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Grand: A Grandparent's Wisdom for the Next Generation
National Book Award winner and MacArthur Genius Fellow Charles Johnson reflects on the joys of being a grandparent in this warm, inspiring collection of wisdom and life lessons—the ideal gift for any new parent or grandparent
An award-winning novelist, philosopher, essayist, screenwriter, professor and cartoonist, Charles Johnson has held numerous impressive titles over the course of his incomparable career. Now, for the first time, with his trademark wisdom and philosophical generosity, he turns his attention to his most important role grandparent.
In Grand, Johnson shares stories from his life with his six-year-old grandson, Emery, weaving in advice and life lessons that stand the test of time. “Looking at the problems I see in the world around me,” Johnson writes, “I realize that there are so many things I want to say to him about the goodness and beauty that life offers. What are the perennial truths that I can impart to Emery that might make his journey through life easier or more rewarding?” Johnson shares these truths and more, offering profound meditations on family, race, freedom and creativity.
Joyful, lucid and deeply comforting, Grand is Johnson at his most accessible and profound, an indispensable compendium for new grandparents and growing grandchildren alike, from one of America’s most revered thinkers.
An award-winning novelist, philosopher, essayist, screenwriter, professor and cartoonist, Charles Johnson has held numerous impressive titles over the course of his incomparable career. Now, for the first time, with his trademark wisdom and philosophical generosity, he turns his attention to his most important role grandparent.
In Grand, Johnson shares stories from his life with his six-year-old grandson, Emery, weaving in advice and life lessons that stand the test of time. “Looking at the problems I see in the world around me,” Johnson writes, “I realize that there are so many things I want to say to him about the goodness and beauty that life offers. What are the perennial truths that I can impart to Emery that might make his journey through life easier or more rewarding?” Johnson shares these truths and more, offering profound meditations on family, race, freedom and creativity.
Joyful, lucid and deeply comforting, Grand is Johnson at his most accessible and profound, an indispensable compendium for new grandparents and growing grandchildren alike, from one of America’s most revered thinkers.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
23 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Johnson
84 books245 followersCharles R. Johnson is an American scholar and author of novels, short stories, and essays. Johnson, an African-American, has directly addressed the issues of black life in America in novels such as Middle Passage and Dreamer. Johnson first came to prominence in the 1960s as a political cartoonist, at which time he was also involved in radical politics. In 1970, he published a collection of cartoons, and this led to a television series about cartooning on PBS.
1990 National Book Award Winner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 27, 2020
I love books like these, letters to small loved ones. “I wish we could have helped the boy, rather than punish the man. But this is what we call justice, I guess”.
June 12, 2021
A nice summation of Johnson's hard-earned life insights.
He touches on themes that will be quite familiar to other readers of his essays: Buddhism, Asian martial arts, race, and spiritual practice. Grand serves as a nice introduction to his overall way of thinking, and while dedicated to his grandson, it's clearly a book for everyone but someone his grandson's age.
Notably, I find his perspectives on race to be the most refreshing, something I presume is largely due to how much Buddhism informs his worldview. He seems to avoid some of the less productive framings common to the popular discourse (and even much of the academic conversations about race for that matter) while speaking directly to the injustices faced by Black men in the United States.
He reads as a gentle but powerful person, capable of both mirth and thoughtful reflection. His vantage point or conclusions won't be agreeable to every one but worth considering nonetheless.
He touches on themes that will be quite familiar to other readers of his essays: Buddhism, Asian martial arts, race, and spiritual practice. Grand serves as a nice introduction to his overall way of thinking, and while dedicated to his grandson, it's clearly a book for everyone but someone his grandson's age.
Notably, I find his perspectives on race to be the most refreshing, something I presume is largely due to how much Buddhism informs his worldview. He seems to avoid some of the less productive framings common to the popular discourse (and even much of the academic conversations about race for that matter) while speaking directly to the injustices faced by Black men in the United States.
He reads as a gentle but powerful person, capable of both mirth and thoughtful reflection. His vantage point or conclusions won't be agreeable to every one but worth considering nonetheless.
June 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I agreed with most things said and I thought that there was a lot to take away and learn from what what said. I loved the format and how the story and lessons were told. I think that no matter who reads this, they'll be able to learn something from what was shown to us in this magnificent book.
March 25, 2025
I've read a few of Mr. Johnsons books and love his poetic, philosophical style of writing. This one was particularly sweet and filled with so much storytelling depth as he passed along advice to his grandson.
June 10, 2020
I don’t agree with all of Mr. Johnson’s philosophy of life but it is a well-written book.
August 13, 2020
Ten well-written small chapters in this book are by the notable author Charles Johnson. He depicts what is important and good in life, with a focus on life lessons and kind observations to his grandson on growing up as a black person in America. Most pieces are inspirational and spiritual. I especially liked that the introduction and parts of most chapters that depict the life of the author and the challenges to his ancestors in previous eras.
January 29, 2021
3.5 stars for a cute gem of a book, wonderfully interwoven past experiences with the philosophy that grounds the author makes for a good set of ideals to pass on.
This work fulfills Popsugar's 2021 Reading Challenge prompt - "A book you think your best friend would like."
This work fulfills Popsugar's 2021 Reading Challenge prompt - "A book you think your best friend would like."
June 11, 2020
Honestly, the main reason I picked up this audiobook was that I no longer have grandparents. I wanted to hear what a grandparent would say when specifically speaking to the next generation. However, I did not think it would be so...inspirational? race-themed? There's a bit of wisdom about religion and a lot of wisdom about racism and how it can affect the younger generation. But I was expecting more along the lines of anecdotes (there are only a few) and the vision of the future and the next generation shaping it. It's still a good read, just not what I was expecting.
August 16, 2020
What a "Grand" little book. This is a grandparent's wisdom for his grandson and covers all aspects of life. It is subtitled, A Grandparent's Wisdom for A Happy Life and if the little grandson is able to follow the prescription his grandfather offers, he will indeed be happy. I would say this book can be read by readers of all ages and like the author, readers can catch their children or grandchildren young and read the book with them as early as age five or six. This book has won many awards. Give it all the other awards that are available.
January 8, 2025
Although very short and at times providing “common sense” and basic messages, I found this book quite wonderful. Especially in a world that focuses so much energy on negativity, anger and the differ news among us, it is refreshing to hear the voices of those who prioritize love, joy, happiness, progress, human connection and helping others at the core of what a good life looks like.
The personals anecdotes of Charles Johnson are meaningful as they are authentic and he delivers them in a clear, confident, unapologetic manner that defies the much more common and too-often angry DEI voices.
The personals anecdotes of Charles Johnson are meaningful as they are authentic and he delivers them in a clear, confident, unapologetic manner that defies the much more common and too-often angry DEI voices.
November 9, 2021
Excellent book, full of wisdom and compassion. I haven't read any of the author's other books, but I may look them up. This book was exceptionally thoughtful, and he spoke from the heart. Johnson himself seemed to come across in these pages -- he seemed exceptionally thoughtful and personal, almost like he was talking to me, and like he was the kind of person I want to meet and have a deep conversation with. My only critique is it did seem to wane a little toward quarter of the book.
July 8, 2020
I am much closer to Johnson’s age than to his grandson Emery at only 6. I also never new either of my Grandfathers, I would like to think one or both would have the wisdom to share that Johnson does. I listened to this short book and found it aspirational. Johnson imbues his storytelling with wisdom and life lessons valuable to all in an inspirational and spiritual way.
May 26, 2021
This was o.k. I'm glad Mr. Johnson has such enthusiasm for his grandson. There was not much new information here. Pay attention to your kids and grandkids, pay attention to the things they enjoy, show them what you enjoy and explain why. Ask questions and listen to their responses. Enjoy the moments with them, they are valuable.
May 15, 2024
I loved with short book and all of his wisdoms. Charles Johnson says he is writing it for his grandson, but it really is for all of us. Very beautiful, incorporating poetry, philosophy, anecdotes, and humor. I recommend this to everyone!
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May 1, 2020Categories
Personal Memoirs, Inspiration & Personal Growth, Grandparenting
Personal Memoirs, Inspiration & Personal Growth, Grandparenting
June 8, 2020
Loved this book !
July 11, 2020
Short, sweet and beautifully written. Uplifting wisdom and wonderful narration in the audio version.
September 7, 2020
A sweet little book. A joy to read.
November 2, 2020
Sweet and strong. Filled with love and philosophical contemplation.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 10, 2021
Poignant perspective - insightful tidbits - a little academic, but overall the book accomplishes what it set out to do.
July 19, 2022
Seattle Arts and Lectures Summer Book Bingo
Read a book about a hobby or skill
Being a grandparent is my super skill, but always room to grow and improve.
Read a book about a hobby or skill
Being a grandparent is my super skill, but always room to grow and improve.
July 20, 2022
Listened to author read it. Good
August 21, 2022
Not to rush through but to read a little and think a little.
November 30, 2022
Delightful book with many wonderful things to ponder. It resonated with things in my life even though the author and I have very different lives
January 21, 2023
I really loved this. Actual wisdom, loving words.
November 4, 2023
I thought it was quite fascinating!
March 7, 2024
Quick, easy read, of a collection of the author's life wisdom, largely collected from Buddist text and his own experiences, that is easy to digest, moving, and memorable.
September 6, 2025
Charles Johnson To His Grandson
I read Charles Johnson's National Book Award winning novel "Middle Passage" (1990) and wanted to know more of the author. In a trip to the local library, I found this short book, "Grand: Grandparent's Wisdom for a Happy Life" (2020) in which Johnson( b. 1948) shares the experiences he has had and the efforts towards wisdom he has made over a productive, changing life, with his eight-year old grandson, Emery. The book has an immediacy and intimacy of tone as Johnson reflects upon his own life and on the life of Emery. The author's love for his grandchild comes through, but the book speaks personally to its readers as well. I have two lovely grandchildren both of whom are older than Emery. Unlike Johnson's relationship with Emery, my grandchildren live a long distance away. Still, I thought of my grandchildren in reading Johnson's book and of the love and experiences of my life that I might impart to them.
I was interested in exploring Johnson's work further in part because he is a philosopher with a strong literary bent and a Buddhist. Philosophy and Buddhism come through strongly in Johnson's reflections. But there is much that is more concrete and particular. Johnson tells his grandson a great deal about his own early life and his responses to it. He discusses change and how the America in which Emery will grow up differs from his own. And Johnson focuses on his experiences and on Emery's as a black American and on the nature of race. Johnson also discusses with Emery many of the books and people, from those who may be unfamiliar such as the Indian spiritual teacher and writer Eknath Eswaran (1910 -- 1999), through figures such as the African American author James Weldon Johnson (1871 -- 1938) and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Johnson writes to Emery in ten short chapters, each of which explores a broad theme that must be developed and understood throughout life. It begins with a chapter on the Socratic injunction, "Know Thyself". In chapter 3, Johnson tells Emery about the Sanskrit teaching "You are that" and reflects upon the profundity of this enigmatic saying for contemporary America. In a chapter titled "The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life" after a sermon by Martin Luther King, Johnson discusses his own lengthy efforts to study and learn from King as a spiritual teacher. In chapter 7, "Open Mouth, Already a Mistake" Johnson gives young Emery some elementary lessons in logic and in the abuses of speech. Finally, in the concluding chapter "To Love is to Live", Johnson reflects upon the different kinds of love, from friendship to erotic passion as they relate to a young child who, as yet, has seen little of the world.
The short essays show a great deal of depth, a lightness of touch, and humor. Johnson's reflections are not within the ken of an eight year old boy but instead must be lived with through time. The book speaks to the boy, to the readers and I think to Johnson himself. I thought of Marilynne Robinson's Pulitzer-prize winning novel "Gilead" in reading Johnson's book. Robinson's main character is the Reverend John Ames, an aging, rural American minister who is terminally ill. He
writes to his young son, a child of his old age, trying to pass along, to both his child and to himself some of what he feels of value that he has learned during his life.
I enjoyed getting to know Charles Johnson better through reading "Grand"and to think about my own grandchildren and about the nature of a thoughtful, reflective life.
Robin Friedman
I read Charles Johnson's National Book Award winning novel "Middle Passage" (1990) and wanted to know more of the author. In a trip to the local library, I found this short book, "Grand: Grandparent's Wisdom for a Happy Life" (2020) in which Johnson( b. 1948) shares the experiences he has had and the efforts towards wisdom he has made over a productive, changing life, with his eight-year old grandson, Emery. The book has an immediacy and intimacy of tone as Johnson reflects upon his own life and on the life of Emery. The author's love for his grandchild comes through, but the book speaks personally to its readers as well. I have two lovely grandchildren both of whom are older than Emery. Unlike Johnson's relationship with Emery, my grandchildren live a long distance away. Still, I thought of my grandchildren in reading Johnson's book and of the love and experiences of my life that I might impart to them.
I was interested in exploring Johnson's work further in part because he is a philosopher with a strong literary bent and a Buddhist. Philosophy and Buddhism come through strongly in Johnson's reflections. But there is much that is more concrete and particular. Johnson tells his grandson a great deal about his own early life and his responses to it. He discusses change and how the America in which Emery will grow up differs from his own. And Johnson focuses on his experiences and on Emery's as a black American and on the nature of race. Johnson also discusses with Emery many of the books and people, from those who may be unfamiliar such as the Indian spiritual teacher and writer Eknath Eswaran (1910 -- 1999), through figures such as the African American author James Weldon Johnson (1871 -- 1938) and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Johnson writes to Emery in ten short chapters, each of which explores a broad theme that must be developed and understood throughout life. It begins with a chapter on the Socratic injunction, "Know Thyself". In chapter 3, Johnson tells Emery about the Sanskrit teaching "You are that" and reflects upon the profundity of this enigmatic saying for contemporary America. In a chapter titled "The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life" after a sermon by Martin Luther King, Johnson discusses his own lengthy efforts to study and learn from King as a spiritual teacher. In chapter 7, "Open Mouth, Already a Mistake" Johnson gives young Emery some elementary lessons in logic and in the abuses of speech. Finally, in the concluding chapter "To Love is to Live", Johnson reflects upon the different kinds of love, from friendship to erotic passion as they relate to a young child who, as yet, has seen little of the world.
The short essays show a great deal of depth, a lightness of touch, and humor. Johnson's reflections are not within the ken of an eight year old boy but instead must be lived with through time. The book speaks to the boy, to the readers and I think to Johnson himself. I thought of Marilynne Robinson's Pulitzer-prize winning novel "Gilead" in reading Johnson's book. Robinson's main character is the Reverend John Ames, an aging, rural American minister who is terminally ill. He
writes to his young son, a child of his old age, trying to pass along, to both his child and to himself some of what he feels of value that he has learned during his life.
I enjoyed getting to know Charles Johnson better through reading "Grand"and to think about my own grandchildren and about the nature of a thoughtful, reflective life.
Robin Friedman
October 3, 2020
I was looking forward to reading this since I am a new grandmother. This book was too philosophical for me to obtain some practical advice. It was well written but heavy into Buddhism and beliefs to which I don't necessarily subscribe. My favorite part was the introduction.
February 13, 2024
It’s a short & sweet book without being too cheesy or unrealistic.
This book is full of real life stories and lessons, not just for grandparents and grandchildren. It’s for everyone - regardless of age, gender, or race.
Favourite Quote: “Life is Not Personal, Permanent, or Perfect.”
This book is full of real life stories and lessons, not just for grandparents and grandchildren. It’s for everyone - regardless of age, gender, or race.
Favourite Quote: “Life is Not Personal, Permanent, or Perfect.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews