A review by katherinesortareads
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

Went into this book thinking it would just be fine, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Our main character, Mary Jane, a young teenager from a conservative upper middle class family in the suburbs of Baltimore, she finds herself getting a gig as a summer nanny for a family that’s new to the neighborhood. Her new employers are nothing like the family she knows at home.

I was worried that the juxtaposition would feel too forced or cliche, but Mary Jane is such a sincere and realistic character that it actually lends itself well to the her coming of age. We see her grow as she is confronted with topics like responsibility, sexuality, and conflict.
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