A story which lightly explores some serious topics, but for the most part this is simply a fun, lightly entertaining read.

Carroll, Larry (April 24, 2007). "Kirsten Dunst On Singing, Spidey's Future, 'Idol'—And Having Eight Kids?". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013 . Retrieved December 10, 2008. Neither side was ideal- but one side was presented as being a better situation for Mary Jane and the reader is expected to embrace that concept as well. Both sides were unhealthy, in my opinion, and that’s part of the lesson Mary Jane learned, and it’s a lesson that will serve her well.The year 1975 Mary Jane Dillard gets a nanny’s job for the summer she comes from an affluent suburb Roland Park in Baltimore her parents are snooty with the house never dirty, Mary Jane helps her mother with everything from cleaning, cooking ironing etc… you get the drift! Kubincanek, Emily (July 11, 2017). "The Cinematic Evolution of Spider-Man's Love Interests". Film School Rejects . Retrieved September 4, 2020. Wonderful...A tale of clashing cultures and a slow awakening of ideas, hope and beliefs, this is one of those novels you’ll be so glad to lose yourself to. It’s also perfect for fans of Curtis Sittenfeld's books – and we can give it no higher praise…" — Stylist (UK)

Her education, and awakening promises a break in the chain from her super conservative… and racist parents, and a future where Mary Jane steps outside the sheltered confines of her current life, and into the world, with a better understanding of how to blend the best of both environments she lived through during the summer of 1975. Daly, Steve (April 17, 2007). "World Wide Web". Entertainment Weekly. p.3. Archived from the original on April 22, 2007 . Retrieved April 20, 2007.I dare you to find a more winning novel than Jessica Anya Blau’s Mary Jane. Filled with humor and sharpness and so much light, this book introduces an amazing cast of characters, all so unique and finely observed, held together by the clarity of Mary Jane’s voice. It evokes those rare moments when your world is on the precipice of change, almost a dream, and how thrilling it is to push your way toward something new." — Kevin Wilson A story set in Baltimore in the 70’s, the summer that Mary Jane Dillard had just turned fourteen. A pivotal summer that would change the way she viewed the world, and the people in it, and begin to question the adults in her life. Another novel compared to Daisy Jones and the Six, as well as Almost Famous, the movie. I was immersed in the story right away and could not stop listening. The time period was very well researched with the mentions of the fashions, foods, tv shows and especially the music.

Two years after the events of the first movie, Mary Jane has found success as a model and Off-Broadway actress. Maintaining her friendships with both Peter and Harry, she continues to pine for Peter, but as he continues to reject her, she starts dating astronaut John Jameson, the son of Peter's boss J. Jonah Jameson. Struggling to balance his vigilantism as Spider-Man with his personal life, Peter fails to make it to one of Mary Jane's performances of The Importance of Being Earnest. This book isn’t especially original; it’s just another tale about someone who discovers the joys to be found in embracing a carefree approach to life--or rather, it’s supposed to be. The story has a huge problem here, and it’s at the very core of that premise: Mary Jane discovers this joy via a really dysfunctional family.In 1970s Baltimore, fourteen-year-old Mary Jane loves cooking with her mother, singing in her church choir, and enjoying her family’s subscription to the Broadway Showtunes of the Month record club. Shy, quiet, and bookish, she’s glad when she lands a summer job as a nanny for the daughter of a local doctor. A respectable job, Mary Jane’s mother says. In a respectable house. Gleiberman, Owen (May 1, 2002). "Spider-Man—Movie Review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009 . Retrieved December 9, 2008.