The Ditchdigger's Daughters

A Black Family's Astonishing Success Story

De: Yvonne S. Thornton M.D., Jo Coudert

Narrado por: Fran L. Washington

Donald Thornton was a ditchdigger who wanted more for his six daughters. "I love you better than I love life," he assured his children. "But I'm not always gonna be around to look after you, and no man's gonna come along and offer to take care of you, because you ain't light-skinned. That's why you gotta be able to look after yourselves. And for that you gotta be smart."

Donald decided to do the grandest thing he could think of: force them to make a success of their lives. Along with their mother, Tass, he cajoled and inspired the girls to succeed while working two full-time jobs to keep them properly fed and clothed. All six became successful, independent, accomplished women: two of his six daughters became doctors, one became a dentist, one a lawyer, one a nurse, and one a court stenographer.

The Ditchdigger's Daughters is the inspirational story of a family with a strong role model who set family values above all else. Donald's persuasive common sense, folk wisdom, and right-on insights gave them the skills they would need to overcome obstacles in their paths to success.

©2008 Yvonne S. Thornton (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[A] tribute to an extraordinary father who transcended racial prejudice to raise appreciative daughters to be independent women." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Fran Washington warms the heart with colorful storytelling. Her character transitions are flawless....Her portrayal of Donald, the devoted father, is especially vivid, charming the listener with his old-fashioned adages and insights. ( AudioFile)

Wonderful

If you could sum up The Ditchdigger's Daughters in three words, what would they be?

This book made me laugh and cry! The author didn't portray her family and life through rose colored glasses. There were good and bad times but perseverance prevails. The parents showed their girls by example to never give up and family is important. I've recommended this book to many friends and patients.

What did you like best about this story?

Never giving up, finding a way to achieve your goals.

What about Fran L. Washington’s performance did you like?

Excellant

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both. As a mother and a daughter I felt both sides of their trials.

Great read

Inspiring and heartwarming. These are the stories we need more of. Thank you Dr Thornton!

Inspirational!

This story was great. Such an inspiring tale of man who made a way for his children out of nothing more then sheer determination!

Excellent book!

This wonderful uplifting true story of grit, resilience, and looking at what you have been given in life in a different way, is full of truths and inspiration.

Donald Thorton

This book was so inspiring. More men should read and appreciate the example that this man was,

Well written, well read.

Mr. Thornton's efforts to raise his girls showed how much he loved his family. This comes through in the writing of hi daughter, and it is clear the impact that his truisms had on them all.

Wonderful story of achievement

Not the best reader, but the story of the Thornton family was very inspiring.

Should be REQUIRED reading in JRH,HS & college

Loved EVERYTHING about this book‼️
I am the mother of 4 , 3 successful & happy Adult daughters. So, so, so much I Admire about these parents and each family member.

Thank you for sharing your story Yvonne‼️
100% relevant in 2021‼️

straight forward

why this black father raised his daughters the way he did in the 1950s and on. I googled the Thornton sister after I read this book and listened to their music. It was very good. This black father reminds me alot of the book Tiger Mom. You will not be disappointed. I had a little problem getting use to the narrator's style, but after a bit her narration became easier to listen to.

Lithonia, GA

This is an awe inspiring book. I'd recommend this book. It will inspire you. The parents were phenomenal. Their daughters were the proof. GO THORTONS!!!!!!!!!!