You Can't Go Wrong Doing Right

How a Child of Poverty Rose to the White House and Helped Change the World

By: Robert J. Brown

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman, Robert J. Brown

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

An unforgettable account of a quietly remarkable life, Robert Brown's memoir takes listeners behind the scenes of pivotal moments from the 20th century, where the lessons he learned at his grandmother's knee helped him shape America as we know it today.

Called "a world-class power broker" by the Washington Post, Robert Brown has been a sought-after counselor for an impressive array of the famous and powerful, including every American president since John F. Kennedy. But as a child born into poverty in the 1930s, Robert was raised by his grandmother to think differently about success. For example, "The best way to influence others is to be helpful", she told him. And, "You can’t go wrong by doing right." 

Fueled by these lessons on humble, principled service, Brown went on to play a pivotal, mostly unseen role alongside the great and the powerful of our time: trailing the mob in 1950s Harlem with a young Robert F. Kennedy; helping the White corporate leadership at Woolworth integrate their lunch counters; channeling money from American businesses to the Civil Rights movement; accompanying Coretta Scott King, at her request, to Memphis the day after her husband had been shot; advising Richard Nixon on how to support Black entrepreneurship; becoming the only person allowed to visit Nelson Mandela in Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town.

Full of unbelievable moments and reminders that the path to influence runs through a life of generosity, You Can't Go Wrong Doing Right blends a heartwarming, historically fascinating account with memorable lessons that will speak to the dreamer in all of us.

©2019 Robert J. Brown (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“In the pages of You Can’t Go Wrong Doing Right, Robert Brown takes us on a journey through history and time to experience the challenges and triumphs that left an indelible mark on his life and the remarkable lessons learned along the way. His praying grandmother instilled in him the values that prepared him for an exhilarating life she could’ve never imagined. You will laugh, cry and be inspired as you relive the stories told through his first-hand account.” (T.D. Jakes, best-selling author of Soar! and Destiny)

“A memoir from one of the most understated yet pivotal players in the history of American civil rights... A humble and timely book that speaks to an era of sweeping change and a reminder that faith and love are two of the best weapons to counter hatred.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Bob Brown is a civil rights icon and a legend in American history. His story is inspiring and crosses all political aisles. I will always be grateful for his friendship and advisement. I admire his selfless commitment for the betterment of this world.” (Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush) 

Remarkable, Amazing, Reviving

This amazing recollection of human achievement is a testament to what Faith, Persistence, and Integrity can do for your life and how those characteristics can het you through both the good times and the bad times that life is certain to throw your way. I pray we all have a chance to read this book several times over.

Cory Henry
President
STEAM Revolution INC

Loved It!!

This was an awesome book - very well written and narrated! My father loved it, also.

An excellent book that gives you inside info

Robert J Brown has done it all. From his time as a young boy to his time in the civil rights movement, to his time in the White House, to his time working to end apartheid in South Africa, you will be amazed at how he worked behind the scenes to accomplish great things. The moral lessons provided throughout by Bob’s grandmother are things we should all hear! Great book!

True Inspiration

Great book! Even greater inspiration. It's worth reading twice. Bob's impact on the world is immeasurable and unmatched.