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Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice

Dennis Kimbro (Goodreads Author),

Napoleon Hill

4.49 · Rating details · 1,221 ratings · 74 reviews

"An inspiring an powerful success guide."
ESSENCE
Author and entrepreneur Dennis Kimbro combines bestseeling author Napolean Hilll's law of success with his own vast knowledge of business, contemporary affairs, and the vibrant culture of Black America to teach you the secrets to success used by scores of black Americans, including: Spike Lee, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Selma Burke, ...more

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Paperback, 363 pages

Published September 23rd 1992 by Fawcett Books (first published August 20th 1991)

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· 1,221 ratings · 74 reviews

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Jan 30, 2014 Brandon Clay rated it really liked it

Shelves: success

I will start this review by stating that I am a 49-year-old African-American male. I will also preface this review by outlining that I am highly successful and believe that excellence will always transcend. At the same time, I will acknowledge that my path has been filled with trials that are unique to African-Americans.

I was raised by a mother and father that told me never to view my race as a disadvantage, but that it would make me unique…A trailblazer. I was fortunate that my college-educate I will start this review by stating that I am a 49-year-old African-American male. I will also preface this review by outlining that I am highly successful and believe that excellence will always transcend. At the same time, I will acknowledge that my path has been filled with trials that are unique to African-Americans.

I was raised by a mother and father that told me never to view my race as a disadvantage, but that it would make me unique…A trailblazer. I was fortunate that my college-educated father forced me to read books on the mind, on faith, and on success. When I became a teenager, I sought these books out of my own doing. I know they are the foundation and a powerful reason for why I am where I am today.

I also understand that not everyone (no matter the race!) gets the advantages I had as a Black child growing up in the 60s to a proud but struggling lower middle-class family. I am even more aware of how fortunate I am to have been part of a family that taught me how to fight - through excellence.

All of that said, I understand the historical need to "segregate" the success message. As a sales trainer, and author, I teach a lesson called The Message and The Messenger - it is not a lesson on race but a lesson on building rapport and chemistry (regardless of the clients background) - the foundation of sales.

I applaud Napoleon Hill for trying to address the specific needs of an audience with a specific messenger...and Dennis Kimbro was a good choice.

Few people know that Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) had also begun a transcript of a message to Black America back in the 70s. That mantle was then picked up by this author Dennis Kimbro with the book "Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice". This concept was done again by Anthony Robbins & Joseph McClendon III in "Unlimited Power: A Black Choice". Both works are essentially a redo of the original works with a specific audience in mind, and I believe well intended.

Even now with a two-term Black president (more specifically bi-racial) we still see great disparity, but it is no longer simply defined by race but other components of socio-economics.

As an author of success books, books on sales and other works on achievement, I see myself today as just that - an author. I want those works to affect and impact the world, regardless of race color creed or national origin. Pollyanna perhaps, but I can only control my intent.

Soapbox aside, this book is powerful not because of who it was written for but because of who wrote it. I believe that the creator gave us all what we need, and in spite of what others may think, or do, we can express that gift if we engage the principles outlined in both of these works.

Not to be controversial, I would recommend this book to anyone... ...more

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Nov 03, 2015 Michael Moore rated it it was amazing

I always heard great things about the original Think and Grow Rich. But as a Black American, this version caught my eye. It was inspiring to hear about successful black business entrepreneurs. It was refreshing to see folks that look like me achieve so much success despite their obstacles.

Dennis Kimbro does an excellent job of keeping up with the spirit of the original Think and Grow Rich. All individuals will find this an excellent read. This is not just a "black readers only" book. ...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Deborah Parker rated it really liked it

This book propelled me on the path of entrepeneurship. After reading it years ago, I took a few bold steps to get my leadership and personal development training company started. It made me think! And grow! I'm still working on the rich part! ...more

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Jan 09, 2011 Wanda Mcdowell rated it it was amazing

Wow...this book is a must read. I have grown spiritually and mentally after reading this book. I have changed my outlook on life and no longer have a victim mentality. I have come to realize that in order to achieve the success I desire, I must work hard. The only way I can achieve exponential growth is by having faith and being persistent.

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Jan 16, 2012 Andrea rated it it was amazing

Life changing-a must read, follow your dreams and believe in yourself book. Your mind is the most powerful thing that you own.

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Jul 22, 2010 Lynecia rated it really liked it

One of the best books on success and personal empowerment I have ever read.

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Apr 01, 2018 Jeff Hennore rated it it was amazing

Loved this book! Dennis Kimbro did a fantastic in expounding upon the principles found in Think and Grow Rich, but catering it to Black people and people of color. The greatest lesson I gained from this reading is how powerful our minds are, and thus it is imperative that we become obsessed with success. Kimbro is now one of my favorite authors, and I will always have one of his works in constant rotation. Thanks Kimbro!

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Aug 27, 2007 Owen Carver rated it it was amazing

this was an extremely formative book in my life. you need to ignore the cultural ignorances of the 1940's writing of it as your read it though. ...more

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Sep 02, 2008 Gregory added it

This book is a true classic.
I have read it several times and have always gotten something new from it with each read.

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Jun 14, 2012 Daryl Moore rated it it was amazing

Definitely a reread. More like a study guide for inspiration and motivation.

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Jul 26, 2012 Shekeyse rated it it was amazing

This is a great guide to success, you will want to read it over and over again! Great African-American people that I didn't know about are in this book. Great Read!!! This comes recommended. ...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Quannta rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. Great, fast read and amazing advice! One to revisit from time to time.

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Apr 24, 2013 Nakia Blake rated it it was amazing

I don't usually read a book more than once, but this book is definitely worth reading again. This book changed my outlook on success. The stories were very inspiring. ...more

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Jul 09, 2013 Erika McCall rated it it was amazing

This book is amazing!! This is must read for anyone who is success driven.

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Apr 01, 2020 Alex rated it it was ok

Shelves: self-improvement

I had mixed feelings about reading this book. I had already read Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich a few years ago, and liked it. The mixed feelings I had were a result of some of the early passages in the book and the overall format of the book. Dennis Kimbro, essentially, was chosen by Napoleon Hill's people to promote the concepts in Hill's original "Think and Grow Rich" to a Black audience. (There is also a version out there geared towards a Latino audience.) I can appreciate the premise o I had mixed feelings about reading this book. I had already read Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich a few years ago, and liked it. The mixed feelings I had were a result of some of the early passages in the book and the overall format of the book. Dennis Kimbro, essentially, was chosen by Napoleon Hill's people to promote the concepts in Hill's original "Think and Grow Rich" to a Black audience. (There is also a version out there geared towards a Latino audience.) I can appreciate the premise of wanting to reach these audiences specifically, and build on any concepts toward these audiences that one could say are not specifically addressed in the original. I also see the profitability of re-releasing similar information geared toward special interest groups, which I think the purpose of this book is more of the latter.

When I read Napoleon Hill's original, as a Black woman, I always take note of the things that are not made with my voice or perspective in mind. However, I still think Hill's original is one of the better self-improvement books that I've read. I also saw many of the concepts to be pretty universal. In this version of the book that caters to the Black audience, I still feel that, as a Black woman, this book is lacking. It is written from the perspective of a man, and I know that it's impossible for a book to cover every single possible premise. However, early on, Kimbro can seem a bit preachy, and there is a hint of "black respectability" undertones. For example, Kimbro, alluding to the phrase "Black Power," states that "it implies dominance or retaliation for oppression." I, of course, don't agree with that premise, but keep in mind the funders of this book (i.e. Napoleon Hill's Foundation). There are examples of success stories from both men and women, which is appreciated, and I think the majority, if not all examples, in this one are of Black people.

Yet, there was another issue with the formatting of the book, that I don't quite recall to be as much of an annoyance from Hill's original, Think and Grow Rich. Hill's original seems more in-depth about himself and a few other example of other perceivably "great men." Yet, early on, in Kimbro's version, I felt there was a constant repetition of very brief anecdotes that take the format of the following: Here is a person who faced adversity. Said person was determined in life, and went down in history as very successful.

The anecdotes are too brief to really ascertain applicable information of how the person REALLY became successful, and there certainly could've been less of them. In other words, the same info could've been more impactful by going more in-depth with less examples rather than the many shallow examples that are quite easy to forget because of their similarities.

I did find more value toward the end of the book, where I feel it gets closer to its predecessor in tone. It shifts from the anecdotes to universal concepts of the power of the mind, divine intelligence, and having a burning desire to succeed. If you have to read one of the two, read the original, this one is double the fluff and half the meat. Not to say to say that there isn't value here. I read both, but just prefer the original.

...more

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Jan 26, 2018 Ernest rated it it was amazing

This is an amazing book that straddles the line between personal development and history of successful black people. It is safe to say that this gem of an inspirational book needs to be updated to appeal more to millennials. In my opinion, anyone of any age can apply these life-changing principles for success. However, these principles will inspire many younger African Americans to make the right decisions that should positively affect their lives.
It has been many years since this book was first ...more

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Oct 07, 2018 Juan Chavez rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2018

I saw a review entitled..an inspiring success guide..seems to be an accurate description. An awesome book on the keys to success. I felt completely drawn to the contents of the book. It all starts with self belief, that leads to discipline..without both of these you cannot attain your goals. A real guide to mastery.
Key ideas:

1- Like physical effort, thought control is entirely a matter of intelligent practice.
2 - You sing not because you are happy. You are happy because you sing.
3- He who is no ...more

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Aug 11, 2019 LeeTravelGoddess rated it it was amazing

Shelves: tops

Black History. BLACK History. BLACK HISTORY!!! What a wonderful book and reference of all the greatness that is BLACK FOLK!!! I was so engulfed with this book that I couldn’t put it down and when I did I had to wait for the appropriate time to pick the book back up and focus on the innards of it to gain the most that I could. I will for sure revisit this book as time continues on. There is so much wealth in his take on the great Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich 💚💚💚. I enjoyed learning new nugge ...more

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Sep 12, 2017 Tereia Joe rated it it was amazing

I truly enjoyed this very motivational and inspiring to reach goals. I actually got this from the library and as the information continued I really think I want this book on my shelf. While it is a little out dated of course because some of the people lives has changed, the history of their achievements are static. For those who love to be inspired and may have dreams and goals but get a bit weary at time I recommend taking a look at this and it will keep you focused on what you really want in l ...more

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Oct 14, 2020 Isaaic Patterson rated it it was amazing

This book is exceptionally inspirational. This is the book to get if you are looking to learn how to take back control of your life. You should invest!! It is worth every penny. I am currently reading this book in its physical form. I love this book. This book is soul food on a sunday with a healthier enrichment to your mind, soul, spirit and body.

If you are a person caught in the a poverty mindset and you are looking to develop a wealth mindset then this is the book to have in your possession.

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Apr 07, 2018 Ryan P rated it it was amazing

After reading the original, this one catered to the Black livelihood was a nice add on. Its definitely a book I will have to keep returning to, as with the original. A lot of moving and inspiring stories held within it. A lot to digest and take in but all the principles in it are sound and if applied as told and the book, it will change your life.

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Aug 28, 2020 Xavier Thompson rated it it was amazing

A fantastic read. It was what I needed and will continue to need as my life runs it's course. A refreshing reminder of the notion that we all can do some things to improve our own lives, moreover our duty to ourselves and others to reach for more in the healthiest and most balanced ways possible. Love it! ...more

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Mar 11, 2020 Book Gossiping rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I break from things to nourish my soul. Yes I read constantly but when you read a masterpiece that engulfs your soul aligning your elements...well that's a solitude worth investing into. Self discovery is everything.
(Click link to hear full review: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/2376...) ...more

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Mar 26, 2020 Tremayne rated it it was amazing

A colleague gifted me this book and it was a perfect branch from Napoleon Hill’s version! This is truly a powerful read; the mind is the catalyst for everything we want to achieve in this life. Master your mind, defy the odds. Loved it.

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Oct 30, 2020 Natalie E. Tolliver rated it it was amazing

Great book! Very inspiring! Filled with wisdom. First you have to see your vision, then you have to have the desire to see it fulfilled and then the universe goes into action to make it happen! One to keep and re-read when you need to renewed motivation.

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Jan 04, 2021 Aubrey Fletcher rated it it was amazing

Shelves: black-excellence

Fantastic book! I read the original book by Napoleon Hill, and I felt kind of disconnected. With this version, I have found a deep connection to it as an African American. Definitely will use and study for it.

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Aug 30, 2017 Maya Jones rated it it was amazing

Go read this book, and be somebody.

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Jan 11, 2018 Jono rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-greats, black, business, favourites, wealth, self-development, mindset

Best book I've ever read ...more

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Jun 08, 2018 shelley taylor rated it it was amazing

An overall great book, and very inspiring. Definitely, great examples to follow.👍

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Apr 25, 2019 Christopher Romain rated it it was amazing

Great for all level of thinkers, especially for blacks new to the ideas of think and grow rich. It is great to have examples of people who look like us succeeding.

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