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46 pages 1 hour read

Mary Jane

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Jessica Anya Blau

Mary Jane

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • 1970s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau is a coming-of-age story set in 1975, following 14-year-old Mary Jane as she takes a summer nanny job with the unconventional Cone family and encounters a rock star and his TV celebrity wife. The experience challenges her conservative upbringing, leading her to embrace her love for singing and cooking while exploring themes of self-discovery and found family. The book includes sexual situations, drug use, and foul language that might make it unsuitable for younger teens.

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Humorous

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

106,525 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau is generally well-received for its nostalgic, coming-of-age narrative set in the 1970s. Reviewers praise its rich characterization, especially the protagonist, and the engaging, humorous depiction of cultural contrasts. Some critique the story's predictability and the romanticized portrayal of the era, but overall, it's seen as a charming, heartfelt read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mary Jane?

Readers who enjoyed Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Almost Famous will savor Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau. This book appeals to those drawn to 1970s music culture, coming-of-age stories, and novels with complex characters and nostalgic settings. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction with a strong emotional core.

4.3

106,525 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Mary Jane Dillard

A 14-year-old girl living in a conservative Baltimore suburb with her emotionally reserved parents, who finds her perspective on life changing after becoming the nanny for an unconventional family.

A charismatic rock star struggling with addiction, who seeks rehabilitation at the Cone household and forms a bond with Mary Jane during the summer.

A beautiful TV star married to Jimmy, who supports him through his recovery while grappling with her own personal challenges during their time at the Cone house.

A psychiatrist who runs a practice for recovering addicts at his home and maintains a friendly and open yet professionally detached demeanor to aid his patients.

A flamboyant, red-haired woman with a free-spirited nature and a love for her daughter, who struggles with domestic duties and dreams of a more glamorous life.

The imaginative and affectionate young daughter of Richard and Bonnie, who quickly grows attached to Mary Jane and enjoys helping her with household duties.

Mary Jane's strict, conservative mother who is deeply concerned with social status and maintaining a perfect public image while adhering to her traditional values.

Mary Jane’s emotionally distant father, a lawyer who is uninterested in domestic life and golf, and shares his wife's prejudiced views.

A new neighbor resembling Mrs. Dillard in her social aspirations, who is secretly fascinated by the celebrities at the Cone house and attempts to gain access to their lives.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • 1970s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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