The Ditchdigger's Daughters: A Black Family's Astonishing Success Story [NOOK Book]

Just a Black Woman

Just a Black Woman Alex The Ditch Digger¿s Daughter, published in 1995, by Yvonne S. Thorton, gives us a glimpse of a very different world, at least for me. A world where the children are growing up in sub-poverty, with their parents working several jobs trying to make ends meet, and the entire family having to bind together in order to survive the racial prejudice that existed. This is a biography of a life where life is not just happy go lucky and peaches; it shows us a more trying life. The ability that the writer has of placing you in the house and in their family is astonishing as is what the author and her family has gone through. The unique writing style is great, the book seems to flow from one event to another, like a very organized paper that has been revised again and again. Because of this flow in the story, I believe the book will actually keep readers more interested in the book and therefore make it a very 'quick read' book. The writer is also able to communicate good advice that is practical, and it is also fun to see how the girls go on to apply it in their life. The thing I would have to say I liked most about the book was the way you could learn from it, in so many ways. While reading the book you could learn about how life was for families on the brink of poverty, about how life was for blacks, and what it was like to have to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, you could also learn many practical lessons that are able to help us to this day. For example, one of the first issues that the book deals with is the issue of inequality, even Donald (the ditchdigger) had to deal with inequality and prejudice in his own family, because he chose to marry someone that was a darker skin color than he. But every time Donald is knocked down he gets back up stronger and that is a great way, in my opinion, to deliver positive messages. Throughout the book morals like when you get knocked down, just get up stronger are preached, and that is yet another reason why we should read, and learn, from this book. If you are interested in reading a great book that can teach you about how life was for a black family, or if you just want a good book to read, I would recommend this book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

What it feels like, a father's love so fiercely stalwart and overall father / mother team focusing on well rounded children touches a longing soul.

I woke up at 3am just to watch this movie twice. I live my life daily wishing I had a father that loved me. The father I seen on television was the father I carried in my dreams, heart, mind and soul. At forty-three, the day I watched the "Ditchdigger's Daughters" was the first time I saw my imaginary "Daddy" on August 23, 2009. The story touched me so that I could not hold back the tears. From Yvonne's perspective, Donald Thornton was a father, head of his household, strength and determination not to have his daughters dependent on nothing but the family's values for achievement.
All six girls were given a sense of direction that was planted at an early age and the seed continued to grow and produce fruition. The reality of the story is that society only will read or see the history of the Thornton Sisters. Only they know it wasn't all peaches n cream but Sisters just know that their are some girls, women, boys and men that wish they could have had at least half the father Mr. Donald Thornton was because I am one of them.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

OUTSTANDING BOOK

I read this book for the first time about 2yrs ago when the movie was on television. It was so good!!!! More young parents should read this book,to understand how to really raise children..

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Ditchdigger's Daughters - A MUST READ!! The movie can't compare to the book!

OUTSTANDING book! The odds that they faced and overcame were extraordinary. The obstacles they overcame would have engulfed other people. I also read the sequel book "SOMETHING TO PROVE" by Dr. Yvonne Thornton. BOTH BOOKS ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and I HIGHLY recommend them.

Very educational

Man teaching his children to be someone in this wicked world. He was very very hard on them but it paid off. The movie comes on from time to time but it cant be purchased. I love the story

The Ditchdiggers Daughters

Ive read the book twice. What an eye opener to some of the prejudices that truly existed in an area where I grew up. What a good example of a family who worked together to make a better life for themselves, what an example for parents and families. Would highly reccomend this one.

No headline

A wonderful, true inspiring story of love, loyalty & perseverence.

The ditchdiggers daughters

I saw the movie but never read the book but I was just wondering if the movie going to be on sale

my opinion

i really enjoy the movie. i watch everytime it comes on tv. the story in itself is how i would like my children to be raised with a strong understanding of education and how the world is gonna treat you if you don't have that.

A Blessing for struggling families

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and shared it with some of my female family and friends. I can relate to this family, we had five girls, and three boys, but college was not an option for us. So to see almost the impossible happen to them was so encouraging. I have shared it with many of the doctors, as I attended their offices and was asked 'What are you reading?'

Absolutely fantastic book

I could not put this book down once I started it. Even though Mr. Thornton did not have a formal education, he understood people very well and was able to pass this wisdom along to his daughters. I can even apply a lot of this wisdom to my own life. So glad Dr. Thornton wrote the book.

great book

I enjoyed this book so much when it was first given to me I have been trying to find it ever since for my two girls to read. Makes you realize that no matter what dreams do come through.

A Must Read for Young Women

This book is a great story, inspiring to anyone who reads it. Her struggle is the story of some many young women who strive to succeed today. Hats off to Dr. Yvonne Thornton and her family.

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