Book recommendation: "The Audacity to Dream Big and Reach Higher"

Dr. Odeather A. Bennett has accomplished a great deal in her life. She grew up in a family of color in Arkansas, living in a house on the property of a white plantation owner. She and her siblings were picking cotton in the field as soon as they were old enough to, along with her mother and grandmother. It was hard work, every day but Sunday. Add to that the racism she and her family faced in this 1940s-'50s South, and the untimely loss of some of her family members, including her beloved mother. 

Her grandmother raised her for the rest of her childhood, and in little Odeather she instilled some very valuable life insight. One big thing was the power of thinking positively, with strong faith in the Lord, and Odeather carried that with her the rest of her life. It fueled her motivation to accomplish a lot and contribute to the world around her. She went into social work to help others in need, and she earned degree after degree, each step over the years moving her further and further forward in her goals. She earned a Ph.D. eventually, and even owned her own practice. She never let any negativity or any adverse circumstances squash her dreams.

Dr. Bennett chronicles that life's journey in her book, "The Audacity to Dream Big and Reach Higher." I just finished the book, after purchasing it personally from Odeather during a film shoot at her house. You see, her son, Dray Hill, is the creator, writer and producer of the independent "Rapture Chronicles" series, and I help out behind the scenes often, as I mentioned in the February 26, 2026 post on this blog. I was curious about the book Dray's mom had just released, and I am glad I got a copy. It is gently written, easy to read, but it has some rough edges, too -- in its sometimes-difficult subject matter. This lady has overcome a lot, and her story is truly one of strength from the Lord and triumph over adversity. I can highly recommend it, and you can find it, and learn more about Dr. Bennett, at her website, ReachHigherBookstore.com.