The Power of Presence

Be a Voice in Your Child's Ear Even When You're Not with Them

By: Joy Thomas Moore, Wes Moore

Narrated by: Joy Thomas Moore, Wes Moore, Shani Moore, Nikkie Moore

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

As the mother of Wes Moore, whose memoir about overcoming the obstacles that face a fatherless young black man was a huge best-seller, Joy is constantly asked: How did you do it? How can you be a good parent, have a career, and stay healthy when you don't have a partner to pick up the slack? How do you connect with a child when you can't always be there? Joy's answer is "presence". Specifically, seven different ways of being a force in a child's life, ensuring that they feel your influence. We can't always be physically there for our children, but the power of presence can help us to be a voice in the back of their minds that guides them through difficult times. 

In The Power of Presence, Moore explores seven pillars of presence - heart, faith, mind, courage, financial freedom, values, and connectedness - that all parents can use to positively influence their children. Using compelling stories from women who have been there and practical advice on everything from savings accounts to mindfulness, this audiobook is a compassionate look at what it takes to raise great kids even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

©2018 Wes Moore and Joy Thomas Moore (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"I've known Joy Moore for more than three decades and have always marveled at her strength, determination and devotion to her children. Anyone who doesn't know about Joy's inspirational journey and how she has turned that hard-earned wisdom into valuable insights for parents is in for a real treat. I guarantee that parents will take away powerful lessons to pass on to their children that will help guide them throughout their lives." (Geoffrey Canada, educator, author, former president of the Harlem Children's Zone)

"Joy Moore has given us a timely and valuable guide to preparing healthy children and young adults. I have worked many years with parents, faculty and others to develop character and cognitive excellence in students, and this book gets to the heart of the matter. At a time when students are claiming their voice in the public square, I celebrate the timely arrival of this gem. Everyone who cares about the future of our neighborhoods and our nation should read this book." (Robert M. Franklin, president emeritus, Morehouse College)

"A thoughtful exploration of the ups and downs of single parenthood, with insights on how to help raise thoughtful, caring, contributing children." (Jackie Bezos, President, Bezos Family Foundation)

A Voice of Calm and Steady Presence

With a voice of calm and steady presence, Joy Thomas Moore opens up some very private doors and invites the listener to enter and visit moments of challenge, frustration, pride, anger, sorrow, and triumph in her life as a single mother of three children. In addition to the accounts of her own life, the author shares multiple accounts of other women who have experienced similar emotions as those that she has experienced but in the context of their own unique journeys as single mothers. I was very moved by these authentic, insightful, and transparent accounts and enlightened by the wisdom that Mrs. Moore delivers with her "lessons from a lioness" at the conclusion of each chapter. In addition to the voice of the author, the listener has the opportunity to hear the voices of all three of Mrs. Moore's children at select points in the narration. The presence of her children serves to reflect and reinforce the power of presence of Joy Thomas Moore in this wonderful audiobook.

Robert V. Joseph