Customer Reviews

Lil Mamas Rules: A Novel

5 star:		(92)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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. njenkins1@hotmail.com

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.

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

I absolutely loved this book. As an English teacher, it's good to get away from the classics once in a while and this was a great detour from the common. From the very beginning I was totally enthralled by the main character Madison. I could see a lot of her in me, like her wit, tough exterior, and her teaching profession. Her sassy attitude kept me laughing because she sounds just like one of the girls. I chose this book because I wanted something light-hearted, but boy did my reaction change. A little way passed the midpoint, I found myself in bed -- bawling (of course I can't say why--YOU MUST READ IT FOR YOURSELF!). This book is for real--the characters, the conflict, the relationships. If you want to laugh, cry, and review your spiritual beliefs--READ THIS BOOK. It's been passed around my friends the last couple of weeks and people have truly been touched.

This is a perfect novel for those who think they are to good for the rest. You live, learn, and make mistakes. This book takes you through those steps of one woman who is too into herself and as well bright. Lessons well taught.

This was one of the many books I read when I worked at a library in high school. Pretty interesting read. Reminded me of several other books of it's type, although I will say, that due to the lifestyle of the main character, I thought the situation she has to deal with was realistic and added something to the story.

It's ok, but I've read better.

This book was definately a wake up call for me and for many of my friends. Sometimes we do things in our lives that we later on regret and can not change. This book was like a look into the future of what could happen to so many black females who are faced with so many of the issues presented in this book. Although fiction I can truly say that I have learned from Madisons mistakes. What made this book so realistic is that the issues presented are things we deal with or can deal in our everyday life, especially since we live in such a sexually free and 'woman power world'. It really opened my eyes and it will do the same for you. You won't be able to put it down because Sheneska Jackson has the talent of making you feel right there and making you feel like you know the characters personally, the difference is that we can change our actions now. BELIEVE ME IT'S WORTH THE READ....

The book wasn't hard to follow. Typical Californian woman with her issues with self, family, career, dating, love, sex, ect.
It was an easy read at best. Madison wasn't my favorite heroine, she seemed corny at times, the novel, not my favorite, too Terry McMillan style...chatty, chatty, sister-girl, girlfriend uh-huh, type book. She's a talented writer, but I'll think before buying another Sheneska Jackson. AIDS is a serious epedemic in our community so Kudos to Jackson for shedding light on the issue. However it was just something about this book that made me want to hurry up-and-get-it-over-with-already.

The beginning of this book was all of that, but at the end it became boring. Maybe it was too wrapped up for me. When I read the rest of Jackson's books, I hope they aren't like this one.

I first heard about Ms. Jackson's books through a friend and after reading Caught Up In The Rapture, I bought L'il Mama's Rules which I couldn't put down. I saw alot of myself in Madison in terms of having bad relationships with men but no matter what happened she always stood strong. She also became the "Emotional Rescuer" of the family because she helped to take care of her sister Serena, a bright fourteen year old with Tourette's Syndrome as well as her mother, an emotionally distant woman who always thought she knew what was best for her children although her ulterior motives were selfish to say the least. Sadly enough, when she has a second chance with Chris Anzel, she discovers that she is HIV Positive and realizes that life is too precious to hold on to past bitterness and anger and manages to re-establish a relationship with her father and discovers that in life, there are two sides to every story. A hot new novelist for the African-American Literary Scene.