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The Seventeen Traditions
“ The Seventeen Traditions brings us back to what’s important in life—and what makes America truly great.”
—Jim Hightower, Illinois Times The activist, humanitarian, and former presidential candidate named one of the 100 most influential figures in American history by The Atlantic —one of only three living Americans so honored—Ralph Nader, looks back at his small-town Connecticut childhood and the traditions and values that shaped his progressive worldview. At once eye-opening, thought-provoking, and surprisingly fresh and moving, Nader’s The Seventeen Traditions is a celebration of uniquely American ethics certain to appeal to fans of Mitch Albom, Tim Russert, and Anna Quindlen—an unexpected and most welcome gift from this fearlessly committed reformer and outspoken critic of corruption in government and society. In a time of widespread national dissatisfaction and disillusionment that has given rise to new dissent characterized by the Occupy Wall Street movement, the liberal icon shows us how every American can learn from The Seventeen Traditions and, by embracing them, help bring about meaningful and necessary change.
—Jim Hightower, Illinois Times The activist, humanitarian, and former presidential candidate named one of the 100 most influential figures in American history by The Atlantic —one of only three living Americans so honored—Ralph Nader, looks back at his small-town Connecticut childhood and the traditions and values that shaped his progressive worldview. At once eye-opening, thought-provoking, and surprisingly fresh and moving, Nader’s The Seventeen Traditions is a celebration of uniquely American ethics certain to appeal to fans of Mitch Albom, Tim Russert, and Anna Quindlen—an unexpected and most welcome gift from this fearlessly committed reformer and outspoken critic of corruption in government and society. In a time of widespread national dissatisfaction and disillusionment that has given rise to new dissent characterized by the Occupy Wall Street movement, the liberal icon shows us how every American can learn from The Seventeen Traditions and, by embracing them, help bring about meaningful and necessary change.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 30, 2007
24 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Ralph Nader
139 books267 followersAmerican attorney, author, lecturer, political activist, and candidate for President of the United States in five elections, including the last election 0f 2008, with his role in the 2000 election in particular being subject to much debate.
Areas of particular concern to Nader include consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader is the first Arab American presidential candidate in the U.S.
Areas of particular concern to Nader include consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader is the first Arab American presidential candidate in the U.S.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 10, 2008
Ralph, I voted for you buddy, but you have to stop the incessant bitching about kids and their iPods. Think of it this way, while you had a great childhood sitting on a rock eating sandwiches, other kids are having a great childhood talking with kids in other countries, exchanging local music, and hearing sounds and ideas from all over the globe. It's really not so bad.
I liked what values he brought up in this book, and I think it's good to remember how fulfilling simple pleasures can be. I think the one thing that I'll really take away will be how much he pushes reverie in day to day life. It's important, and I've really been trying to achieve it more lately.
I liked what values he brought up in this book, and I think it's good to remember how fulfilling simple pleasures can be. I think the one thing that I'll really take away will be how much he pushes reverie in day to day life. It's important, and I've really been trying to achieve it more lately.
September 9, 2007
Who knew?? Ralph Nader is a conservative!! And this book proves it. It is not about traditions so much as it is a rant against the commercialization of the culture.
Hard to disagree with that of course, but he does not present any feasible solutions, and going back to his idyllic childhood in small town New England is impossible. It is not a book about traditions; it is a book about values. A better title would be: Seventeen Values For Today.
Hard to disagree with that of course, but he does not present any feasible solutions, and going back to his idyllic childhood in small town New England is impossible. It is not a book about traditions; it is a book about values. A better title would be: Seventeen Values For Today.
October 31, 2012
Nader explores the values instilled within him and his siblings by his parents. His parents taught them being patriotic does not mean "my country right or wrong" but it means working for the betterment of ones country. Nostalgia does not color his view of the past. He recalls how factories that employed his neighbors also polluted the air and water in his community. The traditions he celebrates can cultivate a strong society if imitated.
April 1, 2008
This book goes a long way to explain Nader. His parents experience as small business people shaped his outlook immensely, as did his father's political passions.
Its hard to imagine someone like his fiercely political father surviving the capitalist jungle today. But I think that the facts of his father's life keeps Nader thinking and fighting for a "honest capitalism."
Its hard to imagine someone like his fiercely political father surviving the capitalist jungle today. But I think that the facts of his father's life keeps Nader thinking and fighting for a "honest capitalism."
June 10, 2009
Superbly written in a quiet, simple style which will confound people who think they know Ralph Nader. Recommended highly for families of all political persuasions, this book addresses life lessons that can benefit anyone and is utterly apolitical. It ought to be considered controversial by nobody, and may best be ultimately appreciated by those who dislike Mr. Nader.
February 6, 2009
A fascinating book by repeated presidential hopeful Ralph Nader about the traditions he learned as a child that he feels best exemplify America and humanity. However one feels about Nader's politics, one has difficulty arguing with the practical virtue of these seventeen traditions.
June 23, 2022
George McGovern once said "I’m a confirmed liberal, but I think there’s a conservative aspect to liberalism at its best.” Nader's book is a perfect snapshot of how these two strands come together. He recounts stories from his childhood as a first-generation American in Northeast Connecticut. One gets the sense that Nader absorbed the lessons of his family's American Dream story, placing a greater value on tradition than nearly anybody on the modern left. He never forgets his lifelong devotion to justice, one that apparently runs in the family; simultaneously he brings to bear great wisdom on values like frugality, discipline, and family cohesion. Nader's descriptions of his childhood may seem rustic and even outmoded to some readers, but I thought he did a great job grappling with issues like pollution, and racism that also marked his upbringing. You might see Nader as a left-wing tort law crusader or the guy who "ruined" 2000, but there's a lot more to him than meets the eye, and "The Seventeen Traditions" is a refreshing look at the real Nader.
January 12, 2023
If you are in a nostalgic mood and want to trace back some of the traditions/family values that made this country great, check out this book.
Ralph Nader lays out 17 different traditions that he learned from his parents growing up in the small town of Winsted, Connecticut. From the tradition of listening, to the tradition of independent thinking and finishing with the tradition of civics; you will gain an understanding of what his upbringing taught him that led to his political career. Fortunately, in this politically charged environment, the book has limited potential to stir up problems/arguments but will bring back to a time when people discussed and maybe disagreed but still did so in a civil way.
Recommend!
Ralph Nader lays out 17 different traditions that he learned from his parents growing up in the small town of Winsted, Connecticut. From the tradition of listening, to the tradition of independent thinking and finishing with the tradition of civics; you will gain an understanding of what his upbringing taught him that led to his political career. Fortunately, in this politically charged environment, the book has limited potential to stir up problems/arguments but will bring back to a time when people discussed and maybe disagreed but still did so in a civil way.
Recommend!
May 28, 2010
This book tells of the civics-conscious household Ralph Nader and his siblings grew up in and tell of the "traditions" his family embraced that made a great impact in all of their lives. These include "traditions" relating to listening, family dinners, sibling equality, charity, work ethic, education and critical thinking, etc.
I found this book to be a wonderful, short read and would give it as a gift to others, especially those (about to be) raising children. Ralph Nader and his siblings turned out to be fine people and well-informed citizens, and we could all learn a lot from the examples set by their parents.
I found this book to be a wonderful, short read and would give it as a gift to others, especially those (about to be) raising children. Ralph Nader and his siblings turned out to be fine people and well-informed citizens, and we could all learn a lot from the examples set by their parents.
August 9, 2011
Having worked for Ralph for 39 months of my life at his washington dc office i thought i had a good idea of who he was and what made him tick, i was wrong.
This book gave me more insight into Ralph Nader the man than i thought was possible. Reading his story for me was an enjoyable trip to an enjoyable time.
The story about his mother shaking hands with Prescott Bush was well worth the price of the book alone.
I purchased a number of copies of the book and plan to distribute them to others, we need more people "Growing Up Nader".
Read the book....understand the man.
This book gave me more insight into Ralph Nader the man than i thought was possible. Reading his story for me was an enjoyable trip to an enjoyable time.
The story about his mother shaking hands with Prescott Bush was well worth the price of the book alone.
I purchased a number of copies of the book and plan to distribute them to others, we need more people "Growing Up Nader".
Read the book....understand the man.
April 21, 2020
This was one of my favorite parenting books. Ralph Nader writes about his childhood and how his parents raised their family, which traditions were important in child raising , and the effect it had on his and his siblings’ lives. The traditions include the family table, education and argument, reciprocity, independent thinking, as well as, solitude, civics, and simple enjoyments. I highly recommend it for people who want more from a parenting book than how to get your kid to sleep! This is a beautiful, thoughtful book.
Read
May 22, 2008I like to read a Nader book every election year. I chose this one this year because it was the last book that he wrote and when he talked about this book,I totally got it.
I gave this book away to the being higher up in the corporate hiearchial structure that pays for my shelter, food, and drink as well as other products from other corporate hiearchies. I am still supsicious of corporations, but I feel that you got to give people credit for seeing through the corporate manipulation.
I gave this book away to the being higher up in the corporate hiearchial structure that pays for my shelter, food, and drink as well as other products from other corporate hiearchies. I am still supsicious of corporations, but I feel that you got to give people credit for seeing through the corporate manipulation.
March 16, 2008
I think I read this book in an hour. It reminded me a lot of growing up close to my grandmother. Nader almost comes off as a curmedgeon but I think, overall, he is correct in his assumptions about the "traditions" that benefit children when they are young. Obviously, we can't jump back to New England in the '40's but we can apply some of his examples in 2008.
August 23, 2008
This seriously made me want to have a family so bad! It talks about the ways to raise a family in the older traditions. It really wasn't an advice book, more of a memoir and very good advice from a family with amazing children. It makes you miss the way we were raised, and hope that I can do the same for my children even though kids these days are totally not raised in these traditions.
May 5, 2009
Wow, this was a great book. I read the whole thing yesterday. Very inspirational. Ralph Nader details the family and community environment he grew up in and describes the family traditions which provided the foundational principles and values for his life. Though Nader never had kids, this really is a must read for all parents.
November 14, 2021
Wish I read this book earlier, when our kids were younger, however it’s never too late to start a new tradition.
That said, there are a lot of idealistic views in the book, but who better to start those idealistic traditions on than your children? I hope to remember to give this book to new parents.
That said, there are a lot of idealistic views in the book, but who better to start those idealistic traditions on than your children? I hope to remember to give this book to new parents.
March 23, 2019
This book is invaluable for showing an entirely different side to the "Unreasonable Man." It also explains where Nader's overdeveloped sense of justice comes from. For anyone who holds a grudge over the Bush-Gore election or Nader's murder of the Corvair, this book is an antidote.
June 23, 2011
The Tradition of Listening
The Tradition of the Family Table
The Tradition of Health
The Tradition of History
The Tradition of Scarcity
The Tradition of Sibling Equality
The Tradition of Education and Argument
The Tradition of Discipline
The Tradition of Simple Enjoyments
The Tradition of Reciprocity
The Tradition of Independent Thinking
The Tradition of Charity
The Tradition of Work
The Tradition of Business
The Tradition of Patriotism
The Tradition of Solitude
The Tradition of Civics
"I believe it's you."
I am often asked what forces shaped me
the best from the old should be merged with the best from the new.
What are the elements that influence human development? Water, air, and nutrition interact with genetic material to develop the body, including the brain. But what shapes the mind, the personality, the character?
Today, children everywhere are deprived of exposure to nature in the same way; they grow up with their eyes, ears, tastes, and other senses trained on a corporate world of sensual virtual reality-removed, as no other generation in human history, from the daily flow and rhythm of nature.
dream about unusual futures.
outsourcing family services to the market
the fads, technologies, how-to manuals, and addictions of modern life have somehow taken the place of the time-tested wisdom fashioned in the crucibles of earlier generations.
Listen more than you speak
Socratic questioning in any given setting
"The more you listen, the more sensible will be what you say."
"Because it is good for you."
"What does your tongue have against your heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys?"
despite the increasing proliferation of digital recording an other communication technologies, we're passing on less knowledge today than our parents did through the oral tradition alone. We're drowning in photographs and videos, capturing every mundane moment of our birthdays, holidays, and vacations. Yet these can be no more than pleasant distractions, only scratching the surface of our real relationships.
"Which of us do you like best?" Mother replied by recalling how Bedouin mothers answered that question: "I like the one who is farthest until they are near, the youngest until they grow older, and the sick until they are well."
Did you learn how to believe or did you learn how to think?
Is this new movement or politician trying to make us believe, by using abstraction and slogans or advertising gimmicks, or inviting us to think through the issues, using facts, experience, and judgment?
we should reach our beliefs by thinking them through.
LOST: 60 seconds, Don't bother looking for them because they are gone forever.
quality doesn't cost enough
money alone can't ensure a quality education; only deep care taken by the teachers themselves can make the difference.
making excuses deprived children of the incentive to improve.
"Your best teacher is your last mistake."
"You better be a genius, because you've clearly decided to stop learning."
unlimited income with limited wealth.
how do you define wealth, anyway?
history shows that economies with more equitable distribution of wealth were far more prosperous, with bigger markets. They were more prone to deal with the needs of tomorrow, not just today, like healthful surroundings and a better future for our children and grandchildren.
when I got deeply interested in my classes, it was because of a special teacher who valued spontaneous discussion over rote memorization.
"Children are clever," Mother said, "they watch their parents and can take advantage where they see weakness."
my parents chose to show us where we had gone wrong, and they often did so by relying on traditional proverbs.
"Why are you insulting your parents?"
"Americans are afraid of their children."
"So, since you've got all the answers, you don't have any more questions, eh?"
We were tapping into the infinite richness of human senses and emotions, challenging our imagination and human competitiveness, rather than the staccato rhythms and predictable rewards of pre-programmed games.
If we wanted to be leaders, we were taught - if we wanted to think boldly, and to excel at what we did - that we would have to be willing to be different.
"Without people, nothing is possible," Monnet had said. "Without institutions, nothing is lasting."
Reliance on the government as the first source of funding for these kinds of projects, it seems to me, weakens the expectation that wealthy people will extend the legacies of their enlightened forebears, which so enriched people's lives.
preserve the household as a place of shared responsibility, instead of making it a place of monetary transactions and having them pay for our work.
"If you do not use your rights, you will lose your rights."
"Do you love your country?" "Well, why don't you spend the time improving it?"
"Freedom is participation in power." Marcus Cicero
The philosopher James Harvey Robinson pointed out that the minds of children can reap lots of future benefits when they are permitted time for reverie.
Solitude originally meant "a state of being alone," not a state of passive symbiosis with these frenetic and lurid temptations.
Alice Walker - "quiet space"
Who is more foolish, the core group of committed voters and taxpayers who engage in the process, or the much larger number who habitually abstain from town affairs, leaving their interests to be decided by others?
the ancient Greek work "idiot" referred to civic apathy, not intelligence.
think of "wealth" in terms of not just money or possessions, but also charity, health, happiness, and justice in a community.
"If you want to get a politician to stop smiling and start promising, just don't let go of his hand."
it's those other, intangible qualities of human personality that usually make the difference
democracy cannot flourish without putting an arm around the shoulders of the young.
"Son, never say you did your best, because then you'll never try to do better."
The Tradition of the Family Table
The Tradition of Health
The Tradition of History
The Tradition of Scarcity
The Tradition of Sibling Equality
The Tradition of Education and Argument
The Tradition of Discipline
The Tradition of Simple Enjoyments
The Tradition of Reciprocity
The Tradition of Independent Thinking
The Tradition of Charity
The Tradition of Work
The Tradition of Business
The Tradition of Patriotism
The Tradition of Solitude
The Tradition of Civics
"I believe it's you."
I am often asked what forces shaped me
the best from the old should be merged with the best from the new.
What are the elements that influence human development? Water, air, and nutrition interact with genetic material to develop the body, including the brain. But what shapes the mind, the personality, the character?
Today, children everywhere are deprived of exposure to nature in the same way; they grow up with their eyes, ears, tastes, and other senses trained on a corporate world of sensual virtual reality-removed, as no other generation in human history, from the daily flow and rhythm of nature.
dream about unusual futures.
outsourcing family services to the market
the fads, technologies, how-to manuals, and addictions of modern life have somehow taken the place of the time-tested wisdom fashioned in the crucibles of earlier generations.
Listen more than you speak
Socratic questioning in any given setting
"The more you listen, the more sensible will be what you say."
"Because it is good for you."
"What does your tongue have against your heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys?"
despite the increasing proliferation of digital recording an other communication technologies, we're passing on less knowledge today than our parents did through the oral tradition alone. We're drowning in photographs and videos, capturing every mundane moment of our birthdays, holidays, and vacations. Yet these can be no more than pleasant distractions, only scratching the surface of our real relationships.
"Which of us do you like best?" Mother replied by recalling how Bedouin mothers answered that question: "I like the one who is farthest until they are near, the youngest until they grow older, and the sick until they are well."
Did you learn how to believe or did you learn how to think?
Is this new movement or politician trying to make us believe, by using abstraction and slogans or advertising gimmicks, or inviting us to think through the issues, using facts, experience, and judgment?
we should reach our beliefs by thinking them through.
LOST: 60 seconds, Don't bother looking for them because they are gone forever.
quality doesn't cost enough
money alone can't ensure a quality education; only deep care taken by the teachers themselves can make the difference.
making excuses deprived children of the incentive to improve.
"Your best teacher is your last mistake."
"You better be a genius, because you've clearly decided to stop learning."
unlimited income with limited wealth.
how do you define wealth, anyway?
history shows that economies with more equitable distribution of wealth were far more prosperous, with bigger markets. They were more prone to deal with the needs of tomorrow, not just today, like healthful surroundings and a better future for our children and grandchildren.
when I got deeply interested in my classes, it was because of a special teacher who valued spontaneous discussion over rote memorization.
"Children are clever," Mother said, "they watch their parents and can take advantage where they see weakness."
my parents chose to show us where we had gone wrong, and they often did so by relying on traditional proverbs.
"Why are you insulting your parents?"
"Americans are afraid of their children."
"So, since you've got all the answers, you don't have any more questions, eh?"
We were tapping into the infinite richness of human senses and emotions, challenging our imagination and human competitiveness, rather than the staccato rhythms and predictable rewards of pre-programmed games.
If we wanted to be leaders, we were taught - if we wanted to think boldly, and to excel at what we did - that we would have to be willing to be different.
"Without people, nothing is possible," Monnet had said. "Without institutions, nothing is lasting."
Reliance on the government as the first source of funding for these kinds of projects, it seems to me, weakens the expectation that wealthy people will extend the legacies of their enlightened forebears, which so enriched people's lives.
preserve the household as a place of shared responsibility, instead of making it a place of monetary transactions and having them pay for our work.
"If you do not use your rights, you will lose your rights."
"Do you love your country?" "Well, why don't you spend the time improving it?"
"Freedom is participation in power." Marcus Cicero
The philosopher James Harvey Robinson pointed out that the minds of children can reap lots of future benefits when they are permitted time for reverie.
Solitude originally meant "a state of being alone," not a state of passive symbiosis with these frenetic and lurid temptations.
Alice Walker - "quiet space"
Who is more foolish, the core group of committed voters and taxpayers who engage in the process, or the much larger number who habitually abstain from town affairs, leaving their interests to be decided by others?
the ancient Greek work "idiot" referred to civic apathy, not intelligence.
think of "wealth" in terms of not just money or possessions, but also charity, health, happiness, and justice in a community.
"If you want to get a politician to stop smiling and start promising, just don't let go of his hand."
it's those other, intangible qualities of human personality that usually make the difference
democracy cannot flourish without putting an arm around the shoulders of the young.
"Son, never say you did your best, because then you'll never try to do better."
May 27, 2008
While I'm sure there are a lot of great insights for people in this book, most of it seemed like common sense flavored with anecdotes from Ralph Nader's childhood. Also, I wonder who the audience is for this book? The writing and ideas seem like they were washed down for the comprehension of someone in eigth grade. So, it left a lot to be desired in that area. Another point is that I felt like Ralph Nader was being patronizing in this book. Others have had a different reaction, but I came away with this message of "My family is so great, and if everyone raised their children exactly as my parents had, then your family would be great too." There is nothing that says, this method would work or that broadens the conversation. Even when he says, We were not perfect, he is still basically saying but we were better than you as a family.
If you can get through the treacle there are a few kernels of wisdom, and if you lack a lot of common sense, then there are probably more than a few.
If you can get through the treacle there are a few kernels of wisdom, and if you lack a lot of common sense, then there are probably more than a few.
October 31, 2011
We have been avid fans of Ralph Nader for a number of years because of his activism, and when he came to speak at a local Barnes&Noble bookstore, we went to see him. He talked about his youth and how his parents helped shape him to what he is today. I recall him saying how his mother wanted something done about a bridge and when she went to the politician, she took his hand and held it firmly, not letting go until he promised he would do it.
We also learned how he had worked hard to get to where he was. His book embraces the warm and good feelings evoked from his talk, reminding us that he is human like us.
We also learned how he had worked hard to get to where he was. His book embraces the warm and good feelings evoked from his talk, reminding us that he is human like us.
June 13, 2015
Good read
This is a good read for anyone, but definitely more so, if you're an immigrant or first gen Americans. Nader talks a lot about his upbringing, his parents and how influential his parents were in raising him and his siblings, what duties that we must entail as citizens. I picked up this book as Nader is someone whom I really admire and I learnt a lot about him, his upbringing, and most importantly how kids these days are a lot different and disconnected from reality. Pick it up if want to learn how to live life the old fashioned way; honesty, hard work, family, raising children, and civic duty, Nader covers it all.
This is a good read for anyone, but definitely more so, if you're an immigrant or first gen Americans. Nader talks a lot about his upbringing, his parents and how influential his parents were in raising him and his siblings, what duties that we must entail as citizens. I picked up this book as Nader is someone whom I really admire and I learnt a lot about him, his upbringing, and most importantly how kids these days are a lot different and disconnected from reality. Pick it up if want to learn how to live life the old fashioned way; honesty, hard work, family, raising children, and civic duty, Nader covers it all.
June 28, 2012
This is a gentle, thought-provoking look at the beliefs and attitudes of a Lebanese-American family, presided over by two amazing immigrant parents and the lives their children led under their sensitive and educational tutelage. These parents brought the best of Middle Eastern beliefs and traditions and melded them with the best beliefs and traditions of their adopted land, the United States. That all four of their children achieved distinction and in one case (Ralph Nader), greatness, provides an idea of the genius embedded in those two remarkable people. A must-read.
June 13, 2012
I bought an autographed copy of this book and just reread it. I have such admiration for Ralph Nader and have often wondered about his parents--his sister is an anthropologist. Listening, family table, health, understanding of history, education and argument, charity, work civics, discipline, scarcity, solitude, simple enjoyments, patriotism--his parents had these priorities and instilled them in their children. These traditions and values felt very familiar to me since my parents had the same values. This book can be a little self righteous but it sure is a great handbook for parenting.
February 16, 2013
Re-read this just this morning. Really quiet book, though its presumably for a wide audience (simply written and very clear) it's also very personal, human, and kinda sweet. Great keyhole into Nader's family and childhood, bit of an origin-story of his values and ethics... I especially enjoy his chapters "On Listening", and "On Solitude".
(really dig David Wolf's illustrations, esp. paired with the brown ink of the print - really quite simple and elegant)
(really dig David Wolf's illustrations, esp. paired with the brown ink of the print - really quite simple and elegant)
August 29, 2007
oh ralph, if only it was as simple as you lay it out to be.
this book was nice. yes, that is my descriptor of choice because that is exactly what it was. i read 95% of this book while babysitting for a demanding, self-absorbed child who is the anti-ralph nader model of childhood and simple, peaceful living.
this book was nice. yes, that is my descriptor of choice because that is exactly what it was. i read 95% of this book while babysitting for a demanding, self-absorbed child who is the anti-ralph nader model of childhood and simple, peaceful living.
May 30, 2012
Nader reflects on his childhood and youth growing up in Connecticut and the values he learned from his siblings and parents. I did not know Nader is Lebanese or that he is a first-generation American. A warm, nostalgic memoir that pays tribute to the importance of family and community.
July 27, 2019
an autobiographical look at 17 things that influenced his life. Quick and very good.
June 22, 2021
For a neighbor, a bit before my time, Mr Nader was given a disciplined and hearty set of values.
July 21, 2017
Ralph Nader's personal tales are a tribute to his parents' role in preparing him and his siblings to be an intelligent, informed adults who will prefer to question, rather than just believe.
Throughout the chapters, Ralph looks back at the history of his parents immigrating to the U.S. from Lebanon when they were 19, and becoming devoted U.S. citizens and pillars of their community. They also taught their children about their culture, customs and history of Lebanon.
I enjoyed his story-telling writing style, as if we were face-to-face across the kitchen table. Many bits of wisdom his parents shared I thought were still relevant decades later.
Throughout the chapters, Ralph looks back at the history of his parents immigrating to the U.S. from Lebanon when they were 19, and becoming devoted U.S. citizens and pillars of their community. They also taught their children about their culture, customs and history of Lebanon.
I enjoyed his story-telling writing style, as if we were face-to-face across the kitchen table. Many bits of wisdom his parents shared I thought were still relevant decades later.
January 11, 2023
Looked forward to this. but overall pretty basic stuff I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews