Customer Reviews

Mother To Son: Words of Wisdom, Inspiration, and Hope for Today's Young African-American Men

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

 

 

As I was reading Mother to Son by Kimberley R. Crouch, I got to thinking how many single mothers we truly have out there. In her book, Crouch shares with readers a number of facts and various situations that will help any mother to raise a son. She gives a number of views by various people that are all encouraging.

I myself have no children, let alone a son. Yet as I reading this, I felt the power and the strength she was conveying to readers. She was real with the experiences she included in the book. I honestly believe that this book will be of great use to not only single mothers, but married mothers as well.

Reviewed by Mashawn
APOOO BookClub

Kimberly Crouch has indeed written a small treasure with an enormous amount of lifelong wisdom that will help prepare not only African American young males but young females as well for a bright and promising future.

Opening her book with "Know your History" is just one of the many messages the author delivers conveying that knowledge is the safest and the surest emancipation. Too often as parents we neglect to provide necessary information that can strengthen our children; we come from a long line of Kings and our contribution to history is as valid as any other contribution. One of the driving forces of Kimberly's book stresses that our children should always be knowledgeable of the fact that unfortunately racism does exist - sometimes you may be judged by skin color and no other factor. Is life unfair - you betcha, but we have the power and the control as to how we choose to live our lives and how we choose to handle the inequities that do exist.

I loved this book - it's a quick read and a keeper. Each chapter is an affectionate inspirational letter to Kimberly's own sons. Use this book as a guide to constantly reiterate to your children as they are growing that they should always be persistent, remain committed and should never allow anyone to define who they are. One of the most important lessons in the book that even today I keep reminding my own adult children of is to keep a close check on their attitude; it's definitely the one thing you can control and change in a world that does not always provide an equal playing field.

In closing Kimberly reminds us to always keep God first - Lesson eleven is indeed a proverbial message that should always be invoked in everything we teach.

Reviewed by Sharon Haynes
Sisters Sippin' Tea Literary Group, Inc. - Tulsa Chapter

An inspiring collection of letters all written by the author to her sons. In them she shares her personal experiences, gives advice, educates, and quotes from various prominent figures. One of many valuable lessons shared in this book is to embrace our African American Heritage. I liked the chapter on "The true measure of a man from a woman's perspective."
I think it's very important to share our own experiences with our children and Ms Crouch has done and excellent job of this in her letters without sounding like she is preaching.
This book is a treasure not only for our sons but our daughters too!

I only have one thought to share as I purchase copies of this book to give as gifts...
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW THEIR PAST IN ORDER TO STAND FIRM IN THEIR FUTURE.

Great Job Ms Crouch!!

Locksie
Star Rating *****5.0

As a teen, I can recall a show, Know Your Heritage. It came on Saturdays and it was sort of a game show where two schools in or around the Chicago area were quizzed on all things black. I'd sit down and confidently answer some of the questions, while others I'd be amazed to find out were apart of my history and made sure I banked it and researched it in order not to lose it. You'd think growing up in an all black school system in an all black neighborhood meant that I'd be privy to facts about my ancestors, our roots and the fact that we were more than slaves. See how important it is for us, all of us, to educate and be educated on the enormous contributions of African Americans.

In reading Mother To Son by Kimberly Crouch, a mother, she provides lessons that will teach, inspire and provide hope for OUR sons. The wealth she espouses includes value, beauty, attitude, inequity, integrity, balance, quantifications, money, peer pressure, education and religion. Unfortunately, the world has gotten colder for our youth, especially OUR African American males. Whether you chose to read this book for you and your sons or for your friends' sons, Mother To Son is a book that should definitely be shared.

Black truly is beautiful and so are you!

Reviewed by: Crystal

Crouch's "Mother to Son" will become a classic. Written as a series of letters from a mother to her son, it offers practical advice, hope, and foundational wisdom. She does a great job of interweaving her personal experiences as examples of the larger issues.

Something else noticeable, she mentions an issue in one letter (lesson), then expands on it in the next. This method, even if unintentional, gives the book a unique flow. I could not put it down.

I give it 5/5 stars. Personally, I will give this book as a gift to everyone I know. I highly recommend this book for all young men (especially young African-American men), mothers (especially single mothers), educators, and the general public.

The topics covered in this book are in some ways common sense. But if not discussed with children, both sons and daughters, they can only learn about them the hard way, by making mistakes. Ms. Crouch has a direct, but simple way of discussing topics that everyone can understand and feel inspired to incorporate into their own lives.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it for young men and women of all backgrounds.

To grow up living as public enemy number one based solely on your gender and the color of your skin is something that no one should have to endure, yet it is a reality. Finally, a book that addresses issues African-American males will inevitably have to face in today's society. Crouch's book personally discusses these issues and explains why it is important for us to learn our history and know that the African American community shares a unique past that helps us to empower ourselves. This book is an easy read making it perfect for your son or daughter to give them understanding of life, hope, inspiration, and knowledge while celebrating our African-American heritage.

This book offers great wisdom and insight for young Black men. The valuable lessons outlined in this text are useful to anyone responsible for, or concerned with the development of young Black men. Mother to Son tackles the tough subjects that are not addressed in school. Even after mastering the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, young men still need the knowledge and inspiration provided in this book. We must use books like this as tools for preparing our future leaders.

Take the time to read this book. I am sure you will find it thought provoking,useful and inspiring. After you read it, encourage others to do the same!!!