RED HATS by Damon Wayans is the story of Alma, a mother and wife, whose disappointment and heartbreak have left the once vital and joyful woman so cynical and self-protecting that she has forgotten how to love anyone, including herself.

Facing her 65th birthday, Alma is noisily unhappy with her life, her children, and, especially, her husband, Harold. When Harold dies of a heart attack, however, she's so lonely and guilt-stricken that she turns to suicide. Luckily, her attempt is thwarted by a group of ladies belonging to the Red Hat Society, a (real-life) organization of women 50 years or more old, dedicated to living life to its fullest. Though the Red Hats, each with problems of her own, open their hearts to Alma, she remains a captive of her bitterness, turning the same fury she casts on her family at the society. When a second tragedy befalls Alma, and the Red Hats once again offer help, Alma begins to reciprocate their friendship, gradually softens to the world, and finally realizes the value of other people.

Damon Wayans is an award-winning actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and producer. He became famous as one of the ensemble cast of his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans's hit show, In Living Color, and starred in his own popular sitcom, My Wife and Kids. Red Hats is his first novel.

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