Description

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The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe!



The riveting first book in the acclaimed God series sweeps readers back to the streets, porches, and parlors of civil rights-era Ohio to bring to life the beginning of an enduring friendship between two girls from opposite sides of the track . . .

"Reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston." --Publishers Weekly

Annette Goode is a shy, awkward, overweight child with a terrible secret. Frightened and ashamed, Annette withdraws into a world of books and food. But the summer she turns thirteen, something incredible happens: Rhoda Nelson chooses her as a friend.

Dazzling, generous Rhoda, who is everything Annette is not—gorgeous, slim, and worldly—welcomes Annette into the heart of her eccentric family, which includes her handsome and dignified father; her lovely, fragile “Muh’Dear;” her brooding, dangerous brother Jock; and her colorful white relatives—half-crazy Uncle Johnny, sultry Aunt Lola, and scary, surly Granny Goose.

With Rhoda’s help, Annette survives adolescence and blossoms as a woman. But when her beautiful best friend makes a stunning confession about a horrific childhood crime, Annette’s world will never be the same.

About the Author

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Mary Monroe is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 novels, with over one million books in print. She is a three-time AALBC bestseller and winner of the AAMBC Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award, the PEN/Oakland Josephine Miles Award, and the J. California Cooper Memorial Award. The daughter of Alabama sharecroppers, she taught herself how to write before going on to become the first and only member of her family to finish high school. She lives in Oakland, California and can be found online at MaryMonroe.org.

Praise For…

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Praise for Mary Monroe's Bestselling God series

"Another witty and wise installment to her God series...Raunchy and rambunctious," —Publishers Weekly on God Ain't Through Yet

"A fast-paced, sexy, tense story that will make readers think twice before getting tangled up in an affair." —Booklist on God Ain't Blind

"Readers are left on edge...Monroe once again skillfully delivers a crafty story wrapped around a host of heartwarming characters battling everyday struggles and obstacles, even as she entertains readers with spurts of unexpected comedy and tragedy." —Library Journal on God Don't Play

"A coming-of-age journey depicted with wit, poignancy and bite." —Publishers Weekly on God Don’t Like Ugly

"Monroe is a masterful storyteller." —Philadelphia Inquirer

"Monroe's use of humor to depict ordinary people with complex and messy lives will keep readers glued to each and every page." —Library Journal