Lexington, Alabama / Wiggins

Mary Monroe is an American author, known for her contemporary African American fiction. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she began writing in her 50s. Her first novel, "The Upper Room" (2004), was a bestseller and launched her writing career. Monroe has since published numerous novels, including "God Don't Like Ugly" (2007), "The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm a Sinner" (2010), and "How To Murder Your Life" (2018). Her books have been praised for their compelling characters, explorations of faith and family, and honest portrayals of Black womanhood. Monroe has won numerous awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Fiction and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. Her work has been critically acclaimed for its insightful storytelling and its contributions to African American literature.