46 pages • 1 hour read
Mary Jane
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1970s
2021
YA
18+ years
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
106,525 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
106,525 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1970s
2021
YA
18+ years
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