God Don't like Ugly

I loved the book from beginning to end. Except Mr. Boatwright- although his good deed in the end was a great thing if I could have jumped in and whooped on him I would have. I love that Annette was able to come out of her shell and find herself. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

This book was a great read. It has so many twists and turns... it's unpredictable. If you're looking for a novel with a surprise beginning, middle, and end... then this is the book for you. It's kind of sad at first, but I didn't regret reading it or spending my money on it. But be mindful that it does have a sequel... it may even be a trilogy

How do I begin to summarize this book. At first I thought the book was sort of on the hilarious side because of all the characters and the characteristics they portrayed. They supposing sat around confessing to be so called Christians and all they did was gossip about the other's life. The main character is a very shy, timid little girl is overweight and low self-esteem who is confused and feeling betrayed because of the sexual abused she sufferes daily at the hand of a so called trusted family friend-uncle Mr. Boatwright. Mr. Boatwright is a rooming boarder who appeared out of nowhere at the church and the mother was asked to take him in. Her mother instructs her to do "whatever" Mr. Boatwright tells her. I do think she meant literally. Annette tried her darnedest to make friends, and almost gave up until the summer her mother move them during her 13th birthday. That's where she met Rhonda Nelson, she's rich, powerful, aggressive, beautiful, slim, long beautiful hair, green-eyed and light complexion. Annette now feels like she can trust Rhonda with her secret of the abuse and sexual immorality. Rhonda is flabbergasted. She can't believe what she's hearing, unaware of the lack of courage that Annette posses. Rhonda is now the soul mate that helps her survive her teen-age years. Annette knows finding out things about her best friend and her life she never knew before. This book is so deep and things like this are happening right today and right under our very noses. Annette's mothers on the other hand was selfish, manipulative and for the lack of a better word, blind. She was so wrapped up into her business she didn't notice anything wrong with her child, but she have really been that blind or just plain stupid. Beside she would get married to Mr. Boatwright as soon as Annette finish school? Scary Mary, PeeWee, the Blind Girl, Viola, all had more courage and grace than her own mother did. You will find this book to be so intriguing until you won't be able to put it down. I recommend this book for anyone. This book will make you laugh with amazement, cry with disgust, hate, see red and sympathize with Annette through your entire reading. I was completely fascinated by the display of showmanship amongst the characters. Not one time did I think Mr. Boatwright got what he deserved.

Overall, I absolutely loved the novel God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe! I think this book was funny because the characters loved to gossip and talk about people. This book was also poignant and enjoyable because it left an indelible mark on me that changed my view of the past. Annette Goode, the main character and narrator is a shy, overweight girl who is troubled because she is sexually abused daily by Mr. Boatwright, a boarder from her church who her mother has taken in. Trying to find friends, Annette finally gives up all hope until one summer, when she turns thirteen. She meets Rhoda Nelson, a rich, powerful, beautiful, slim, green-eyed, light skinned, black girl. Soon after they become the best of friends and Annette reveals her shocking secret about Mr. Boatwright. As Rhoda tries to help Annette survive her teen-age years, Annette begins to find out a revelation of things she never knew about her best friend. People should definitely find this book interesting. I would definitely recommend this book for teens, young adults, adults, and seniors, especially those who like books by Mary Monroe or fictional books about the 1950's or 1960's. This book made me laugh, cry, and actually feel what the characters were feeling. The way Mary Monroe describes her characters is fascinating and completely fantastic. The settings which took place in Miami, Florida , Richland, Ohio , and Erie, Pennsylvania during the early 1950's through the late 1960's were absolutely perfect for the plot and the different chapters. Also, the story itself could be related to any time or era.

I have to say that this book is one of the best written books I have read for 2000. I wasn't sure in the beginning, but when Annette and her mother moved to Richland, Ohio, stuff started happenin'! It really annoyed me that Annetee wouldn't tell anyone that Mr. Boatwright was molesting her and threatening her. Annette never really developed a good self esteem or confidence in herself, so I could see why that happened. Her Mother wasn't much of a figure for Annette to mold after, so she didn't have much opportunity to become a "woman". I felt sorry for her throughout most of her life, and hope the best for her.Now, Ms. Rhoda is another story in herself! I couldn't believe some of the stuff she got away with. I can't say it without giving away the story, but Rhoda was not your typical girl next door. She was sweet and attractive, but she was a devil in a blue dress!Ms. Monroe really brought all her characters together to make a TERRIFIC story. Annette, Rhoda, Muh Dear, Scary Mary, Pee Wee, Mr. Boatwright, Judge Lawson, Levi, Florence and all the other characters blend together create a storyline that definitely shows God Don't Like Ugly. You reap what you sow. I don't think Annette will ever do anything without thinking of the consequences!

"God Don't Like Ugly" caught my eye in the bookstore and after reading the first few pages I was hooked! The characters are so real and interesting! I really liked how Mary Monroe humanized the character of Mr. Boatwright. At first, I hated him for the HORRIBLE despicable abuse he inflicted on poor Annette, but Ms Monroe interestingly made Annette remember some of the good things about Mr. Boatwright. Rhoda's character is truly complex also. Also, for all the serious issues in the book, it is SO funny, I laughed out loud at many points. I also really liked when Annette goes to Erie to carve out a life for herself. I really think that this is a book that should be read in colleges, it is brilliant, entertaining, and I know I will be re-reading it again and again. Thanks Mary Monroe!