Diary of a Mad First Lady

by DiShan Washington

Michelle knows that being the First Lady of Mount Zion Baptist Church is an important and much-coveted position, so she always gives thanks for a dutiful husband and a prosperous life. But she also prays for Darvin to spend more time with her, talking about something other than Mount Zion's affairs.
Michelle's faith is further put to the test when the seductive vixen Daphne Carlton arrives on the steps of their church, determined to make Michelle's life a living hell so that she can get rid of Michelle and assume her role as the First Lady.
With Michelle representing the reputation of her husband and church, she feels the burden to respond in a prim and proper manner; but she knows that in real life, such behavior might not be enough to defeat an enemy once and for all. How far is the First Lady willing to go in order to stop Daphne?

Genres: Audiobook, Drama, Marriage, Christian Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

DiShan Washington is a native of Valley, Alabama. Married at the age of 16, she became one of the youngest known First Ladies (Pastor’s wife) at the age of 17, and with this feat came incredible challenges that led to bouts of low self-esteem, depression, two suicide attempts, and a plethora of other struggles she openly shares. The landscape of her life changed and her marriage came to an end at the age of 30. This took DiShan from living a life of luxury to homelessness and even days of wondering where her next meal would come from. By far her greatest trial yet, her faith was tested on the greatest level. But, determined to persevere, she kept pressing and has risen from the ashes to become a successful businesswoman.

She is currently the National and Essence best-selling author of, “Diary of a Mad First Lady” (Urban Books-March 2010), “The Preacher’s Wifey” (Urban Books-February 2013), and “My Baby Is Not a Mistake." She s also the nationally recognized playwright for plays such as: “Everything That Look Good Ain’t Good For You”, “Is Love Supposed To Hurt?”, “I Can If I Want To” and her latest play based off of her book, "Diary of a Mad First Lady ." Her next book releases are scheduled to be released in 2015 with Applause Publishing (Diary of a Mad First Lady 2) and Brown Girls Publishing (Let's Get It On), and at the helm, literary giants, Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley.

In 2011, she created a new genre of fiction—Christian Erotica—that is setting the Christian world ablaze with its controversial, yet essential nature. In addition to creating short stories and a book in this genre, DiShan penned the screenplay, “Let’s Get It On.” The first film of its kind, it was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia (Xxtreem Filmz) and premiered May 2013. It has gotten the attention of prominent filmmakers, radio hosts, journalists, magazines, production companies, and Pastors across the nation. She was an invited guest of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi Burruss’ show, Kandi Koated Nights, to discuss this new groundbreaking genre. Additionally, DiShan has created a product line to accompany this brand that is slated to be released in 2015.

DiShan is also a powerful and prolific minister, teacher, life coach, and motivational speaker. Having spoken & shared on major platforms throughout the country, her willingness to be transparent about her struggles and success often leaves her audience wanting to hear more. She has been seen on TLC & Bravo and in countless National magazine articles. She is a regular guest of many radio talk shows. Her day to day job is serving as the ghostwriter to several noted individuals across the country.

Reviews

[J Beckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

DiShan Washington's semi-autobiographical tale (check out her web site for details) of love, blues, honor and deception is the type of gut-wrenching, emotional roller coaster novel that entraps the reader in a web of perma-bond thread. Diary... is about the trials and tribulations of a pastor, Darvin, and his wife, Michelle, and their internal and external struggles against a shared nemesis, Daphne/Dawn. Because I want people to read this book I will not provide spoilers, but will state that this novel reads like a reality television show; each chapter an episode growing in suspense and sawing at your emotions. The characters are directly from the our world; people we know, love, and hate. You may find yourself talking out loud to the pages, cursing the characters, feeling sorrow for ignorance, and having to breathe in a paper bag to regain composure. From start to finish (the book should take a couple of uninterrupted hours to complete) the reader is plastered to the wall in a state of wantonly paralysis. DiShan has effectively enlivened the reader's every sense and essentially placed them in the middle of the action. Please check out this young, enterprising, evangelistic talent. As mentioned in previous reviews, I prefer classic novels with tight and complex story lines, but I thoroughly enjoyed the twisted, often complicated, simplicity of Diary....

[Brooklyn Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Husband may have been a a pastor but he was so naive and dense..smh!!!!!!

[Krystal Esmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a psycho path. I really liked this book. Lately I've been reading a lot of books about first lady drama. This book didn't disappoint. I don't think that the drama was too outlandish, I hate books that are just too unrealistic, this one didn't strike me as one of those.
One thing that I didn't like about this book was that when the case of suicide came into play, I got the message that if one committed suicide, they would go to heaven. That was disturbing because it's absolutely false. Murder is murder, even if it's of one's self. Suicide is a one-way ticket to hell. Another thing about the story that I didn't like was the fact that Darvin was too naive and apologetic to be a pastor of his magnitude. God gives his true people wisdom and the spirit of discernment for cases such as these. I don't know, maybe it was just for the sake of the story. Anyway, I loved the ending, and the whole: "untie-my-yellow-bow-tie" episode had me laughing to pieces. I'm excited to read the next installment of this series.
Oh yeah, another thing about this book that I didn't like was the fact that I think the timeline of the series of events was out of order at the beginning of the story. In the prologue, Michelle was preggers, two years later in chapter one, she was still preggers. It confused me a bit. I wasn't sure if the story was going back and forth through time or what.
I give it four stars because it's better than average, I would read it again, and I would recommend it to drama fans.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a real good book even had some funny parts in it, but not only is Darvin the dumbest Pastor but has got to be the dumbest man ever. I’m sorry but this man is just too damn naive. Not one time in his position at being a Pastor did he get a discernment from God about all the things that was going on in his life or putting his wife’s feelings first. It’s like he put her first for a moment and then went right back to putting her and her feelings on the back burner. He talked about the enemy trying to get in but it seemed he never tried to keep the enemy out. I also thought that after all that they went through no one tried to verify if Daphne really had a twin sister.

[Revae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. Dawn/Daphne Carlton is CRAZY!! In Diary of a Mad First Lady, First Lady Michelle Johnson's calling to be a first lady is tested at every turn. The ultimate test comes in the form of Dawn/Daphne Carlton who will stop at anything to take Michelle's place as the wife of Pastor Darvin Johnson. I can't even begin to describe the crazy that took place in this book. I think Darvin was too naiiive of the advances that Daphne/Dawn made, and Michelle was a little selfish in her duties as First Lady. This was an overall good read.

[Twyla Loving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved book from start to finish. I did find myself blown away at how naive Darwin was being but then I reminded myself sadly there are men out there that dont pick up being manipulated

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stalker movies and books. And this one was definitely a stalker book. Daphne was off her rocker. I would have liked to have heard more about what had previously transpired between them all. I almost felt that this was a sequel and I had missed the first book (is this the case?). Either way, I will continue to look for DiShan Washington's other stories. The realness of the First Lady was not missed. People think church leaders are perfect or should be and they aren't/can't be. They are human and that definitely came across.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lame. Awful drama, poor plot, disgusting First Lady nonsense. Don't read any more by this author. Pathetic 'love' story.

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of how a manipulative seductress, Daphne, tests the strength and faith of a marriage between pastor, Darvin, and his wife, Michelle. I will say the story didn’t get off to the best start. The opening was very confusing. The prologue opens with a trial and the pastor and wife’s marriage on the rocks and the couple are the parents of 1 child. Chapter one begins 2 years after this trial. Michelle is pregnant and proclaims she is “living her life like it’s golden as Mrs. Daphne L. Johnson. “ I replayed the first few minutes 3 times to make sure that I wasn’t missing something.
As the story progresses, you notice fairly quickly that the story is going to move a slow pace. I found none of the characters likable, which could be how the Author wanted them to be received. The more I listened I was eager to see when it would pick up. And then Dawn appeared and I thought “Yes! Here we go”.
With Daphne in a mental institution, her “sister” Dawn shows up claiming that she and her family want to make amends for the deplorable deeds of Daphne. My first thought was okay is no one going to do a background check on this Dawn? Is everyone in the church this gullible? No one objected to her purchasing a Bentley for the pastor. Michelle, the wife, didn’t say anything either. (insert side eye) The characters were so mild mannered throughout that it was maddening. But, this was the tone of the entire book, it was very low-key in terms of action, drama, romance, and passion. Darvin had chemistry with everyone, but his wife, which was interesting. Christian fiction does not have to be free of drama or passion. I found it interesting that the Pastor was not as strong or charismatic as you would expect someone in that role. He was the weaker one in the relationship and for lack of a better term “wishy-washy”. I kept wondering what Daphne did to Michelle previously. Her deeds were referred to in general often, but we only received a small glimpse For example, Daphne changing the locks of Michelle’s home and she had to wait in the cold for 2 hours. All in all, this was a decent listen with Nicole Small as narrator I made the assumption that this story was a part of the Christian Erotica genre this Author is credited with creating. It was not and that’s fine. Christian fiction is something that I read as well. I would recommend to those who want a light easy read or listening.

[Drenna Gurl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This was a very entertaining storyline with a few errors and a little confusing as I thought the Pastor and First Lady had another baby that was mentioned in the beginning of the book.

Michelle Johnson is the First Lady in this book and she is not perfect. One key bit of information that I found very important was how the author kept reiterating how difficult it is being tested as a First Lady and Michelle was truly tested. Being married to such a successful and handsome Pastor such as Darvin couldn't have been easy for anyone and one thing I didn't like is how Darvin continuously played down Michelle's feelings on other women wanting her man!

Add Dawn Carlton to the mix. This heifer worked all of my nerves trying to get to Pastor. Soooo many times I wanted to reach into my book and choke her out. She was way too much but a nice balance for this storyline. I enjoyed how although there wasn't any cussing or sex scenes, there was tons of drama! Lord the drama was at an 11. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work in the future as it was indeed a nice change from the more urban books that I love

[Thetta James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from DiShan Washington and I was pleasantly surprised. I love a good scandal story if told correctly. I loved how the struggle of the First Lady was written. It showed the truth of how fragile our faith can be and how, although one may be in the church, that doesn't exempt us from wanting to slap somebody. This was real and raw. The only thing that I wasn't fond of was just how delusional Daphne/Dawn was. I can understand when someone lives in their own reality, but she was a little over the top for my taste. Darvin not seeing the tricks of the devil was a little disturbing. He's a pastor and his discernment should've been better. Going to the degree of defending Daphne/Dawn to his wife should not have happened. It's amazing how the church members were fine with her after she gave the church all that money. I truly enjoyed listening to this story. Nicole Small is one of my favorite narrators. She brought such life to each character. I'm looking forward to reading more from Dishan Washington.

[Written Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew I loved this book! This was a great fast pace, full of just enough drama. The First Lady got on my nerves majority of the book with constant complaining (although as a PK I understand how she felt). I loved Pastor Johnson ! I loved that he represented a true MAN of God. He had his flaws and short comings but he was truly following the path that God sets before us as believers. The man side of him was dumb as it should’ve been lol Men feel as if subtle games women play are so minute until it blows up in their face! Solomon’s role in this story although small, had a major impact & created a major plot twist. It felt so good when he entered the picture!

All in all, I loved how Dishan Washington told this story, I loved how she brought drama & romance along with spiritual lessons to the pages with such class. It was smooth & flowed so well. I’m struggling to find more by this author, but I’m hoping to dig up some more good reads from her soon!

[Keya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gosh, this storyline was awfully predictable & juvenile. It was the black version of a bad Hallmark film in book form. Nonetheless, I kept listening. It was the reviews that made me tell myself there is going to be a moment where this story takes a shocking twist or turn (like, a real shock 🥴), it didn’t happen. The intent was there a few times, but fell flat FOR ME. I found it filled with lots of fluff for example long moments of 1st lady being alone with her thoughts or talking to herself about her how she was feeling.

On the upside, while it bored me, it didn’t pain me to finish and clearly (4 🌟) people really like it.

Then came the epilogue…the last sentence in the epilogue.. 😳 my thoughts were Okay! That’s a good ol’ cliffhanger (birdman hand rub) Part II is where the fun is…there is no part II 🤦🏾‍♀️

[Kelli Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish the book. I didn’t even get pass chapter 3. The concept was a little unbelievable. If a person tried to kill you and was sent to a mental institution who in their right mind would welcome a family member, an ‘identical twin’, into your life without some kind of investigation! At least verify she even has a twin! There was also some continuity issues. At the beginning, at the first trial there is a mention of a baby. When it jumps 2 years later there is not mention of this child and the main character is pregnant with her first child?!? Maybe the issue is cleared up later in the book but I won’t find out! If I could get a refund I would

[Charmer (Whatcha Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really hard for me to believe that Darvin was that clueless. Why didn't he have a ring on when he gave her a ride or tell her he was married? He pissed me off. I don't know if I could be a First Lady of a church. Naw, I'm sure I couldn't. Do Pastors really stay at the church til eleven at night? SMH. Not my husband. I know it's a big church, but really. Michelle put up with a lot. I would've went third ward/country on Daphne's pretty ass.

[Dr. Joy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, the message, and the plot twists. I did not like the male voice the narrator tried to make LOL, it was very distracting. Also, I feel the author gave Darvin such a pass on his behavior and caused Michelle to be a bit of a pushover. I think he caused all of the problems in the first place and like so many other preachers he just got a "man of God" pass. In all, READ or LISTEN it's a really good book by a really good author!

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pastor’s naivety was super annoying...almost to the point of unbelief but men can be blind to things when it’s convenient for them to be, so perhaps it’s not so unbelievable. This story was repetitive and hard to get through but something about it made me want to see how it all ended so I forced myself to complete it. The best way I can set your expectations for this read is to tell you this is a Tyler Perry movie in novel form (hence the title). Do with that what you will.

[Carnesha Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Is there a book 1 and this is the sequel? If so then I understood, but of there isn't then I don't understand why the book starts after the original Daphne's trail. Why did it not tell that story?
There was a mention of a baby at the beginning of the book but then it is not mentioned again. Not the baby she was pregnant with throughout the book, DJ, another one at Daphne's original hearing.

[Francoise Crowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will make you angry, yet wanting for more. In real life I am often puzzled by the lengths some people will go through to get what they want. Well, let me tell you that this book will take you there. It has twists and turns but nice character development. This is one that will keep you interested from beginning to end.

[Adrian Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an insane ride.

[Jacqueline Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Dishan, amazing story I felt each character and was touched by the struggles each endured.
cant wait to read #2!!!

[Reading with Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay Read

I wanted this book to be grittier and maybe a tad more ratchet considering the content. It was a good story told in a respectful christian way.

[Pamela Braxtonjoyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read! I was captured by the dialog, the drama and the realism of life as a first lady.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book and a churchgoer myself......things like this do happen behind the scene. Heck, it happens with the musicians as well (I am married to a church bass player).

[Heather Wicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[LaChelle Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and the narrator was great. Although the plot has been done over and over.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious. Michelle gave tolerance new meaning. Definitely recommend this book. Daphne & Dawn needs a serious check,

[Leonicia Percival-Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! The lengths people are willing to go.

[Tamika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happens all the time. Obsession is real. Pastor was a little suspect

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was great but it was to long and drawn out.