46 pages • 1 hour read
Jessica Anya BlauMary Jane
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.