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loonyruni2's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book! And i feel that if you had strict parents growing up, this book might heal your soul a little, and be very relatable.
I feel like I got to watch thru a window in the book into peoples actual lives, it was not exaggerated or unrealistic it was lovely
I feel like I got to watch thru a window in the book into peoples actual lives, it was not exaggerated or unrealistic it was lovely
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Addiction
Minor: Child abuse
nicola_farnworth's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Started very slow and took a little getting into but I ended up really enjoyed this book. I would have liked to see Mary Jane acting more like a 14 year old, fawning over boys, chatting with friends. I know she's supposed to be secluded at the start but we all know what 14 is like. She didn't seem to have any friends outside the twins that are mentioned but never seen. I also felt that the Cones were really taking advantage of MJ. Mrs Cone spends the summer with Sheba and doesn't seem to think of her infant child. Sheba, MJ, Izzy and Jimmy were brilliant characters I loved reading their interactions. Overall it was a lovely heart-warming coming of age story. I wish they could have done a family therapy session, like they did on the beach, with her parents, I think her mom and dad would have benefited from that. I love the way her mother accepted her in the end
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Child abuse, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Cancer
dani_c's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wow. Starting out, Mary Jane felt boring and like it would just be ho-hum. But the more I read the deeper the novel became. Mary Jane's world changing summer reminded me of the times my understanding of the world shifted, both as a teen and as an adult. Her sudden dive into adult matters after being so heavily sheltered by her parents was reminiscent of every teenage memory when I realized something formerly unspoken of or innocent seeming is actually something very sexy or "naughty." Mary Jane is about growing up and becoming your own person, redefining family and love, and allowing oneself to get to know someone despite first impressions.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Racism, and Infidelity
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