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Come On People - On the Path from Victims to Victors
by Bill Cosby and Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D.
Thomas Nelson
ISBN 1-59555-092-7
Published October 2007 - Hardcover - 265 pages - $15.99

I felt compelled to read this book while watching Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint on Oprah recently.  I've always loved Bill Cosby's take on life, and children, so I just had to find out more.  I felt that I too, had touched on a few things in my own book, also just published, and what I assume to be common sense.  Cosby and Poussaint's book is about call-outs they had clear across the country, and is the voice of so many, which makes for very interesting reading.  Interesting because social problems are not confined to a few cities, or to one coast, or to a few areas.  Some stories are uplifting but many are downright tragic, and potentially avoidable.  [Social problems are everywhere, and afflict all people, but noticably more so people of color.  My goodness, white people are no angels and have similar problems, it's just that Cosby and Poussaint tackle what they know, and see.  Thank you for sharing this with all people.  The more we know about each other, the more we understand, and the easier it will be to help each other.  However, if we don't help ourselves, whoever we are, we cannot expect others to take over the reigns of our lives.  I think self-respect and self-control are big issues here.  Reviewer's comments.]
In the first chapter, it's very clear Cosby and Poussaint are concerned about the African American male, the lack of males in the family, and the lack of ambition.  The statistics are alarming, and not improving.  Cosby and Poussaint cite many instances and circumstances which I found so sad, and what should be done to correct their wrongs.  I agree that the need for Standard English is essential.  I loved the quote, "No translator at the U.N. can tell you what "fo' shizzle, ma nizzle" means."  To apply for a job, one needs to speak well to come across as a worthwhile employee - of course you have to also do well to be considered.  As it says on the dust jacket: "No matter your economic status, no matter your age, no matter your race, no matter your gender, and no matter your religion, we are all allies in changing our future for the better." 
Visit Bill Cosby's website and Dr. Poussaint's website for more information.  Bravo for having the foresight and guts to tell it like it is, and hopefully get people talking and thinking and doing.
Conclusion - A fantastic book which everyone needs to read if we are going to ever fully understand what is going on in this country.