What do you think?
Rate this book
Mama Ruby #1
Mama Ruby
Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time she’s fifteen, Ruby has a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even her preacher daddy can set her straight. Only Othella Mae Cartier, daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick.
When Ruby discovers she’s in the family way, she’s scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othella’s house. Othella talks Ruby into giving the child away–and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.
But nothing can erase Ruby’s memories of her child–or quell her simmering rage at Othella for persuading her to let her precious baby go. Someday there will be a reckoning. And Othella will learn that no one knows how to exact revenge quite like Ruby Jean Upshaw.
When Ruby discovers she’s in the family way, she’s scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othella’s house. Othella talks Ruby into giving the child away–and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.
But nothing can erase Ruby’s memories of her child–or quell her simmering rage at Othella for persuading her to let her precious baby go. Someday there will be a reckoning. And Othella will learn that no one knows how to exact revenge quite like Ruby Jean Upshaw.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2011
257 people are currently reading
2148 people want to read
About the author
Mary Monroe
58 books2,674 followersI 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
December 5, 2021
Five star read. Good damn read, awesome read. I loved it.
June 30, 2011
Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe is the prequel to the novel The Upper Room, which I have not read. It is said to have been written to give readers a view into the life of Ruby Upshaw prior to The Upper Room.
The story opens in 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mama Ruby chronicles the lives of childhood friends, Ruby and Othella. Ruby is the youngest daughter of a prominent preacher and Othella is the daughter of the town whore. The two forge a friendship that will last almost two decades; and share a secret they promise to carry to their graves. The book is almost 400 pages and most of those pages detail the sexual escapades of these two from about age twelve, on. At fifteen the two friends embark on an adventure that is laced with mishaps and misfortunes along the way. With their plans of a better life placed on hold, they journey from New Orleans, Louisiana, to south Florida where they eventually settle.
The author spent a lot of time, too much I think, going into great detail about the number of partners andactual acts performed by these young teens. It is raunchy, crude, and downright nasty; and when you factor in the age of the characters, it becomes yet another sad commentary for black girls, in general. At times I could relate to the characters, while other times I felt the story was so far-fetched that it was comical. I found myself wishing for a positive example of a loving relationship for these two girls to mirror, but it never happened. One thing I did love about the book was at the end when it is revealed that what the women wanted most in life could have been obtained at the very place they wanted so desparately to escape.
Monroe’s book is a simple read and moved quickly, although at times it felt weighted by useless information. I was disappointed that 3/4th’s of the book dealt with every aspect of Ruby and Othella’s promiscuity, but what should have been the meat and potatoes of the story was written like a summary in the final pages. Had Monroe focused more on the story between these two that took place in their adult lives, the book would have been more enjoyable for me and probably would have prompted me to check-out The Upper Room. I give Mama Ruby 3 Stars. It has its moments but definitely is not for the prudish.
Much Love,
Tracy
Tracy L. Darity is the author of He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and Love...Like Snow In Florida on a Hot Summer Day. Her third novel The Red Bear Society is scheduled for release in Fall 2011. For more information visit: www.TracyLDarity.com.
The story opens in 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mama Ruby chronicles the lives of childhood friends, Ruby and Othella. Ruby is the youngest daughter of a prominent preacher and Othella is the daughter of the town whore. The two forge a friendship that will last almost two decades; and share a secret they promise to carry to their graves. The book is almost 400 pages and most of those pages detail the sexual escapades of these two from about age twelve, on. At fifteen the two friends embark on an adventure that is laced with mishaps and misfortunes along the way. With their plans of a better life placed on hold, they journey from New Orleans, Louisiana, to south Florida where they eventually settle.
The author spent a lot of time, too much I think, going into great detail about the number of partners andactual acts performed by these young teens. It is raunchy, crude, and downright nasty; and when you factor in the age of the characters, it becomes yet another sad commentary for black girls, in general. At times I could relate to the characters, while other times I felt the story was so far-fetched that it was comical. I found myself wishing for a positive example of a loving relationship for these two girls to mirror, but it never happened. One thing I did love about the book was at the end when it is revealed that what the women wanted most in life could have been obtained at the very place they wanted so desparately to escape.
Monroe’s book is a simple read and moved quickly, although at times it felt weighted by useless information. I was disappointed that 3/4th’s of the book dealt with every aspect of Ruby and Othella’s promiscuity, but what should have been the meat and potatoes of the story was written like a summary in the final pages. Had Monroe focused more on the story between these two that took place in their adult lives, the book would have been more enjoyable for me and probably would have prompted me to check-out The Upper Room. I give Mama Ruby 3 Stars. It has its moments but definitely is not for the prudish.
Much Love,
Tracy
Tracy L. Darity is the author of He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and Love...Like Snow In Florida on a Hot Summer Day. Her third novel The Red Bear Society is scheduled for release in Fall 2011. For more information visit: www.TracyLDarity.com.
February 28, 2018
Good read!
October 13, 2023
Second time around and I absolutely Adored this Classic so much more than I did years ago 🧡 .
April 28, 2012
Mama Ruby is the prequel to Mary Monroe's The Upper Room. In this book, Monroe sets the stage for the infamous kidnapping that occurs in The Upper Room. Although I have yet to read the first book, I have been told that Monroe penned Mama Ruby after years of being asked the question, "What would make a woman kidnap and raise someone else's child?"
In Mama Ruby, Monroe introduces us to Ruby Jean Upshaw, a curious and determined preacher's daughter. Through her life experiences and observing others, Ruby finds herself over-interested in sex. Her healthy sexual appetite leads to her pregnancy which is hid from her family. Upon the secretive birth of her female child, she is coerced into giving the baby up by her best friend's mother. If only her best friend and mother knew how much losing this child would damage all of their lives, they would have just left Ruby Jean Upshaw alone...
Monroe repeatedly writes fascinating stories that takes the reader hostage and won't let them go until the last sentence on the last page of the novel has been read. Mama Ruby is no different. From the moment I finished the first chapter, I knew that this book would be a 5-Star read. Mama Ruby is so well crafted that I felt as if I was right there in Louisiana, watching the story unfold before my very eyes. The main character expresses a wide range of emotions from depression, to hostility, to love, to shame, making her a real human being, not some crazy character who snatches children. Based on my enjoyment of this book, I plan to read The Upper Room soon, excited about reading the rest of the story. I've also heard through the grapevine that there is a sequel to The Upper Room coming in 2013 so I will looking forward to that as well. Mama Ruby is highly recommended.
In Mama Ruby, Monroe introduces us to Ruby Jean Upshaw, a curious and determined preacher's daughter. Through her life experiences and observing others, Ruby finds herself over-interested in sex. Her healthy sexual appetite leads to her pregnancy which is hid from her family. Upon the secretive birth of her female child, she is coerced into giving the baby up by her best friend's mother. If only her best friend and mother knew how much losing this child would damage all of their lives, they would have just left Ruby Jean Upshaw alone...
Monroe repeatedly writes fascinating stories that takes the reader hostage and won't let them go until the last sentence on the last page of the novel has been read. Mama Ruby is no different. From the moment I finished the first chapter, I knew that this book would be a 5-Star read. Mama Ruby is so well crafted that I felt as if I was right there in Louisiana, watching the story unfold before my very eyes. The main character expresses a wide range of emotions from depression, to hostility, to love, to shame, making her a real human being, not some crazy character who snatches children. Based on my enjoyment of this book, I plan to read The Upper Room soon, excited about reading the rest of the story. I've also heard through the grapevine that there is a sequel to The Upper Room coming in 2013 so I will looking forward to that as well. Mama Ruby is highly recommended.
March 14, 2024
I don’t know if I should’ve laughed like I did at some points in this story but ok…🤭
July 1, 2011
i am loving this book cant put it down
January 27, 2012
"There was a sudden burst of cold air between Ruby and Othella that they both felt on their faces; neither could understand what it meant. Ruby assumed that it was just because she was nervous and uncomfortable. Other than the fact that it was so odd and unexpected, Othella didn't know what to think about the cold air on such a warm day. Neither one shared her thoughts about it, but they both experienced an ominous feeling because of it."
The prose in Mary Monroe's Mama Ruby unfortunately doesn't get better than that.
Mama Ruby was available from my library's Kindle collection, and I like historical fiction, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The book is easy to read, but that's about all it's got going for it. I honestly am astounded that this book got published in its current state -- and that it has such high ratings, with an apparently rabid following.
There are so many problems throughout the book. Each chapter ends with clumsy foreshadowing, and the next repeats that scenario in the first few paragraphs -- as if the author is concerned that readers would forget the plot after a page. It's lascivious, with loving detail lavished on descriptions of bodily fluids and people beating one another. No character ever just says something: In every statement, they declare, they holler, they scream, they mutter while rolling their eyes.
The plot is simply unbelievable: Ruby's a teen who hides her pregnancy and gives up the baby, then is a prostitute, then murders her bootlegging husband, and then she steals a baby to make up for the one she lost.
But the part that made me laugh out loud was when Ruby offers to cook some greens in a Crock-Pot. The setting is WWII. (Hint: They were first manufactured in 1970.)
But then... It just ends. All the loose ends are just left hanging. Apparently Monroe got tired, or hit a deadline.
All in all, Mama Ruby reads like a half-finished rough draft. I finished reading it because I've set a goal to read a certain number of books this year, and I will admit that it's a quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
I read "Mama Ruby" first and then read "The Upper Room". I was really disappointed! As two separate stories, they're okay, but as a set ("The Upper Room" being the "sequel" to "Mama Ruby"), they are inconsistent. It's almost as if the author did not reread "The Upper Room" before writing "Mama Ruby" as the prequel. Also, the endings of BOTH books left too much to be desired. I did enjoy "Mama Ruby" much more than "The Upper Room" but that was only because there was a consistent story that progressed till the end. "The Upper Room" seemed more like a chronological tale of this family with lil stories haphazardly linked in an attempt to make a cohesive book....and just when you think it will never end, it does so in a very abrupt manner. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give "The Upper Room" a 5 and "Mama Ruby" a 6.5. They're not the WORST two books I've read, but I'm not dying to read anymore about these characters.
May 13, 2013
Mama Ruby By Mary Monroe This was a great book, I'd like to read more about the characters in ths story. The author makes them very believeable. Children learn from example;there were many examples of life in this book. The two young women in this story had many hard life lessons and after a time they wanted no part of their former evil ways. They helped each other and were best of friends until there was envy to hard to bear. I need to read another book by the author to see what happened.
October 17, 2011
I didn't like this book at all. The vulgarity was a little much for the ages of the main characters and most of the situations Ruby Jean found herself in were unbelievable. I wasn't invested in the characters and I could care less what happened to them in the end.
Want to read
March 26, 2020Although this book was written after the Upper Room, it is the prequel to the book. I like the book, and it's tellings of Mama Ruby as a young girl, but it was not as good as the Upper Room.
Mama Ruby, born Ruby Jean, is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter which is suppose to make her special in a magical sort of way. Her father is a pastor and the family is very religious. Ruby ends up pregnant , and keeps it a secret from everyone. Now the fact that when Ruby went into labor she went to a party at her best friend Othella's house and danced and drank beer bothered me. That was just crazy. Once Ruby gives birth to her baby girl she is convinced by Othella and Othella's mother to give up the baby. The baby looks just like Othella and they are pretty sure her brother is the father. I like that this is revealed as it suggest this is why Ruby steals Othella's baby in the Upper Room. It also suggest that Ruby named the kidnapped baby Maureen after her first born.
The rest of the book is about Ruby and Othella becoming prostitutes, murders, and Ruby gets married and has a son named Virgil.
We also find out what happens to Ruby's first daughter. Which really shocked me.
Mama Ruby, born Ruby Jean, is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter which is suppose to make her special in a magical sort of way. Her father is a pastor and the family is very religious. Ruby ends up pregnant , and keeps it a secret from everyone. Now the fact that when Ruby went into labor she went to a party at her best friend Othella's house and danced and drank beer bothered me. That was just crazy. Once Ruby gives birth to her baby girl she is convinced by Othella and Othella's mother to give up the baby. The baby looks just like Othella and they are pretty sure her brother is the father. I like that this is revealed as it suggest this is why Ruby steals Othella's baby in the Upper Room. It also suggest that Ruby named the kidnapped baby Maureen after her first born.
The rest of the book is about Ruby and Othella becoming prostitutes, murders, and Ruby gets married and has a son named Virgil.
We also find out what happens to Ruby's first daughter. Which really shocked me.
July 18, 2011
(FROM JACKET)Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time she's fifteen, Ruby has developed a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even her preacher daddy can set her straight. Most everyone in the neighborhood knows you don't cross Ruby. Only Othella Mae Cartier, daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick.
When Ruby discovers she's in the family way, she's scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly with baggy dresses, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othella's house. With few choices, Othella talks Ruby into giving the child away-and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.
But nothing can erase Ruby's memories of the child she lost-....
When Ruby discovers she's in the family way, she's scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly with baggy dresses, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othella's house. With few choices, Othella talks Ruby into giving the child away-and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.
But nothing can erase Ruby's memories of the child she lost-....
January 29, 2012
I enjoyed reading this hilarious prequel to one of my FAVORITE novels, the classic page-turner “The Upper Room,” that I have read three times! I was elated to read about the background and poignant past of the infamous Mama Ruby, whose scandalous and humorous behavior kept me on edge, and in shock from beginning to end. I love this novel for it kept me guessing, laughing, and I even shed a few tears. I have always been an avid reader and huge fan of the remarkable, best-selling author Mary Monroe, who has written The God Series, “Gonna Lay My Burdens Down”, “Red Light Wives”, “In Sheep’s Clothing”, and many other works.
Virginia Davis
AAMBC Reviewer
Virginia Davis
AAMBC Reviewer
January 20, 2020
Round up to 4.5 stars… I hate the cliff hanger ending, though. I need answers to questions… like what happened to Ruby and her daughter?
June 30, 2022
Well, I’m glad I read this prequel. It helps explain why and how Mama Ruby is the was she is.
April 26, 2024
40% DNF.
First off, I wanted to like this.
I wanted to read The Upper Room first that was published in 1985ish but saw that this prequel was published in 2011. I said, why not.
I enjoy historical fiction a lot. Especially black southern fiction. The Color Purple for example, which is written BETTER. (More on that next…). Another example of southern literature that’s better than this? I know why the caged bird sings, Secret Life of Bees, The Help, Where the Heart is. Okay, as you can see, I’m a deep lover of this genre.
When you go into writing a book based on a time period I at least expect the author to do a tad bit of research. The terms used in this book do not reflect the time period (1930s). I need to know, do you think they would know what an anxiety attack was in the 1930s?
This book is GRAPHIC. The things that 12-15 year olds do in this book is gross in the sexual terms. It really made me uncomfortable. Did the author not feel uncomfortable writing this? That’s my question.
The characters are one dimensional. The writing is bad and seems so simple to read. I expected so much more and I couldn’t take it anymore and life is too short to read bad books.
The audiobooks narrator really was the only saving grace here because he really performed to make this good. I also was a little tho that they picked a male voice here when the book was written in a (from the beginning) a 12 year old POV.
First off, I wanted to like this.
I wanted to read The Upper Room first that was published in 1985ish but saw that this prequel was published in 2011. I said, why not.
I enjoy historical fiction a lot. Especially black southern fiction. The Color Purple for example, which is written BETTER. (More on that next…). Another example of southern literature that’s better than this? I know why the caged bird sings, Secret Life of Bees, The Help, Where the Heart is. Okay, as you can see, I’m a deep lover of this genre.
When you go into writing a book based on a time period I at least expect the author to do a tad bit of research. The terms used in this book do not reflect the time period (1930s). I need to know, do you think they would know what an anxiety attack was in the 1930s?
This book is GRAPHIC. The things that 12-15 year olds do in this book is gross in the sexual terms. It really made me uncomfortable. Did the author not feel uncomfortable writing this? That’s my question.
The characters are one dimensional. The writing is bad and seems so simple to read. I expected so much more and I couldn’t take it anymore and life is too short to read bad books.
The audiobooks narrator really was the only saving grace here because he really performed to make this good. I also was a little tho that they picked a male voice here when the book was written in a (from the beginning) a 12 year old POV.
October 23, 2023
So I read part 2 the Upper Room before reading this one. This provides the answers to a lot of the questions I had in the 2nd installation. The author does a great job with detail, imagery, and really allowing us to feel sorry for the main character when otherwise many would not. I definitely recommend this read to anyone interested in social norms, religious life, segregation, marriage, teenage promiscuity, decision making, gender roles, domestic abuse, family structure, crime, etc.
I’ll be looking for whatever this author writes.
I’ll be looking for whatever this author writes.
Read
April 18, 2024DNF
I tried I really did but I couldn’t finish this and it’s not the writing of this story as I’ve read Mary Monroe over the years and have enjoyed her books . Its the slow pacing of this story and after 5 hours of being on this book it continues to move at a snail pace and the environment is dreary : you know something awful is going to happen and I feel no redemption is coming . I honestly also don’t like fast tailed ruby and othella - hot, nasty, and just DUMB ! I wish I would of taken heed to this being a prequel because maybe I would of enjoyed the delayed story telling after reading the highly praised THE UPPER ROOM but I couldn’t sit through another 6 hours of this and beyond the trauma we just read about , there’s racism , discrimination, war, old creepy men and these girls are about to become prostitutes …. I just mentally cannot
I tried I really did but I couldn’t finish this and it’s not the writing of this story as I’ve read Mary Monroe over the years and have enjoyed her books . Its the slow pacing of this story and after 5 hours of being on this book it continues to move at a snail pace and the environment is dreary : you know something awful is going to happen and I feel no redemption is coming . I honestly also don’t like fast tailed ruby and othella - hot, nasty, and just DUMB ! I wish I would of taken heed to this being a prequel because maybe I would of enjoyed the delayed story telling after reading the highly praised THE UPPER ROOM but I couldn’t sit through another 6 hours of this and beyond the trauma we just read about , there’s racism , discrimination, war, old creepy men and these girls are about to become prostitutes …. I just mentally cannot
April 27, 2022
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, but the more I read the more insane it became. The story was super easy to read, and I was so invested in seeing what Ruby and Othella would do next. The plot in general was unrealistic. However, it’s an entertaining, quick read.
December 10, 2023
Man! This book was a wild ride, but an exquisite gem that really captivates you from the first page to the last. Mama Ruby’s vibrant world is brought to life and gives us a tale of resilience, love and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Monroe really develops these characters greatly with the narrative unfolding a perfect blend of suspense and emotion. This was easily a 5 star for me. Looking forward or reading more by Monroe.
June 18, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed this read. It be a little confusing for me, but I like them a series go back in time to help us better understand a character. I enjoyed getting to know more about Mama Ruby!
I enjoyed this read. It be a little confusing for me, but I like them a series go back in time to help us better understand a character. I enjoyed getting to know more about Mama Ruby!
October 15, 2023
What an outrageous ride! I am going to get book three asap! A positively side splitting read.
June 22, 2024
This book was sooooo good! Mary Monroe is such a great writer! I’m officially hooked!!! Can’t wait to read ‘Lost Daughters’ next 😁
August 23, 2025
Mama Ruby is SOMETHING ELSE. I did predict the ending because she’s just THAT crazy.😅🤣 I’ll be reading book 2 soon
July 10, 2011
Summary: This novel details the teen years of Ruby Upshaw and her early adult life and how Mama Ruby name came about. The prequel, The Upper Room introduced readers to a disturbed, strong willed, some what religious, comically malicious woman that keeps a child in the upper room. (read it to get the full story line)
In Mama Ruby the story setting is Shreveport, Louisiana, 1934. Ruby Upshaw is the youngest of seven daughters of Pastor and Mrs. Upshaw. Ruby is very strong headed. She did not like attending church every week nor the strict lifestyle that her parents upheld for her. Being the youngest of seven girls allowed Ruby to see and learn a lot from her sisters. She knew much more than her parents could imagine and me, lol.
Ruby, a prominent preacher daughter, decided to befriend Othello, daughter of a prostitute, against her parents wishes. Together the two of them become close friends while engaging in alcohol and sex.
Othello decides she wants a better life than the one she currently has so she starts saving money to leave Louisiana. Ruby is heart broken. After an devastating experience and witnessing an embarrassing encounter, Ruby decides she too wants out of Louisiana. At the age of fifteen these two young ladies set out to change their lives. They had a plan. To marry and live happily ever after.
My Thoughts
Characters: Ruby, strong headed. Refused to be subjected to withholding her opinion about anything to ANYONE. A first impression of Ruby: Fearless.
Othello, a surrogate mom to her siblings that got tired of being one. Had a desire to want a better life and set out to obtain it. I questioned her friendship with Ruby. I think her friendship with Ruby had an alternative motive. Pastor Upshaw, Hmm, I will only say; the bible says: not every man that says, "Lord, Lord, is of me'.
Simone: Othello mom. Her childhood did not offer her much so she never learned to give much nor be better as a mother. I really like the decision she made in regards to Ruby near the end of the story.
Theme: This book was written for entertaining purposes and Entertaining it delivers
Book Cover Opinion: The book cover of this novel connects to the title and its setting. The two women on the cover I think is Mama Ruby and Othello taking a summer walk along a daisy filled pasture. The cover nor the title alone is enough to make me grab for the book, however, seeing the cover and having read a previous novel from the author was a combination that would of steered me to the summary.
Storyline: Well written story line that described the youthful years of Mama Ruby. Even though this book is a prequel to The Upper Room, it is a great novel that can be read as a stand alone. The author definitely captured all questions readers may have conjured while reading The Upper Room. In my opinion the writer provided just enough sizzle without a lot of mundane details for a 400 page novel. The hardship of the first day in New Orleans would of sent my butt back to the train station, however, each girl was so determine to make a new life for themselves in New Orleans. Ruby and Othello are two dimensional character which means each had no role change throughout the story. The promiscuously lifestyle of Ruby and Othello was a major part of their lifestyle. Some readers may think its to vulgar since the age of the ladies are rather young.
I laughed and was sadden by turn of events in the novel. I did not like the fact that Ruby never wrote to her parents especially her mother even if life had not turned out to be crystal stairs. I wished things would of turned out differently for Othello since she wanted so badly just to be loved, however, what goes around comes around. Ruby is definitely a Madear character. This novel has earned its place on my bookshelf as a Darn Good Read with a 4.5 rating.
In Mama Ruby the story setting is Shreveport, Louisiana, 1934. Ruby Upshaw is the youngest of seven daughters of Pastor and Mrs. Upshaw. Ruby is very strong headed. She did not like attending church every week nor the strict lifestyle that her parents upheld for her. Being the youngest of seven girls allowed Ruby to see and learn a lot from her sisters. She knew much more than her parents could imagine and me, lol.
Ruby, a prominent preacher daughter, decided to befriend Othello, daughter of a prostitute, against her parents wishes. Together the two of them become close friends while engaging in alcohol and sex.
Othello decides she wants a better life than the one she currently has so she starts saving money to leave Louisiana. Ruby is heart broken. After an devastating experience and witnessing an embarrassing encounter, Ruby decides she too wants out of Louisiana. At the age of fifteen these two young ladies set out to change their lives. They had a plan. To marry and live happily ever after.
My Thoughts
Characters: Ruby, strong headed. Refused to be subjected to withholding her opinion about anything to ANYONE. A first impression of Ruby: Fearless.
Othello, a surrogate mom to her siblings that got tired of being one. Had a desire to want a better life and set out to obtain it. I questioned her friendship with Ruby. I think her friendship with Ruby had an alternative motive. Pastor Upshaw, Hmm, I will only say; the bible says: not every man that says, "Lord, Lord, is of me'.
Simone: Othello mom. Her childhood did not offer her much so she never learned to give much nor be better as a mother. I really like the decision she made in regards to Ruby near the end of the story.
Theme: This book was written for entertaining purposes and Entertaining it delivers
Book Cover Opinion: The book cover of this novel connects to the title and its setting. The two women on the cover I think is Mama Ruby and Othello taking a summer walk along a daisy filled pasture. The cover nor the title alone is enough to make me grab for the book, however, seeing the cover and having read a previous novel from the author was a combination that would of steered me to the summary.
Storyline: Well written story line that described the youthful years of Mama Ruby. Even though this book is a prequel to The Upper Room, it is a great novel that can be read as a stand alone. The author definitely captured all questions readers may have conjured while reading The Upper Room. In my opinion the writer provided just enough sizzle without a lot of mundane details for a 400 page novel. The hardship of the first day in New Orleans would of sent my butt back to the train station, however, each girl was so determine to make a new life for themselves in New Orleans. Ruby and Othello are two dimensional character which means each had no role change throughout the story. The promiscuously lifestyle of Ruby and Othello was a major part of their lifestyle. Some readers may think its to vulgar since the age of the ladies are rather young.
I laughed and was sadden by turn of events in the novel. I did not like the fact that Ruby never wrote to her parents especially her mother even if life had not turned out to be crystal stairs. I wished things would of turned out differently for Othello since she wanted so badly just to be loved, however, what goes around comes around. Ruby is definitely a Madear character. This novel has earned its place on my bookshelf as a Darn Good Read with a 4.5 rating.
July 10, 2023
This was my first time reading any of Mary Monroe's books. I liked "Mama Ruby" so much that I went to the library and ordered the sequel to this book (The Upper Room).
Ruby, whose name preference changes to "Mama Ruby" later in the story, is a sympathetic character despite her tough, streetwise nature and violent outbursts. She is not your typical African American stereotype - the under-served child of a broken, fatherless home forced to live in poverty. To the contrary, Ruby is the youngest of seven girls, raised by doting, overprotective parents.
Ruby, however, is drawn to the seedier side of town which offers her a glimpse of the way the other half lives, and temporarily removes her from the insulated homelife she detests. The realization that her preacher father is a hypocrite comes as a shock to Ruby and gives her the incentive she needs to break free from what she considers an oppressive, controlling family environment.
Any criticisms I would present are minor ones, such as the repetitive descriptions used by the author throughout the text ("he cleared his throat," "trotted into the kitchen," etc.); the list goes on. Since Mary Monroe is such an engaging storyteller it doesn't seem as though it would be that much trouble to take the extra few steps and add some original terms when illustrating a character's behaviors or mannerisms.
Overall, I'll leave it at this: She is one talented storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her work. While I am waiting for The Upper Room to arrive I've almost finished One House Over, a more recent release of this author. It's even better than Mama Ruby, with the only detraction being the overuse of throat clearing, sucking teeth in, and so on. I'll leave a review of One House Over in the appropriate place after I've finished it.
Ruby, whose name preference changes to "Mama Ruby" later in the story, is a sympathetic character despite her tough, streetwise nature and violent outbursts. She is not your typical African American stereotype - the under-served child of a broken, fatherless home forced to live in poverty. To the contrary, Ruby is the youngest of seven girls, raised by doting, overprotective parents.
Ruby, however, is drawn to the seedier side of town which offers her a glimpse of the way the other half lives, and temporarily removes her from the insulated homelife she detests. The realization that her preacher father is a hypocrite comes as a shock to Ruby and gives her the incentive she needs to break free from what she considers an oppressive, controlling family environment.
Any criticisms I would present are minor ones, such as the repetitive descriptions used by the author throughout the text ("he cleared his throat," "trotted into the kitchen," etc.); the list goes on. Since Mary Monroe is such an engaging storyteller it doesn't seem as though it would be that much trouble to take the extra few steps and add some original terms when illustrating a character's behaviors or mannerisms.
Overall, I'll leave it at this: She is one talented storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her work. While I am waiting for The Upper Room to arrive I've almost finished One House Over, a more recent release of this author. It's even better than Mama Ruby, with the only detraction being the overuse of throat clearing, sucking teeth in, and so on. I'll leave a review of One House Over in the appropriate place after I've finished it.
July 13, 2011
Great Great Read on Mama Ruby.
I was so happy that I have not read "Upper Room" because now I am so anxious to begin just wanting to know. Mary Monroe has done it again. She has lead us in to ruby's life and got me to compare growing up.
Ruby is a typical preacher's daughters. She was a strong mined individual who knew what she wanted but at the same time, was very inexperience of the everyday things of life. She was young and due to ruby being sheltered by her parents and being a black Negros was very challenging to make something out of her life. Othello was so different from Ruby and I expected more from her. I was hoping that she would have done better base on her past life living with her prostitute mother with many sibling. I don't see any change was done in her life base on how she was living back home and she ending living the same way from what she was running away from.
I believe that Ruby and Othello endured a lot of hardship and bad encounters but somewhat made them took life more serious but was expected more from them. Ruby was a self determined individual and was disappointed in her when she began making the same mistake. With being a mother, I knew how ruby felt about giving her baby up and was sadden to know that she was not over the baby (Maureen).
Ruby got a lot of chances in life and got away every time, just curious on reading upper room and knowing what became of Ruby's future.
I would recommend this book to all; it is a page turner and will be enjoyed from chapter. 1 -59........
Congratulation Mary Monroe.
By: Heather Williams
Reviewed for the Sankofa Literary Society. Book provided by publisher for review purposes
I was so happy that I have not read "Upper Room" because now I am so anxious to begin just wanting to know. Mary Monroe has done it again. She has lead us in to ruby's life and got me to compare growing up.
Ruby is a typical preacher's daughters. She was a strong mined individual who knew what she wanted but at the same time, was very inexperience of the everyday things of life. She was young and due to ruby being sheltered by her parents and being a black Negros was very challenging to make something out of her life. Othello was so different from Ruby and I expected more from her. I was hoping that she would have done better base on her past life living with her prostitute mother with many sibling. I don't see any change was done in her life base on how she was living back home and she ending living the same way from what she was running away from.
I believe that Ruby and Othello endured a lot of hardship and bad encounters but somewhat made them took life more serious but was expected more from them. Ruby was a self determined individual and was disappointed in her when she began making the same mistake. With being a mother, I knew how ruby felt about giving her baby up and was sadden to know that she was not over the baby (Maureen).
Ruby got a lot of chances in life and got away every time, just curious on reading upper room and knowing what became of Ruby's future.
I would recommend this book to all; it is a page turner and will be enjoyed from chapter. 1 -59........
Congratulation Mary Monroe.
By: Heather Williams
Reviewed for the Sankofa Literary Society. Book provided by publisher for review purposes
July 12, 2013
This was the July selection for my book club. This is the prequel to another book that I have not read. The book is a relatively engaging read though at times the storytelling feels a bit redundant. There is a lot of discussion of sex among young girls which at times can be off-putting. The hardest part for me with the book is that I didn't find the characters and their actions believable in many parts of the story. Some of it just felt too far-fetched and created for drama. The ending did leave me wanting though and I do feel as though the book was designed to force readers to pick up the follow up book.
January 26, 2013
I enjoyed this book better than "The Upper Room", however I still could not get the understanding from this book to why "Mama Ruby" was the was she was. The characters in the book (Ruby Jean Upshaw, and Othella) are teenagers from the beginning, but the language and things they done in this book suggests they were much older....Who says "Great balls of fire???" I did not like the wording of how the author portrayed these 2 young ladies making them seem much much older. I read this for a book club, not by choice...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews