Chief Nnamdi A. Ekenna is known among his family and friends as a talented writer whose essays, thoughts, and commentaries cut through the complexities of life to reveal universal truths. Growing Tall Amidst Obstacles collects Chief Ekenna's writings for the first time, showcasing the talent and wisdom of a remarkable man. Many of Chief Ekenna's stories center on his childhood and adolescence in Nigeria. The seventh of nineteen children born to a traditional polygynous family, Chief Ekenna grew up in circumstances that may seem exotic and strange to anyone not familiar with Nigerian Igbo culture. Chief Ekenna has a gift, however, for finding the common experience within his tales, making the unfamiliar seem familiar despite cultural differences. More than a collection of personal reminiscences, Growing Tall Amidst Obstacles records Chief Ekenna's exploration of his family's past. After long conversations with his father and uncle, Chief Ekenna discovers the life of his grandfather, a man he never met. Learning of his grandfather's career as a respected practitioner of traditional Nigerian medicine adds an additional layer to Chief Ekenna's understanding of his personal heritage and the richness of his culture. Ultimately, Growing Tall Amidst Obstacles represents a dialogue between Chief Ekenna and the reader. His stories invite readers to examine the apparent simplicity of life and take pleasure in even the most mundane of events. Chief Ekenna's message is universal; we may all be products of our environments, but somehow we all share common experiences and bonds.