Mahjong at Mara's

by Debra Green

There are the families you are born into and the families you choose.
Suburbia—the quintessential quagmire of coexistence in which strangers of varied ethnicities and financial statuses meet at the local gas station, supermarket, and café and speak in snippets of feigned and genuine cordiality. People with whom we rarely envision sharing anything more of ourselves … until we do.

Seventeen years after losing the love of her life on 9/11, Lila, a nurse aide, and her teenage son Dante find solace in unlikely companions— a group of Mahjong-playing octogenarians. There's Lila's client, Thea, struggling with Alzheimer's, and her sweet husband, Joseph; Mali, a lonely Holocaust survivor living far away from her only daughter; childless and recently widowed Frank; and the persnickety, divorced Gladys, whom Mali disliked from the moment the two met. When Brian, a duplicitous new neighbor, and Dante’s friends Rashon and Giselle, join the mix, all their lives take surprising turns that raise questions about the concepts of family, loyalty, and love.

A bighearted novel with an endearing and diverse cast of characters, MAHJONG AT MARA’S illustrates the bumpy ride to understanding experienced by the complicated patchwork of people who make up suburban America.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

317 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This sounded like a book about friends getting to know more about each others lives while playing mahjong. It was actually about a giant pot growing operation, with an almost completely unrelated storyline about some senior citizens who played mahjong about three times in the entirety of the book. Not sure what the point was, as only the pot characters were developed at all. There were also some irrelevant yet weirdly detailed sex scenes. I did not enjoy this book.

[Sharon Danzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel and often found myself so absorbed in the story that I lost track of time! Many interesting characters - by the end you really feel like you know everyone!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

you had me at Mah Jong

I just started learning to play so the title grabbed me. This was a feel good, multi- perspective, multi- generational story, easy to get into, and non- stressful. I will look for this author again! Would recommend!

[Jennifer Pruett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as the author was scheduled to speak at the JCC. Although I will be out of town for the talk, the book seemed interesting so I read it anyway. While it started well, it just didn’t develop deeply, and I got bored before finishing it. The ending seemed a bit pat and bland, and I wasn’t wondering how the rest of the characters’ lives went (as I do with a really good book - I wish those kept going to I could continue to follow the story and characters). The author has promise, and this is only her second book, so maybe I’ll try another down the road.

[Deborah Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us missing community in these uncertain times, when we’ve had way too much of our own company, Debra Green’s hopeful novel serves as a reminder that when we take a risk and reach out to each other, we may find we have more in common than we ever thought possible. Mah Jong at Mara’s is a sometimes lighthearted, sometimes serious, but always heartwarming reminder that maybe, just maybe, all you need is love, understanding-- and a little friendly rivalry.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mahjong at Mara’s

The story of Lila and her son Dante. Lila is a single mom doing everything she can to raise her son, Dante. A senior in highs school, he is working towards a college education. Along the way he meets a girl named Giselle. Unbeknownst to him, she is trouble. One day she takes things too far and jeopardizes everything Dante has worked for. Thankfully, neighbors and his mom’s mahjong friends are able to help him piece together what happened.

#GoodreadsGiveaways

[JoAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. As I was reading the first chapter, I felt an intrinsic sense of comfort. The story was easy to follow and the characters' lives, thoughts, and circumstances were seamlessly presented. This was a very refreshing read.

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe this shouldn't be touted as a book about Mah-jongg? It's all over the place- or maybe I just don't have the words to describe this book about love, loss, drugs, racism, Florida living, rude children, coming of age, NJ colleges-oh, and maybe three (?) MJ games.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid and enjoyable read. The storylines developed and more was revealed during the mahjong game. There were a large cast of characters- each with their own stories to tell. Some of the storylines were more serious than others. Some of the storylines were fun and lighthearted.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read about community and fitting in. Although it was a bit of a slow burn for me, and jumps a bit to different ideas, it all came together for me at the end. I loved the warmth of this book and really enjoyed it!

Thanks for the #goodreadsgiveaway

[Ellen Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about life and death, parents and children, growing up and growing old, life lessons, mistakes. Oh, and Mahjong.

[Suzin Nussbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mahjong at Maras

It is always fun to read any book that involves the game of Mahjong. A thought provoking novel perfect for the weekend read.

Highly recommend!

[Marquita Parkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Definitely read.