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Chapter One: Janey
The Chapter One book series consists of short stories, with each story acting as the first chapter, or "Chapter One," of the featured character's larger story. Each short story is connected to and advances the others, culminating in an ending that will leave you wanting more.
Readers will be invited to vote at the end of the series and decide which character's Chapter One becomes its own book. Or maybe Chapter Two will follow.
The story is based in the heart of Boston; Charlestown, Massachusetts. And it follows the lives of two extended Irish Catholic families, spanning three generations, and the events that shape them. Strong language, strong emotions and stronger truths - do not read unless prepared to be shocked, cry and laugh out loud.
In this first chapter, originally titled "Tough Chick," we meet Janey, a strong-willed young woman at odds with the world around her, and herself. Thrust into a role she was never prepared for, we witness her battling back against circumstances that are beyond her control while creating a whole new set of circumstances that aren't, with destructive consequences.
Readers will be invited to vote at the end of the series and decide which character's Chapter One becomes its own book. Or maybe Chapter Two will follow.
The story is based in the heart of Boston; Charlestown, Massachusetts. And it follows the lives of two extended Irish Catholic families, spanning three generations, and the events that shape them. Strong language, strong emotions and stronger truths - do not read unless prepared to be shocked, cry and laugh out loud.
In this first chapter, originally titled "Tough Chick," we meet Janey, a strong-willed young woman at odds with the world around her, and herself. Thrust into a role she was never prepared for, we witness her battling back against circumstances that are beyond her control while creating a whole new set of circumstances that aren't, with destructive consequences.
15 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2012
34 people want to read
About the author
Mary Catherine
25 books46 followersKnowing how to write takes much more than ‘going to school’ for it – as many shitty writing degree graduates prove. But sharing that I have a B.A. in English and Writing encourages some folks to read my stuff, so there you go. I guess they assume I’ll know the difference between ‘your’ and ‘you’re,’ for example. And they’re right.
I write to release and to remember - and to make people see.
See what?
Neither side of the socioeconomic spectrum understands the other – and as an insider and an outsider in each depending on the day, it really grinds my gears. I often have awkward interactions, with friends from either side making assumptions that just don’t fit . . . because they can’t see. Or maybe they can and just choose not to. I like to make my own assumptions there.
I write to release and to remember - and to make people see.
See what?
Neither side of the socioeconomic spectrum understands the other – and as an insider and an outsider in each depending on the day, it really grinds my gears. I often have awkward interactions, with friends from either side making assumptions that just don’t fit . . . because they can’t see. Or maybe they can and just choose not to. I like to make my own assumptions there.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 16, 2012
Janey is not someone most people would go out of their way to say hello to. Safe to say, some might go out of their way to stay away from her. Everyone has saw a girl like Janey, walking down the street, in line at the grocery store, waiting for the bus, and (consciously or not) everyone has passed judgment on her. She looks like a dopehead. She should wash her hair. Where are her parents? Rarely does anyone stop to think of her circumstances, that her situation may not be all her fault. When you read Chapter One: Janey, you will look at this girl differently.
Janey lives with her brothers, Michael and Dennis. She may not tell them, but they are her world. She loves them fiercely and has fought against the odds to keep them close to her. Living with Janey and the boys is the tough-loving Nana Audrey. She is a leathered, tough as nails senior that lives her life as she pleases, younger than her sixty-eight years. By contrast, Janey is much older than her age. Their common factor is their love of their family and a fear of failing it. Strangled by drug addiction, Janey feels she has already failed. Audrey knows better and is intent on showing Janey what a strong young woman she actually is.
Mary Catherine has given us a look into a family that many of us may not be familiar with in a strong, unapologetic voice and challenges the reader to see it for the sum of its parts, not simply to point out the flaws of its fractured members. It is a family on the edge of destruction, but not beyond hope. I found myself looking for Chapter Two, wishing to travel a little further with Janey, hoping to see the Phoenix rise from the ashes. Mary Catherine has a wonderful platform from which to expand her story into a full novel and I will be keeping a close eye out for it. You should too.
Chapter One: Janey at Amazon.com
Mary Catherine's Website
Janey lives with her brothers, Michael and Dennis. She may not tell them, but they are her world. She loves them fiercely and has fought against the odds to keep them close to her. Living with Janey and the boys is the tough-loving Nana Audrey. She is a leathered, tough as nails senior that lives her life as she pleases, younger than her sixty-eight years. By contrast, Janey is much older than her age. Their common factor is their love of their family and a fear of failing it. Strangled by drug addiction, Janey feels she has already failed. Audrey knows better and is intent on showing Janey what a strong young woman she actually is.
Mary Catherine has given us a look into a family that many of us may not be familiar with in a strong, unapologetic voice and challenges the reader to see it for the sum of its parts, not simply to point out the flaws of its fractured members. It is a family on the edge of destruction, but not beyond hope. I found myself looking for Chapter Two, wishing to travel a little further with Janey, hoping to see the Phoenix rise from the ashes. Mary Catherine has a wonderful platform from which to expand her story into a full novel and I will be keeping a close eye out for it. You should too.
Chapter One: Janey at Amazon.com
Mary Catherine's Website
Want to read
August 11, 2012This concept seems amazing! A great way to capture a reader!
September 1, 2012
I was skeptical beginning this work, but I was instantly engaged in the action. I love Mary Catherine's writing style and intense characterization. I want more!
September 11, 2012
I received this through the First Reads program and it is very well written and interesting. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews