Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau [Sticky Notes Edition + Giveaway]

If you're looking for the book's synopsis or want to read my original review, please click here. This isn't a comprehensive review of the book, just my thoughts as I was reading it (or at least the ones I jotted down).

In case you haven't guessed, I dog-ear my books while reading. I fold the top corner down when I want to mark my spot, and I fold the bottom corner up when I want to refer back to something on a specific page (usually a quote). I also make small marks on the pages (asterisks) to make it easier for me to find what it was that caught my attention, and will occasionally make small notes in the margins. However, there are times when sticky notes are needed to fully convey my thoughts on something I've read, which makes it easier for me to write reviews. I also like using sticky notes when reading library books (can't write in those), or when it's a book I plan on giving away after reading (people really don't like dog-eared pages).

Thus, the Sticky Note Edition was born! I will review a book like normal, then a few days later (when applicable), I will post about the same book using only the things I've scribbled onto sticky notes throughout the pages. They will be posted unaltered and in order, which I think will give people an interesting look at what goes on inside of my head while I'm reading. Normally, I just toss the sticky notes in the trash once I've written my review, but this seems like more fun (just don't judge my spelling and grammar too harshly, haha). I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did posting it!

WARNING: Possible spoilers if you haven't read the book!

Said penis 8 times on this page, 7 times on the next. Does one really need to say it 15 times in 2 pages?

So many racist comments on just two pages. Sooo happy to trash Jews until Jesus gets brought up. Wth, people.

Adults should not undress in front of children - especially those there to babysit

I feel like all of the "adults" are putting a lot of expectations on a 14-year-old.

I'm all about being open and honest with your kids, but walking around naked in front of your 5-year old and her babysitter is NOT okay. 

Issy should know what a penis is, what it's used for, but she should not have seen "lots" at her age. Especially her father's. 

Number of times "penis" was said on this page: 6

Why are there so many penises in this book?

OMG. SO. GROSS. This is a health hazard for their child. 

This is the second time MJ has mentioned the Cones' failing/forgetting to bathe their child. 

Um...that seems a little racist. 

Why are they so concerned with what a 14yr old thinks? Who cares if her parents like the president? 

So now she does the cooking, cleaning (and there's a lot), the grocery shopping, and the parenting of their child? And this makes her happy?

That shouldn't be MJ's responsibility. I get that their "free" lifestyle is supposed to be "enlightening" or whatever, but they are using a 14 yr old as a maid. 

I'm all for normalizing topics and words in front of kids, but there are some things you just don't expose them to, especially when they're 5.

Unsafe environment. C'mon people. Wtf?

MJ and Izzy should NOT be the ones cleaning this up. FFS. Why is she even trying?

Oh hey! Someone acknowledged how wrong it was for kids to be in the middle of their adult madness. 

I am choking on the racism. I don't know if it accurately reflects the 70's - probably - but I'm not sure how we got started on this topic of conversation.

Why don't they bathe their child?

For a psychiatrist, this is very shitty problem solving. Why isn't anyone addressing the real problem? They have a 14yo doing EVERYTHING.

YET THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO MJ! AHHH!

Why isn't anyone commenting on the fact that Mrs. Cone mimics everything Sheba does?

So. Inappropriate. It's okay to talk about sex and anatomy, but describing the dick you've had in great detail is too much. Again, she's 14. 

Seriously? Wtf, people? Even I don't know what that one means. 

Yep. This married mom is def. trying too hard to get the attention of a married man that has zero interest in her.

*Rolls eyes*

Funnnyyy how a 14yr old notices what adults do not. 

Not her job. People should stop putting her in these situations. 

Again, the 14yro is the only one with a shred of responsibility and rationality. You do not leave a 5yro alone in a house.

How did no one see that coming?

Why is THAT what made her mother proud?

Giveaway Rules:

This giveaway officially starts on May 15th and ends on May 29th at 12 AM. The winner will be announced on May 30th on this post within the Rafflecopter form, and also notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will have Rafflecopter select another winner (read my full giveaway policy here).

International friends -- your giveaway will be a little different! Instead the book mentioned above, you can choose one book (up to $15) from The Book Depository! Just make sure they ship to you, which you can check right here. I know it's not the same thing, but I don't want to leave anyone out! If this happens, I will have Rafflecopter select a second winner for the physical copy shown. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway