The Ditchdigger's Daughters Audiobook By Yvonne S. Thornton M.D., Jo Coudert cover art

The Ditchdigger's Daughters

A Black Family's Astonishing Success Story

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The Ditchdigger's Daughters

By: Yvonne S. Thornton M.D., Jo Coudert
Narrated by: Fran L. Washington
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About this listen

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.
Cultural & Regional Educators Medical Relationships United States Women Inspiring Heartfelt

Critic reviews

"[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)

What listeners say about The Ditchdigger's Daughters

Highly rated for:

Inspiring True Story Uplifting Family Tale Easy Listening Nuggets Of Wisdom Tale Of Determination
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