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MAMA'S BOYS
Mama’s Boys is a heroic and haunting story that centers on two misfit brothers who live in a small Georgia town. They wake up one morning to find their father has abandoned them. Their mother is uncaring and prone to sudden, violent outbursts. The brothers don’t get along with their teachers or classmates. Their only comfort is each other, where they do their best, though often unsuccessfully, to stay out of trouble. Life improves when another awkward youth, Kyle, moves into their trailer park. The boys become good friends, but the brothers soon learn their new buddy comes with some baggage. That baggage is the abusive, over-controlling boyfriend of their friend’s mother. The boys seek out distractions from their confusing home lives, but this only leads to more trouble. Soon they have to confront what’s happening at home when Pete becomes even more aggressive and violent. Kyle starts disappearing for days at a time from school, refusing to tell his friends why he goes missing. No one else seems to notice or care. It’s not until tragedy strikes the tiny trailer park – and the three boys – before everyone from local politicians, police and even the media suddenly decide to pay attention. That’s when the real trouble begins, and the brothers find themselves running for their lives.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2012
115 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 16, 2015
Great book.
I loved this book but felt the language was extreme. I felt I learned a lot from this story plot & felt like young people & newlyweds would gain a lot of knowledge from reading this book. But no young person is going to read a book this long. Also needs proofread more corrections made.
I loved this book but felt the language was extreme. I felt I learned a lot from this story plot & felt like young people & newlyweds would gain a lot of knowledge from reading this book. But no young person is going to read a book this long. Also needs proofread more corrections made.
March 27, 2016
Poorly written
I think this book was poorly written and frankly, didn't hold my interest well throughout the book. I also saw many spelling errors and other mistakes that should have been caught with spell check or having been read before publishing it. I feel this book finally started to get good at the very end, but than it was to late.
I think this book was poorly written and frankly, didn't hold my interest well throughout the book. I also saw many spelling errors and other mistakes that should have been caught with spell check or having been read before publishing it. I feel this book finally started to get good at the very end, but than it was to late.
June 29, 2016
A good read
I thought the story held my attention throughout. I do strongly feel it would have been much better without the overuse of profanity. I would have recommended it to many different friends if not for that.
I thought the story held my attention throughout. I do strongly feel it would have been much better without the overuse of profanity. I would have recommended it to many different friends if not for that.
October 7, 2015
Good plot
Good book. Too much useless profanity to the point of overkill ok ok we get it. Writer puts wrong character in kitchen, woods ....
Good book. Too much useless profanity to the point of overkill ok ok we get it. Writer puts wrong character in kitchen, woods ....
December 25, 2015
Thumbs up
Excellent book! Lots of drama, but still so heartbreaking. So sad to think that this really happens on a daily basis.
Excellent book! Lots of drama, but still so heartbreaking. So sad to think that this really happens on a daily basis.
May 3, 2016
A lot different than I thought
Was an okay read. The story didn't end as I thought it would. Kinda a slow story line. Sad that things like this everyday.
Was an okay read. The story didn't end as I thought it would. Kinda a slow story line. Sad that things like this everyday.
October 3, 2017
Just...wow
I'm not going to begin this review with the Amazon cliché of, "I don't usually review such and such but this time I etc. etc." even though it's true. Honestly, Mama's Boy's did a pretty good job of reminding me of someone I hadn't thought of in a while, and it made me realize how an objective view is so important sometimes when a person isn't saying what they think to you. Being involved in a situation skews your outlook, I know, but it doesn't have to always be like that. Little hints and subtle cues CAN be picked up. (Sorry, no italic font).
That being said, this author seems to know what he's talking about with poor southern life (not meant in a bad way). The narrative is so spot on and dialogue so realistic that, like I said, it reminded me of something real. You can literally feel the emotions coming off the pages at times, and it transports you to the Fort.
I'm not going to begin this review with the Amazon cliché of, "I don't usually review such and such but this time I etc. etc." even though it's true. Honestly, Mama's Boy's did a pretty good job of reminding me of someone I hadn't thought of in a while, and it made me realize how an objective view is so important sometimes when a person isn't saying what they think to you. Being involved in a situation skews your outlook, I know, but it doesn't have to always be like that. Little hints and subtle cues CAN be picked up. (Sorry, no italic font).
That being said, this author seems to know what he's talking about with poor southern life (not meant in a bad way). The narrative is so spot on and dialogue so realistic that, like I said, it reminded me of something real. You can literally feel the emotions coming off the pages at times, and it transports you to the Fort.
April 16, 2018
Can I just request MORE EDITING? You're and your discrepancies are rampant throughout. Also, improper verbiage on "him and me" are in nearly every other paragraph.
GOOD book, awful editing.
GOOD book, awful editing.
March 10, 2017
Good read
Very well written especially for a first novel. Mr. Whitehead has a talent for building believable and deep characters. The plot line flows as to having you turning the pages faster until the last page. I would recommend this novel for all ages.
Very well written especially for a first novel. Mr. Whitehead has a talent for building believable and deep characters. The plot line flows as to having you turning the pages faster until the last page. I would recommend this novel for all ages.
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January 7, 2025Book Review: Mama's Boys by Matthew Whitehead
Mama's Boys presents a compelling exploration of life in the South, effectively capturing the struggles and triumphs of its characters in a way that feels both authentic and relatable. The narrative evokes memories and highlights the necessity of maintaining an objective perspective, reminding readers that personal involvement in situations can often cloud one’s judgment and distort reality.
Matthew Whitehead's portrayal of poor southern life is strikingly accurate, lending a realism to the narrative that immerses readers in the characters' experiences. The setting is vivid, and the challenges faced by the characters resonate with an honesty that reflects the stark truths of their circumstances. This attention to detail enhances the overall impact of the story, grounding it in a cultural landscape that is both familiar and poignant.
The dialogue throughout the book is particularly noteworthy, as it captures the rhythms and nuances of everyday conversation in a manner that feels genuine and engaging. This authenticity not only enriches the emotional depth of the story but also draws readers deeper into the lives of the characters, allowing them to experience their joys and pains firsthand.
Overall, Mama's Boys is a thoughtful and immersive read that offers insight into the complexities of life in the South while emphasizing the importance of perspective. Whitehead's skillful writing and authentic character portrayals make this book a memorable experience that lingers long after the final pages are turned. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to evoke empathy and understanding, particularly in the face of hardship.
Mama's Boys presents a compelling exploration of life in the South, effectively capturing the struggles and triumphs of its characters in a way that feels both authentic and relatable. The narrative evokes memories and highlights the necessity of maintaining an objective perspective, reminding readers that personal involvement in situations can often cloud one’s judgment and distort reality.
Matthew Whitehead's portrayal of poor southern life is strikingly accurate, lending a realism to the narrative that immerses readers in the characters' experiences. The setting is vivid, and the challenges faced by the characters resonate with an honesty that reflects the stark truths of their circumstances. This attention to detail enhances the overall impact of the story, grounding it in a cultural landscape that is both familiar and poignant.
The dialogue throughout the book is particularly noteworthy, as it captures the rhythms and nuances of everyday conversation in a manner that feels genuine and engaging. This authenticity not only enriches the emotional depth of the story but also draws readers deeper into the lives of the characters, allowing them to experience their joys and pains firsthand.
Overall, Mama's Boys is a thoughtful and immersive read that offers insight into the complexities of life in the South while emphasizing the importance of perspective. Whitehead's skillful writing and authentic character portrayals make this book a memorable experience that lingers long after the final pages are turned. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to evoke empathy and understanding, particularly in the face of hardship.
August 25, 2015
The tragedy of MOMA'S BOYS....
The story is very tragic, the ending predictable. While Matthew has a talent for descriptions, creating the scene with words and depiction of emotions through curse words, he takes a long time doing it. I personally feel there was too much hype building up situations that didn't deserve the time taken. The novel is very wordy and the number of words does not add to the ultimate ending. He certainly has promise as an author and I'm sure his next book will reflect his growth from first success to second . I would read another book written by Matthew Whitehead and wish him the best.
The story is very tragic, the ending predictable. While Matthew has a talent for descriptions, creating the scene with words and depiction of emotions through curse words, he takes a long time doing it. I personally feel there was too much hype building up situations that didn't deserve the time taken. The novel is very wordy and the number of words does not add to the ultimate ending. He certainly has promise as an author and I'm sure his next book will reflect his growth from first success to second . I would read another book written by Matthew Whitehead and wish him the best.
April 28, 2016
Great Read
As I read the book I had a very vivid reminder of those events. Living just over in the next county it was easy to picture the places described in the book such as Chasing Tail and Fort Yargo. It's also a reminder how often the event of this book happens in real life. Perhaps someday there will be no more Kyle's. Until then I am grateful for the writer sharing the story least we forget.
As I read the book I had a very vivid reminder of those events. Living just over in the next county it was easy to picture the places described in the book such as Chasing Tail and Fort Yargo. It's also a reminder how often the event of this book happens in real life. Perhaps someday there will be no more Kyle's. Until then I am grateful for the writer sharing the story least we forget.
August 23, 2015
Good read
Such a sad story. It took me a while to get hooked but so glad I kept reading. The ending was brutal! I could not put it down in the last 3rd of the book. Such an honest, unfiltered look into poverty and it's dynamics in the family and a community.
Such a sad story. It took me a while to get hooked but so glad I kept reading. The ending was brutal! I could not put it down in the last 3rd of the book. Such an honest, unfiltered look into poverty and it's dynamics in the family and a community.
January 31, 2016
Couldn't stop thinking about what will happen next
I read this book really fast. I was drawn to the storyline. Certain parts seemed monotonous. Keep reading!!! Lots of twists and turns and surprises.
I read this book really fast. I was drawn to the storyline. Certain parts seemed monotonous. Keep reading!!! Lots of twists and turns and surprises.
February 15, 2016
A good story about brothers.
This story was about two brothers who don't know how disassociated they are and their childhood living in a trailer park. Abuse is just a normal thing and too easy to ignore as if poor people are taught to look away. When are these chains broken?
This story was about two brothers who don't know how disassociated they are and their childhood living in a trailer park. Abuse is just a normal thing and too easy to ignore as if poor people are taught to look away. When are these chains broken?
February 13, 2014
this one really pulls at the heart strings.I loved it.
October 19, 2015
Sad story.
Heartbreaking story of abuse. People suspected but no one intervenes. So a child is lost. Truth be told he never had a chance. Sadly this really does happen.
Heartbreaking story of abuse. People suspected but no one intervenes. So a child is lost. Truth be told he never had a chance. Sadly this really does happen.
November 16, 2015
Mama's Boys
Excellent read, keeps you in suspense almost to the end. Pete was one crazy sob, and was glad when he died.
Excellent read, keeps you in suspense almost to the end. Pete was one crazy sob, and was glad when he died.
December 7, 2015
Great, couldn't put it down, dark and brutal
Loved every minute of it. Drama on every page. Crazy situations. White trash trailer park abuse neglect and dirty living
Ten stars
Loved every minute of it. Drama on every page. Crazy situations. White trash trailer park abuse neglect and dirty living
Ten stars
August 11, 2016
Very good book
I believed that it helped me to understand abuse more. It taught me how to identify it and to always seek help immediately.
I believed that it helped me to understand abuse more. It taught me how to identify it and to always seek help immediately.
June 1, 2019
Brilliant read really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews