The Ditchdigger's Daughters

I saw the movie as a young adult and reading the book had the same effect on me. Reading the life experiences of these sisters left me overwhelmed and inspired. Their story is a very powerful one.

Always wanted to own a hardcopy of this book. A notorious story of a family saga...my family...Thank you, very satisfied

I've seen the movie thousands of times and if and when it comes on again, I will look at it again. The movie moved me so much, I decided to see if there was a book to go along with it and yes there was and I purchased it immediately. My mom loved the movie as well and I told her there is a book also. But the kicker for me is, that its a true story. When I read the book, I was blown away. Its so encouraging and for the time period these events took place, yes that was hard, hard work. It just goes to show you no matter who you are, your circumstances, your financial status, you just have to want it whatever "IT" is for you, you can achieved. And today, there so many more opportunities than during those times. Its a GREAT READ for anyone any family. So, I've passed the book to my mother and thus far, shes enjoying the book too. When she finishes, my boyfriend wants to read it and then I will read it again. Its totally inspiring. This family prove there are NO excuses, none. AFter reading it, they have inspired me to return back to school to further my education. I'm an LVN/LPN and I'm going back to get my RN with a BSN and soon to be 48. Thank you Thornton Family. I wish I could meet you. READ the book and you will see what I'm talking about.

This father though not having much formal education was extremely intelligent and insightful. That being said, so was his wife. Something he expressed was told to me by my parents, any further education after high school no one could take away from you. I started out as a secretary at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, went into the private sector as a legal secretary and eventually attended and completed my training to be a court stenographer. I worked in the field for 24 years and was always proud of the product I produced. So, you see, my parents were much like the Thorntons and for that I am eternally grateful. As an aside, I grew up on Sixth Avenue in Long Branch, the next street to Lippincott!

I read this book with great wonder after watching the movie on TV ONE. Which was loosely based on the book. Dr. Thorton tells a inspiring story of a unique family. The constant notations to her white colleauges may offend some people but given the time of her attendance in college and med school this was the norm and unfortunately is the same standard practice I see still till this day, aside from her father cementing this "americanism" way of life in her thoughts. My personal feeling that considering the great feat that the family had achieved was it wise to condem Jeanette so? it carried through into the movie as well, I really hope that Dr. Thorton has forgiven her sister and they moved past this, blaming her mothers stoke on Jeanette leaving? The other note I did not like was the end when it seemed they had achieved so much, Dr. Thorton made a strict notation of all of the money being used up on daddy's funeral. I have to say I went away reading the book not liking Dr. Thorton very much as a person. Then going to her website seeing she charges 12,000 dollars for motivational speaking. Requires first class fare. She should give back and pull people along.  Ditchdigger's Daughter: A Black Family's Astonishing Success Story

Inspiring. uplifting. Sensitive retelling of a parent's sacrifice. One daughter's story of determination to fulfill a father's dream made in jest.

This novel is written by a daughter who is chronicling her family's mid 20th century trek into being. It shows how much her father had to go through to provide for his wife and children, and the ingenuity applied to their success. I encourage anyone who is interested in an African American narrative of family and success to read this novel.

The Ditchdigger's Daughters is an excellent memoir that is easy to follow. The story is pretty much told chronologically and focuses on Yvonne Thornton, the middle daughter. I enjoyed reading the story of her struggles and success and how her parents inspired and aided her and her sisters to be the best they could be. The story is uplifting and makes you smile in many places. The lives of the other sisters aren't as fleshed out as I would have liked, but this is Yvonne's story. She included details of the lives of her sisters as she saw and interpreted them, and I appreciated it. I would love to read accounts from all of the sisters to piece the story together as a whole. New voices add new details and different slants on events. Overall, a nice, quick read that gives readers, especially women, something to think about.

A brilliant and truly inspirational story of how hard work and determination can lead to success. It is made more amazing by the fact that during this time prejudice was rife and the Thorntons swam against the tide and succeeded spectacularly. This book gives hope to anyone who would want to better themselves, despite their circumstances. Donald and Itasker Thornton have done their children proud. A important theme that runs through the book is the value of education, today's society would be all the better if people paid attention to the valuable lessons found inside, all for the price of a couple of pints.

Every man, woman and child can learn from Mr Thornton. He was a true father to his girls. I highly recommend this book.

I read it in 1995 it was like a gospel. My kids excelled in school despite my poor background. They are not Doctors but I learnt a lot. Thank you Dr. Thornton for the book.