Mama's Boy

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

When her son is in trouble, a heartbroken mother finds the courage and faith to save him, in ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s powerful family drama—a novel as timely as today’s headlines.

The breaking TV news rocks Jasper, Texas, to the core: a white police officer is fatally shot in a scuffle with three black youths—and a cellphone video captures Jamal Jones, the sixteen-year-old son of esteemed Reverend Elton Jones, escalating the tragic encounter. Now, as the national spotlight shines on a town already rife with racial tension, Jamal is a murder suspect on the run. And all of Jasper—even the Reverend’s congregation—rushes to judge the boy they thought they knew.

But Gloria Jones knows her son best, and she races to find Jamal before the law does—to the outrage of her workaholic husband. Once she finds him, she has to decide whether to turn him in or help him run. With ruthless prosecutor and Houston mayoral candidate Kay Christensen hungering to put another young thug behind bars, Gloria will face her biggest battle yet. And when long-hidden secrets and shocking lies come to light, throwing Jamal’s case and his destiny into a tailspin, all Gloria can do is pray that the truth—and a mother’s unconditional love—will be enough to redeem the mistakes of the past and ultimately, save her son.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, African American, Crime, Christian Fiction, Adult Fiction

313 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2015

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW!!! I just closed the paperback and I can't really find the words to describe what I'm feeling right now. Mama's Boy is an on time book on so many levels. A full review will be posted this weekend.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I love the twist that were thrown in this book. This book is about communication, forgiveness and redemption. Reshonda has done an excellent job in writing this book.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very emotional read for me. I had to read this one in intervals. It got to me, because I am currently going through issues with my own son.
I loved how each character had their own hardship within this story. I will admit, I felt a little anger toward all of the main characters in this book. But the one stand out character was GLORIA, hands down. The love that she had for her son was undeniable.

I must say Reshonda and Victoria had me in my feelings with these books. Both Mama's Boy and Stand Your Ground are must reads, that make you want to hold your male child just that much closer to your heart, no matter the color of their skin.

Bravo

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first since I read this book right after Victoria Christopher Murray's Stand Your Ground I thought this was going to be just another current events book but I was truly wrong. This book was so good!!!! I don't give spoilers but there were a lot of twist and turns in this book and it was just enough to be someone's real life.I read it with a group and I literally had to take the app off my phone not to read it in one day this book is a wonderful read!!!!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It really played on your emotions and made you think what would you do as a parent...but it's hard to say until you are faced with an unthinkable situation. I had my angry moments, sad, happy, proud.. just a mix of emotions as I listened. The side stories flowed within the main story well. Another well written story by Reshonda Tate Billingsley.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be chosen to receive an advanced copy of ReShonda's newest novel Mama's Boy. A white officer harassing young black males is accidentally shot in a town already divided by racism. The black boy is on the run and the white officers and community is itching to find him first before the family. This story had me on an emotional roller coaster because over the past couple of months there has been an epidemic of white officers killing black men and black boys and not being held accountable for their actions. To make matters worse, she introduces us to a black female attorney who is notorious for locking up young black men because she believes that they are the cause of their own problems. THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!!

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking, speechless, shocked. There is not enough words to explain how good this book was. Mama's Boy hit home very hard due to my husband and I faced the same exact thing, by turning our son in. Our outcome was total different from Gloria's. I felt her pain every time she visited her son. This book was so emotional at times I had to step back , put it down and then go back. Reshonda did a phenomenal job!! I hope to hear more from Jamal, Kay and Gloria.

[Sophie Sealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have this book on you TR list and wait another minute to read you are going to kick yourself. The plot is a piece of the story. The twist and turns will keep your riveted. I am so proud for not going to the back of the book before my time.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a book you shouldn't judge by it's cover, or in my case, "by it's title." I wasn't thrilled about the title of the book, but the more I read the book the more fitting the title became. This was a great read from beginning to end. The end is very shocking! :)

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. A story of a mother's love for her child, fighting for justice, and redemption. This book had some twists and turns that had me on edge. The storyline was great, very unpredictable. I recommend to others who enjoy a good read. I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a fantastic job.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book at an author event last fall. I knew the content was heavy, so I held off reading it until I was more mentally prepared. I regret that I didn't read this book as soon as I got it home. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and if life would have allowed it, I would have finished in one setting. The story centers around Gloria and Elton Jones - he is a preacher, she is a mother and housewife, and their son Jamal - who we find out in the first chapter has shot and killed a police office in the racially divided town of Jasper, Texas. Also, Kay and Phillip Christiansen - a prosecutor and defense attorney husband and wife in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Billingsley does a phenomenal job of weaving together a story that could have been ripped from the headlines of any newspaper today. A young man who is tried and convicted by society before he is even allowed to tell his version of the story. A mother who will go to any length to protect her only son. A animosity-filled father who is more concerned about perception and acceptance from his community and church members than the safety of his 17 year old child. The prosecutor charged with executing justice and a defense attorney who recognizes a flawed and biased court system. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout, actually more than I had anticipated, but this novel was pulled together flawlessly. Definitely my favorite from this author to date! Kudos to Mrs. Billingsley for bringing to the forefront topics (race/racial profiling, police brutality, flawed justice system) that have long been an understated issue in society. Every mother should read this novel. Every father should read this novel. In fact, this should be required for all high school students as well.

[Desiree Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla is a superb prosecutor, but when she gets the case of Jamal Jones, when she realizes who he is, bad memories come flooding back and she realizes she just can't try this case. Gloria Jones will do anything she can to get her son Jamal out of jail for accidentally shooting that cop. Her husband Elton, thought turning Jamal in would be the right thing to do. When Kay sees Elton she is sick to her stomach and wants nothing to do with him, he has caused her a lot of pain many years ago. There is a secret Kayla needs to let her husband Phillip in on. She has never told him about her past and how it's tied to Gloria and Pastor Elton Jones. But when her rival Marty who is running against her for mayor, threatens to blackmail her about her secret, she must tell Phillip before everything falls
apart. In the end, Jamal will be spared prison but not the pain these women have caused him. Hopefully he can find it in his heart to forgive them. Read: July 2015

[Faith Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all know I'm all about spoiler free reviews, and this one is no different. The problem is that it's hard to give a thorough review without giving away something. So bump thorough, all I can say is that you HAVE to read this book! It's full of twists and totally unexpected turns. What starts out as one family's problem quickly escalates into a tapestry of intertwined stories that would make Dr. Freud pause and shake his head. Billingsley took a hot topic (racial profiling/police brutality) and turned it on it's head. This is not your typical racial injustice saga. This is an honest look at an emotionally charged societal problem from varying perspectives. Do yourself a favor, get the book and one for a friend, because you are definitely going to want to discuss this with somebody after you read it!

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, which I freely give. FaithSimone.com

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love you have for your children is hard to deny. I totally felt for the mothers at the heart of this novel. Gloria and Kay approached motherhood from different stations in life. Well they saw everything from two totally different perspectives. It wasn't until both had their lives turned upside down did they realize they had more in common than they ever thought.

ReShonda has written a fictional narrative about something frequently reported in the news today - police brutality and lies within the family. The characters are rich with conviction and emotion. The story development is steady and often far too real. Mama's Boy is a must read. Definitely one of the best books I've read this year.

[Geneva Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, ReShonda has done a fantastic job. I loved reading "Mama's Boy" and all the twists and turns that came with it. In my opinion, "Mama's Boy", shows the true definition of a mother's love. I like how this book shows that a child can have a very good upbringing and still can get in serious trouble. I am glad that Kay's eyes were opened and she was able to face demons from her past., and that Gloria truly finally stood up to Elton. And I just loved Gloria's mom. I loved the quote Billingsley used from Scandal lol. I also loved how this book deals with the happenings and those things that has happened lately in many cities. This book is a definitely a must read.

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama's Boy by ReShonda Tate Billingsley is one of the best books I've read this year. ReShonda creates characters with so many layers that you have to keep turning the pages to learn more about them. This was a remarkable journey of forgiveness and never say never. You never know what you would do until you're in a situation, so it's best not to judge. One of the most powerful lines I read was, "You can't help anyone face their demons, when you're helping justify their actions." How true that is.

[Joi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was good and a quick read. I liked how much I connected with the characters. The book held my attention from beginning to end and I'm glad that I picked it up because it really hit home with things going on in today's society. It's about a boy named Jamal that got arrested for killing a white cop. It also tells about the prosecutor, Kay and the life that she leads.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again ReShonda Tate Billingsley pulls you in to her story. I loved this book. The twists and secrets that were in this book so worth reading it. It is also a book that will make you think which I love. I would highly recommend this book.

[Bridget Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me through so many different emotions! Mad, sad, and many more. This was a great book from start to finish. It helps she'd light on so many topics all in one!

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, I'm am utterly speechless at the powerful context of this story. Totally phenomenal book. Ms. Billingsley told this story in such a capativing way, that as a reader, I was so emotionally and incredibly attached to each characters on a very personal level. I felt their pain, anxiety, sadness, and eventually their triumph. I actually cried while reading this inspirational book.

I love our main characters, Kay and Gloria. They were both strong, compassion and respected women, who fought long and hard for their families' happiness. (I despised Elton and how he used God as an excuse to commit the unthinkable crimes, raping young women in his church). The ending was such a "poetic justice".
😡😠👿

I highly recommend this book and am looking for to reading more of Ms. Billingsley's books in the near future. (Another author I highly recommend is Victoria Christopher Murray, " Stand Your Ground", excellent story).

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. Mama’s Boy took me on an emotional roller coaster. The timing of reading this…on the heels of the outcome of a trial with what appears to be vigilante justice…evoked emotions that cried out for justice, forgiveness as well as redemption. Billingsley introduced the reader to a cast of characters and a situation that explored the impact that deeds have on individuals and family.

The author penned the words “it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. All that matters is where you end.” If that’s the case, buckle up because Elton and Gloria, Kay and Phillip, as well as the others, are getting ready to take us on a ride that will move us from looking at things beyond black and white or relative and absolute.

The backdrop of Mama’s Boy is the death of a decorated Veteran police officer in Jasper, TX (notorious for vigilante justice). Was the death accidental? Can the case be tried without biases or should there be a change of venue? Will other elements come into play while trying to get the case before the courts?

Mama’s Boy will acquaint the reader with a multitude of things. Adults will have to reckon with decisions they made previously and those that were made for them. Youngsters will open the eyes of adults. And, through it all, everything that’s been done in the dark will come to light.

[Tammy Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW

[Quaterria Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Very interesting book, touch on a slightly triggering subject but solid book nevertheless.

[Bonita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of “Mama’s Boy” by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
By Bonita Lee Penn (Pittsburgh)

A feeling of anticipation danced through me, as I opened the UPS package delivery of ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s soon to be released book “Mama’s Boy.” I am a fan of Billingsley’s from way back. I immediately read the back cover detailing a quick synopsis to see what delightful circumstances her characters, Gloria, Elton, Kay, Phillip and Jamal; we know what touches one family member carries as a ripple effect touching others. Gloria, a Black mother, is living with a mother’s worse fear, your only child, a son (Jamal), is accused of the fatal shooting of a white police officer. Not in just any city, but in Jasper, Texas. The location and the climate between law enforcement; between Black and Whites is strained. With this Billingsley’s skillfully connects reality to this work of fiction. The reader goes outside the imagination to pull on recent events happening in their communities; that takes this reader to a higher level of realism commonality. But, as in what I find great about Billingsley’s characters and their backstories, the layers go deeper than just one issue. Each character has something in their background that goes beyond even Jamal’s critical situation. These are what I like to call my What the Heck moments in Billingsley’s plot. She skillfully and unexpected and ‘what the heck’ takes the reader even further in the turmoil of her characters’ lives. Talk about demons to deal with, and these demons are not so far from what some of those in your own circle of family and or community are dealing with in secrets. But we know secrets never lay dormant for long, as those in “Mama Boy” soon find out, when it rain it storms. “Mama’s Boy” is filled with mini storms that meet and evolve to create one big hurricane.

Billingsley’s characters are fully developed multi-dimensional people, nothing flat or boring about her characters. What I like, I found a character I immediately disliked, that gave the writer through story/character development an opportunity to either change my mind (as a reader) or confirm the character’s personality is not likeable (the jury is still out on this one). Another great find, when things got hot (and they did), I will just say this much, the one male character was not written in an overblown way, his character was let’s say “that’s how we would like a ‘real’ man to confront an unknown circumstance.” But let’s say not all characters were to be liked, and some things kept in the dark are so ugly when they come out it shakes the foundation of the entire story.

Of course, there was one thing I did not agree with- the book’s front cover. After reading the book I found that the cover image marginalized and poorly represented the strength of the plot and its characters. I urge you all to order a copy of “Mama’s Boy,” ask your local bookstore to get in stock, suggest it for your next Book Club meeting. This book will be a topic of discussion in heavy rotation.

[Tamika Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I was given the opportunity to receive an advanced copy and I finished it in two days. Since finishing the book I’ve been trying to find the words to put in my review that will do this book justice. I’m still in awe and I don’t think there’s anything I can say that will prepare you for the twists and turns and pure emotion you will experience while reading. As the mother of two “Mama’s boys” this book really hit home because either of my sons could find themselves in the shoes of Jamal or any of the other teenage characters in the story. They are both considered “nice, polite, well-mannered, God-fearing young men” and yet in the blink of an eye with one bad decision our lives can be changed forever. I can’t think of anything that compares to the love of a mom and after reading the book I still find myself thinking… what would I have done?

ReShonda does a great job of developing each character and just when you think you know someone she adds a twist that shows how complex we are as individuals. Everyone has skeletons and Mama’s Boy shows how although hidden in a closet, they can always be resurrected bringing us face to face with our past creating havoc.

There are many layers to this story, as well as its characters, creating a complex situation that keeps you reading. There’s never a dull moment and there were many times when I thought “WHAT??? I didn’t see that coming!” With all of the recent racially motivated events impacting our society you can’t help being drawn into the storyline, hoping and praying for a positive outcome.
I know I’m not sharing much about the story and that’s on purpose. This book is a must read and I want everyone to enjoy it without any pre-conceived thoughts or expectations. I don’t want to spoil the experience. If you are in a book club I strongly suggest that you make this your next book. Combined with the current events it will definitely lead to a lengthy discussion.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley has not only done it again, I think she may have raised the bar with this one.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author ReShonda Tate Billingsley puts readers to the test in Mama’s Boy. Gloria Jones loves her son Jamal. When the television displays Jamal as a cop killer, Gloria is sure of her son’s innocence. On the other hand, Reverend Elton Jones tries to get his wife to understand their son has to turn himself in to the police. The one problem Gloria has with that is the cop was a white man and she fears for Jamal’s life. Rev. Jones goes behind his wife’s back and informs the police of where Jamal is hiding. This causes a rift in their family and marriage.

Gloria and Rev. Jones have different opinions on Jamal’s legal representation, which causes and even more rift in their marriage. When the Jones’ meet the prosecutor on the case they are sure Jamal’s fate is sealed. Kay Christiansen is the prosecuting attorney assigned to Jamal’s case and her history with the Jones family affects the case tremendously. Kay realizes that she cannot go forward and will have to turn it over to another attorney. She is running for Mayor and doesn’t want anything to jeopardize her chances. Unbeknownst to Kay someone believes the truth will set her free and when Kay’s connection with the Jones family is revealed, Kay will have to come clean with everyone including her husband.

Mama’s Boy was a uniquely written story about the strength of family and forgiveness. This was a well-developed story with strong characters readers will definitely relate to and will not be able to help caring for. As a mother, Mama’ s Boy makes you seriously think about being in Gloria’s shoes and about what you would do to protect your child. This was a thought-provoking book and has become my favorite by this author. It is a must read and a true testimony to how keeping secrets can cause damage to a family unit.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Review
5 Stars=Non-Stop Page Turner

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel! I really liked the lengths Gloria went to in order to get fair justice for Jamal. Kay had really been through a lot in her life but not sharing with her husband about her past was just wrong! ReShonda really dealt with a very complex issue and I felt like she executed it very well. Great novel dealing with the racial profiling of our youth. I really felt like I was watching a movie. Great job ReShonda!

[Stacia McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is timely in that it deals with the volatile relationships of the police and African American men; however, the tables are turned. The religious, political, social, and emotional themes are relevant and complicated, just like life. It was hard to put away. My son even enjoyed listening to it with me. I highly recommend it.

[Marcia Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was filled with drama from its opening page. The story was one that has been visited many times and therefore, sometimes predictable. There were a couple of twists that made it interesting and worth the read. The writer took an aged old story line and combined it with current events, which made the story relevant.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!!! While reading this book I thought what would I do as a mother? There are times when our children will make mistakes in their life. Would I be able to hand my son over to a racist police department? Serious issue talked about in this book. Excellent job ReShonda!!!