Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Book Review

TL;DR

Olive provides a glowing review of "Mary Jane," a coming-of-age novel set in 1975, highlighting the growth and experiences of the 14-year-old protagonist as she takes on a summer job as a babysitter for a rock star and his wife with addiction issues.

Transcript

hi guys olive here here today to review mary jane by jessica anja blau this book was published in 2021 by custom house which is an imprint of william morrow and william morrow is an imprint of harpercollins the hardcover of this book comes in at 320 pages however i split my time reading this book between an e-book and an audiobook both of which i c... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤕 "Mary Jane" is a coming-of-age novel set in the 1970s, following the journey of a 14-year-old protagonist as she takes on a summer job.
• ❓ The novel explores themes of growth, identity, and the possibility of choosing a different path than the one predetermined by upbringing.
• 👪 The story is centered around a unique and unconventional family dynamic, which has a profound impact on the protagonist's development.
• 🥌 While the book addresses mature topics such as sex, drugs, and alcohol, it maintains a gentle and comforting tone throughout.
• ❓ The characters in "Mary Jane" are well-developed and endearing, with the relationship between Mary Jane and Izzy being particularly precious.
• 🚟 The novel offers a mix of realistic elements and a level of suspension of disbelief, with the portrayal of the 1970s not necessarily aligning completely with modern sensibilities.
• 😮 The audiobook version of "Mary Jane" features a surprise full-length song, enhancing the reading experience.
• 🤕 While comparisons to "Daisy Jones and the Six" have been made, the two books differ substantially, with "Mary Jane" focusing on a sweet coming-of-age narrative.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the setting of "Mary Jane"?

The novel is set in 1975 and takes place in a suburb of Baltimore, Maryland.

Q: What is Mary Jane's summer job?

Mary Jane becomes a babysitter for a rock star and his wife, who are staying in the household for the summer for the rock star's specialized treatment.

Q: How does Mary Jane's experience in the new household affect her?

Mary Jane's time in the new household exposes her to a different way of living and a different kind of family dynamic, which makes her reevaluate her own upbringing and contemplate different choices for her future.

Q: Is "Mary Jane" a relatable read for a modern audience?

While the book takes place in the 1970s, it explores universal themes of growth, identity, and finding one's place in the world, making it relatable to readers of any era.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Mary Jane" is a coming-of-age novel set in 1975, following the 14-year-old protagonist as she takes on a summer job as a babysitter for a rock star and his wife with addiction issues.

• The story explores Mary Jane's experiences as she navigates a new household, connecting with the unconventional family and discovering new possibilities for her own life.

• Through her job, Mary Jane finds herself exposed to new ways of thinking, a different kind of family dynamic, and begins to question the path she wants to take for herself.