Review of Madame Ph.D.

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
Stephen Pokoo
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 200
Joined: 10 Oct 2023, 04:19
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 11
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephen-pokoo.html
Latest Review: Beating Death (resubmission) by Sean O’Banion

Review of Madame Ph.D.

Post by Stephen Pokoo »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Madame Ph.D." by Gwynette Ford Lacy, Ph.D., MBA.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Gwynette Ford Lacy weaves a fascinating narrative that matches her own life story in "Madame Ph.D.: Growing Up Black in DC and Beating the Odds," appealing to readers through its heartbreaking picture of early challenges, dreams, and the indomitable spirit of a young black woman. This engrossing book explores the compelling relevance of strategic planning, dedication, and endurance in determining one's fate.

The book gives us an overview of the life of Gwynette Ford Lacy, who was raised in Washington, D.C., during the racially volatile 1950s, a time when Black Americans faced widespread prejudice. Her life's journey demonstrates her persistent determination to reach the same heights in both her career and personal life as her white peers. Her adventure starts against a backdrop of financial hardship, forcing her to juggle demanding coursework during the school holidays with part-time work. Her spouse is a constant source of strength for her on her journey, providing comfort and motivation at her lowest points.

The concept of love and support, which the author deftly illustrates via the perspectives of Gwynette's close friends, family, and spouse, is one remarkable feature of this novel. Every character makes a distinct contribution to the story, illustrating how steadfast support can enable people to overcome hardship and follow their ambitions. Lacy's work is accessible to a broad readership due to its effective simplicity. Her accessible language adds an extra layer of interest to the book and helps the reader establish a strong emotional connection with her story.

It is really difficult to detect any flaws in this book. The absence of grammatical and typographical faults is a big advantage of the work. The well-edited content provides a seamless and engaging reading experience. Gwynette Ford Lacy's memoir depicts her path flawlessly, emphasizing the significance of endurance, hope, and dedication in reaching one's goals. While the occasional use of minor profanity and the light depiction of sexual situations may not be appropriate for children, it is vital to note that these components are provided in a context that serves to improve the narrative's authenticity and emotional depth. The author uses them sparingly to highlight events in her life, never going overboard with graphic descriptions.

In conclusion, "Madame Ph.D.: Growing Up Black in DC and Beating the Odds," and for the reasons stated in the previous paragraph, receives a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. This memoir is strongly recommended for all age-appropriate readers, especially young women who may feel confined by gender-related issues and persons in need of motivation to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of their aspirations. Gwynette Ford Lacy's life story is a great source of motivation for anyone who are facing struggle and questioning their ability to achieve their goals.

******
Madame Ph.D.
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”