Book News: Tyler Perry Set to Publish First Novel

By James Wray

Tyler Perry is to bring character at the center of "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Madea Goes to Jail" to a new book, "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life" to Be published by Riverhead in 2006.

The popular playwright and performer who created the box office smash, "Diary of A Mad Black Woman," will write his first novel. The publishers say Perry will share his uniquely wise, endearing, and ferociously funny observations, advice, and beliefs in the book through the voice of his beloved character Madea Simmons.

Sean McDonald, Senior Editor, Riverhead Books comments, "For anyone who's witnessed any of Tyler's performances, on stage or screen, it's obvious how dynamically talented he is as a writer and as a performer. He's funny, sharp, and irreverent, but also inspiring, and he manages to instantly craft fully human drama, dialogue, and characters-most especially Madea, who is truly one of the great dramatic creations of our time.

"So it's thrilling (and a little terrifying) to be involved in bringing her voice to the pages of "Don't Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings," he added.

Perry says, "I hope that my book will continue the same spirit of my other works; to make people laugh and give them something to think about to help their lives. I am so delighted to be associated with Riverhead and Penguin Group. As usual, Madea is insisting on having the first word."

We will keep you posted on further developments as they happen.

You can read more about "Diary of A Mad Black Woman" in our database and a review of the play "Madea Goes to Jail" on this page.