Customer Reviews

Me May Mary

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

My career was as the Director of a rape treatment center and child protection team. Having read Mary's book, I assure you that it is a compelling read, hauntingly told without hysteria or histrionics. In an almost eerily pragmatic tone, Mary tells her story of a seriously deprived childhood in which she quickly adapted and accepted the status quo. It is a story with which many of us can identify because of the slow, insidious, and steady impact of growing up in families that not only cannot provide the basic necessities of life such as food and shelter, but do not provide safety, security, or emotional and psychological support. As children we are great at taking responsibility for the family. Mary's story is a plain truth story of survival and determination. I was quite moved and I've heard it all.

This insightful and touching memoir - Catcher in the Rye meets Horatio Alger - makes you wonder how a young woman exposed to such a difficult and deprived childhood can graduate from high school, not to mention earning a PhD from Harvard and becoming a leader in her profession. Even with elaborate support systems in place, most of us accomplish much less. Mary Kilgour's story is just an incredible eye-opener, told with such self-deprecating humor and honesty that you'll find yourself laughing and crying - and happy to learn that Ms Kilgour is now working to help children who are growing up facing some of the same issues she did!

My wife recommended that I read this memoir. While usually a science fiction buff, I was pulled so easily into this author's early life experiences that I've gained a new respect for and interest in autobiographies. Without being too wordy or begging sympathy, Mary Cameron Kilgour delivers her story with the same courage and heart that helped her overcome the childhood adversity that she so expressively describes. Excellent reading. Now, this begs the question - "When can we expect a sequel?"

Could not put the book down. What a quality written autobiography that reads more like a fiction. Entertaining, motivational and educational. No "poor me" in this one - just the facts told in a straightforward manner. As a professional who has worked in the field of Behavioral and Mental Health, I can highly recommend this book to adults AND teens. After reading what Mary experienced as a child and what she overcame to become an educated, successful and caring adult you too will understand that it IS possible!

I loved this book. Like most of the books I love, it offers a glimpse into a reality so different from my own. BTW, I can't stand depressing books...although Mary had a tough childhood, her book never left me feeling depressed.

I let a woman at my work read it after me and she loved it too!

Mary's journey is truly extraordinary! I couldn't put the book down. She is an amazing human being to have overcome such adversity! Great read!