The book is "Mary Jane" by Jessica Anya Blau. The author, Jessica Blau, was one of the volunteers who worked with our Syrian family. She now lives in New York, but has agreed to participate in the discussion assuming her schedule allows it.

"Mary Jane'' is a coming of age novel about a Baltimore teenager, living in Roland Park. She gets a summer job as a nanny for the daughter of a psychiatrist, living in a chaotic household. She is exposed to a liberal lifestyle of "sex, drugs and rock and roll." Book club members will be interested in many neighborhood sights mentioned, and some local racism and anti-semitism.

Two reviewers (Joanna Rakoff and ZZ Parker) have commented: "Jessica Anya Blau is one of the funniest writers - ever. No one captures the oddities, joys and, yes, the pain of modern life with such frankness, humor and sly-witted style." "Mary Jane is that rare thing: an utterly charming, absolutely delightful novel that also makes you think deeply about the world around you. Jessica Anya Blau's clear-eyed wit reminded me of Curtis Sitterfield and Laurie Colwin, and, of course Jane Austin."

Those interested in attending, please contact George Kullgren at gckullgren@comcast.net to receive their zoom invitation.