Customer Reviews: Read 28 more reviews...
 Very Inspiring story November 8, 2008
This story really touch my heart. I read the review with my 8yr old grand daughter. She is a very bright little girl. I wanted to let her know if the thorton girls could succeed in the day's of racism and hardship. That she could become what ever she wanted in today society. I explained to her how hard it was for african american in the past. I let here know always put GOD first in every area of your life. And there is nothing you can not accomplish. About another 1yr she would be able to read the book. The movie is coming on television this sunday and she and I is going to watch the program together. Also I'm writing so one day the movie industry can make the movie available to the public.
SUPER Story--A Must Read! September 28, 2008
Dr. Thorton knocked it out the park with this one. It was so inspiring to me and there was such wonderful character development, that I sought out and bought the TV movie. This is a true story about what you can accomplish if you work hard and get an education. I made my kids watch the movie based on this book and the movie based on the book "The Pact". Read this book.
Awesome August 16, 2008
Hreat book, Covers fatherhood, parenting, racism, etc. Powerfully and humorously written. Must read
My Interview With Dr. Yvonne Thornton March 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In my introduction of Dr. Yvonne Thornton, for our interview about her memoir, The Ditchdigger's Daughters, I gave this synopsis of the book:
"It's the story of five girls born into a black family as World War II came to a close and America looked to its next challenge: the Civil Rights movement. Donald and Tass Thornton loved each other and they loved their children. That's it. He was a laborer and she was a housekeeper. But, as often is the case, what we do isn't always the true measure of what we are. They saw a country on the verge of change. Through astounding dedication and love, they wrung more hours than there are to be had out of a mere mortal's day and boosted their daughters to regional musical fame and to accomplishment and security via the highest achievements in education. They ended up with two doctors, a dentist, a court stenographer, a teacher, and a nurse. Yeah, I know that's six, but the plan only got bigger as this family pulled together and sent strong, successful woman out into the world, one-by-one, until the nest emptied."
And, indeed, that is what happens in The Ditchdigger's Daughters. But as we talked, I was no longer sure that was what the book is about.
This week in my own little corner of the world, I titled my work-in-progress, a novel that I hope to present to an agent soon. To do so without a title feels like the hallmark of a rank amateur, so I've been tearing my hair out in avoidance of such a fate. I kept milling over what happened in my story, but I realized that the `what' may not be as important as the `why'. This is how I came to my title and also how I came to the conclusion, by something she said during the interview, that Dr. Thorton's memoir is a parenting book. And it's about parenting with a goal in mind, about parenting in hard times, and about parenting with the conviction that education trumps all. The book's not been out of print in thirteen years and it's never been more relevant.
They had a hard time, and a long road to run, in getting this book published. It was said that it didn't have enough conflict. Rubbish. It's fascinating and enthralling and inspirational. And the Pulitzer Board thought so too, enough to consider it for the top prize in literary achievement in 1995.
Our interview can be heard at PsychJourney dot com.
The Ditchdiggers Daughters, Dr. Evon Thornton March 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My wife and I saw Brian Lamb's interview with Dr. Thornton on CSpan and were inspired. I thoroughly enjoyed every word of the book and recommend it to all our friends. I felt like I was walking 4 feet off the floor after finishing this wonderful book. Good parenting does not depend on education, money, or anything else but determination to set good and easily understood rules and sticking to them.
The New Jersey ditch digger was a great man and a master parent. All parents of children need to read this book and follow its precepts. It is fun to read so don't worry about being bored.
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