Mama Don't Like Ugly by Rekaya Gibson
Mama Don't Like Ugly
takes readers on a journey of Dana Calhoun's life growing up in
Nautica, Louisiana. Her mama finds her dark skin repulsive, so she
abuses and neglects her. Also, she constantly compares Dana to her
light-skinned sister. Regardless of Dana's unconditional love for her
mama, she still encounters a cycle of torment. Will mama finally realize
that Dana is a beautiful person in spite of her dark skin or will she
continue to spew those hateful words, "Mama don't like ugly?"
Intimate Conversation with Rekaya Gibson
Rekaya Gibson is the author of three fiction titles: “Mama Don’t Like Ugly,” “The Food Temptress,” and the sequel, “The Food Enchantress,” She launched her freelance writing career in 2005 by writing for several magazines. She reviews cookbooks for Cuisine Noir, a foodies and wine magazine for African Americans, as well as writes articles for the Hampton Food Examiner. In addition, she offers grant writing services/consultations and grant writing workshops. She resides in Virginia.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters.
“Mama Don’t Like Ugly” is a fiction story about Dana, a dark-skinned girl, growing up in a household with a mama who dislikes her because of her skin color. Her mama not only abuses and neglects her, but she constantly compares her to her light-skinned sister. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally.
BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
My favorite character is Dana. I want readers to connect with her because she is intelligent and resilient. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally. Most importantly, her beauty radiates from the inside and she does not let her imperfections dictate her destiny.
BPM: What situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?
I am fascinated that people’s behaviors and/or perceptions about skin color are passed from generation to generation - consciously and subconsciously. I have seen this in so many families. It has made some stronger while it has destroyed others.
READ
MORE HERE
Intimate Conversation with Rekaya Gibson
Rekaya Gibson is the author of three fiction titles: “Mama Don’t Like Ugly,” “The Food Temptress,” and the sequel, “The Food Enchantress,” She launched her freelance writing career in 2005 by writing for several magazines. She reviews cookbooks for Cuisine Noir, a foodies and wine magazine for African Americans, as well as writes articles for the Hampton Food Examiner. In addition, she offers grant writing services/consultations and grant writing workshops. She resides in Virginia.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters.
“Mama Don’t Like Ugly” is a fiction story about Dana, a dark-skinned girl, growing up in a household with a mama who dislikes her because of her skin color. Her mama not only abuses and neglects her, but she constantly compares her to her light-skinned sister. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally.
BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
My favorite character is Dana. I want readers to connect with her because she is intelligent and resilient. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally. Most importantly, her beauty radiates from the inside and she does not let her imperfections dictate her destiny.
BPM: What situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?
I am fascinated that people’s behaviors and/or perceptions about skin color are passed from generation to generation - consciously and subconsciously. I have seen this in so many families. It has made some stronger while it has destroyed others.
READ
MORE HERE 
