One Rose Blooming: Hard-Earned Lessons about Kids, Race, and Life in America

by Rose Martin, Doug Truax

In One Rose Blooming , Rose Martin shares her rare and indomitable spirit with each of us. Despite having been raised on the mean streets of an East Coast ghetto, Rose grew—yes, bloomed—into a woman with unique gifts of love and caring. For the last thirty years she has used those gifts to serve children, the homeless, the hungry, the addicted, and anyone else in need—rich or poor. Rose has much to teach us all. And she does it in One Rose Blooming through her own real, gritty experiences—always with good humor, great storytelling, and a generous spirit. Rose’s story is more than a memoir. It is a story, too, of ideas about life and relationships. About attitudes that can help heal a wounded society. Through her eyes we learn new ways to help children, aid those in need, overcome racial and income barriers, and commit ourselves to others. Rose’s story is a great tonic for anyone who faces adversity. Or anyone who wants deeper relationships to community, neighbors, or family. “It may not be what they taught you in school,” she writes. “I sure never learned it there. And it may not be all that politically correct or said in the most polite terms. But it comes from my experience, and it comes from my heart. And I’m giving it to you as straight as I can.”

Hardcover

Published March 6, 2002