Part I - Peaches and Big Rich

[Amber, Founder]

1.) What are your first impressions of "Little Rich" and his family dynamic?

2.) Does Rich's decision to provide context on the seriousness of the crack epidemic in the 80's help you understand the challenges he faced during that time?

3.) "To envision a better life, your imagination had to be extraordinary. You had to chase something you never saw with your own eyes" Does Rich debunk the idea that you can't be what you can't see?

4.) Rich's father plays a significant role in his life, what are your thoughts on how he shows up for Rich and the access he gave him to certain things at such an early age?

*Please feel free to raise any other questions or thoughts you had from this section. We love to hear from you!*

[Alexis]

His family dynamic is very relatable. I grew up as an ‘outside child’, my farther was a store owner, and my mom and I lived in an apartment above the store until my father’s passing. I spent much of my childhood helping around the store and learning about the business. But, I always felt that my family dynamic was odd growing up compared to my peers and never had anyone to relate to. So when I read the last page of chapter one, I felt closure that I didn’t know I needed.

[Amber, Founder]

@Alexis a good book can be therapy! Reading this just made me smile. I would love to hear about other ways you connected with the book as you work your way through it. I was raised by a single black mom in a hair salon so there were ways I could relate and other things that blew my mind about all he was dealing with as a young kid. Amazing to know his family dynamic is a lot of people's "normal."

[Marla]

Tough upbringing but Rich giving the “whys” behind actions brings humanity and empathy. Like with his father, I might not agree with the tactics, but Rich’s father gave Rich what he had, which prepared Rich to be the fearless businessman he is today. I wish there was more love, but I understand the “hardening” needed to withstand his environment.

[Amber, Founder]

Marla wrote: "Tough upbringing but Rich giving the “whys” behind actions brings humanity and empathy. Like with his father, I might not agree with the tactics, but Rich’s father gave Rich what he had, which prep..."

I agree, I'm conflicted because as much as I wanted love for him I think it would have changed the course of his life. I think Rich's father is awesome. I don't know about the 6 year old gambling thing lol but he showed up for him in so many ways that many fathers don't show up for their kids and kept him on somewhat of a straight and narrow mentally.

[Wendy]

It’s amazing that his Father stepped up in his life as I’m sure it created extreme drama in his Father’s marital family. I love the balance his Father created by having an absentee Mother. And he was a good father (possibly great).

[Voni]

My first reaction to the family dynamic was “whoa”! It made me want to know how Rich Sr.’s wife and daughter coped - but…not their story (lol). I do love that, however flawed, Sr. was present to raise Rich.

[Amber, Founder]

Voni wrote: "My first reaction to the family dynamic was “whoa”! It made me want to know how Rich Sr.’s wife and daughter coped - but…not their story (lol). I do love that, however flawed, Sr. was present to ra..."

Ok, I thought it was just me that wanted Rich Sr's wife to spill tea 😂 We're messy! Rich's dad was a real stand up guy and I really want Rich to be able to buy the land where his father's store was at some point in life or reopen an R&J confectionary. I'd cry real tears.

[Alexis]

Amber wrote: "@Alexis a good book can be therapy! Reading this just made me smile. I would love to hear about other ways you connected with the book as you work your way through it. I was raised by a single blac..."

I finished reading the book today, and something in me feels healed for sure! Also, does visiting salons or working with hair stylists today often bring back memories of your childhood?

[Alexis]

2. He vividly portrays the difficulties that he, his community, and many others faced. While we often learn about the surface-level impact of the epidemic, it's crucial to delve into the inner layers and understand the people it affected.

3. I believe he does debunk the idea. Life offers numerous roles and possibilities, and there isn't one location or example that includes everything. Therefore, at times, you literally have to chase a dream or a role that you haven’t seen before.

4. I find it crucial that he stepped up for Rich at such a young age. Despite the circumstances of Rich's conception, he fulfilled his responsibility.