Red Hats

by Damon Wayans

Unable to show her love for her long-time husband out of a lingering resentment for past mistakes, Alma realizes that her own choices have alienated her from friends and family and is taken in by a suspicious circle of red-hatted ladies that introduces her to new possibilities. A first novel by the BET Comedy Award-winning author of Bootleg.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2010

Reviews

[Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alma is a bitter, sharp-tongued woman who refers to her husband, Harold, as her “has been”. She has a hard time showing him any affection, even though she misses what they once had. One afternoon, angry at Harold for something trivial, Alma mutters under her breath that she wishes he would die. To her shock and disbelief, he succumbs that evening to a heart attack leaving Alma all alone and guilt -ridden. She is about to commit suicide when ladies from the Red Hat Society intervene and help her get back on her feet. She enjoys spending time with them, but becomes angry when they present her with her very own red hat and ask her to join them. She calls them a cult and shuts them out of her life. But, when tragedy strikes, Alma finally learns about the power of friendship, love and forgiveness. This touching tale is one that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it. What impresses me even more is the author, comedian Damon Wayans of “In Living Color” fame. Who knew that such a raucously funny man could write such an intimately moving book?

[Trudy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor, very poor. A friend recommended this book to me after seeing Damon being interviewed by Regis and Kathy Lee and The Today Show. I was apprehensive from the beginning, but she made me promise to finish it before I passed judgment. Well, I've finished it and I say, "poor, very poor". The book is about a woman who wishes her husband dead and soon he becomes ill and really does die. So, she blames herself for his death. This underlying idea is the only interesting part of the book.
One major problem is that Damon unsuccessfully attempts to assume the personality of a woman, Alma. Many of the words and reactions he gives her are not female reactions. The whole story feels like a man trying to convince the reader that he is a woman. I think Damon should stick to comedy and acting. HE IS NOT A WRITER. In conclusion, don't even waste your time or money on this book!

[Leanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The prime character in the story was interesting, however I didn't really believe how fast people were coming together and developing relationships. It didn't seem realistic to me.

[Kennie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alma remained an unlikable character throughout the book.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

At 214 pages, this was a quick read. I was intrigued by the author, book cover and synopsis on the front flap, but these were the only things that impressed my about this novel. While I did not like Alma, the main character, this usually doesn't keep me from enjoying a good story. Actually I can have a lot of fun reading about a character I don't like! I did like James, Alma's love interest, and was sorry the author didn't further develop that storyline, rather than sending the couple to the alter so early. It's a "two-star" at best.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I expected from someone whom I only recognize as a comedian. It really felt more like a novella than a full novel-it just wasn't meaty enough for me.

[Sassydiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my Bookclubs read of the month. It was a short read but I truly enjoyed it. Damon Wayans did a great job with this book. It left me wanting a bit more at the end.

[Paula Hebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

meet alma, one of the ornriest, nasty talking, most mean spirited women you will meet in a long time. alma hates everybody, even her husband and children, but doesn't know why people don't treat her right. journey with alma, threough a series of circumstances, that lead her to being befriended by a red hats ladies group, and to awakening her once frozen heart. somewhat predictable, but written with heart and humor by yet another of that marvelously talented wayan clan, this is a small book with a lot of love in it.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick entertaining reading and the perfect book to take to the beach/pool when you do not want to tax your brain. As expected, as the writer is also a comedian there are a couple of one line jabs that have you laughing out loud, despite that they are hurtful to the person that it is directed at. The story definitely has an inspirational edge to it as the main character Alma learned how her actions have hurt those she loves the most. I read this book in a couple of hours.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't read books like this because i'm not the age of the women in the book. I thought this book was a joke because of who the author is but it was a great read! This book was so true to life,warm and so funny I found myself laughing out loud.. I have seen the ladies in the purple and red hats and now I know what a wonderful society it really is. Thank you Damon and I think you should let your Mom read it now because it was great

[Che · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading it in one sitting. It's not grossly complicated. But I think it's a decent read for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Hope the topic sparks dialogue. But overall, it's just okay. Don't expect side-splitting comedy. That isn't what this is about. Interesting topic, but really just a book to use to clear the palette before reading something extraordinary.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damon Wayans learned about the Red Hats from his mother’s involvement. This book is about healing, forgiveness, hope, and friendship. You get a lot of accents of Damon’s humor throughout and laughter, after all, is another form of healing. I would read this again and even gift it. Excellent!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great debut novel. Funny as only Damon Wayans could be, but also very touching.

[Chantel (Steelo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

so far so good..

[Barbara C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story story. Damon Wayans (yes, THAT Damon Wayans) did a great job with this one!!

[Amanda Seng · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely sophomoric. If it wasn't for the sparse adult subject matter, I would think this was a young adult book. The plot of the book isn't really apparent, it jumps all over the place. The book is too short for all the elements that Wayans introduces and then it feels like he rushes to finish each conflict, but the transitions from conflict to conflict aren't natural and fluid. He misses the voice of female characters, there isn't much depth to them. He tries a twist at the ending, but it just doesn't work. I feel like if he had just researched a bit more, he really could have captured the female essence so much better.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it! Surprised this was written by a man, let alone Damon Wayans. I will admit that I picked it up when I saw it because his name was on it. I didn't know that he was an author. I think it was a good effort. I liked how the women showed up for each other and it gave me a look into what the Red Hats are about. I had heard of them. Now I am looking forward to learning more about them as I get older. It was also good to see how the actions of a mother can effect her children. Good story!

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow..I found it hard to believe a male comedian who makes raunchy comedy could write something like this! Mr Wayans really showed his soft side.
This book is about Alma, a recent widow who did nothing but berate and was annoyed by her husband. She pushes many people away with her attitude and behavior. She meets a group of women "red hats", which I had never heard of prior to reading this, and they're patient with her and become friends.

Of course, some parts of the book will make you laugh out loud.
Great job and I wish there was a sequel to this.

[Jacqueline Coplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began reading didn’t think I would like It because the main characters was so distasteful. But actually enjoyed see this person turn her life around and become such a warm and good friend to her family and friends.

[Susan Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed this book on a whim, and I’m glad that I did!! Read it in one afternoon. Very well written and enjoyable. Kept me entertained & wanting more. I hope that Damon picks up his pen & writes another novel very soon!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went into this book thinking I would not like it. I was pleasantly surprised . I really liked the family and friends story. Was a one sitting read for me.

[Nicole and her Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story.

[TaTanisha (TaTaLuvs2Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised that this was a good read. Quick, fun and I enjoyed it.

[Jordan Facinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
Alma got a well deserved happy ending!

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

So been awhile since I have read a book in a day and eh I cant say this was the greatest book to do that with as it was just alright but my nosey self just couldn't leave it on the shelf after seeing it was written by Damon Wayans, yes the Damon Wayans who was one of my favs from Living Color, the movie The Last Boyscout and the sitcom My Wife and Kids, never knew him to be an author but always thought his comedy was expressive so hey gave it a shot..eh it didn't impress me that much and unfortunately there wasn't even that much comedic light to bring this book up to a greater status. So this is the story of mean spirited, bitter Alma whose husband has passed away after a life of abuse and evilness from Alma for reasons you find out about too late in the book to factor in, you just learn that she continues to been mean and spiteful to him despite everything until he eventually dies and she is left pondering what to do with her life as her grown children are into their own lives and she sees no more purpose in hers..enter here the social group of sassy elderly ladies called the Red Hats that show her there is more to life than wallowing in guilt, depression and self pity with acts of generosity, sisterhood and friendship..yea so that's pretty much the novel--mean lady makes friends with group of ladies around her age who wear funky red hats and then life is good again, not very deep, thought provoking or funny but eh its read so lets just move on to the next..umm yea putting that outta my mind until I reach my sixties and I may want to look into a membership LOL..Also and lastly I expected more humor from a book written by a comedian, I only saw glimpses of his wit when she insulted her son in law but sadly too far and few in between the poor descriptions, wooden characters and lackluster story here..Eh on to the next...

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember watching Damon Wayans's movie MAJOR PAYNE (I'd never seen it before, and it's actually pretty funny) and looking up Wayans's Wikipedia page and reading that he had written a novel called RED HATS. I was so curious that a professional comedy personality would write a "serious fictional novel" that I had to check it out.

Damon Wayans's strength is likeable characters. There were a lot of strong characters in RED HATS, and he was good at making them likeable and realistically flawed. Alma's background was detailed (to the point that I wasn't sure why that was pertinent to the story), but a lot of them (including Alma's love interest James) were disappointingly flat. My impression is that Wayans approached characterization in his novel similarly to how an actor would like to approach a script -- give as much background info, no matter how random it would be for a reader to wonder why the author would drop that information. Which is fine, but James's background didn't have much more going for him than his deceased wife.

I found the plot was similar to number of women ensemble movies out there, which is ok -- it wasn't groundbreaking, but it stuck to the tried-and-true formula of a lonely woman meeting a group of diverse women who change her life. Wayans's writing style was straightforward, though I think he could have benefited from "show-don't-tell" writing exercises.

Overall, the book was all right. It has its flaws, and I think that Wayans did a good job for a debut novel. The subject matter was a departure from his previous work in comedy and I think that it's commendable how much he branched out by writing RED HATS.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, fast-paced little book centering on a frequently hilarious redemption arc. Alma is a genuinely mean old lady -- to everyone. She has cruel nicknames for each of her children's spouses, she fights with her husband every day, and she isn't afraid to get physical. Alma enjoys being mean, but she also hates herself for being so poisonous. The Red Hat ladies of her neighborhood reach out to her and she ends up making friends in spite of herself. It's clear that she has a long way to go, but the progress she does make is believable, and Wayans excels at showing how Alma feels a deep need to give and receive love. This is a simple, fast-paced story, but I laughed out loud a few times and just enjoyed these characters so much that I would probably read this again.

[Jewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need a quick read with a few laughs.... then this may be the book for you. When Alma attempts to committ suicide she is friended by a group of women sporting red hats and purple dresses. As Alma becomes involved with these women who are members of the Red Hat Society, she begins to look at herself in a way that forces her to make changes in her life.

Alma is a Medea on paper; some of the situations in the book created mental images that had me laughing almost out loud. Cute story but glad I didn't pay full price for it (50% off at a Borders going out of business).

[DCbook•ish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick and easy read. Would be perfect for a new Book Club/Social group.

Alma (lead character) is very stubborn, yet strong-willed and a good friend. She speaks her mind and isn't afraid to let you know where to go and how to get there. She shoots from the hip to strangers, friends and family.

I wouldn't mind seeing this become a stage play or made-for-TV movie. I look forward to reading more writing from Wayans.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy, light-hearted and good read. At times I found myself laughing at some of the comments made from the characters and it reminded me that Damon Wayans has always been known as a comedian and actor before I knew him as an author. So it makes sense that the book is lighthearded. However, it's not a comedy, it deals with serious issues and shows how anyone can turn their life around by adopting a different perspective. I enjoyed Red Hats.