles, and challenges. So, at times, a gentle nudge here or a push there by a mentor or leader is required to provide what I would call ‘mid-course guidance.’ Kelly has brought together some of those who have mentored and led, and still others who have benefited from both. Importantly, all of them have willingly shared their stories and experiences on why being in charge of your own destiny is so vital to becoming ‘A Better Man.’ I am extraordinarily honored to be part of this work, and those who take the time to read Kelly Johnson’s exceptionally impactful book will, without doubt, be able to make better choices, and in doing so, become men of character, courage, and conviction.” “One of the most important steps we can take toward change is to return to the values of our past and draw from the building blocks of character and integrity that made us who we are today. A Better Man teaches readers that greatness is possible if you have the heart to work at it. Kelly Johnson’s book will help chart a new course for the next generation of men—men who will someday help lead our nation and bring us to the forefront of a new era. I am proud to add my voice to this collection.” “A Better Man represents the good that we often fail to see in today’s world. I hope it inspires every young man who reads it to strive to be the best he can be and succeed at everything he tries, no matter what stands in his way. The stories and the lessons that fill the pages of this book are reminders to us all that heroes still do exist, and that it is our responsibility to be heroes to today’s young men so that they in turn can be heroes to the young men who come after them. A Better Man serves as a textbook to the next generation by teaching what responsibility, honor, and humility truly look like.” “Today, it seems as though we have abandoned the ideals of character-building and sacrifice and replaced them with a sense of entitlement and self-service. We are raising a generation of men who will expect to achieve great things with very little work and who will turn on their peers to get the things they want, rather than helping their fellow man along the way. A Better Man presents a group of men who have worked hard for their success, learned from their failures, and become adults who possess great character and integrity. I can’t imagine a better compilation of role models to be heroes to our boys, to encourage them and teach them a better way, than those in this book. I am proud to be in their company. If you want to set the young men in your life on the path to greatness, buy this book!” “My grandmother will soon be 80 and my mother is in her 60s. They, like many African-American mothers, have lived very hard lives caring for ungrateful and irresponsible children and grandchildren. My contribution to this book is not only about me. It’s my way of saying to my mother and grandmother that their wisdom and love were not in vain, nor did it fall on deaf ears.”
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