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Lil Mama's Rules
Meet Madison Maguire -- a modern-day heroine to embrace and admire. She's feisty, gorgeous, smart, and savvy; on the surface, she appears to have it all. She's single and loving it, playing the field and sticking to the rules of dating she's learned through life's tough breaks. Madison holds her own as she fends off advances from two-bit actors, old flames, and a secret admirer who is determined to bring love into her life.
The rules of the game change, however, when Mr. Right appears on the scene. But just as Madison is ready to follow the proddings of her heart, her life turns upside-down, forcing her to learn a whole new set of rules about love, loss, and trust.
The rules of the game change, however, when Mr. Right appears on the scene. But just as Madison is ready to follow the proddings of her heart, her life turns upside-down, forcing her to learn a whole new set of rules about love, loss, and trust.
269 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 12, 2014
Li'l Mama's Rules is one of the books that I considered to be ahead of its time. Sheneska Jackson arrived on the scene when the issue of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community was still fresh, misunderstood, and often ignored. Back in the day, there were no public service announcements advising people, "Be positive that you're negative" and BET wasn't promoting the "Rap it Up" campaign. But there was Rae. Rae Lewis-Thornton that is. Lewis-Thornton was featured on the December 1994 issue of Essence magazine and she was HIV positive.
As I read Li'l Mama's Rules for the first time in 1998 all I could see was Lewis-Thornton's face. Her beauty had me in awe as I thought she is too cute to be sick. Let me say, I was 16 when that Essence magazine came out and she taught me early on that looks didn't matter. So when I read Li'l Mama's Rules at the tender age of 19 going on 20, I was hit with another dose of reality as it pertained to the epidemic that was affecting women and girls that looked like me but no one wanted to talk about it.
Madison Maguire, the leading lady, is the epitome of what many young girls want to be when they grow up. She's attractive, intelligent, educated, has a nice career in sunny Los Angeles, and most of all, she isn't anyone's baby mama. While living it up, Madison has the joy of playing the field and dating whoever she wants as long as they follow the rules, Li'l Mama's Rules that is. According to Madison, "My dating rules are mainly for my own peace of mind, so I don't have to put up with shit I don't like."
But, somewhere along the way things get twisted for Madison. She is forced to face her demons and be real with herself about life, her life. She realizes that all the things that she said didn't matter, really did and it dictated every move she made in her life, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Li'l Mama's Rules is one of my all time favorites and please know I don't say that lightly. I was a young'un when I first read this book and it was an eye opener. It was the first book I read that dealt with the topic of HIV/AIDS head on without any constraints. It was raw and wretched as we like to say around my parts. The plot was so well-written that at my younger, wiser age of 31, I still love it and own it. The funniest thing to me is that I now have my own rules, Spinks' Rules. LOL! Like Madison, when I decided to go back to college, I decided that there would be no dating. I loves me a male specimen and I didn't want any distractions this time around so I stuck to my no dating rule. (Oh, I'll be finished with school December 2010! )
In addition to addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy and sex education, Jackson also gives ample exposure to Madison's little sister, Serena, who has Tourette's Syndrome. She takes the reader into the life of a teenager suffering with TS and how she copes with it. Before reading this book in 1998, I didn't know what TS was, so I couldn't imagine having to grow up with it.
In closing, let me say that too many of us are suffering from this avoidable disease. Yes, I know things happen but we have to be responsible for ourselves and love ourselves enough to go against the grain. If you read my blog then you know my brother died while HIV positive and above any and everything that has happened to me, that incident reigns supreme. After losing my brother so suddenly, at the young age of 32, I know my status and I am positive that I am negative. If you do nothing else after you read this post, please get tested, educate yourself, love yourself enough to protect yourself and know we all can live with the results.
Accountability & Responsibility
As I read Li'l Mama's Rules for the first time in 1998 all I could see was Lewis-Thornton's face. Her beauty had me in awe as I thought she is too cute to be sick. Let me say, I was 16 when that Essence magazine came out and she taught me early on that looks didn't matter. So when I read Li'l Mama's Rules at the tender age of 19 going on 20, I was hit with another dose of reality as it pertained to the epidemic that was affecting women and girls that looked like me but no one wanted to talk about it.
Madison Maguire, the leading lady, is the epitome of what many young girls want to be when they grow up. She's attractive, intelligent, educated, has a nice career in sunny Los Angeles, and most of all, she isn't anyone's baby mama. While living it up, Madison has the joy of playing the field and dating whoever she wants as long as they follow the rules, Li'l Mama's Rules that is. According to Madison, "My dating rules are mainly for my own peace of mind, so I don't have to put up with shit I don't like."
But, somewhere along the way things get twisted for Madison. She is forced to face her demons and be real with herself about life, her life. She realizes that all the things that she said didn't matter, really did and it dictated every move she made in her life, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Li'l Mama's Rules is one of my all time favorites and please know I don't say that lightly. I was a young'un when I first read this book and it was an eye opener. It was the first book I read that dealt with the topic of HIV/AIDS head on without any constraints. It was raw and wretched as we like to say around my parts. The plot was so well-written that at my younger, wiser age of 31, I still love it and own it. The funniest thing to me is that I now have my own rules, Spinks' Rules. LOL! Like Madison, when I decided to go back to college, I decided that there would be no dating. I loves me a male specimen and I didn't want any distractions this time around so I stuck to my no dating rule. (Oh, I'll be finished with school December 2010! )
In addition to addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy and sex education, Jackson also gives ample exposure to Madison's little sister, Serena, who has Tourette's Syndrome. She takes the reader into the life of a teenager suffering with TS and how she copes with it. Before reading this book in 1998, I didn't know what TS was, so I couldn't imagine having to grow up with it.
In closing, let me say that too many of us are suffering from this avoidable disease. Yes, I know things happen but we have to be responsible for ourselves and love ourselves enough to go against the grain. If you read my blog then you know my brother died while HIV positive and above any and everything that has happened to me, that incident reigns supreme. After losing my brother so suddenly, at the young age of 32, I know my status and I am positive that I am negative. If you do nothing else after you read this post, please get tested, educate yourself, love yourself enough to protect yourself and know we all can live with the results.
Accountability & Responsibility
November 5, 2017
This is a definite must read. Most may not find themselves in the place of the main character, yet most may find themselves n the place as one of the partners of her past partners. Recommend to all and recommend that the recommendations continue. A great reminder about responsibility and safety for self.
November 14, 2014
Tried to get into this and I just refuse to struggle through it. It couldn't hold my attention SORRY IT WAS SO HARD FOR ME TO GET INTO THIS BOOK. IT WAS LITERALLY ALL OVER THE PLACE MADISON HAS ALL THESE DATING RULES BUT SHE DOES NOT SEEM TO FOLLOW HER OWN ADVICE. THIS BOOK HAD GOT ALOT OF GOOD REVIEWS BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT THE BOOK ESPECIALLY THE WAY IT WAS SET UP. THE BOOK WOULD BE IN THE PRESENT AND IN MID SENTENCE GO INTO THE PAST. SORRY IT JUST WAS NOT JUST FOR ME THIS BOOK MADE MY HEAD HURT
March 1, 2017
Madison McGuire, also known as Li'l Momma, is a successful, independent thirty-something woman living in Los Angeles. Though she grew up in the projects with a single mother, younger sister and all odds against her, she made sure that she focused on making a better life for herself, and stayed on top of her baby sister so that she too can follow suit.
She is quite satisfied with her life. She has a good job which she loves, a wonderful best friend and a sprinkle of different men here and there. But nothing too serious. She is not interested in a committed relationship and has absolutely no intentions of getting married. This is where her list of rules for dating comes in. Over the years she has developed this love directory as her own personal reference. It is a combination of lessons she's learned, and situations she's come across.
Here's the thing. Madison is scarred for life in the men department. This is why she makes sure no man gets too close. So when her ex-fiance, Chris comes back into her life years after he broke her heart, she naturally pushes him away. Chris won't take no for an answer. He is determined to win back Madison's heart and he will do anything to prove that this time around, he will put all of his efforts into making it work.
From this point, the story takes a turn no one will see coming. Madison discovers something that will change her life and those around her forever. Even through it all, Chris proves his love and sticks by her through literally the good and the bad. It's a story that will touch your heart and open your eyes.
She is quite satisfied with her life. She has a good job which she loves, a wonderful best friend and a sprinkle of different men here and there. But nothing too serious. She is not interested in a committed relationship and has absolutely no intentions of getting married. This is where her list of rules for dating comes in. Over the years she has developed this love directory as her own personal reference. It is a combination of lessons she's learned, and situations she's come across.
Here's the thing. Madison is scarred for life in the men department. This is why she makes sure no man gets too close. So when her ex-fiance, Chris comes back into her life years after he broke her heart, she naturally pushes him away. Chris won't take no for an answer. He is determined to win back Madison's heart and he will do anything to prove that this time around, he will put all of his efforts into making it work.
From this point, the story takes a turn no one will see coming. Madison discovers something that will change her life and those around her forever. Even through it all, Chris proves his love and sticks by her through literally the good and the bad. It's a story that will touch your heart and open your eyes.
April 9, 2012
I've Read this book 12yrs ago and I still remember it like it was just yesterday! It is my all time favorite. People seem to think that with all the rules Maddison set she should've wrap it up! But they seem to have missed the part about her being raped! I encourage a lot of people who have not yet read this novel! To do so.
September 15, 2012
Great book.
October 8, 2023
I’ve been meaning to read this one for a long time. It’s definitely true to the time period… hyper-independent Black woman with daddy issues and a high sex drive, etc etc
Madison is an interesting character but something just fell flat for me with her. I did laugh and gasp throughout the book and the drama is there but certain topics felt rushed.
Overall, I’m glad I finally read it. A little too preachy near the end but a solid message and an enjoyable read!
Madison is an interesting character but something just fell flat for me with her. I did laugh and gasp throughout the book and the drama is there but certain topics felt rushed.
Overall, I’m glad I finally read it. A little too preachy near the end but a solid message and an enjoyable read!
July 16, 2009
For someone as strong-minded an independent as Miss Madison Maguire you'd think she'd have a "rule" to strap up everytime you "hook up". She seemed to have a rule for everything but something that could save her life. However, it a an ok read.
August 3, 2019
This was my second time reading this book and the first time I read it was many many years ago and it was still just an super amazing read as it was way back when. I love how Sheneska was able to talk about Tourette’s Syndrome and HIV in the book done very tasteful... Two disease that are still so prevalent today as they were two decades ago but not many people will write or address those issues... This book touched on a lot of real life issues that I thoroughly enjoyed...Madison was kinda crazy and annoying but she was also dealing with a lot of past pain and hurt... Thank goodness for Saint Chris... if this man wasn’t everything and more I just cannot explain... Overall is was an awesome book and I hope others will dip into their #throwbackbooklist and add this book
July 12, 2020
I was mad at the main character for the first few pages due to what she was tolerating from another character so I had to convince myself to keep reading. Once I got past that part it was an okay read. It isn't a book I'd really recommend someone to purchase. If it's at the library or free you can give it a read.
January 20, 2024
It's a great book, I was shocked how it turned out for the big sister with all her rules. But you have to make mistakes in order to learn the lesson right. Well I believe this book will help people to make wiser decisions when it comes to the sexual health lifestyle. Enjoy the book and please inspire our young and old people to read it
January 4, 2020
This book drew me in from the very beginning. Madison is a reality for a lot of African-American women today. I loved the friendship she shared with her best friend Malik. This was a very entertaining read.
December 24, 2018
The end shocked me on this one. I was kinda hoping it wasn't going to end like it did, but I enjoyed the book.
February 7, 2020
I could not finish this book. That's rare for me, but I couldn't do it. It did not hold my attention, and I would constantly doze off while reading it.
January 23, 2024
Shocking and in your face drama. Urban setting, cultural similarities. The plot is kind of easy to follow if your a dedicated reader.
May 13, 2024
Loved it!
November 29, 2025
Very entertaining, and engrossing book. A page-turner. Would definitely recommend.
December 17, 2012
I really loved this book. Excellent. She has done it again. Blessings was just that for me but Lil Mama's Rules really ruled. I had every emotion pulled out of me while reading this book. I laughed with an old friend and cried with one too. I really felt like I knew this character. I really felt like at times I WAS this character. A wonderful read with alot of twists and turns. Good plot. Great ending. I adore Sheneska Jackson. I have three words for her YOU GO GIRRRRRRRRL!!!! You keep writing and I will continue to give you my unwavering support financially and by reviewing your work so you will know what a fan base you have and it starts right here.
August 30, 2016
The story of a young woman who is a teacher and was heartbroken; and she keeps an eye after her little sister who is in high school that has Turret’s Syndrome & mother. After a heartbreak she deals with her pain through sex. She goes about this lifestyle casually until she later finds out that she has contracted AIDS.
September 12, 2025
So, I read this book in high school or college and absolutely LOVED IT. I thought it was one of my all time favorite books. I read it and it didn’t hit the same. I’m finding that with a lot of books I’m re-reading from my late teens/early 20s. It was a good story line; I just didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I expected to.
December 26, 2009
You know this book is a pretty good book. I'm not sure about adding it to one of my faves but I must admit, I kind of enjoyed reading it. I was kinda mad she got HIV, but I guess that was a good chunk of what the book was about. Anyway, I wanna find my Chris--he was too perfect. :-)
March 11, 2013
I really loved this book. I always love a book that has a strong woman as the protagonist, and then when it is true-to-life, showing her going through the daily battles of juggling her job and her personal life. The writing was great and it was a wonderful read.
April 9, 2013
I remember reading this book many years ago, but what comes to mind when I think about it today was how cute, witty and most importantly the lessons learned throughout this story gave us! I may even take the time to read this again! I'll check for more by this author.
Want to read
March 25, 2015read this book about eight years ago but i didnt see the end of it before it got lost.i really cant remember it all though but i vividly remember her sickening sister. i really wish i could read it all.
August 10, 2020
I remember this book and it is one of my favorites that educated me about epileptics. It is a great read, sad, joyful and educational.
March 27, 2008
This is so touching!
October 29, 2012
Great book .. Read it yrs ago nd i wud read it again
January 30, 2013
Oh how I LOVE this book! This book is real life! A compelling emotional and sassy story of life, heartbreak, and consequences. A definite great read and a great addition to any book collection.
February 21, 2013
This one of the best books I read years ago, Sheneka Jackson needs to come out with a new book. I did read all her previous books and every single one was AWESOME!
Read
August 25, 2013Don't remember but I did read it way back when
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews