What Keeps Me Standing: Letters from Black Grandmothers on Peace, Hope and Inspiration

by Dennis Kimbro

In his previous bestsellers, Think and Grow Rich and What Makes the Great Great , Dennis Kimbro revealed the success secrets of highly touted entrepreneurs, corporate climbers, and Olympic athletes, as well as famous black Americans from George Washington Carver to Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, and Jesse Jackson. In What Keeps Me Standing, he turns to another group of sages and the grandmothers who have long been the backbone of the African American family and community.

Over a period of five years, Kimbro contacted one thousand grandmothers--women from a wide range of backgrounds and locations--asking, "If you had to write a one page letter to your children or the next generation, what would you tell them about life?" Their answers, collected here, show that success in life cannot be measured in terms of wealth and material goods alone. The lives they describe and the advice they proffer capture both a richness in spirit and a strong belief in the power of every individual to take charge of his or her own destiny. In the face of racism, both blatant and subtle, financial struggles, and personal setbacks, black grandmothers have helped their communities in thousands of tangible and intangible ways, providing support, inspiration, and love not only to their own children and grandchildren but also to neighbors, friends, and extended families.

Filled with examples of how even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can make a difference in the world, What Keeps Me Standing is a treasure trove of the wisdom that comes with years of experience, transformation, and growth. It is the perfect gift.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2003

Reviews

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the day I read it to now, I will probably have to say that this book is probably one of the few that I still refer back to. A set of letters from African American grandmothers to their children and grandchildren, What Keeps Me Standing will have you smiling, agreeing, sometimes wiping a tear, amening and then some by the time your through. Highly recommended.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is fresh, engaging, and beautiful — a true gift to the reader. The stories are full of love, mother-wit, and life guidance. This excellent book would be a great gift to your mother, sister, or best friend of auntie.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming....reading this book was so reminiscent of my own Grandmothers teachings. Very inspiring.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUMC Ladies Book Club (UMW Reading Program List) selection for December