Review of Madame Ph.D.
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Jen Cowhig
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Review of Madame Ph.D.
[Following is a volunteer review of "Madame Ph.D." by Gwynette Ford Lacy, Ph.D., MBA.]
Madame Ph.D.: Growing Up Black in DC and Beating the Odds: Nettie’s DC Story of Perseverance, Hope, and Determination (PHD) by Gwynette Ford Lacy deserves a full five out of five stars! I highly recommend this book to students, women, and young professionals. I especially recommend this book to those who feel like they cannot achieve their goals because of systemic barriers. Through perseverance, hope, and determination, Nettie was able to succeed and gain her Ph.D.
This was no easy feat for the young black woman. Growing up in Washington, DC, during the Civil Rights Movement, Gwynette was exposed to racism and discrimination at an early age. She still faces some of these same barriers, as people do not expect people of her background to have a degree they associate with privileged white men. Dr. Lacy was the only African-American woman in her Ph.D. program, and though many do not finish their degree, against all odds, she succeeded. She achieved the most prestigious degree and made a point to show the world that she, a girl from the hood who struggled with finances, was just as good as the rich white folk who didn't have to overcome as much.
This is a highly educational story. It is packed with history and life lessons. One of the biggest lessons that comes from reading this book is it is “not where and/or how you start but how you finish the race that counts” (pg 216). I really loved the educational aspects of this story. One of my favorite things about this book is the way Dr. Lacy weaves historical narratives and personal accounts to inform the reader as well as immerse them into the period. She remembers when JFK and Martin Luther King Jr, her hero, were assassinated. These are events that I have only read about in history books. I found it extremely valuable to read her first-hand accounts of life in DC during those emotional times. I also love the way she explains slang and important terms, as well as gives modern equivalents to some shops, so somebody who is from a newer generation can still understand and connect to the story.
I even enjoyed smaller details, like including photos. I didn’t expect to fall in love with this story, but I think I have a new favorite book. I tried hard to find something I disliked about this book. It is impeccably edited and while I could be nitpick, there is nothing wrong with the book. I found this book to be highly inspirational! I feel like there is something for everybody. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would.
******
Madame Ph.D.
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Madame Ph.D.: Growing Up Black in DC and Beating the Odds: Nettie’s DC Story of Perseverance, Hope, and Determination (PHD) by Gwynette Ford Lacy deserves a full five out of five stars! I highly recommend this book to students, women, and young professionals. I especially recommend this book to those who feel like they cannot achieve their goals because of systemic barriers. Through perseverance, hope, and determination, Nettie was able to succeed and gain her Ph.D.
This was no easy feat for the young black woman. Growing up in Washington, DC, during the Civil Rights Movement, Gwynette was exposed to racism and discrimination at an early age. She still faces some of these same barriers, as people do not expect people of her background to have a degree they associate with privileged white men. Dr. Lacy was the only African-American woman in her Ph.D. program, and though many do not finish their degree, against all odds, she succeeded. She achieved the most prestigious degree and made a point to show the world that she, a girl from the hood who struggled with finances, was just as good as the rich white folk who didn't have to overcome as much.
This is a highly educational story. It is packed with history and life lessons. One of the biggest lessons that comes from reading this book is it is “not where and/or how you start but how you finish the race that counts” (pg 216). I really loved the educational aspects of this story. One of my favorite things about this book is the way Dr. Lacy weaves historical narratives and personal accounts to inform the reader as well as immerse them into the period. She remembers when JFK and Martin Luther King Jr, her hero, were assassinated. These are events that I have only read about in history books. I found it extremely valuable to read her first-hand accounts of life in DC during those emotional times. I also love the way she explains slang and important terms, as well as gives modern equivalents to some shops, so somebody who is from a newer generation can still understand and connect to the story.
I even enjoyed smaller details, like including photos. I didn’t expect to fall in love with this story, but I think I have a new favorite book. I tried hard to find something I disliked about this book. It is impeccably edited and while I could be nitpick, there is nothing wrong with the book. I found this book to be highly inspirational! I feel like there is something for everybody. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would.
******
Madame Ph.D.
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Amber’s Way by Gloria Galloway
