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Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience: Seeking Wisdom from Beyond in Letters to My Mother
"Edwards's prose is simple yet evocative, and his storytelling brims with authenticity... the book left me reflecting on the resilience it takes to transcend generational poverty and the ways systemic inequalities shape lives, even as the human spirit finds ways to persevere." —Literary Titan ★★★★★
"Having grown up far from the life DK describes within, this emotional, racial, poverty-stricken experience that is recounted for all to see hits deep." —Reader Views ★★★★★
"Edwards creates a concurrent examination of the forces of family and racial struggle that permeate not just communities, but homes." — Midwest Book Review
"The storytelling is nothing short of magnificent. This brilliant tribute is a must-read."—Amazon Review
"The blend of personal reflection with broader social commentary makes this story utterly compelling."—Amazon Review
"A raw, honest, and soul-baring memoir that had me both laughing and crying."—Amazon Review
In a poignant and powerful memoir, David takes us on a compelling journey through his childhood and adolescence in 1970s and 1980s Baltimore. Dear A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience is a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of his mother, who navigated the challenges of raising her children amidst poverty, racial discrimination, and personal turmoil.
Through vivid storytelling, David recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his life and his family's trajectory. From the early years marked by his father's betrayal and the subsequent struggle for survival, to the profound impact of relocating to a racially tense suburb, each chapter unfolds with raw honesty and emotional depth.
David's narrative is not just a recollection of past events but a reflection on the enduring strength, resilience, and sacrifices of his mother. He delves into the complexities of identity, the harsh realities of systemic racism, and the transformative power of education and community support.
Dear Mama is a story of survival, resilience, and the unyielding bond between a mother and her children. It is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a better life against all odds.
Join David as he pays homage to his mother's legacy, uncovering the profound lessons she imparted and the lasting impact of her unwavering dedication. This memoir is a tribute to all those who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
"Having grown up far from the life DK describes within, this emotional, racial, poverty-stricken experience that is recounted for all to see hits deep." —Reader Views ★★★★★
"Edwards creates a concurrent examination of the forces of family and racial struggle that permeate not just communities, but homes." — Midwest Book Review
"The storytelling is nothing short of magnificent. This brilliant tribute is a must-read."—Amazon Review
"The blend of personal reflection with broader social commentary makes this story utterly compelling."—Amazon Review
"A raw, honest, and soul-baring memoir that had me both laughing and crying."—Amazon Review
In a poignant and powerful memoir, David takes us on a compelling journey through his childhood and adolescence in 1970s and 1980s Baltimore. Dear A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience is a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of his mother, who navigated the challenges of raising her children amidst poverty, racial discrimination, and personal turmoil.
Through vivid storytelling, David recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his life and his family's trajectory. From the early years marked by his father's betrayal and the subsequent struggle for survival, to the profound impact of relocating to a racially tense suburb, each chapter unfolds with raw honesty and emotional depth.
David's narrative is not just a recollection of past events but a reflection on the enduring strength, resilience, and sacrifices of his mother. He delves into the complexities of identity, the harsh realities of systemic racism, and the transformative power of education and community support.
Dear Mama is a story of survival, resilience, and the unyielding bond between a mother and her children. It is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a better life against all odds.
Join David as he pays homage to his mother's legacy, uncovering the profound lessons she imparted and the lasting impact of her unwavering dedication. This memoir is a tribute to all those who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 10, 2024
From the opening page, readers are immediately given a sense of this book through the dedication, written for the mighty powers a mother possesses, this sentiment carries throughout. Author DK Edwards initially set out to write this book documenting the various racist encounters he faced throughout his life. But there is enough ugliness in the world, and thus he shifted his anger, his pain, and his frustrations toward the light in his life, his mother. “Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience: Seeking Wisdom from Beyond in Letters to My Mother” walks readers through DK’s journey of adolescence, the poverty he found himself in, and the encounters he revolted against.
While Edwards’ mother was taken from Earth too soon, succumbing to cancer before she could see her middle child’s successful life, he’s celebrated her so lovingly in this book. “Dear Mama” takes place across six chapters, each detailing a life-altering moment, a memory, or a time when his mother’s guidance, presence, and power stuck with him. Concluding each chapter is a letter written to his mother telling her how her strength, courage, and resilience in that moment, and throughout his life, played a role in making him who he is today. His reflections on these events are through the wisdom his mother was able to instill despite their circumstances.
From inner-city Baltimore to Section 8 housing vouchers allowing them the opportunity to move to the suburbs and back, the poverty, racism, and social injustices DK and his family faced are laid bare for all to see. Beginning at the age of four when his father left for good, peppered with the raw history of Baltimore, and the embedded culture they faced, “Dear Mama” is a searing memoir of DK’s formative years.
Having grown up far from the life DK describes within, this emotional, racial, poverty-stricken experience that is recounted for all to see hits deep. The inherent racism deeply engrained in DK’s childhood, and adult life is a brutal awakening for all to see. The systemic racial divide and resilience he’s been forced to exude make this an eye-opening read. Through his own experiences, childhood lens, and now adult understanding, readers are shown what it is like growing up black, broke, and fatherless in this country.
While Edwards’ mother was taken from Earth too soon, succumbing to cancer before she could see her middle child’s successful life, he’s celebrated her so lovingly in this book. “Dear Mama” takes place across six chapters, each detailing a life-altering moment, a memory, or a time when his mother’s guidance, presence, and power stuck with him. Concluding each chapter is a letter written to his mother telling her how her strength, courage, and resilience in that moment, and throughout his life, played a role in making him who he is today. His reflections on these events are through the wisdom his mother was able to instill despite their circumstances.
From inner-city Baltimore to Section 8 housing vouchers allowing them the opportunity to move to the suburbs and back, the poverty, racism, and social injustices DK and his family faced are laid bare for all to see. Beginning at the age of four when his father left for good, peppered with the raw history of Baltimore, and the embedded culture they faced, “Dear Mama” is a searing memoir of DK’s formative years.
Having grown up far from the life DK describes within, this emotional, racial, poverty-stricken experience that is recounted for all to see hits deep. The inherent racism deeply engrained in DK’s childhood, and adult life is a brutal awakening for all to see. The systemic racial divide and resilience he’s been forced to exude make this an eye-opening read. Through his own experiences, childhood lens, and now adult understanding, readers are shown what it is like growing up black, broke, and fatherless in this country.
November 29, 2024
DK Edwards opens his heart in Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience, offering a deeply personal account of growing up in an impoverished household. This poignant memoir provides Edwards a chance to reflect on his journey and the sacrifices made by his single mother. With each chapter ending in a heartfelt letter to his mother, Edwards pays homage to her unwavering determination, illuminating how her accomplishments shaped his life and resilience.
The writing is heartfelt, but at times, almost heartbreakingly raw. Edwards doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths about abandonment, hunger, and violence. The book also delves into the complexities of systemic racism with piercing honesty. These moments are recounted with a mixture of youthful confusion and adult clarity, making them deeply impactful. What stands out is Edwards’s ability to weave in nuanced reflections on poverty and resilience. He describes with striking candor the shame of using food stamps, the hunger that drove him to steal from his mother’s purse, and the bittersweet irony of his mother working in social services while their family relied on welfare. Yet, the narrative doesn’t dwell in despair, it showcases his mother’s unwavering determination to provide, her strength in adversity, and the profound impact she had on her children. The story of her helping a struggling client with her limited resources was a moving reminder of her generosity despite their own hardships. Edwards’s prose is simple yet evocative, and his storytelling brims with authenticity. The book left me reflecting on the resilience it takes to transcend generational poverty and the ways systemic inequalities shape lives, even as the human spirit finds ways to persevere.
Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience is a heartfelt and relevant memoir that resonates with today’s struggles. The story’s emotional depth and raw honesty make it an engaging read. Edwards’ tribute to his mother is a testament to the enduring power of love and perseverance, offering hope to those facing similar trials. This is a book that deserves a place on the shelves of readers drawn to stories of resilience and the human spirit.
The writing is heartfelt, but at times, almost heartbreakingly raw. Edwards doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths about abandonment, hunger, and violence. The book also delves into the complexities of systemic racism with piercing honesty. These moments are recounted with a mixture of youthful confusion and adult clarity, making them deeply impactful. What stands out is Edwards’s ability to weave in nuanced reflections on poverty and resilience. He describes with striking candor the shame of using food stamps, the hunger that drove him to steal from his mother’s purse, and the bittersweet irony of his mother working in social services while their family relied on welfare. Yet, the narrative doesn’t dwell in despair, it showcases his mother’s unwavering determination to provide, her strength in adversity, and the profound impact she had on her children. The story of her helping a struggling client with her limited resources was a moving reminder of her generosity despite their own hardships. Edwards’s prose is simple yet evocative, and his storytelling brims with authenticity. The book left me reflecting on the resilience it takes to transcend generational poverty and the ways systemic inequalities shape lives, even as the human spirit finds ways to persevere.
Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience is a heartfelt and relevant memoir that resonates with today’s struggles. The story’s emotional depth and raw honesty make it an engaging read. Edwards’ tribute to his mother is a testament to the enduring power of love and perseverance, offering hope to those facing similar trials. This is a book that deserves a place on the shelves of readers drawn to stories of resilience and the human spirit.
December 9, 2024
From inner-city Baltimore to Section 8 housing vouchers allowing them the opportunity to move to the suburbs and back, the poverty, racism, and social injustices DK and his family faced are laid bare for all to see. Beginning at the age of four when his father left for good, peppered with the raw history of Baltimore, and the embedded culture they faced, “Dear Mama” is a searing memoir of DK’s formative years
January 2, 2025
This memoir is a powerful tribute to the strength of a mother’s love. DK Edwards shares his raw, heartfelt story of growing up in 70s and 80s Baltimore, navigating poverty and systemic racism. Each chapter ends with a touching letter to his mom, honoring her resilience and sacrifices. Honest and inspiring, this book is a must-read for anyone who values stories of perseverance and family.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews