Me May Mary is an eloquent memoir about a teen emerging from a tumultuous past. Beginning with a childhood spent sleeping in cars and stealing money from her violent, alcoholic parents to survive, through her teen years in foster care and an orphanage, Mary struggled to overcome her history and embrace her potential. Recounted without self-pity, this poignant, surprisingly funny book relates one young woman’s experience of surmounting the past, making sense of the present, and learning to draw strength from a determined belief in her own future.
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Editorial Reviews
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An inspiring story of a young woman who overcomes an abusive past with the help of a loving brother. -- Gay Courter, Pulitzer-Prize nominated author, I Speak for This Child
Kilgour writes with the simple, clear punch of Vonnegut but without the cynicism. -- Michael Lutin Writer, Vanity Fair Magazine
Me May Mary is a powerful personal story of hope, written by a woman who has given hope to many. -- Michael Piraino CEO, National CASA Association
Me May Mary is an honest, graceful, heartfelt memoir of growing up on the wrong side of America’s opportunity divide. -- Dinty W. Moore author, The Accidental Buddhist
Kilgour writes with the simple, clear punch of Vonnegut but without the cynicism. -- Michael Lutin Writer, Vanity Fair Magazine
Me May Mary is a powerful personal story of hope, written by a woman who has given hope to many. -- Michael Piraino CEO, National CASA Association
Me May Mary is an honest, graceful, heartfelt memoir of growing up on the wrong side of America’s opportunity divide. -- Dinty W. Moore author, The Accidental Buddhist
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Note from the Author,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Me May Mary (Paperback)
I'm the author of this childhood memoir, so my scoring of five stars should be taken with a grain of salt. But I wanted to inform prospective readers that this is an adult book, not a juvenile book as indicated in the amazon.com write-up. While I wrote the book because of my experiences as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer (a court-appointed special advocate for children going through dependency court), and hope it will appeal to teens now experiencing abuse and neglect, it should appeal to all adults. Adults who have had their own rough patches may particularly enjoy it. The book is about struggle and acceptance, but also about surviving and thriving.That's it from the author. Thank you.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tragedy and Triumph,
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This review is from: Me May Mary (Paperback)
Mary Kilgour's memoir is one of those books that is hard to put down. Mary grew up in Hartford, CT in the 1950s in a poor family made poorer by alcoholic parents. In fast-moving narrative she tells of the terrors and traumas she had to endure as a child, her bad behavior, the social workers and others who helped her--although Mary did not understand their help at the time--and her ultimate success. Readers of all ages will be appalled by young Mary's situation, heartened by older Mary's triumph, and inspired by her writing skills.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Me, May, Mary,
This review is from: Me May Mary (Paperback)
Me, May, Mary is a MUST read! Set in the idyllic years of the 1950s, this book is about another America as portrayed by a unique girl. This memoir is pathos and more pathos. It is the story of a young girl, despite all the circumstances and struggles, finding her way.The reason this book appealed to me is the honesty of the author. Mary does not engage in self-pity. The writing is so real and forthright, at times even raw. As the reader journeys with Mary and her many trials, the reader is transformed into a cheerleader. Somehow this girl is going to make it despite the odds! Although not a mystery novel, the reader wants to turn the page fo find how Mary handles fears and one trauma after another. The pace of this book provides a sense of adventure. The role of the family is explored in depth from the eyes and heart of an adolescent. This is not a story of evolution but rather a young person in revolution. With no, or more often, negative parental role modeling, Mary manages to survive life. Dealing with shame, poverty and well-founded fears, this author poignantly expresses her feelings. Mary's mentors: neighbors, brother Jacky, teachers and most surprisingly, an astute and caring nun, offer her the love, guidance and inspiration to rise above her plight. Should you read this book? Yes, if you are a teacher, social worker, struggling teenager, compassionate human being or a lover of beautiful prose. Read this book and you will be uplifted by an indomitable spirit. Mary makes us look at the human experience with a profoundness and awe seldom seen in a memoir. Its rawness and insights are remarkable. The humor in the book provides levity and flavor. I hope the author writes a sequel...Mary Kilgour is a remarkable storyteller...totally inspiring without preaching. Treat yourself to a great read!
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