Think You'll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 260 ratings

Price: 18.1

Last update: 12-17-2024


About this item

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER!

“Nicole Avant gives a raw and courageous look into how she found the light in her darkest moment. She reminds us that grief is different for everyone, and we have the power to move through it in our own unique way.” —Cleo Wade, New York Times Bestselling Author

“A love song to a great woman told through the eyes of the great woman she created.”—Tyler Perry

The USA Today bestseller, a spirit-lifting memoir on how to turn pain into purpose, how to live always in gratitude, and how to face down tragedy and turn it into love.

Nicole Avant—diplomat, philanthropist, filmmaker—grew up surrounded by some of the most extraordinary artists of our time: Bill Withers, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier. Her parents—entertainment mogul, Clarence Avant, and legendary philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant—turned their home into a place of refuge and inspiration for a generation of geniuses. Nicole drew on that magical upbringing to create a stellar career in the music business, become the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, and produce critically acclaimed award-winning films and documentaries. Then, an unthinkable tragedy struck: her mother was fatally shot in December 2021.

In this searing and inspiring memoir, Nicole turns the pain of her family’s loss into the fuel that pushes her forward into an even more committed life of love and activism: “We can’t banish evil,” she writes. “We have to learn to swim through trauma and live for all of those who can’t.” Turning tragedy into inspiration, Think You’ll Be Happy—her mom’s last words to Nicole—provides a roadmap for anyone working to remain positive and anchored in hope.


Top reviews from the United States

  • David Reid
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Personal Guidebook of Personal Grief
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2023
    "Think You’'ll Be Happy" is a warm and welcomed surprise. Ms. Avant speaks from the heart in dealing with the tragic, sudden and heartbreaking loss of her Mother. Her emotions are raw, you feel her pain. You also understand her forgiveness for this unforgivable sin. That’s the best part of this breezy read. I bought two copies along with audio. (People can’t take my audio book.) Both hardbound books were picked up by friends who wanted to finish after they read the first chapter. Early Christmas gifts.
    The author shares personal details with such candor you cannot help but tear up a few times. I did. That’s what a good book does, it reaches the reader emotionally.
    Sadly in America today this story is not a unique one, Nicole Avant does a unique job in making you understand how such a heinous act must not control your life going forward. The bad guys can’t win. Inner strength, both personal and spiritual are the key to dealing with such profound grief.
    It was two years ago today Jacqueline Avant was killed in sanctuary of her own home. The world has been little less ever since.
    This is a book you’ll read and share with someone you know. Because we all know someone who is struggling.

    December 1, 2023
  • Tina Louise Stephens
    5.0 out of 5 stars Even in grief, there's always a reason to have gratitude.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2023
    "Think You'll Be Happy" reads like a love story novel. Once I started reading this book, it was very hard to put down until I came to the end. Ms. Avant began by using her father's words, "You come with a number and you end with a number. It's what happens in that dash (the middle) that counts. We read about the wonderful and famous people Nicole has met throughout her life - Presidents Obama and Clinton, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and others, and we learn about the people Nicole's parents made sure she knew about - The Mississippi Freedom Riders, Emmet Till, Ruby Bridges and so many others who worked to make the world a more peaceful and equitable place for mankind. Grief and tragedy will eventually happen to us all, but it's how we navigate through it for ourselves and others that turns darkness into light. These stories encourage us to keep the light on, and they show us by example that the dash in between the lives of The Avant family is love. Love Makes the Difference. My name is Tina Louise Stephens and this book, in spite of the sadness, filled me with joy.
    Customer image
    Tina Louise Stephens
    5.0 out of 5 stars Even in grief, there's always a reason to have gratitude.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2023
    "Think You'll Be Happy" reads like a love story novel. Once I started reading this book, it was very hard to put down until I came to the end. Ms. Avant began by using her father's words, "You come with a number and you end with a number. It's what happens in that dash (the middle) that counts. We read about the wonderful and famous people Nicole has met throughout her life - Presidents Obama and Clinton, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and others, and we learn about the people Nicole's parents made sure she knew about - The Mississippi Freedom Riders, Emmet Till, Ruby Bridges and so many others who worked to make the world a more peaceful and equitable place for mankind. Grief and tragedy will eventually happen to us all, but it's how we navigate through it for ourselves and others that turns darkness into light. These stories encourage us to keep the light on, and they show us by example that the dash in between the lives of The Avant family is love. Love Makes the Difference. My name is Tina Louise Stephens and this book, in spite of the sadness, filled me with joy.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is pure Magic!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
    Think You’ll Be Happy was the most joyful read. It’s filled with inspirational stories that have helped me remember all I am truly grateful for. It’s a book you can pick up again and again. I open my copy daily and read a few pages. The messages are clear and always speak to my heart. This book is magic and it is filled with love! ❤️
    Customer image
    Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is pure Magic!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
    Think You’ll Be Happy was the most joyful read. It’s filled with inspirational stories that have helped me remember all I am truly grateful for. It’s a book you can pick up again and again. I open my copy daily and read a few pages. The messages are clear and always speak to my heart. This book is magic and it is filled with love! ❤️
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Appreciate the message
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    A unique look at how to grieve and move forward at the same time
  • CLGAMK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
    An inspiring and uplifting book about how to exist beyond a tragic loss. Insightful points I would have never considered in dealing with the loss of a loved one. This book is truly a “ must read” for those individuals having a hard time moving forward! Nicole’s understanding of dealing with loss and her desire to help others move on is certainly God inspired.
  • Trucker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful life Lessons learned
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    The real lessons of life! LOVE THE MEMORIES OF AVANT FAMILY, made you feel as if you were there at the place and time! WELL WRITTEN TOO!
  • Peggy A
    3.0 out of 5 stars Think you'll be happy
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
    Book was ok. Held my interest for awhile
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023
    What an amazing book. I love how Nicole takes us through her family story and (sadly) through the tragic murder of her beloved mother. She shares such valuable pearls of wisdom, and gives anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one the toolkit to carry on. Grit, gratitude and grace. Beautiful book!

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