Reviews with content warning for Body shaming - Mary Jane

I found this 1970s coming of age story super charming. Nothing really happens in the story, but the way it tackles some heavier issues like antisemitism, racism, marriage, addiction, sexuality, as told from the perspective of the sheltered 14 year old nanny who is finding herself was unique and captivating. Would be a great beach read.

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kerrygetsliterary's review

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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mommarex1221's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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seawarrior's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective tense medium-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

I really enjoyed this book. Reading it was much more rewarding than I had expected it to be. There's definitely some tense and dramatic moments, but they're cushioned with descriptions of genuine love and apology afterward.

Primarily, this is a story about Mary Jane discovering what it means to grow into an individual and an adult. The most dramatic shift in her thinking is realizing that the perspectives and customs of her white, upper class, conservative mother aren't objectively 'right', and that she doesn't want to abide by most of them. Though she's surrounded by adults who are almost always too rigid or too fluid in their thoughts and behavior, she sticks to her values as she's learning them, and often serves as the most reasonable person in both her households.

This isn't a story about a girl who spirals into drugs and sex too young and is exploited by people providing them to her. Mary Jane's acts of rebellion are much more tame, and are mostly risky only because of her extremely conservative parents. The Cones, and Sheba and Jimmy, aren't perfect mentors or wholly responsible adults, but they embrace Mary Jane with respect and affection she hadn't even realized was normal in other people's homes. My favorite part of this book was reading of how the Cone household danced together, repeatedly and openly showed affection for each other, and spoke honestly about the troubles they were having. It was also a joy to read about Izzy and her exuberance towards everything. It's easy to understand how Mary Jane never wants to be apart from her new family, as messy as they sometimes are. I will definitely miss these characters myself.

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