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A review by kaitlinlovesbooks
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
I can see how some readers of this book will not enjoy, or approve of, the kinds of situations the young characters (one 14, the other 5) are exposed to in this book. However, given the context of both the time period and the characters, I believe these scenes make sense and that the young narrator handles them well. Also, this is a work of fiction, so I think the author is allowed to include some shocking material, as one of her main characters is a 1970's-era rockstar in addiction recovery. (These scenes do include swearing, one brief sexual encounter, and a major fight between two adults involving a lot of broken dishes.) It just may be too shocking for your taste, and that's okay. Know thyself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Infidelity, Racism, and Antisemitism
Minor: Alcohol
The racist and antisemitic comments are a result of the historical context (the story is set in 1975). The narrator's parents, who are white and upper-class, make general statements reflecting widely held beliefs about Black, Latinx, and Jewish people by those who sought to differentiate themselves from anyone who was not a WASP. The young narrator is able to tell that these statements are harmful, and does discuss that with her parents to an extent. The comments about the Jewish community are particularly uncomfortable, so proceed accordingly.