Daughters of Men: Portraits of African-American Women and Their Fathers [Hardcover]

Rachel Vassel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2007

From actress Sanaa Lathan to Georgia State Supreme Court chief justice Leah Ward Sears, many African-American women attribute much of their success to having a positive father figure

In Daughters of Men, author Rachel Vassel has compiled dozens of stunning photographs and compelling personal essays about African-American women and their fathers. Whether it's a father who mentors his daughter's artistic eye by taking her to cultural events or one who unwaveringly supports a risky career move, the fathers in this book each had his own unique and successful style of parenting. The first book to showcase the importance of the black father's impact on the accomplishments of his daughter, Daughters of Men provides an intimate look at black fatherhood and the many ways fathers have a lasting impact on their daughters' lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A stunning testament to the Black father-daughter bond.” (Essence )

About the Author

Rachel Vassel has worked in sales, marketing, and advertising for companies such as the Weather Channel, Music Choice, and Young & Rubicam throughout her corporate career. She also writes children's books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Amistad; 1 edition (October 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061350354
• ISBN-13: 978-0061350351
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,178,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What a treat!, December 23, 2007

By 

Shamontiel L. Vaughn "Message from Montie" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Daughters of Men: Portraits of African-American Women and Their Fathers (Hardcover)

I was in a bookstore and happened to glance down and see the cover of this book. I picked it up, browsed through it, and immediately scurried to buy it shortly after. What a great idea to highlight Black men who are not fitting the stereotype of not taking care of their children, showing how daughters and fathers can be so tight, and giving readers a little personal view of some of our favorite female celebrities. By me being from a family full of responsible fathers, I was thinking "Finally!" It was fun for me to read about other proud daughters like myself. The story that stood out to me the most was one of the saddest ones: Cathy Hughes of Radio One, Inc. I was terrified for her father during his audit, and for him to live through that and still be such a phenomenal father makes me want to curtsy for that man. There were plenty of other good stories from celebrities I'm a fan of (Beyonce and Kelly of "Destiny's Child," Tisha Campbell-Martin, Nicole Ari Kodjoe, Aisha Tyler, Malinda Williams, and Meagan Good).

I was a little bored with the celebrities I didn't know. However, by me reading this book, it was also a Black history lesson to me to be introduced to sistas who have done such positive things in the community and to learn about their success.

I took the idea from this book, thought about the uncreative Christmas gift that I got my father (i.e., gift card), and immediately found a picture of him and I to print out. Before long, I had an essay for him too, and I will present it to him on Christmas Eve (when we open our gifts). I also decided to read "Pop: A Celebration of Black Fatherhood" and both books gave me the motivation to create a dedication page/picture for my brother, my godfather, and my grandfather too. I hope they appreciate their gifts the same way I appreciated this book. Thanks for the idea and your work, Rachel Vassel.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book...moving and inspiring!, November 10, 2007

By 

T. Boyd - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Daughters of Men: Portraits of African-American Women and Their Fathers (Hardcover)

This book is absolutely beautiful. The personal essays touched my heart and the photos are works of art. I don't have a strong relationship with my father but found the personal testimonies very encouraging. There is tons of advice from fathers from a wide range of backgrounds. I bought several copies and plan to give them away as Christmas gifts. Thank you for writing a book that shows black men in such a positive light.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY!!, November 7, 2007

By 

ONEOFTHREE - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughters of Men: Portraits of African-American Women and Their Fathers (Hardcover)

I BOUGHT 3 COPIES!! I AM A DADDY'S GIRL AND THIS BOOK MAKES ME PROUD. I ACTUALLY WROTE MY OWN ESSAY AND PRINTED OUT A SPECIAL PHOTO OF THE TWO OF US AND MADE IT PART OF THE BOOK. THERE ARE A FEW BLANK PAGES IN THERE FOR YOU TO DO THAT. I KEPT A COPY FOR MYSELF AND GAVE ONE TO MY DAD.

THANK YOU RACHEL VASSEL FOR GIVING US DADDY'S GIRLS A CHANCE TO UPLIFT OUR WONDERFUL FATHERS. THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD BLACK MEN OUT THERE... YOUR BOOK PROVES IT.

ITS ALSO A GOOD ADVICE BOOK - I BOUGHT A COPY FOR MY COUSIN WHO IS A NEW DAD! HE LEARNED A LOT FROM IT.