The Delany Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom

The Delany Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom captures the life lessons and reflections of centenarian sisters Sadie and Bessie Delany. Drawing from their combined two centuries of experience, the sisters share their perspectives on topics from faith and family to work and personal independence. Based on conversations with the sisters in their Mount Vernon, New York home, this book presents their practical wisdom through stories, recipes, and advice. The daughters of a former slave who became the first African-American Episcopal bishop, Sadie and Bessie Delany lived through major social changes while pursuing careers in teaching and dentistry. Their guidance spans both the practical and philosophical - from tips on maintaining health and managing money to insights about facing adversity and finding joy in daily life. The sisters' matter-of-fact approach comes through in their straightforward commentary about relationships, aging, and maintaining dignity in difficult times. The book stands as a testament to resilience and wisdom gained through experience, offering a window into values that transcend generations. Through the sisters' voices emerges a philosophy of life grounded in determination, education, and unwavering principles.

Readers appreciate the practical life advice and historical perspective from Sarah "Sadie" and Elizabeth "Bessie" Delany, who share insights gained over their 100+ years. Many note the book serves as a companion piece to their memoir "Having Our Say." Specific praise focuses on: - The sisters' tips for living simply and frugally - Their humor and straightforward communication style - Personal stories that contextualize their advice Common criticisms: - Some advice feels dated or overly basic - The book repeats content from their previous memoir - Short length leaves readers wanting more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (157 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (48 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Their wisdom transcends time and culture - simple truths about treating people with respect and living with purpose." An Amazon reviewer said: "While the advice isn't groundbreaking, their perspective as centenarians who lived through massive social changes makes it meaningful."

Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by A. Elizabeth Delany, Sarah L. Delany, Amy Hill Hearth The memoir chronicles the experiences of the Delany sisters through a century of American history, including their perspectives on Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Movement, and life as African American women born to a former slave.

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride The narrative weaves together the stories of a white Jewish mother and her black son as they navigate race, religion, and identity in twentieth-century America.

The Grace of Silence by Michele Norris NPR journalist Michele Norris uncovers her family's hidden past while examining race relations in America through personal stories passed down through generations.

Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals This memoir documents the integration of Little Rock Central High School through the experiences of one of the Little Rock Nine who faced segregation in 1957.

On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker by A'Lelia Bundles The biography explores the life of America's first self-made female millionaire, from her birth to formerly enslaved parents through her rise as a business pioneer in the early 1900s.

🌟 The Delany sisters, Sadie and Bessie, lived to be 109 and 104 years old respectively, making them among the longest-living sisters in recorded American history. 📚 Before this book, the sisters gained fame through their first memoir "Having Our Say," which became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a Broadway play. 🎓 Both sisters were groundbreaking professionals - Sadie was the first African American to teach domestic science at the high school level in New York City, while Bessie was only the second African American woman licensed to practice dentistry in New York State. 🏠 The sisters lived together for over a century and never married, choosing instead to focus on their careers and maintain their independence during a time when this was highly unusual for women. 🌿 The sisters attributed their longevity to a combination of factors including their vegetable garden, exercise, avoiding processed foods, and most importantly, never letting worry dominate their lives.