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One Good Mama Bone
Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction 2018
2021 French Prix Maya for Best Animal Welfare Novel
2019 Patricia Winn Award for Southern Literature
Great Group Reads 2017 selection by Women's National Book Association
Finalist for 2017 Crooks Corner Book Prize
SIBA OKRA pick Winter 2017
Pulpwood Queen Book of the Year 2017
Published in France, retitled "Mama Red"
Set in early 1950s rural South Carolina, One Good Mama Bone chronicles Sarah Creamer s quest to find her mama bone, after she is left to care for a boy who is not her own but instead is the product of an affair between her husband and her best friend and neighbor, a woman she calls Sister. When her husband drinks himself to death, Sarah, a dirt-poor homemaker with no family to rely on and the note on the farm long past due, must find a way for her and young Emerson Bridge to survive. But the more daunting obstacle is Sarah s fear that her mother s words, seared in her memory since she first heard them at the age of six, were a prophesy, You ain t got you one good mama bone in you, girl.
When Sarah reads in the local newspaper that a boy won $680 with his Grand Champion steer at the recent 1951 Fat Cattle Show & Sale, she sees this as their financial salvation and finds a way to get Emerson Bridge a steer from a local farmer to compete in the 1952 show. But the young calf is unsettled at Sarah s farm, crying out in distress and growing louder as the night wears on. Some four miles away, the steer s mother hears his cries and breaks out of a barbed-wire fence to go in search of him. The next morning Sarah finds the young steer quiet, content, and nursing a large cow. Inspired by the mother cow s act of love, Sarah names her Mama Red. And so Sarah s education in motherhood begins with Mama Red as her teacher.
But Luther Dobbins, the man who sold Sarah the steer, has his sights set on winning too, and, like Sarah, he is desperate, but not for money. Dobbins is desperate for glory, wanting to regain his lost grand-champion dynasty, and he will stop at nothing to win. Emboldened by her lessons from Mama Red and her budding mama bone, Sarah is committed to victory even after she learns the winning steer s ultimate fate. Will she stop at nothing, even if it means betraying her teacher?
McClain s writing is distinguished by a sophisticated and detailed portrayal of the day-to-day realities of rural poverty and an authentic sense of time and place that marks the best southern fiction. Her characters transcend their archetypes and her animal-as-teacher theme recalls the likes of Water for Elephants and The Art of Racing in the Rain. One Good Mama Bone explores the strengths and limitations of parental love, the healing power of the human-animal bond, and the ethical dilemmas of raising animals for food."
2021 French Prix Maya for Best Animal Welfare Novel
2019 Patricia Winn Award for Southern Literature
Great Group Reads 2017 selection by Women's National Book Association
Finalist for 2017 Crooks Corner Book Prize
SIBA OKRA pick Winter 2017
Pulpwood Queen Book of the Year 2017
Published in France, retitled "Mama Red"
Set in early 1950s rural South Carolina, One Good Mama Bone chronicles Sarah Creamer s quest to find her mama bone, after she is left to care for a boy who is not her own but instead is the product of an affair between her husband and her best friend and neighbor, a woman she calls Sister. When her husband drinks himself to death, Sarah, a dirt-poor homemaker with no family to rely on and the note on the farm long past due, must find a way for her and young Emerson Bridge to survive. But the more daunting obstacle is Sarah s fear that her mother s words, seared in her memory since she first heard them at the age of six, were a prophesy, You ain t got you one good mama bone in you, girl.
When Sarah reads in the local newspaper that a boy won $680 with his Grand Champion steer at the recent 1951 Fat Cattle Show & Sale, she sees this as their financial salvation and finds a way to get Emerson Bridge a steer from a local farmer to compete in the 1952 show. But the young calf is unsettled at Sarah s farm, crying out in distress and growing louder as the night wears on. Some four miles away, the steer s mother hears his cries and breaks out of a barbed-wire fence to go in search of him. The next morning Sarah finds the young steer quiet, content, and nursing a large cow. Inspired by the mother cow s act of love, Sarah names her Mama Red. And so Sarah s education in motherhood begins with Mama Red as her teacher.
But Luther Dobbins, the man who sold Sarah the steer, has his sights set on winning too, and, like Sarah, he is desperate, but not for money. Dobbins is desperate for glory, wanting to regain his lost grand-champion dynasty, and he will stop at nothing to win. Emboldened by her lessons from Mama Red and her budding mama bone, Sarah is committed to victory even after she learns the winning steer s ultimate fate. Will she stop at nothing, even if it means betraying her teacher?
McClain s writing is distinguished by a sophisticated and detailed portrayal of the day-to-day realities of rural poverty and an authentic sense of time and place that marks the best southern fiction. Her characters transcend their archetypes and her animal-as-teacher theme recalls the likes of Water for Elephants and The Art of Racing in the Rain. One Good Mama Bone explores the strengths and limitations of parental love, the healing power of the human-animal bond, and the ethical dilemmas of raising animals for food."
280 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
June 12, 2017
I feel like my heart was opened up to all kinds of emotions and then swallowed whole. I finished reading it just a few short minutes ago and did not know if this non-crier would be able to see well enough with my tear-filled eyes to write this review.
One Good Mama Bone reads like a classic. The character development is flawless; each was fleshed out in three dimension, including the tenderly-drawn animals. Since the setting is rural South Carolina on a cattle farm, having spent time on a family farm growing up, I had a feeling there would be plenty of heartbreak in these pages, and there certainly was. The book was so exquisitely executed that the heartbreaks, including the bouts of ugly crying, were all worth it for me. I really do not want to give any of the story away; it's just too good. I also have to note- I find human and animal behavior fascinating, and a side benefit of reading this book was all I learned about cows, especially mama cows. If you like well-written, emotional reads filled with characters you will want to hug and characters you will loathe, this book gets my highest recommendation. I will never forget it or its characters.
I also want to add, for my animal loving friends, because of the nature of cattle farming, animal slaughter for food is discussed. As a vegetarian, I was sensitive to that, and for me, even if I was deeply, deeply unsettled reading about it, it did not detract from my love for this story and its characters.
I read that it took Bren McClain over 10 years to write this book. I sincerely hope she writes another book, and even if takes 10 years, I will be waiting for it. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for the complimentary copy. This was my unsolicited review.
One Good Mama Bone reads like a classic. The character development is flawless; each was fleshed out in three dimension, including the tenderly-drawn animals. Since the setting is rural South Carolina on a cattle farm, having spent time on a family farm growing up, I had a feeling there would be plenty of heartbreak in these pages, and there certainly was. The book was so exquisitely executed that the heartbreaks, including the bouts of ugly crying, were all worth it for me. I really do not want to give any of the story away; it's just too good. I also have to note- I find human and animal behavior fascinating, and a side benefit of reading this book was all I learned about cows, especially mama cows. If you like well-written, emotional reads filled with characters you will want to hug and characters you will loathe, this book gets my highest recommendation. I will never forget it or its characters.
I also want to add, for my animal loving friends, because of the nature of cattle farming, animal slaughter for food is discussed. As a vegetarian, I was sensitive to that, and for me, even if I was deeply, deeply unsettled reading about it, it did not detract from my love for this story and its characters.
I read that it took Bren McClain over 10 years to write this book. I sincerely hope she writes another book, and even if takes 10 years, I will be waiting for it. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for the complimentary copy. This was my unsolicited review.
February 7, 2017
I just read a book about a woman who talks to a cow and discovers that she can learn something from this cow and this city born and raised girl liked it. Well, it's not really about only that, although Big Red and her steer Lucky are a big part of the story, it's about so much more. It's about poverty and infidelity and a gift - a little boy named Emerson Bridge and the strength that one pulls from deep within when you can't see that it's there. It's about some devious people as well as good people and about friendship, about love and what constitutes family.
Sarah Creamer lives a hard life . It's the early 1950's in rural South Carolina. Her husband drinks his paycheck, her best friend gives birth to her husband's baby and Sarah is left with the little boy, feeling an obligation to care for him even though she has the feeling that she doesn't have "one good mama bone" in her body. Her priority becomes to make sure she can feed Emerson Bridge and keep a roof over his head even though she thinks, "I don't know how to be no good mama" - Sarah was wrong. She discovers that if she can get a steer, it would provide a buddy for her son as well as make some money if the steer wins a contest. Problems arise when others have their sights on the same prize, problems that make for an unexpected ending.
I'm not surprised that it was selected by Pat Conroy for Story River Books imprint . This is a well written debut and certainly a story of the south, but mostly a story whose themes are shared no matter where you live. I will definitely watch for more from McClain.
I received an advanced copy of this book from University of South Carolina Press (Caitlin Hamilton Marketing) through NetGalley .
August 22, 2017
I will first express my views on the reading experience, and then share some cattle stories with you, since this book centers around a boy and his steer, and his mother's bond with the mother-cow.
Mary Alice Monroe says in the foreword to the book:
THE BOOK
This is one of those southern grit lit books that will become a classic.
The language, historical time period, characters and representation of a bitter reality were spot on. It was just a joy to read. The characters were fully developed; the atmosphere perfectly captured, the environment grim, but beautiful. Developing the villains as humane beings was really a big plus for me. The result was that it turned into a deeply human story with flaws splattered all over each soul.
Julian Barnes, in his book, The Noise Of Time began the story by saying:
It had all begun, very precisely, he told his mind, on the morning of the 28th of January 1936, at Arkhangelsk railway station. No, his mind responded, nothing begins just like that, on a certain date at a certain place. It all began in many places, and at many times, some even before you were born, in foreign countries, and in the minds of others.
In One Good Mama Bone this universal truth is extended to all the characters, which brings a certain amount of empathy to the villains as well. In my opinion it makes this book a fair rendition of millions of family stories all over the world. It justifies the reason why people often say, "yes, I know this is bad, but I love him / her anyway". And it forms the basis of the reason why abused children always long to return home when they were taken away.
I'm not going to retell the story, or dissect the characters, it is unnecessary. Besides that, the book touched me so deeply that I selfishly want to keep them for myself, right next to my heart forever!
Some elements in the book did not work for me, such as the tearjerker intent behind the story, as well as the ending. But it's not going to prevent me from rating it a five star read.
One Good Mama Bone is a MUST-READ! The title is as lyrical as the prose and the southern picturesque, idiomatic talk, an absolute delight.
THE MEMORIES - the part you can skip can be found in the spoiler.
There's no laughter in this book, only sadness, really. But lots of integrity, strong character, honesty, values, decency and respect.
One Good Mama Bone is just so worth the time and effort. A beautiful experience with a relatively happy ending for the family. It will depend on how the reader defines happiness.
I recommend this book with heart and soul.
Mary Alice Monroe says in the foreword to the book:
This is a novel that just might break your heart, and it might well heal it too, but with both acts Bren McClain will remind you of why each of us is entrusted with a heart in the first place—to love, to learn, to make the hard choices, and to feel deeply within ourselves the righteousness and generosity of living in the service of one another...
...Bren’s novel begins and ends with heartrending revelations about the bonds between families, specifically between mothers and children, but ultimately between Mother Nature and all her myriad offspring. In Bren’s themes of the power of family to heal and the power of nature to teach, she speaks to the connective threads that I strive to weave through my own novels. What a joy it is then to see a new voice from South Carolina, and one championed by Pat Conroy himself, take up those inspiriting messages in this novel of the Carolina upstate in the 1950s.
THE BOOK
This is one of those southern grit lit books that will become a classic.
The language, historical time period, characters and representation of a bitter reality were spot on. It was just a joy to read. The characters were fully developed; the atmosphere perfectly captured, the environment grim, but beautiful. Developing the villains as humane beings was really a big plus for me. The result was that it turned into a deeply human story with flaws splattered all over each soul.
Julian Barnes, in his book, The Noise Of Time began the story by saying:
It had all begun, very precisely, he told his mind, on the morning of the 28th of January 1936, at Arkhangelsk railway station. No, his mind responded, nothing begins just like that, on a certain date at a certain place. It all began in many places, and at many times, some even before you were born, in foreign countries, and in the minds of others.
In One Good Mama Bone this universal truth is extended to all the characters, which brings a certain amount of empathy to the villains as well. In my opinion it makes this book a fair rendition of millions of family stories all over the world. It justifies the reason why people often say, "yes, I know this is bad, but I love him / her anyway". And it forms the basis of the reason why abused children always long to return home when they were taken away.
I'm not going to retell the story, or dissect the characters, it is unnecessary. Besides that, the book touched me so deeply that I selfishly want to keep them for myself, right next to my heart forever!
Some elements in the book did not work for me, such as the tearjerker intent behind the story, as well as the ending. But it's not going to prevent me from rating it a five star read.
One Good Mama Bone is a MUST-READ! The title is as lyrical as the prose and the southern picturesque, idiomatic talk, an absolute delight.
THE MEMORIES - the part you can skip can be found in the spoiler.
There's no laughter in this book, only sadness, really. But lots of integrity, strong character, honesty, values, decency and respect.
One Good Mama Bone is just so worth the time and effort. A beautiful experience with a relatively happy ending for the family. It will depend on how the reader defines happiness.
I recommend this book with heart and soul.
November 19, 2023
I wrote it. I better believe in it.
October 21, 2018
In rural South Carolina in the early 1950’s, Sarah Creamer adopts her best friend’s baby boy after her tragic suicide. Seven years later when Sarah’s husband dies, she is left without the resources to care for Emerson. She has never had a real job and is short on money and family support. She fears that she doesn't have the mothering skills to raise this child on her own.
Sarah has been struggling to support her family by making dresses for the local women and is barely surviving. One day, Sarah reads about a local steer competition with a substantial cash prize. Facing limited options, she decides to buy a calf for Emerson to raise for the next competition. She ends up with a second animal when the calf’s mom, Mama Red, escapes from her owner and ends up in the Creamer’s yard. Mama Red becomes important to Sarah and becomes an outlet to discuss her feelings about motherhood. As the date of the competition draws closer, Sara develops some unlikely friendships that were unthinkable years ago.
This is a stunning debut novel by Bren McCain. One Good Mama Bone will make you ponder the bonds of love, parenting, and the struggles that are endured. I am impatiently waiting for this author’s next book.
Sarah has been struggling to support her family by making dresses for the local women and is barely surviving. One day, Sarah reads about a local steer competition with a substantial cash prize. Facing limited options, she decides to buy a calf for Emerson to raise for the next competition. She ends up with a second animal when the calf’s mom, Mama Red, escapes from her owner and ends up in the Creamer’s yard. Mama Red becomes important to Sarah and becomes an outlet to discuss her feelings about motherhood. As the date of the competition draws closer, Sara develops some unlikely friendships that were unthinkable years ago.
This is a stunning debut novel by Bren McCain. One Good Mama Bone will make you ponder the bonds of love, parenting, and the struggles that are endured. I am impatiently waiting for this author’s next book.
March 27, 2018
I really connected with this book because I too was 4-Her that showed cattle. So a lot of the farming side of the plot was familiar. For a reader with no livestock background this could be a very strange read at times. The book was unique in the fact that some of the perspective came from a cow.
The human character's mostly broke my heart mainly because most of them felt inadequate and that they weren't enough for the ones they loved or looked up to. Most didn't realize how strong and capable they were until they had years of being critical of themselves and self doubt. There was heartache but there was hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt very honest. There was one part in book I had some doubts about being realistic for an 8 year old boy but overall 4.5 stars. Emotions at their best...stirring something in you are the best novels. Almost a year after reading, I find I recommend this book to a lot of readers.
The human character's mostly broke my heart mainly because most of them felt inadequate and that they weren't enough for the ones they loved or looked up to. Most didn't realize how strong and capable they were until they had years of being critical of themselves and self doubt. There was heartache but there was hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt very honest. There was one part in book I had some doubts about being realistic for an 8 year old boy but overall 4.5 stars. Emotions at their best...stirring something in you are the best novels. Almost a year after reading, I find I recommend this book to a lot of readers.
March 30, 2017
It's hard to review this one without feeling like I'm being unfair to an author who put her heart and soul into her first novel. My previous two reads were excellent books by accomplished authors, and this one naturally suffered by comparison. It was a wonderful story with pockets of really great writing, but some problems with characters that make me feel like I'm nitpicking to mention. I'll think about this one and may revisit this review later.
January 30, 2018
At this moment, only minutes after finishing One Good Mama Bone by Bren McClain, I'm feeling stunned at just how good this book was. I thought it would be a decent book as I recalled some favourable reviews but this was above and beyond all expectations. In the Foreword Mary Alice Monroe wrote
" This is a novel that just might break your heart, and it might well heal it too, but with both acts Bren McClain will remind you of why each of us is entrusted with a heart in the first place—to love, to learn, to make the hard choices, and to feel deeply within ourselves the righteousness and generosity of living in the service of one another." These were perfectly chosen words which is apt because every word in the novel she introduced felt perfectly chosen.
From the age of six Sarah Creamer has carried the words of a cruel and thoughtless mother who insistedyou-aint-got-you-one-good-mama-bone-in-you". Sarah is now facing a life as a widow trying to figure out how best to be a mother to six year old Emerson Bridge, a boy who had adored his papa. They are as poor as it's possible to be but Sarah is determined to do the best by her boy. She decides to get him a steer so he'll have a friend, and hopes they'll make some money by entering him into the Fat Cattle Show and Sale. They end up with a steer they name Lucky and the mother cow they name Mama Red. I'm completely in awe of Bren McClain's skill with this story, and the way Sarah learnt about a mothers true love from that cow was incredibly touching. I adored both Sarah and Emerson. Sarah's mama could not have been more wrong when she accused Sarah of not having one good mama bone in her body. What she should have said was she did not have one selfish bone in her body. As for Mama bones she had more than her fair share.
There were several other threads to the story, each as interesting and moving as the next. The Dobbins family was one I will not easily forget. A father who was full of bluff and bluster and was something of a bully seemingly unable to show respect, kindness nor love. When his family began turning against him I applied the adage 'you reap what you sow'. Seriously though I didn't expect the bumper crop he got in return.
The number of notes I made as I read, the way I want to keep adding to my review, the tears that trickled as I read the closing pages, indeed the way the I was moved by a story essentiallyabout a cow. All of these things make me realise the only possible rating I can give this book is five fabulous stars. Highly recommended reading. I encourage you to try it for yourself.
" This is a novel that just might break your heart, and it might well heal it too, but with both acts Bren McClain will remind you of why each of us is entrusted with a heart in the first place—to love, to learn, to make the hard choices, and to feel deeply within ourselves the righteousness and generosity of living in the service of one another." These were perfectly chosen words which is apt because every word in the novel she introduced felt perfectly chosen.
From the age of six Sarah Creamer has carried the words of a cruel and thoughtless mother who insistedyou-aint-got-you-one-good-mama-bone-in-you". Sarah is now facing a life as a widow trying to figure out how best to be a mother to six year old Emerson Bridge, a boy who had adored his papa. They are as poor as it's possible to be but Sarah is determined to do the best by her boy. She decides to get him a steer so he'll have a friend, and hopes they'll make some money by entering him into the Fat Cattle Show and Sale. They end up with a steer they name Lucky and the mother cow they name Mama Red. I'm completely in awe of Bren McClain's skill with this story, and the way Sarah learnt about a mothers true love from that cow was incredibly touching. I adored both Sarah and Emerson. Sarah's mama could not have been more wrong when she accused Sarah of not having one good mama bone in her body. What she should have said was she did not have one selfish bone in her body. As for Mama bones she had more than her fair share.
There were several other threads to the story, each as interesting and moving as the next. The Dobbins family was one I will not easily forget. A father who was full of bluff and bluster and was something of a bully seemingly unable to show respect, kindness nor love. When his family began turning against him I applied the adage 'you reap what you sow'. Seriously though I didn't expect the bumper crop he got in return.
The number of notes I made as I read, the way I want to keep adding to my review, the tears that trickled as I read the closing pages, indeed the way the I was moved by a story essentiallyabout a cow. All of these things make me realise the only possible rating I can give this book is five fabulous stars. Highly recommended reading. I encourage you to try it for yourself.
June 16, 2023
4.5 Stars
This begins with two women, Sarah and her best friend and neighbor, who she calls ‘Sister’ are best friends. Sarah has recently lost a baby, a daughter, she was carrying in childbirth. Soon after her best friend gives birth to an infant son. But their friendship doesn’t last long, as Sarah will soon lose her best friend, and her husband, as well.
’One night, deep into it, when sounds are prone to carry a baby boy lies crying on Sarah Creamer’s kitchen table. He is minutes old, still wet with his mother’s blood, and hungry for his mother’s milk.
But she doesn’t hear his cries. She is no longer there.
Only Sarah. Only Sarah remains. Her body bent over his, her hands rummaging the wooden planks for a towel still white enough to wrap him in.
It is June 22, 1944 as this begins, and this is the rural South, where Sarah has no family that can offer help, no real income to rely on after her husband is gone after drinking himself to death. It is up to her to raise this infant child that she will name Emerson, and find a way to pay off the note on the farm. Fortunately, she is a skilled seamstress, although after a lifetime of being talked down to, she has little faith in herself, and finds it hard to believe she is worthy of anything. Her mother’s words from childhood are rooted in her - ’You ain’t got you one good mama bone in you, girl’
Years later, when Emerson is around 8 years old, she hears about a boy that won money at a local Cattle Show, and she thinks this might be a way for them to be able to afford to pay off some debt, and to give her son and herself a better future. She brings home a calf, but it isn’t long before the calf’s mother hears his cries and makes her way to Sarah’s Farm, and ends up staying.
It’s only when Sarah realizes what the fate of the winning steer will be that she regrets what may lay in store for not only for the winning steer, should this calf be the winner, but the effect it will have on her son.
A heartfelt story of the bonds we have for those whom we share our lives with, both people and animals, and the desire to protect them and the lengths we will go to for those we love.
This begins with two women, Sarah and her best friend and neighbor, who she calls ‘Sister’ are best friends. Sarah has recently lost a baby, a daughter, she was carrying in childbirth. Soon after her best friend gives birth to an infant son. But their friendship doesn’t last long, as Sarah will soon lose her best friend, and her husband, as well.
’One night, deep into it, when sounds are prone to carry a baby boy lies crying on Sarah Creamer’s kitchen table. He is minutes old, still wet with his mother’s blood, and hungry for his mother’s milk.
But she doesn’t hear his cries. She is no longer there.
Only Sarah. Only Sarah remains. Her body bent over his, her hands rummaging the wooden planks for a towel still white enough to wrap him in.
It is June 22, 1944 as this begins, and this is the rural South, where Sarah has no family that can offer help, no real income to rely on after her husband is gone after drinking himself to death. It is up to her to raise this infant child that she will name Emerson, and find a way to pay off the note on the farm. Fortunately, she is a skilled seamstress, although after a lifetime of being talked down to, she has little faith in herself, and finds it hard to believe she is worthy of anything. Her mother’s words from childhood are rooted in her - ’You ain’t got you one good mama bone in you, girl’
Years later, when Emerson is around 8 years old, she hears about a boy that won money at a local Cattle Show, and she thinks this might be a way for them to be able to afford to pay off some debt, and to give her son and herself a better future. She brings home a calf, but it isn’t long before the calf’s mother hears his cries and makes her way to Sarah’s Farm, and ends up staying.
It’s only when Sarah realizes what the fate of the winning steer will be that she regrets what may lay in store for not only for the winning steer, should this calf be the winner, but the effect it will have on her son.
A heartfelt story of the bonds we have for those whom we share our lives with, both people and animals, and the desire to protect them and the lengths we will go to for those we love.
June 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Having grown up on a farm, I could enjoy and relate to the experience of raising livestock and 4-H. Beautiful, simple, words written in this book to describe a mother's love and protection of her children. Children both adopted and blood related. A story of strength and perseverance. A story of love and what animals can teach us.
My only real criticism of One Good Mama Bone is where the author took one young characters' story a bit too far to be realistic. I'll not spoil it for the rest of you and you may not have the problem with it that I did. This book is fictional. I didn't let the unexpected event spoil the story for me, but I believe it did not fit the book or the 1950's.
It is true, Ms. McClain, that if you name the animal you can't let it go on the dinner table. Well, at least that was the case in my family. I had a runt Holstein bull that we made a steer and kept until he died. He wasn't prize worthy at half the size of a normal steer. He followed me around the pasture like a dog. I loved him immensely.
My rating: 3.5 stars
Oh, and kudos to whoever came up with the cover. It is awesome and I want to rub the fur between that sweet cow's eyes.
My only real criticism of One Good Mama Bone is where the author took one young characters' story a bit too far to be realistic. I'll not spoil it for the rest of you and you may not have the problem with it that I did. This book is fictional. I didn't let the unexpected event spoil the story for me, but I believe it did not fit the book or the 1950's.
It is true, Ms. McClain, that if you name the animal you can't let it go on the dinner table. Well, at least that was the case in my family. I had a runt Holstein bull that we made a steer and kept until he died. He wasn't prize worthy at half the size of a normal steer. He followed me around the pasture like a dog. I loved him immensely.
My rating: 3.5 stars
Oh, and kudos to whoever came up with the cover. It is awesome and I want to rub the fur between that sweet cow's eyes.
November 1, 2016
At least a decade ago, I sat in the 16th floor ballroom of the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, and listened to a group of fellow Spalding MFA students read from their works in progress. Many were passable; a few were darn good. And then Bren McClain stood up and read what would become the first chapter of One Good Mama Bone. About three sentences in, I leaned forward in my chair, transfixed. Soon, I forgot to breathe. When McClain finished her piece, there was the kind of hush that fills a room when no one wants the reading to be over. Then the applause began, and we leapt to our feet.
For ten years, I’ve been waiting to hear what happens next. And this novel does not disappoint. If you are a mother; if you have or had a mother; heck, if you love Mother Nature, buy this book. (Available for preorder now.) I promise you’ll never forget Sarah Creamer and her son, nor Mama Red and hers.
Published by Pat Conroy’s Story River Books imprint at the University of South Caroline Press, with a forward by Mary Alice Monroe, One Good Mama Bone is Southern Gothic fiction at its finest.
For ten years, I’ve been waiting to hear what happens next. And this novel does not disappoint. If you are a mother; if you have or had a mother; heck, if you love Mother Nature, buy this book. (Available for preorder now.) I promise you’ll never forget Sarah Creamer and her son, nor Mama Red and hers.
Published by Pat Conroy’s Story River Books imprint at the University of South Caroline Press, with a forward by Mary Alice Monroe, One Good Mama Bone is Southern Gothic fiction at its finest.
August 13, 2017
When the novel begins Sarah's best friend is delivering the baby of her husband's girlfriend. The best friend dies right after the birth and Sarah and her husband are left the raise the baby that they named Jefferson Bridge. Life is rural South Carolina in the early 50s is tough and there is often no food to eat in the house - especially after her husband loses his job and uses what little money they have to buy alcohol. He dies very early in the story and Sarah is left to raise Jefferson Bridge but there is a big problem with that - her mama told her at an early age "You ain't got one good mama bone in you, girl." With these words ringing in her head since the age of six, Sarah doesn't believe that she has the capacity to love Jefferson Bridge like a mama should.
That is just a brief synopsis of the book but the real story is whether Sarah can love her husband's son like her own, build a relationship with him and be a real mother. She first has to learn to gain trust in herself and her abilities before she can create a family. She has to overcome the words that her mother said to her so many years ago and find her own 'mama bone' to be a mother to a boy who is not biologically her son.
This novel is beautifully written and so descriptive of life in the rural South. The hardscrabble life that the characters are living is apparent on every page - no food to eat, no money in the bank, no wood for the fire or gas for the car. But by the end, the reader realizes that it's not the material things that really matter - its the love in a family that is the most important thing in life.
I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
That is just a brief synopsis of the book but the real story is whether Sarah can love her husband's son like her own, build a relationship with him and be a real mother. She first has to learn to gain trust in herself and her abilities before she can create a family. She has to overcome the words that her mother said to her so many years ago and find her own 'mama bone' to be a mother to a boy who is not biologically her son.
This novel is beautifully written and so descriptive of life in the rural South. The hardscrabble life that the characters are living is apparent on every page - no food to eat, no money in the bank, no wood for the fire or gas for the car. But by the end, the reader realizes that it's not the material things that really matter - its the love in a family that is the most important thing in life.
I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2018
This is a jewel of a book - clever, gut-wrenching, powerful. Such strong voices. If the goal of good writing is to "make me care" - then this book did. I recommend without reservation.
July 11, 2025
I have had this book on my shelf since it first came out. So glad that I finally picked it up. It is a story about grinding poverty and the dreams of a young mother who works just as hard as she possibly can to get through each day. Bren McClain is an extremely talented writer and I surely won’t wait eight years to read her next one!!!
November 1, 2017
I enjoyed the audible version of ONE GOOD MAMA BONE while on my daily walks and let me tell you, I've never been more motivated to lace up my sneaks each day to get back to this book! The story is haunting, the prose stunning and the narration downright exquisite. Told from multiple points of view, the book opens with Mama Red as she gives birth to twin calves. Any writer who can get inside of a cow's head in such a visceral way and make the reader identify so beautifully with the tormented animal is one talented author. I was hooked from the start and the story continues to haunt me days after I finished. This moving novel set in the deep 1950's south will resonate deeply with readers who enjoy stories of hardship and hope, innocence and survival. It's one of the best books I've read this year.
I highly recommend the audible version as Bren McClain inhabits her characters so fully that you lose yourself to them and to her as she immerses you in their homes, their too-small shoes, their musky hides, their broken hearts and their indomitable spirits. You will smell the wood fires and cattle and pine dust. You will feel the child's longings and the adult's yearning to meet them. You will hear the sewing machine as it hums, see the tired fingers pushing the fabric, taste the sausage and biscuits spread out on a wealthy neighbor's table. You will be so glad you picked up this book.
I highly recommend the audible version as Bren McClain inhabits her characters so fully that you lose yourself to them and to her as she immerses you in their homes, their too-small shoes, their musky hides, their broken hearts and their indomitable spirits. You will smell the wood fires and cattle and pine dust. You will feel the child's longings and the adult's yearning to meet them. You will hear the sewing machine as it hums, see the tired fingers pushing the fabric, taste the sausage and biscuits spread out on a wealthy neighbor's table. You will be so glad you picked up this book.
November 23, 2021
3.5 stars
Sarah Creamer has raised her boy Emerson Bridge with love but little affection. Her mama always told her she didn’t have one good mama bone in her body, and when she suffered a late term pregnancy loss early in her marriage, it seemed her mama was right. Unable to have her own child following her loss, Sarah helped her best friend she called Sister deliver a baby boy (whose father is Sarah’s husband) before Sister died.
Now unable to put food on the table after her husband’s death seven years later, Emerson Bridge enters the 1952 Fat Cattle Show & Sale in hopes of winning the grand prize money.
Former grand champion winner Luther Dobbins sells Sarah a steer he considers a throwaway, intent on his own son winning the grand prize. The steer’s mama finds her way to the Creamer property to take care of her calf and Sarah finds she can learn a thing or two from the mother cow.
Slowly Sarah learns she has been a mama to Emerson Bridge his whole life, even through the fear she’s held on to for all these years. She’s committed to taking care of her son and now Lucky the calf and Mama Red.
When Sarah and Emerson Bridge learn what Lucky’s fate will be if he’s named the grand champion, they must make some tough decisions for their future.
One Good Mama Bone is a lovely story exploring parental love and human-animal bonds set against the backdrop of rural 1950s South Carolina. The emotions and atmosphere rang true for me in this book but I felt something lacking in the character development and dimension. While we’re given insight into character’s thoughts and feelings, some felt stereotypical or caricatured. This was a feel-good story that continuously assured me throughout that everything was going to work out but that also means I didn’t feel any immediacy or high stakes which could’ve taken this book the extra mile for me.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
Sarah Creamer has raised her boy Emerson Bridge with love but little affection. Her mama always told her she didn’t have one good mama bone in her body, and when she suffered a late term pregnancy loss early in her marriage, it seemed her mama was right. Unable to have her own child following her loss, Sarah helped her best friend she called Sister deliver a baby boy (whose father is Sarah’s husband) before Sister died.
Now unable to put food on the table after her husband’s death seven years later, Emerson Bridge enters the 1952 Fat Cattle Show & Sale in hopes of winning the grand prize money.
Former grand champion winner Luther Dobbins sells Sarah a steer he considers a throwaway, intent on his own son winning the grand prize. The steer’s mama finds her way to the Creamer property to take care of her calf and Sarah finds she can learn a thing or two from the mother cow.
Slowly Sarah learns she has been a mama to Emerson Bridge his whole life, even through the fear she’s held on to for all these years. She’s committed to taking care of her son and now Lucky the calf and Mama Red.
When Sarah and Emerson Bridge learn what Lucky’s fate will be if he’s named the grand champion, they must make some tough decisions for their future.
One Good Mama Bone is a lovely story exploring parental love and human-animal bonds set against the backdrop of rural 1950s South Carolina. The emotions and atmosphere rang true for me in this book but I felt something lacking in the character development and dimension. While we’re given insight into character’s thoughts and feelings, some felt stereotypical or caricatured. This was a feel-good story that continuously assured me throughout that everything was going to work out but that also means I didn’t feel any immediacy or high stakes which could’ve taken this book the extra mile for me.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
March 9, 2023
Absolutely beautiful! Just finished this one and my heart feels full and yet it aches immensely. Couldn't quit shedding tears and that is a lot from someone who doesn't cry much. I just loved this story. The characters were absolutely incredible. I was rooting for the sweet and innocent Sarah along with her charming and admirable son, Emerson and also, Lucky and his mama. It broke my heart to see bad luck come their way and yet, they endured. My favorite parts were the private moments when Sarah & Emerson, individually, would go out to talk to the cows. In those moments, they could open up and reveal themselves. They could be honest and vulnerable and we could see more into their souls. This will definitely be a story I'll hold close in my heart for years to come.
January 28, 2018
Sometimes I discover a new book that leaves an imprint on my heart. It's like discovering something fantastic that you want everyone to know about. I never would have thought that this story about a mama cow (Mama Red) and her calf (Lucky) would touch me so deeply and fill my heart full of joy.
This is the story of a mama cow and her calf that teaches a human mother and her child unconditional love, perseverance, bravery, and bittersweet sacrifice for those we love. It's about never giving up.
The author writes with a poetic hand leaving you relishing her descriptive words. The setting is rural countryside where nothing fancy exists but it's the simplicity that speaks volumes in this tale. I took my time reading this one like you do when you savor your favorite dessert not wanting to finish it, letting the words settle in my mind. I will remember the sweetness of this story. This is my honest and unsolicited review.
This is the story of a mama cow and her calf that teaches a human mother and her child unconditional love, perseverance, bravery, and bittersweet sacrifice for those we love. It's about never giving up.
The author writes with a poetic hand leaving you relishing her descriptive words. The setting is rural countryside where nothing fancy exists but it's the simplicity that speaks volumes in this tale. I took my time reading this one like you do when you savor your favorite dessert not wanting to finish it, letting the words settle in my mind. I will remember the sweetness of this story. This is my honest and unsolicited review.
May 20, 2017
Fantastic book about love, learning, maternal instinct and sacrifice! Bren has an amazing first book and she's a great story-teller. She brings to life a story brought to life in a little over 250 pages. The love of a mother and child is amazing. The bond that grows, even if it isn't your child is strong and can't be broken. I laughed and I cried throughout the book and I might not look at a cow the same way again.
April 6, 2017
Are You Ready For The Next "To Kill A Mockingbird?" Well, here it is!, April 3, 2017
By Craig Faris (amended)
(Story River Books) (Hardcover)
I loved this so much that I bought two copies, the hardback and the audio book. Brenda McClain, is our modern day Harper Lee, and this, her debut' novel, is truly the next "To Kill a Mockingbird." It was everything that I had hoped for and more. The writing is from the heart; the story is so moving that it brings you to tears; the emotions and the love for the characters and the animals is breathtaking.
A lot of times, after reading or listening to a book, I'll either sell it or delete the file, but NOT this one. This is the type of book you'll want to save for re-reading a year from now just so you can relive the story all over again.
Pat Conroy read this book before it was published and he was so moved that he asked if his publishing company could have the honor of publishing it... and they did, right before is death.
I was honored to meet Bren years ago at a writers conference when we were both unpublished and knew her when this manuscript was a finalist in the 2012 William Faulkner/ Wisdom Pirates Alley competition and I am thrilled that her upcoming novel, "Took" won the 2016 just won the same competition in 2016. So, get her to autographed copy while you can, because she is going to the top of the New York Time Bestsellers list... perhaps ever the Pulitzer Prize.
Oh... and the quality of the audio book... Holy Cow! I can't imagine a better reader than Bren McClain herself. Her voice is PERFECT for this story and when I'm listening to it, I'm there; I'm in that room when Sarah Creamer gives LC the keys to her car and ten whole dollars to buy that sixteen-year-old cow, just so his son's steer, which isn't weened, can have her mama. I get to my destination and I can't get out of the car. This story is so real, so riveting, so heartfelt that I don't want to leave it. Bren, can I hire you to read MY book?
Reviewed by Craig Faris, Seventeen-time published author with 31 literary awards, and author of The Spectrum Conspiracy, winner of 8 literary awards in international, national and regional competitions.
By Craig Faris (amended)
(Story River Books) (Hardcover)
I loved this so much that I bought two copies, the hardback and the audio book. Brenda McClain, is our modern day Harper Lee, and this, her debut' novel, is truly the next "To Kill a Mockingbird." It was everything that I had hoped for and more. The writing is from the heart; the story is so moving that it brings you to tears; the emotions and the love for the characters and the animals is breathtaking.
A lot of times, after reading or listening to a book, I'll either sell it or delete the file, but NOT this one. This is the type of book you'll want to save for re-reading a year from now just so you can relive the story all over again.
Pat Conroy read this book before it was published and he was so moved that he asked if his publishing company could have the honor of publishing it... and they did, right before is death.
I was honored to meet Bren years ago at a writers conference when we were both unpublished and knew her when this manuscript was a finalist in the 2012 William Faulkner/ Wisdom Pirates Alley competition and I am thrilled that her upcoming novel, "Took" won the 2016 just won the same competition in 2016. So, get her to autographed copy while you can, because she is going to the top of the New York Time Bestsellers list... perhaps ever the Pulitzer Prize.
Oh... and the quality of the audio book... Holy Cow! I can't imagine a better reader than Bren McClain herself. Her voice is PERFECT for this story and when I'm listening to it, I'm there; I'm in that room when Sarah Creamer gives LC the keys to her car and ten whole dollars to buy that sixteen-year-old cow, just so his son's steer, which isn't weened, can have her mama. I get to my destination and I can't get out of the car. This story is so real, so riveting, so heartfelt that I don't want to leave it. Bren, can I hire you to read MY book?
Reviewed by Craig Faris, Seventeen-time published author with 31 literary awards, and author of The Spectrum Conspiracy, winner of 8 literary awards in international, national and regional competitions.
October 12, 2017
What in the world?! A book told partly through the eyes of a COW?? I read a description of the book before reading the actual book and I remember thinking, "Okay, this will either be ridiculous or GREAT." It's such a risk.
For me, Bren McClain's risk paid off. This book sneaked up on me. It started simply but became deep and complex. I was gamely reading along, thinking, okay, good, I like it, and then it almost sucker-punched me... as if to say, "I'm going to make you feel things, even though you weren't planning to."
Don't get me wrong, it's weird at first, and it takes a second to get comfortable with the characters, to understand who they are and what they mean to each other, and it's certainly strange at first to give a narrative voice to the mama cow, but it comes together. It really does.
McClain explores motherhood, friendship, forgiveness, and what it means to be of service. She examines the importance of kindness, the search for love, and the struggle to "measure up." She understands human connections, even the connections and impacts we don't realize we're having.
A unique book.
For me, Bren McClain's risk paid off. This book sneaked up on me. It started simply but became deep and complex. I was gamely reading along, thinking, okay, good, I like it, and then it almost sucker-punched me... as if to say, "I'm going to make you feel things, even though you weren't planning to."
Don't get me wrong, it's weird at first, and it takes a second to get comfortable with the characters, to understand who they are and what they mean to each other, and it's certainly strange at first to give a narrative voice to the mama cow, but it comes together. It really does.
McClain explores motherhood, friendship, forgiveness, and what it means to be of service. She examines the importance of kindness, the search for love, and the struggle to "measure up." She understands human connections, even the connections and impacts we don't realize we're having.
A unique book.
November 1, 2016
“I’m bringing him back to you. This is your baby, not mine. Don’t you put this on me!”
The door does not open.
Sarah places her ear against the wooden surface and strains to hear Mattie’s footsteps inside., hear the creaks her barely one hundred pounds would make. But the baby’s cries do not allow for that.
Sarah kicks at the door and beats it with her fist, beats it hard. “I mean it, Mattie. I ain’t no Mama. You his Mama. Bet he’s got your dimples. Now come get him. Come get him now!”
Mama Bone is a beautiful title for the story about a woman named Sara Creamer who is left to care for the child, a product of an affair between her husband and her dear friend, Sister Mattie. She doesn’t have ‘one good mama bone’ according to her own mother, and yet she has no choice but to come and answer the cries of the abandoned baby. In poverty, she must scramble to raise Emerson Bridge when her husband dies in shame, unable to work, a drunk. With nothing to feed her son, desperation clings. There is shame in her heart that she doesn’t feel good enough as a mother, she isn’t his real Mama. She let the loving, come from Harold Emerson is HIS child, Sara doesn’t feel worthy, she can’t find the natural mothering bone. Her attempt to make a dress with fine material in the hopes of selling it to Luther’s wife is a gamble, but she is desperate to put food in her boy’s belly. Watching her sell is cringe worthy, as much as seeing her steal some food. That is what a real mother does! Sara, a heathen woman who doesn’t go to church, daring to make dresses for Mrs. Dobbins, and now wanting a steer? The nerve!
The only way to feed her son, and pay off debts is to win a competition (Fat Cattle Show and Sale) by purchasing a baby steer from Luther Dobbins. He will come to be their nemesis, as he hungers to keep the champions in his own family with his son LC in the competition. Surely this poor woman isn’t a threat, right? Certainly Sara has no clue what she is doing, nor how to feed the steer but Mama Red is going to come crashing into their lives and back into her baby. Through this animal love, the inborn hunger for the cow to protect and shower her baby with love, Sara will learn how motherly love is measured. The reader also understands through Luther, what love is not and how hunger for always winning can diminish a child. Ike Thrasher is a vital character too that comes into Sara and Emerson’s life, dragging his own terrible past behind him. He wants to help, to be worthy.. it’s interesting how so many characters are trying to reach for worthiness in the eyes of their family, how parents can blindly make their children feel they will never measure up, sometimes with horrific consequences.
While this is about a rural town, the characters are not living simple lives. The novel begins with blood and may well end with it. Everything that happens in between leads to heartbreaking misery and beauty, a strange combination. We are often in our own way, and destroy that which we love. Sara is more than forgiving of others, a shame it takes so long to forgive herself for not being Emerson’s ‘biological’ mother, for not realizing she loves him as much as any mother could love a child they birthed. She doesn’t blame the child for his origins, and she steps up in spite of feeling she isn’t mother material, shamed he may feel unwanted after-all, his mother rejected him and Sara’s own words after his birth were, “I don’t want him.” But as Emerson comes of age, he is such a wonderfully sweet endearing boy that who couldn’t love him like a son? Sara is such a beautiful soul, the wounds to her pride, church going or not, she makes right from the start in mothering Emerson. Then there is LC, whom is pressed to hate Emerson, but just doesn’t- a child can move beyond their parent’s hateful ways. LC and Emerson should be the best of friends, the boy at heart is more a man than his father ever will be. “His father had called them heathens for being unchurched, but LC knew better. He’d felt their hearts. And in his few short years of life, he already knew that’s where all truth lies.” So let not the reader ignore the strength in the awful Luther’s son, LC.
Not all love stories are romantic, some are the love between a mother and her child. One Good Mama Bone moved me as a mother, because there are moments in any mother’s life (biological or not) that we just don’t feel we’re are as good as we can be, that we are hurting our children for being a flawed creature. But that is the very thing that makes us human, we are imperfect. The terrible cruelness of Sara’s own mother in itself is an example, an example of what is lacking, of who not to be. There is always something to learn from any mother. This is quiet southern fiction at it’s best, it requires the characters to grow, but will all of them learn before it’s too late? Some, but not all.
Publication Date: February 14, 2017
Story River Books/ The University Press of South Carolina
Do read the foreword by the author Mary Alice Monroe as well as the acknowledgements, it’s always interesting to discover how a story is born. via my blog https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
The door does not open.
Sarah places her ear against the wooden surface and strains to hear Mattie’s footsteps inside., hear the creaks her barely one hundred pounds would make. But the baby’s cries do not allow for that.
Sarah kicks at the door and beats it with her fist, beats it hard. “I mean it, Mattie. I ain’t no Mama. You his Mama. Bet he’s got your dimples. Now come get him. Come get him now!”
Mama Bone is a beautiful title for the story about a woman named Sara Creamer who is left to care for the child, a product of an affair between her husband and her dear friend, Sister Mattie. She doesn’t have ‘one good mama bone’ according to her own mother, and yet she has no choice but to come and answer the cries of the abandoned baby. In poverty, she must scramble to raise Emerson Bridge when her husband dies in shame, unable to work, a drunk. With nothing to feed her son, desperation clings. There is shame in her heart that she doesn’t feel good enough as a mother, she isn’t his real Mama. She let the loving, come from Harold Emerson is HIS child, Sara doesn’t feel worthy, she can’t find the natural mothering bone. Her attempt to make a dress with fine material in the hopes of selling it to Luther’s wife is a gamble, but she is desperate to put food in her boy’s belly. Watching her sell is cringe worthy, as much as seeing her steal some food. That is what a real mother does! Sara, a heathen woman who doesn’t go to church, daring to make dresses for Mrs. Dobbins, and now wanting a steer? The nerve!
The only way to feed her son, and pay off debts is to win a competition (Fat Cattle Show and Sale) by purchasing a baby steer from Luther Dobbins. He will come to be their nemesis, as he hungers to keep the champions in his own family with his son LC in the competition. Surely this poor woman isn’t a threat, right? Certainly Sara has no clue what she is doing, nor how to feed the steer but Mama Red is going to come crashing into their lives and back into her baby. Through this animal love, the inborn hunger for the cow to protect and shower her baby with love, Sara will learn how motherly love is measured. The reader also understands through Luther, what love is not and how hunger for always winning can diminish a child. Ike Thrasher is a vital character too that comes into Sara and Emerson’s life, dragging his own terrible past behind him. He wants to help, to be worthy.. it’s interesting how so many characters are trying to reach for worthiness in the eyes of their family, how parents can blindly make their children feel they will never measure up, sometimes with horrific consequences.
While this is about a rural town, the characters are not living simple lives. The novel begins with blood and may well end with it. Everything that happens in between leads to heartbreaking misery and beauty, a strange combination. We are often in our own way, and destroy that which we love. Sara is more than forgiving of others, a shame it takes so long to forgive herself for not being Emerson’s ‘biological’ mother, for not realizing she loves him as much as any mother could love a child they birthed. She doesn’t blame the child for his origins, and she steps up in spite of feeling she isn’t mother material, shamed he may feel unwanted after-all, his mother rejected him and Sara’s own words after his birth were, “I don’t want him.” But as Emerson comes of age, he is such a wonderfully sweet endearing boy that who couldn’t love him like a son? Sara is such a beautiful soul, the wounds to her pride, church going or not, she makes right from the start in mothering Emerson. Then there is LC, whom is pressed to hate Emerson, but just doesn’t- a child can move beyond their parent’s hateful ways. LC and Emerson should be the best of friends, the boy at heart is more a man than his father ever will be. “His father had called them heathens for being unchurched, but LC knew better. He’d felt their hearts. And in his few short years of life, he already knew that’s where all truth lies.” So let not the reader ignore the strength in the awful Luther’s son, LC.
Not all love stories are romantic, some are the love between a mother and her child. One Good Mama Bone moved me as a mother, because there are moments in any mother’s life (biological or not) that we just don’t feel we’re are as good as we can be, that we are hurting our children for being a flawed creature. But that is the very thing that makes us human, we are imperfect. The terrible cruelness of Sara’s own mother in itself is an example, an example of what is lacking, of who not to be. There is always something to learn from any mother. This is quiet southern fiction at it’s best, it requires the characters to grow, but will all of them learn before it’s too late? Some, but not all.
Publication Date: February 14, 2017
Story River Books/ The University Press of South Carolina
Do read the foreword by the author Mary Alice Monroe as well as the acknowledgements, it’s always interesting to discover how a story is born. via my blog https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
October 15, 2017
I'd give it ten stars if I could.
Oh, what a story, with the sense of time and place set so solidly on the pages, when you stop reading it might take you a second to realize you're actually still in your house, on your couch, or chair, and no, you have not entered Sarah Creamer's world. But you'll believe you have - just for that split second. You might need to take a breath before you plunge back in. I had to - several times.
I'll tell you this, I've always hated seeing that one lone steer hauled down the road in a cage at the back of a truck.
I loved Emerson Bridge, that beyond brave little boy. I grew to love little LC, and his mother Mildred. Luther? He had his own demons, without a doubt.
I told the author, and I'll say it here, one of the best books I've read in a long time. And I meant it.
Oh, what a story, with the sense of time and place set so solidly on the pages, when you stop reading it might take you a second to realize you're actually still in your house, on your couch, or chair, and no, you have not entered Sarah Creamer's world. But you'll believe you have - just for that split second. You might need to take a breath before you plunge back in. I had to - several times.
I'll tell you this, I've always hated seeing that one lone steer hauled down the road in a cage at the back of a truck.
I loved Emerson Bridge, that beyond brave little boy. I grew to love little LC, and his mother Mildred. Luther? He had his own demons, without a doubt.
I told the author, and I'll say it here, one of the best books I've read in a long time. And I meant it.
October 28, 2018
WOW!!!Kudos to Bren McClane, Author of “One Good Mama Bone”, for such a captivating, insightful, intense, emotional, and thought- provoking novel. Bren McClane’s vivid descriptions of the rural South Carolina landscape in the early 1950’s and her colorful cast of characters are absolutely amazing. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Historical Fiction. The author weaves many important topics together to tell this story. One of the questions that comes to mind, Is it Nature or Nurture that causes human being’s behavior?
The author does give us a glimpse of some of the characters as they are growing up, and how their parents place certain expectations, and show lack of parenting skills. For example, Sarah Creamer, was brought up being told she was too fat to go to church and her mother keeps repeating that “Sarah doesn’t have one good mama bone in her'”. Now Sarah is an adult and finds herself in charge of a little boy that was brought into the world by her best friend and husband. Despite their betrayal, Sarah is on hand to help with the delivery of a little boy. The mother kills herself, leaving Sarah holding the baby. Sarah remembers her mother’s word, that ” she doesn’t have one good mama bone in her”, and panics. Sarah and her husband bring up the baby, Emerson Bridge.
When Emerson Bridge, turns seven, Sarah’s husband dies, leaving her in dire circumstances. They live in poverty, and barely have enough to eat. Sarah sews dresses and sells them to try to survive. Sarah owes so much money to many people. Sarah hears of an opportunity to make money and give her son a friend. There is a contest where young boys can help their steer grow, and win prize money. Some of the boys don’t realize what will happen to their steer. His mother buys the calf from Luther Dobbins, who will do anything to win this contest. Luther has a son the same age as Emerson.
Emerson Bridge names his calf Lucky. Lucky is crying all night and the next morning, they find that his mother has made it four miles and is feeding him. Sarah calls the Mama Cow, “Mama Red”, and starts learning some mothering skills from the cow. Sarah is really trying to find her “Mama Bone”.
I appreciate that Bren McClane discusses how important animals are to humans. It is mentioned that humans should be kind to animals. Important topics such as parenting, being a Mother and a Father, compassion, religion, family, emotional support, friendship, love and hope are seen in this story. There are twists and turns , betrayals, loyalty, tragedy, love and hope. I would highly recommend this fantastic novel for those readers who love a well written story.
The author does give us a glimpse of some of the characters as they are growing up, and how their parents place certain expectations, and show lack of parenting skills. For example, Sarah Creamer, was brought up being told she was too fat to go to church and her mother keeps repeating that “Sarah doesn’t have one good mama bone in her'”. Now Sarah is an adult and finds herself in charge of a little boy that was brought into the world by her best friend and husband. Despite their betrayal, Sarah is on hand to help with the delivery of a little boy. The mother kills herself, leaving Sarah holding the baby. Sarah remembers her mother’s word, that ” she doesn’t have one good mama bone in her”, and panics. Sarah and her husband bring up the baby, Emerson Bridge.
When Emerson Bridge, turns seven, Sarah’s husband dies, leaving her in dire circumstances. They live in poverty, and barely have enough to eat. Sarah sews dresses and sells them to try to survive. Sarah owes so much money to many people. Sarah hears of an opportunity to make money and give her son a friend. There is a contest where young boys can help their steer grow, and win prize money. Some of the boys don’t realize what will happen to their steer. His mother buys the calf from Luther Dobbins, who will do anything to win this contest. Luther has a son the same age as Emerson.
Emerson Bridge names his calf Lucky. Lucky is crying all night and the next morning, they find that his mother has made it four miles and is feeding him. Sarah calls the Mama Cow, “Mama Red”, and starts learning some mothering skills from the cow. Sarah is really trying to find her “Mama Bone”.
I appreciate that Bren McClane discusses how important animals are to humans. It is mentioned that humans should be kind to animals. Important topics such as parenting, being a Mother and a Father, compassion, religion, family, emotional support, friendship, love and hope are seen in this story. There are twists and turns , betrayals, loyalty, tragedy, love and hope. I would highly recommend this fantastic novel for those readers who love a well written story.
February 20, 2018
This one is amazing, definitely in my favorites so far for 2018. The book has a heart-breaking opening scene and I was hooked from the beginning.
We meet the Creamer family, Sarah and Harold, struggling to make ends meet, especially after Harold loses his job and begins drinking more. Emerson Bridge is a sweet young boy trying to make his way in the world. Sarah works tirelessly to make dresses to bring money in to the family.
This family is juxtaposed with the Dobbins family, the ranching dynasty in town. A string of winning grand champion steers has been broken by the youngest son LC and he wants to win so badly this year for his father. Luther Dobbins is a hard man, quick with his temper and fists. We get the insight that we wants to be better, but in the end he can't overcome those feelings of inadequacy. Sarah and Mrs. Dobbins become friends and that is a great part of the story.
And then there are the cows! Mama Red and Lucky. I'm not sure I've ever read a book where cows are so richly depicted. This was the unique and creative twist to the story.
This was a story that I couldn't wait to read, but I kept waiting for terrible things to happen. I definitely shed some tears at the end. This author has connections to Pat Conroy and I can't wait to read what Bren McClain writes next!
If you are looking for a book that will grab your heart, this is it!!
We meet the Creamer family, Sarah and Harold, struggling to make ends meet, especially after Harold loses his job and begins drinking more. Emerson Bridge is a sweet young boy trying to make his way in the world. Sarah works tirelessly to make dresses to bring money in to the family.
This family is juxtaposed with the Dobbins family, the ranching dynasty in town. A string of winning grand champion steers has been broken by the youngest son LC and he wants to win so badly this year for his father. Luther Dobbins is a hard man, quick with his temper and fists. We get the insight that we wants to be better, but in the end he can't overcome those feelings of inadequacy. Sarah and Mrs. Dobbins become friends and that is a great part of the story.
And then there are the cows! Mama Red and Lucky. I'm not sure I've ever read a book where cows are so richly depicted. This was the unique and creative twist to the story.
This was a story that I couldn't wait to read, but I kept waiting for terrible things to happen. I definitely shed some tears at the end. This author has connections to Pat Conroy and I can't wait to read what Bren McClain writes next!
If you are looking for a book that will grab your heart, this is it!!
March 26, 2017
I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars. I have never read anything like this. I loved it so much I could have finished it very quickly, but then I purchased the audio version. That's how I usually read, going back and forth between audio and book. However, once I listened to Bren give life to the characters with her voice, I could not read the book anymore. I was transfixed while listening to her. I did not want to simply read to finish the book. I savored every moment of the story. This book is magnificent.
December 28, 2017
I picked this up from a bookstagram recommendation and loved it! The characters are well developed and this is well written. Out since April with only one copy in our library system and I am the first to read it. Highly recommended when in the mood for a classic southern story. Lots to reflect on being a a mama.
February 17, 2019
Best book I’ve read so far in 2019! Beautifully and creatively written heart-breaking and heart-warming story. I loved the intricacies of the characters, especially of LC Dobbins, a father who loves his boy and can’t find a way to tell him; and the parallels between the main character, Sarah Creamer, who thinks she is learning to become a mother, and the mama cow. This is a book to be read slowly and savored. Highly recommend. 9.75/10.
March 23, 2023
This was a moving story. A story of family, poverty, love, overcoming (or not) other people's expectations or views, kindness, and hardship. A beautiful but also sad/emotional read for so many reasons. A lot of pain, but also a lot of love. 4.5-5 stars
February 26, 2017
This book grabbed me and hasn't let go. I am reading it for a third time because I don’t know that another book could change my life the way this one has. After I had read the first ten words, I knew I'd found a writer the likes of which we haven't seen in decades. I knew I was in for an almost immersive experience, one where I wouldn't be able to read a few pages, then put the book down for a couple of days. I knew I would be with this writer–and the amazingly complex-yet-simple story she shares–for the long haul. I think I ate a meal or two while I read "One Good Mama Bone," but I'm not sure. This story wrapped itself around me, then entered my soul and filled me with the certain knowledge that I was reading sacred words with a timeless, yet new, message.
You’ll read plenty of plot summaries in other reviews. I won't get into that here because I want to try to convey the magic of this story, the symphonic prose that rises and swells as Bren McLain, a brave, inventive artist, moves us through the lives of characters, including that sweet, brave mama cow, who remind us of ourselves. The story awakens us to the fact that we are connected to each other in ways we may never know. McLain’s genius is in making the connections for us, through people, land, abundance, and lack. The story’s exquisite details and language generate deep feelings, and we can’t help but connect with at least one of the imperfect souls she brings to life. That’s part of the connectedness theme of “One Good Mama Bone.”
Someone needed to tell this story, and I thank God for sending it to Bren McLain to tell. From the story’s harrowing beginning through its unexpected ending, this brilliant writer uses her gift to fill us with emotions we’d perhaps buried as we plow through our own challenges. The story has bleak, seemingly hopeless moments, but through it all, there is the promise of redemption and joy. It’s a maelstrom of emotions, to be sure, but this book will leave you satisfied and restored.
You’ll read plenty of plot summaries in other reviews. I won't get into that here because I want to try to convey the magic of this story, the symphonic prose that rises and swells as Bren McLain, a brave, inventive artist, moves us through the lives of characters, including that sweet, brave mama cow, who remind us of ourselves. The story awakens us to the fact that we are connected to each other in ways we may never know. McLain’s genius is in making the connections for us, through people, land, abundance, and lack. The story’s exquisite details and language generate deep feelings, and we can’t help but connect with at least one of the imperfect souls she brings to life. That’s part of the connectedness theme of “One Good Mama Bone.”
Someone needed to tell this story, and I thank God for sending it to Bren McLain to tell. From the story’s harrowing beginning through its unexpected ending, this brilliant writer uses her gift to fill us with emotions we’d perhaps buried as we plow through our own challenges. The story has bleak, seemingly hopeless moments, but through it all, there is the promise of redemption and joy. It’s a maelstrom of emotions, to be sure, but this book will leave you satisfied and restored.
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