Our transparency invites you to two different perspectives outside your own lens. It opens your eyes to the healing that can ensue if you receive it.

Forgive your parents for what they did or did not do. Forgive them for not having a manual handed to them on how to parent.

Forgive yourself for all the dumb and stupid choices you made as a result of surviving life.

For those who have given up hope… try again.

“My parents first separated when I was eighteen, got back together in my mid-twenties, separated again when I was thirty-two, and officially divorced right before I turned thirty-three. Ghetto, right? And because of how my father left both times, I struggled with separating who he was as my father from who he was as my mother’s husband.”

May this extraordinary journey serve as an inspiration for you to confront your own demons, to embrace forgiveness and understanding, and to strive for healing within your own relationships.

— Dr. Tavis C. Taylor

HOW THE CONVERSATION STARTED.

Imagine Finally Hearing Your Father Say the Words You Have Longed to Hear Since Childhood...

A father and daughter embark on the difficult conversation of healing and forgiveness after divorce. Ashley and Lewis share insights into their upbringing, which ultimately impacted their responses to the family splitting up.

  • "You may have heard or articulated one or more of the following: Adulting is ghetto. Adulting is overrated. Parenting is ghetto. Life be life-ing. These are just a few urban colloquialisms that can become more accurate and relatable the older we get, which brings us here and to why I am transparently sharing my story."

    — Ashley R Wood, a resilient daughter

the endorsements.

  • Darrion Somerville / Pastor, Professor and Veteran

    "This Life is Ghetto" is a phenomenal book that gives a behind-the-scenes look into the complexities of families and children who have to deal with divorce and the trauma that can stem from it. The Authors remarkably inspire the reader to be honest and vulnerable about the pain that can come from a broken family, and how sometimes as long as you put in the necessary work the sins of the father don't have to have the final say, but healing and deliverance can also come from it.

  • Dr. Kent Branch / Iron Sharpens Iron Alliance — Businessman, Author, Pastor, Executive Leader

    This 'transparent wounded healer' book is a must-read by anyone seeking to be transformed through the “wide open stories” and journey of Ashley (daughter) and Mr. Wood (Poppa dad). They boldly, but humbly share the truths and tragedies, triumphs and trials, and the tests and testimonies of their life story. They are freed from being “silent sufferers.”

  • Dr. Marquise Gold / Marquis Boone Enterprises - Business Executive and Author of "Crippled Kings"

    "This Life is Ghetto" is a true emotional rollercoaster, taking us to the depths of despair and the heights of forgiveness. Such a refreshing and unique contribution to the world of autobiographical narratives for a new generation. I give this book a standing ovation.

  • Kelli G. Wood / Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professor, Pastor, Author of "Hiding Place: Overcoming Fear in the Presence of God"

    Standing ovation! Thank you for starting this conversation so that many others can begin/continue their own! May God utilize this as an instrument of forgiveness, healing, and transformation for the thousands who don't know where to start and/or why, who, and how to forgive. Lewis offers the gift of a father who was willing to turn around, assess, evaluate, & process his life and life choices and gift his daughter with an understanding of unexplainable behavior!

  • Curnesia S. Bogans / Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    The honesty and vulnerability shared between a daughter and her father is the type of discussion we need to ignite healing into our families, particularly the African American family. This book sheds light on so many levels that often feel too sacred to explore. I highly recommend this read to those who are in search of parental/child reconciliation.

  • Michael Danners / Visual Artist at Iameye Photos

    As a black father, and a son of divorced military parents, “This Life is Ghetto” has given me tremendous familiarity with the trials, pain, and curiosity we often suffer from as byproducts of parents navigating their own lives. Admittedly so, it has also opened the door of forgiveness and healing for me to enter and explore!

  • Sonya T. Cruel / Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Transition Coach, Ordained Elder, and Author of "Divorce in the Upper Room"

    Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt. That is a lie from the pit of hell. Words or the lack thereof can cause major trauma, unforgiveness as well as anger. This book is the real-life journey between a daughter and her father and the power of words. Communication is imperative when dealing with any transition in life. When words are missing during transition your mind will fill in the blanks with incorrect verbiage. This book must be shared with people who are struggling to forgive. It must be shared with people who are angry at their parents. It must be shared with people who are struggling as adults due to their childhood. Thank you to Ashley and Lewis for helping us on our healing journey.

  • Margot Starbuck / Author of "The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail"

    A lot of us have hurts because we were raised by imperfect parents. And in these pages, you get to listen in on a very unique conversation between a woman who feels the sting of those hurts and the imperfect father who confesses that he failed her. The Woods' story will give you compassion both for those whose actions have hurt the ones they love and also for those who’ve been hurt. And I pray that it will inspire you to face the loss in your own story so that you might also find the courage to pursue healing and forgiveness.

  • Melissa Lee West / Author and Founder of 'Fit for Legacy'

    Ashley's writing deftly illuminates and cuts away the infected layers of love bonds and reveals a fresh foundation ready for reconciliation.

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

MEET JASMINE SIMS

Check out this awesome expression of the beauty of a father’s love - from our book release event - fashioned by the talented Jasmine Sims entitled Free.

This video features materials protected by the Fair Use Guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act.

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