God Ain't Through Yet

God Don't Like Ugly #5

by Mary Monroe

Even though her life has its ups and downs, Annette Goode Davis feels lucky. Most of all, she's grateful that her husband, Pee Wee, took her back after he discovered she was having an affair. The trouble is, Annette isn't sure his heart is really in it. Her best friend Rhoda is quick to point out that Annette got herself into this mess, so she has to be patient with Pee Wee. But Annette's suspicions are confirmed when Pee Wee moves out--and in with his new lady.

Devastated, Annette won't let her family go without a fight, but she also knows she must prepare for the worst. Because one lesson she's learned all too well is that when life kicks you in the teeth, you have to come out swinging.

Genres: Fiction, African American, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Drama, Urban, Contemporary

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 25, 2010

About the author

I am the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of my family to finish high school. I never attended college or any writing classes. I taught myself how to write and started writing short stories around age four. I spent the first part of my life in Alabama and Ohio and moved to Richmond, California in 1973. I have lived in Oakland since 1984.

My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.

I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.

I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.

Reviews

[Cheryl James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this series a few years ago and i am glad to revisit and continue reading the remaining books. Mary Monroe is one of my favorite old school authors. Not that crazy with her new and upcoming books but i truly love the, God Don't Like Ugly, series.

I feel the connection with the character's as they go through real life challenges, such as love, hate, infidelity, gossip, pain, happiness, sorrow, and so much more.

I am looking forward to reading the next book (6) which is the final book but not looking foward to reading the end😓

[Danita Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this installment of God Dont like ugly 4.5 stars. I just can't get enough of the character in this series, and I still have one more book to go. With that said, I think Annette is the smartest one out of all of them. She made a statement about you kicking a dog around for only so long before getting tired of it. This brings me to Jade, who got what she deserved and needs some series help cause the apple dont fall far from the tree cause her mother ain't got it all either. And Annette needs to stop taking advice from Rhoda. I do hope Annette and Pee Wee get back to gether cause they were truly meant for each other.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining!

[Vacirca Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would I do without Ms. Monroe's long-running God Don't Like Ugly series? I have always loved this series, from the very first one and loved this fourth installment. As always the main characters Annette Goode and her best friend, Rhoda O'Toole, get themselves and their families into pickles they have difficulty getting out of. The novel picks up from the third installment God Ain't Blind where Annette had an affair on her loyal, loving, and sweet husband Peewee. The third novel ended with Peewee finding out about Annette's affair with Louis, a younger, handsome, gigolo, who was after Annette's money. He forgave her in the last novel. In this novel, Peewee was more upset than we were all led to believe and ends up leaving her for Annette's friend--a woman Annette was trying to help out by getting her a job in her husband's barber shop! Needless to say, there was a good dose of fast-paced drama. That, combined with the topsy-turvy world of Rhoda's family issues--her sociopath, abusive but gorgeous daughter Jade, Rhoda's twenty-plus year affair with her husband's best friend, along with Annette's determination to fight for her husband, it was a soap-opera-like, emotionally-charged read that had me cheering for the characters one second and wanting to slap them silly the next! I loved it. Can't wait to see her next novel in the series.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a lot longer to get through this book than it did all the others in this series. In the end it was good but not one of my favorites by Mary Monroe and I usually really love her writing. I think maybe I'm over this group of characters. I've gotten into the Upper Room and Momma Ruby LOVED IT! I would like to read on from that series. Don't know if I care any more about Jade and them..lol. Uhhh but I probably would read on to see if Annette and Peewee are happily ever after :) but hopefully IF there is a next book it'll be a little more juicier...I am a fast reader and it took me a loooong time to get through this one. I gave it 3 stars because I didn't hate it or toss the book aside. I JUST liked it.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really care for this book. I have always enjoyed Ms. Monroe's writing. Perhaps because I'm rushed for time (reading library books) I just felt that she took too long to say what she needed to say. I did not care for all of the profanity. And every little thing took away from what may have been a good read.
On another note, there is not a mention of "God" anywhere but the title. They mention church but really I read about a lot of alcohol drinking, cursing and all sorts of carrying on... I'm just saying.

[Michael Spikes · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty shotty story -- even for the not so low standards that I usually give books like these. I usually enjoy these as audiobooks, and picked this one up because my favorite narrator, Patricia R. Floyd took this one on. She was great as always -- but the story in many parts had me groaning. A lot of the plot points come on too fast, and the actions of the characters are far too sill with tired stereotypical tropes of African Americans for me. Not horrible -- but certainly not great.

[Dorel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This 5th book's story line was very slow. I was very happy for Pee Wee, I felt Annette worked more on her friendship with Rhoda than her marriage. Even though I was happy for Pee Wee this story was too for me.

[E G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still love the series!

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

(FROM JACKET)Even though her life has its ups and downs, Annette Goode Davis feels lucky to have a family who loves her and friends she can count on. Most of all, Annette is grateful that her husband Pee Wee took her back after he discovered she was having an affair. Now, she's determined to do whatever it takes to make her marriage work. The trouble is, while Pee Wee agreed to give Annette another chance, she's not sure his heart is really in it.

Annette goes out of her way to keep Pee Wee as happy as pie, but it never seems to be enough. Rhoda is quick to point out that Annette got herself into this mess; now she has to be patient until Pee Wee forgives her. But time may be running out.

Her suspicions are confirmed when Pee Wee moves out-and in with his new lady. Annette takes the news hard and so does her daughter Charlotte, who seems hell-bent on keeping her mother on edge by hanging out with a wild new crowd.

Annette isn't going to let her family go without a fight. But she also knows she must prepare for the worst-because one lesson she's learned all too well is that when life kicks you in the teeth, you have to come out swinging.

[Tiana Freeman]

This book was the least of my favorites in the series. There is plenty of drama to keep your mind racing and keep you on the edge of your seat. One moment, you're in the present moment and then everything that lead up to that moment is being explained. With this novel, I couldn't really feel for the characters, but there are some things that happen that make you excited. You'll finish this book quickly simply because you want to know how it ends.

[Da'vida Cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing that I did not like about this book is how Annette still after all if this time could not manage to catch a break. Her utter shock at the fact that Pee Wee would not try to get back at her with his blantant affair is just mind blowing. And really all these book in and she is still entertaining Jades antics all for friendship?!

[Dorre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as bad as the last part of this series but also not a very good story either. I feel like these characters are getting stale and they have nowhere else to go. If another book comes out in this series I will not be reading it, though I will continue to read Mary Monroe's other books.

[Pearl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story however, I think Mary Monroe took up entirely to many pages to get to the moral of the story which really didn't end that well to me. Jade was a horrible person and I felt sorry for her husband.

[Dani Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a huge improvement over the last two in the series. I’m so pleased that there was less rehashing and less retelling. Although I’m over the Jade storyline, I was overall entertained by the Annette and PeeWee storyline and happy to hear more from Charlotte too.

[Mahoghani 23 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not as impressed as I was with the previous book.

[janekareadss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again enjoyed reading the antics of Annette, Pee Wee, Rhoda and Jade. Mary Monroe never misses. Off to start book #6 in the series.

[Yvonne Gorajec · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down because I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Annette is immature and presumptuous in every situation. Rather than asking and listening, she assumes everything and becomes reactionary to the highest level. She seriously lacks communication skills. Since her weight loss, she’s gotten shallow and cocky. Honestly, I felt like she deserved for Pee Wee to leave her. She is not a well rounded character and lacks in several areas. The emphasis of Annette’s disdain for her parents is terrible and played out. Her dependence of alcohol to deal with her problems (really, every character “needing” a drink to hear bad news) is cliche. I wish she had some real coping skills. To think that I found her endearing in the first book to now, disliking her the most out of all the characters.

Ms. Mary’s writing is repetitive and exaggerated. Every action is described as doing the thing “so hard” and having a random, weird, and unrealistic outcome. Ex. “I flipped the chair over so hard the radio turned on.” I would love for the characters to have more substance. They pretty much all fall flat for me. Ultimately, I’m kind of glad I’m coming up on the last book in the series. Yes, they can be somewhat entertaining, but I think it’s gone on far too long. How much more drama is there to conjure up?

[Sachki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book it kept me on the edge of my seat at times and also let me down there were so many things that I wanted each character to go thru for one I wanted Jade to grow up she just kept on messing with Annette's head a lot. the second thing I thought was that Pee-wee should have fully forgave her for her affair or divorced her in the first place instead of paying her back with his own affair and what goes around comes around because Lizzie left him for someone else that is what he deserved he found out the grass isn't greener on the other side and as for Jacob I thought She should have let Ronda get to him like she did the other guys she killed. All in all this was a pretty good book would make a great movie.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book better than the last one. It seems as though PeeWee has made the wrong choice in women (Little Leg Lizzie). Annette always picks a loser. She and PeeWee need to stick together. Jade is just a nut case but, Vernie fought back and beat Jade's behind and then left her and filed for divorce. Charlotte is a little to big for her britches. Annette better watch her but, thank goodness Jacob Brewster didn't cross the line with her. Scary Mary is never going to change. I don't see Rhoda changing at all. Hopefully her last two books will be better. I not really enjoying The God Series like I thought I would.

[Brandon Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe’s writing is amazing! I laughed the whole time I read this book! It’s funny and some parts heartbreaking. I actually felt like this book was a very good movie I was watching! I love Annette and her family drama as well as the drama that goes on with her best friend Rhoda! Mary Monroe is one of my favorite African American writers!!!! Awesome book from start to finish!

[Leona Romich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the new one by Mary Monroe that drops at the end of the month, so I figured I needed to read this one first since that book continues from this one. Hoping that the next book will be final in the "God" series. JMO

[Katie (Nanola) Brown-Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Ain't Through Yet was Mary Monroe good. I enjoy reading up on what the main characters are doing. I was totally caught up in the drama around the characters.

[Virginia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I had read this author before, but guess not. Didn't have any sympathy for the main character. Not much of a story.

[Sheryl Boyce]

For some reason,this one got on my nerves

[Kelly❥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe has yet to let me down I'm mad that I started at #5 I must find the 1st and read anyways GREAT READ !!!

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book in the series, in my humble opinion.

[Shante' Nairn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hate how Rhoda never puts that demon child in her place when she says all those rude things to Annette!

[Scented Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messy, messy, messy! WHAT A MESS! Characters in order from least, to most important. IMO. Charlotte was alot more a part of this story then all the others. She's a whiney, annoying little girl. Especially with the way she treats her mother. "Mama what did you do to make daddy fall in love with another women?" "Why do you always run them away?" and then Annette wouldn't CORRECT her and say that she wasn't responsible for "running" them away. They were just assholes. Instead ,Annette just let her daughter think she was solely responsible for Peewie cheating and not being there. As usual, Annette's focus is more on her friendship with Rhoda than on saving her marriage or on her daughter! Charlotte's ASS was so irritating the whole book. Not BAD, like Jade, just annoying with being on every one else' side, except her mothers. Which honestly, can we blame her, when Annette has done NOTHING to foster or grow a relationship with the child. She doesnt talk to her or explain what's happening with Peewie or WHY she needs to not be spending so much time with Jacob. Annette was molested , yet has not set up any protective measures for Charlotte. She lets Charlotte do whatever THE FLIP she wants. What made that little girl think that it was ok to be going over his man's house that her mother is dating WITH OUT her mother?? WTH?
Jade...was Jade. Bad and distracting as hell. She just adds drama to Rhoda's life and the story line.I was so happy that she got her come uppance when she tried it with her new husband. Whatever the hell his name was. Irrelevant AF especially since by the end of the book he's gone anyway (it's Bernie). NONE of Jade's husband can deal with her ass. But i wonder if him hitting her upside her head and landing her in the hospital, is how she got served a big, giant slice of humble pie. I wonder if she will be nicer in the last book.
There asnt really a lot that changed or went on with Rhoda except for what was through Jade. She still sleeping with Bully unbeknownst to poor, poor Ottis. I wonder how that festering wound is going to pop. I just hope it is very messy. I've been waiting for the ISH to hit the fan with that cause Rhoda has gotten to be a basically boring terrible person and I wanna see that shit shook up. She hasn't even killed anybody eles and i hate that for her. I really do. That was my favorite part of her personality. LMAOO!
Peewie was also pretty weird and disappointing in this book. Because he cheats on Annette with fucking Little Leg Lizzie from the shop! First of all the way Annette was naively practically pushing this lady into Peewie's lap was CRAZY WORK! She is SO much better than I could EVER be. There ain't a lady in this world too homely for a nigga to f*ck. Homely don't matter, funny looking DON'T MATTER, little leg disability DOESN"T matter. you don't shove another women down your husbands throat....or should i say you don't shove your HUSBAND down another women's throat. Got damn it. Especially not when ya'll are already having marital issues because of cheating. As SOON as Idda walked in that barbershop and heard that NASTY conversation she was having about playing with herself ....idda been mutha freakin PISSED! Cause WHY is her stank ass comfortable enough to be talking like this amongst all men and a very married Peewie?? Right there in front of everybody idda ended that bull.
But it serves Peewie right because Lizzie wasn't at all what he thought she was. NASTY ass. And he fell in LOVE with her, he intended to LEAVE Annette for Lizzie, until he saw how nasty Lizzie lives. If I was Annette idda definitely left his ass! That wold have been the straw to break the Campbells' back CAUSE WHAT YOU MEAN LOVE??? He was gonna END HIS MARIAGE until it just didn't work out with LIzzie. Annette got caught up in some physical shit. Which was just as goofy and hurtful. So then LEAVE. As soon as a person feels the need to cheat back the marriage is done. If thats how he felt he should have just left from the jump.
Jacob and LIzzie's ass' was both one and the same
Annette is the MAMMY WORST! And i 'm not calling her that because of how she looks, but because of her naivety about things, her refusal to address certain things. etc. It's annoying! Is anybody gonna have any development? growth? Maturity? I hope so, in the last book.

[Pat Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed Feelings

I'm rating this book in the middle because I don't know how to feel about it. Annette and Rhoda have become quite exasperating with all their issues. They act like teenagers instead of middle aged women. And all the drinking is unbelievable. Why is Annette even entertaining Jade and all her antics? She should have been put in her place a long time ago, which by the way, is the psych ward. Why does Annette feel she needs a man, any man, to prove her worth? And Charlotte seems to be raising herself - by the way, she's almost as sneaky as Jade. Oh, and why does a child need to be 'friends' with her mother's lover? These people have lost their ever-loving minds and it's just too much drama.
I wish the author had continued with the discussion questions in the last few 'God' series books - it might help me understand what she was getting at. The books are well written (well they do tend to drag on), but they've gotten so far away from 'God Don't Like Ugly'.