The book that changed the way we think of ourselves—our past, present, and our future—each and every day.
“Janus Adams’ books are vitamins for the soul.”
—Nick Taliaferro, Talk Show Host
“A book to be handed down—just like a family Bible—to be read by family member after family member, generation after generation.”
—Hattie Winston, Actor
“Janus Adams dazzles us with her poetic and inspirational interpretation of a critical juncture in our nation’s history.”
—Sharon Robinson, Author and Educator
"This book offers answers for people meeting challenges. The challenges that face us today are not new. We look back to see how our forebears met these challenges and we know how to make it through."
—R. Steven Norman III, Archivist and Pastor, Seventh Day Adventist Church
"Embracing all the days of our lives, each page recounts a happening—concisely and in context. Study up on history and be encouraged by past glories, daring actions and events that changed the way we live."
—Tonya Bolden, YSB
"Adams' inventiveness and keen imagination are remarkable in presenting what otherwise might be termed "dry" historical information. There is no way one can put this book down, once having started searching for personal connections to "our" days and months. Where in the world did Adams get the idea that something as ordinary as an index could be such a tool of empowerment?"
—Carol Taylor, New York City Sun
“I’ve added [Addams' book] to my morning ritual of inspirational reading.”
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“Very poignant. Everyone should have special days in his or her life. And it's important that we share those with each other. And, of course, the writing is beautiful.”
—Nicki Brown, Bank President
"Whether read as history or practical inspiration, the stories of bravery, intelligence, and fortitude she reveals give a unique road map to rediscovering sister power."
—The New American
"A collection of moving stories that celebrate the lives of Black women who have overcome the many obstacles in their paths to pursue their dreams."
—African Sun Times
“You learn something new every day. It just goes to show you’re never too old to learn about our past. That just made me feel good all over.”
—Audience member. Name withheld
FIRST EDITION hardcover
366 daily essays
Indexed by name, subject, and inspirational theme
420 pages
Offer good while supply lasts
$35 + S/H
Across centuries, African American women have lived brilliantly, creatively, lovingly, intentionally—shaping families, communities, nations, and the world. Too often our lives have been framed only through the lens of struggle, as if our worth exists only in opposition to oppression. But our humanity will not be reduced to hardship.
We laugh and dance. We study and teach. We dream and dare. We innovate, nurture, resist, ache, and lead—not just to survive, but to thrive, and to make life more whole for us all.
Sister Days is a daily invitation into this expansive legacy. Across 365 “inspired moments”—sometimes celebrated, often overlooked—these stories are the missing pieces of a puzzle. Once assembled, they reveal a fuller picture of our shared human experience.
From the daring escapes of Harriet Tubman to the soaring flights of aviator Bessie Coleman, from Maggie Lena Walker founding a bank to Madame C. J. Walker bankrolling the anti-lynching movement, from Maya Angelou’s poetic “sassiness” to the everyday genius too long ignored—this is our extraordinary “ordinary.”
This is not simply a book of history; it is a book of presence. To open these pages is to sit with our foremothers, sisters, and kindred spirits, and to witness their truths—context for our own. Some inspire action, others reflection. All are gifts—reminders of all we have done and become.
With each day’s reading, join a circle of voices. Remember, imagine, create, heal, hope. In honoring yesterday, we honor our sisterhood—our Sister Days.
John Wiley & Sons
Hardcover edition
420 pages
FIRST EDITION hardcover
366 daily essays
Indexed by name, subject, and inspirational theme
402 pages
Offer good while supply lasts
$35 + S/H