Ugly Ways

I really enjoyed Ugly Ways in a perverse sort of way. I had read it previously about a decade ago and wanted to read it again. But I had forgotten the name of the book and the name of the author. I found it again the way I found it the first time. Tina McElroy Ansa was one of the authors featured in an anthology called I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like edited by Rebecca Carroll. I would like more of Ansa's work to be available on kindle. I live in Florida and I loved the idea of gardening at night. The complete selfishness of the Mother is described in detail and the effects on her 3 daughters and her husband are obvious. We have all known people almost that self-centered. They compound their unkindness by skewering their victims if the dare mention their pain. This mother (who was apparently seldom stood up to in her life) is listening to what her family says about her now she is dead. Instead of recognizing how selfish she has been, she blames everything they say on her family's "ugly ways."

I love this book. I give it 5 stars for being a thoroughly entertaining page turner. The author's style makes this a fast, fun and easy read. If you are reading this book in public, invariably someone will walk up, notice the title and start laughing out loud. You won't regret buying this one.I called my own Mom in the midst of reading it and said, "I'll explain later but I just want to thank you for NOT being Mudear."We discussed Ugly Ways during my recent vacation to visit family in Georgia. I'm ordering copies so we can all read this book together. I'm sure I'll enjoy it the second time around just as much. It's probably been over 10 years since I read it and it still sticks in head as one of the most fun novels I've ever read.This novel is not as profound and deeply disturbing as a good Morrison novel (whose books I absolutely LOVE reading), but Mudear IS a real case study. Which makes "Ugly Ways," a memorable novel it's own right. You'll never, ever forget Mudear and what happens when she goes through her "change" (hint: it's NOT about menopause).Buy this book. Have a good time. You deserve it.

I enjoyed the book it has so much wisdom be prepared it’s coming straight no sugar coating, straight up to the point.. Mudea’s teachings will live on for sure as you said “just live daughters”.. let’s pray your daughters can move on through life.

Mothering done her way. Mudear raised her girls to be independent, but left them feeling inept and yearning for something she could not give them.

There comes a point when family dysfunction moves from sad to hilarious. Ansa captured this range of conflict, emotions and behavior in "Ugly Ways." We get to glance the relationship between three sisters and their parents when they come home to bury their mother. Once you get past the ghost voice of the mother, it is easy to lose yourself in the dynamics between the siblings and find something redeeming in each of these women.

Mothers and daughters have complicated relationships. Mothers, most, try to do the best they can; daughters, meanwhile, are thinking they could do it different or better. Now this mother was beaten down by a husband and actually rebounded way too much, becoming narcissistic and mean.

Borrowed from local library years ago. Never forgot -- always wanted to own. So glad was able to. Just a GREAT book. Have read it again. Thanks for quick service.

Thanks for having Ugly Ways on the Kindle. I have a hard copy and audio tape versions. I have taken this book half way around the world. I read it every couple of years. It is one of my favorite books. I hope Ugly Ways will be on audio CD (not just cassettes). I love to listen to it in my car. I would also like Taking After Mudear on the kindle and on CD.Thanks again