Eight Habits of the Heart: Embracing the Values that Build Strong Families and Communities (African American History

by Clifton L. Taulbert

The acclaimed speaker and author of Once Upon a Time We Were Colored shares his timeless "front porch wisdom" of his youth

"A beautiful and gentle book... a healing work."—Jonathan Kozol, New York Times bestselling author

Clifton L. Taulbert is renowned for his poignant memoirs about growing up in the segregated South and for his lectures and programs in schools, businesses, and communities throughout the world. In Eight Habits of the Heart , this inspiring handbook, filled with moving stories and memorable lessons, he lays out eight basic principles he learned from his a nurturing attitude, dependability, responsibility, friendship, brotherhood, high expectations, courage, and hope.

With exercises for reflection and practice, Taulbert shows how the Eight Habits of the Heart can be utilized today to help strengthen relationships, families, and communities everywhere. Here is a refreshing and meaningful guide to the spiritual core we, as a society, always seem to be seeking.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

also see Clifton Taulbert

Reviews

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was on my moms shelf and after she passed away I’ve learned that reading her books helps me feel close to her. The author also signed it to her! If I remember correctly she met him through some friends. This was very inspiring and helped me reflect on who influenced my life through the years and what I am spending my time on now! Do we all have the desire to make a difference and be in a community? I feel this even deeper since both my parents have died. It’s so important to live with hope, love and humbleness! And to pass that down to our children.

[Sarah Boyd]

I sought out this text after hearing the author speak at our local library. The text was meaningful and I think could benefit many. I was missing some of the details Taulbert shared in person but the read was concise, perhaps opening the door to more readers. I would recommend reading “Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored” first, to get a more complete understanding of the author’s background.

[Welsey Hargon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and easy to read book about community! It wasn’t as groundbreaking for me as the reviews implied but there were some great takeaways.

[Diana Olivares · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book. It’s interesting and well thought out. It just pales in comparison to hearing him speak about the habits.

[Nora Alshareef · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wasn’t good

[April Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide to developing habits that build healthy community includes journal prompts and ends with group activities. I will continue rereading and developing these habits throughout my life!

[Abigail Coats · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one hand, I really liked the theme of the book, the preface and the idea. On the other hand it was boring for me, but probably because it is so plain Joe--which seemed to be the point. It has interesting writing style which is very detailed in the everyday. I wish I could remember all 8 chapters and key points because that is what I took away from the book: community = brotherhood, friendship, etc...
I would say don't waste your time reading it if you are a to-the-point person like me. If you enjoy the everyday simple things and the good ol days then you would like this book. Either way, skim the chapters and read each first-page and you will be set.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a shame this has such a schmaltzy title. It does a fine job of defining some of the attitudes that are necessary to develop a strong community that supports everyone, whether a family, a neighborhood, a work team or a nation. It's a fast, easy read and is worth reflecting on.

[Beth Neu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read, practical and positive. If you want to have a guide to bettering your own life and community using a simple, common-sense approach, read Clifton Taulbert's book and embrace the positive values that helped make him the success he is today.

[Steve Lively · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the straightforward approach of these eight habits. Mr. Taulbert presents several relatable anecdotes and connections to reinforce this moral approach to life. I plan to use this book with some community college students this term and hope it spawns some worthwhile discussion.

[Charles Dull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was thought provoking to read of a value set found in a discriminatory environment. Having things and money is not a value, doing and being are values and how we engage with those values defines our life.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about building strong communities.