Lil Mamas Rules: A Novel [Hardcover]

Sheneska Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 1997

Madison, a teacher at an exclusive all-black private school, has only one rule in dating men--trust no one--but when she eventually does give away her heart, tragedy is the result. 40,000 first printing."

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In her second novel, Jackson presents another slice of African American life through the story of Madison McGuirre, known as "Li'l Mama," a name she hates. Madison lives by a set of rules, which she sometimes breaks. Messing around with unsafe sex is against her rules, but she does it anyway. At 30, she discovers that she is HIV-positive, and things fall apart. Then Chris Anzel, her first love, helps her to accept her fate. Madison leaves her teaching job with one rule: "stroke the mind." Set in Los Angeles in the world of education, this gripping story highlights the problems single women face in the 1990s. Essential for public libraries.?Fannette H. Thomas, Essex Community Coll., Baltimore
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Madison, nicknamed Li'l Mama, was raised in the projects, the daughter of a man and woman who never married. Madison rarely saw her father, and she is wounded by it. She maintains a list of dating don'ts that grows with each male encounter. Her first and true love, Christopher, makes a confession that upsets her belief in love and relationships. He becomes the second man in her life that she has given her heart to and failed to receive reciprocal love. The book takes a fatal twist when Madison learns that she is ill. This discovery causes her to search for answers to why she has behaved and lived her life as she has. Her father's physical and emotional absence caused her to define her self-worth by using her body to get the attention her father never gave. But, Madison's sickness forces her to make choices and decisions that are not self-destructive; she finally learns that the rules to follow are of things "to do." Her validation comes from within. Lillian Lewis

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1st edition (June 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684818426
• ISBN-13: 978-0684818429
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (141 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,648,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Li'l Mama a Great Book, November 25, 1999

By 

Nyse - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lil Mamas Rules: A Novel (Paperback)

This book is a tear warming book. It displays all the qualities of dating and love. Ms. Jackson the writer has produced a well written story that I believe every young adult and teenager should read. It deals dating, growing up without father and STDS. This book touched my heart dearly and as a teenager it also helped me realize that abstinence is the key. It also helped me realize that I should wait for true love. Words can not express how much this book has shown me. I will never forget Madison Maguire her character is a true role model. Ms. Jackson is a great write as well as a role model. [e-mail]

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Story About Real Life, September 4, 2000

By 

D. LEE "dml48221" (Palo Alto, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lil Mamas Rules: A Novel (Paperback)

This is the story about a 30 something African American woman living in LA in the 90's. Madison Maguire has brains, talent, looks and enough men to last her for a while. She has her rules concerning dating and it is a long and exhaustive list. Unfortunately, she left off her list the most important rule which ultimately causes her much heartache, disgrace and fear.

Interestingly enough, Madison's rules can be directly traced to her lack of relationship with her father. Her issues concerning her 'absent father' are at the root of many of the decisions that she makes concerning love, trust and committment. The interesting topic in this novel is how the author, true to form, depicts how the lack of fathers in the rearing of their children, particularly female children, has an impact on their lives. Research has often shown that women who grow up with the presence and love of a father are healthier individuals and are better able to have healthy relationships with men. The novel gives some insight into the effects that absentee fathers have on the lives of their daughters.

This is a very talented author who has the ability to tell a story in a manner which causes the reader to feel the characters. This quality was once again exhibited during the authors description of what was going on in Madison's head when she tried to end her life.

I did not know much about the novel however purchased it because I loved "Blessings". This novel tackled some very intense issues. I personally think this book should be required reading in high schools across the country.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I LAUGHED, I CRIED, I LOVED...... THIS BOOK!!!!, July 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lil Mamas Rules: A Novel (Paperback)

I really loved this book. Excellent. She has done it again. Blessings was just that for me but Lil Mama's Rules really ruled. I had every emotion pulled out of me while reading this book. I laughed with an old friend and cried with one too. I really felt like I knew this character. I really felt like at times I WAS this character. A wonderful read with alot of twists and turns. Good plot. Great ending. I adore Sheneska Jackson. I have three words for her YOU GO GIRRRRRRRRL!!!! You keep writing and I will continue to give you my unwavering support financially and by reviewing your work so you will know what a fan base you have and it starts right here. God Bless