THINK YOU’LL BE HAPPY by Nicole Avant

Moving through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude

“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

“Magnanimous, inspiring, and relentlessly optimistic.” —Kirkus Review

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.

What People Are Saying

“At some point in every life, we are faced with a challenge that we think we can’t overcome. This book should be required reading for anyone wanting to understand how to trust in the light even at the darkest times. Drawing on her own grit, grace and gratitude – not to mention a deep and abiding faith – Nicole Avant has gifted us a roadmap out of the darkness of her own profound loss and into a life filled with meaning, purpose and service.”

Jay Shetty

#1 New York Times Bestselling author of Think Like A Monk

About The Author

Ambassador Nicole Avant

Author, Producer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Public Servant

Ambassador Nicole Avant served as the 13th U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas after being nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by The U.S. Senate, becoming the youngest as well as the first African American woman to hold the position.Ambassador Avant has pursued an array of businesses focused on female and minority owned enterprises as well as philanthropic ventures that honor her parent’s lifelong commitment to the community. She recently commemorated the unveiling of the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center. In 2019, Ambassador Avant produced the critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary, “The Black Godfather” for Netflix. The film charts the exceptional and unlikely rise of her father Clarence Avant, the ultimate, uncensored mentor and behind-the-scenes dealmaker in music, film, TV, and politics. The film was nominated for the prestigious Grierson Documentary Award, an Emmy Award, two NAACP Image Awards and was named one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2019 by the National Board of Review. In 2021, Avant executive produced another critically acclaimed and award-winning film, “Trees of Peace” and currently, is a producer on Tyler Perry’s next film Six-Triple-Eight, the true story of the first all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII. Ambassador Avant has been an active board member for multinational companies and philanthropic organizations, including Best Buddies International, The Bogart Pediatric Research Center, Revlon, LACMA, Soho House, Universal Music Group, and A Sense of Home. Ambassador Avant has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her diplomatic and humanitarian work including the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards for her dedication to Public Diplomacy and the Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association’s 2011 Humanitarian Award. A former board member of Girls Inc., she was honored with their Women of Achievement award in 2014 and was recognized by UNICEF with its Spirit of Compassion Award in 2018. Ambassador Avant lives in Los Angeles with her husband Ted Sarandos, Clarence Avant, their two labradors, and is the proud stepmother of Tony and Sarah.

Join Live Talks Los Angeles for an in-person & virtual

Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 8pmPresented in association with the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center

Nicole Avant in conversation with Rashida Jones discussing her memoir,Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude

Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Centerat Vista Del Mar3200 Motor AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90034(Free Parking available at the venue)Face masks recommended

PURCHASE TICKETS for Oct 24 (click here)TICKETS: $46 General Admission ticket +book$20 General Admission ticket Tickets include access to also watch the virtual version of the event that airs on October 29 at 3pm PT, 6pm ET.(additional signed books available for purchase at the event)..VIRTUAL EVENT ONLY TICKETS, Oct 29 (click here)3pm PT/6pm ETTICKETS:$42 Virtual Admission + book (includes shipping to US addresses)Includes access to watch the event on video-on-demand for five days after it airs

…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.