Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book is very inspirational in terms of outlining the many facets of relationships between dads and daughters. I liked the fact that the author chose from several different genres of women. I wished, however, that there were some common women amongst the group. Each of these women were celebraties, CEOs or claimed some high-powered position in their respective fields. It would've been nice to include highlights of the very average relationships that go on everyday with women and dads who are not at all famous. Overall, however, the book was very gratifying. I am giving it to my daughter's father for Christmas, along with my own essay on what a great dad he has become thus far.

I really enjoyed this book. I gave a copy to my husband. The photos are great, the words often brought me to tears. This is a book that praises the efforts of good fathers and gives fathers-to-be a glimpse of what it takes to have a positive impact on their child--so little, yet sooo much.

This book is inspirational and shows that having a father around gives daughters a good grounding for their future.

The articles are short and sweet and keeps you interested, as all good books should be read more than once, I shall be reading it again within next 12 months and recommending it to my friends.


J Joseph

I bought this book for my sister for her birthday in rememberance of our father. It is an awesome testament to the impact fathers have on a daughters' life. Also, the section in the back to put a pic of you and your own father with your own personal essay was a nice touch. My sister enjoyed the gift.

It's very touching how each woman, known and unknown spoke with passion about the relationship they had with their father.

this is a fantastic Book that showcases Black Fathers and there Daughters. the Media doesn't talk about Black Fathers and there raising there children enough in a uplifting light. this Book captures so many strong examples and the balance. the cover is of the very talented Producer of many shows in Hollywood Stan Lathan and his Beautiful daughter actress Sanaa Lathan.this is a Very Positive Book and very detailed from start to finish.

We often hear so many negative stereotypes of black men producing many children without sticking around to raise and father them. It was refreshing to read about the special men (fathers) in the lives of the accomplished women highlighted in this book. Its truly an ode to the many respectable, devoted black fathers that often go unacknowledged. Many thanks to the author, Rachel Vassel.
Cheryl W.