OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mary & Me" by Mary Potter Kenyon and Mary Jedlicka Humston.]

Mary and Me A Lasting Link Through Ink was written by Mary Potter Kenyon and Mary Jedlicka Humston. It is a nonfiction book about the friendship. The friendship between these two women over many years of letter writing. They women discussed many topics: the ups and downs of being mothers, writers, and wives. In a time when lots of people communicate through phone calls, email, and texting. These two women grew very close through hand written letters.

The book is written in an interview type style. Each of the chapters present a question and is followed by each Mary's responses. After each chapter there is a guest writer that adds to their stories. These were not stories about Mary and Mary but the guest writers personal stories that added to what Mary and Mary had already presented. This style of formatting the book was great and made it easy to see the differences and similarities between the authors. Reading about their personal opinions and insight into the happenings in their lives is similar to the way the two women learned about each other and built their friendship. Reflecting on their lives in the past; raising children, jobs, writing, and even their health. Each of the women having their own story to tell and telling it through letters to the other. There were also things that Mary and Mary did not discuss like: sex, drugs, and politics. There is a chapter specifically for the topics they did not discussed.

The book is really put together well. Blending all the different authors one would think it might fell choppy; but it flows naturally through the topics and from one topic to the next. It was so real that it made me reflect on my life and the choices I make when communicating with others. I wonder if I would have stronger friendships if I wrote letters instead of texting, emailing, or phone calls.

The only negative I have for the book is it ended. Not that the ending wasn't a good finish to a great book. I just keep finding myself wanting more stories from these two Mary's. Interesting how a book can grab a hold of you and make you want more. A sign of an amazing book.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would read it again and am looking forward to read other books these two authors have written. I really connected to different parts of each of these two women's lives. I enjoyed the realness of the events in their lives. I would recommend this book to any mother, wife, or writer.

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Mary & Me
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Like cranej80's review? Post a comment saying so!

While this is not something I would normally read, it is an intriguing topic regardless. I actually tried to start a letter revolution once before by getting off social media and telling everyone I would only talk on the phone or write letters. No one called and I only had one pen pal ha ha. But it was fantastic. I still love getting letters. Great job, love the enthusiasm!! Congrats to the authors on a great review!

I love getting letters as well: but am not the best at writing them. Thank you for your nice comment. This was my first review and was nervous on the outcome. Hoping that I get better at writing them.

You will, don't worry. It gets easier every time. Just take your time and edit numerous times. And have fun!!

Thanks for the advice. Great website so far.

Nice review! The book sounds like it is very interesting and you presented it quite well in your review! Good job!

I enjoyed reading your review. The format sounds interesting, with a guest writer who add to the stories in each chapter. The letter-writing reminds me of a pen pal from Germany I had when I was 10 or 11 years old. We even exchanged Christmas ornaments! I was amazed at how good her English was, even though she told me they are taught English in school from a very early age.

Congrats on your first review! Escapeartist gave good advice - edit the review a few times before submitting. You will hopefully catch the errors and you may also notice something that doesn't sound right. Above all, have fun.