What do you think?
Rate this book
Project Girl
Selected by The Los Angeles Times Book Review as one of the best books of the year, Project Girl is the powerful account of a young woman's struggle to realize her dreams while remaining true to who she was before attending Ivy League schools and receiving impressive diplomas. It tells of the spectacular failures and unlikely comebacks of a ghetto kid whose academic talent opens doors onto a world of private schools, rich classmates, and plum jobs but who back home confronts a neighborhood of growing poverty, drug abuse, and crime. Project Girl is McDonald's story of her divided life and terrible battle to reconcile opposing worlds.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
6 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Janet McDonald
23 books14 followersJanet McDonald was an American writer of young adult novels as well as the author of 'Project Girl', a memoir about her early life in the Brooklyn projects and struggle to achieve an Ivy League education. Her best known children's book is Spellbound, which tells the story of a teenaged mother who wins a spelling competition and a college scholarship. The book was named as the American Library Association's Best Book for Young Adults in 2002.
In addition to books, McDonald also wrote articles for publications such as Slate, including one in which she paid psychic Sylvia Browne $700 for a telephone reading. McDonald was a member of Mensa, the high IQ society.
After graduating from Vassar (1977), Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (1984), and New York University Law School (1986), McDonald practiced law in New York City (1986-1989) and Seattle (1989-1991). She took a position as an intern at a Paris law firm (1991-1993) before moving to Olympia, Washington to work in the Attorney General's office and teach French language classes at Evergreen State College. McDonald settled in Paris in 1995 to work first as an international attorney and then as a writer, until she died of cancer in 2007
For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/janet-mc...
In addition to books, McDonald also wrote articles for publications such as Slate, including one in which she paid psychic Sylvia Browne $700 for a telephone reading. McDonald was a member of Mensa, the high IQ society.
After graduating from Vassar (1977), Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (1984), and New York University Law School (1986), McDonald practiced law in New York City (1986-1989) and Seattle (1989-1991). She took a position as an intern at a Paris law firm (1991-1993) before moving to Olympia, Washington to work in the Attorney General's office and teach French language classes at Evergreen State College. McDonald settled in Paris in 1995 to work first as an international attorney and then as a writer, until she died of cancer in 2007
For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/janet-mc...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 27, 2019
I heard Janet on This American Life and her voice was so likable I had to know more about her. Turns out she died in 2007 from colon cancer but she’d written this book about her life. The book - written in 1999 - about her family, her life growing up in Brooklyn, her experience negotiating higher education as an African American from a working poor family, the love she develops for French and Paris, where she eventually moves - is accessible and so relatable. She writes about class race stereotypes rage racism misogyny love and hope in such a direct and unpretentious way. I loved her voice here too. I feel strangely attached to this woman who no longer walks in the world.
November 10, 2018
Deeply ambivalent about this book and its author. This book hits on a lot of relevant social issues-race, class, education, identity, American culture compared to French, mental illness, and drug use, to name just a few. The author is raised in a Brooklyn housing project and is educated at many of New York's finest institutions. She makes it to Vassar where she gets to travel abroad in Paris, and discover heroin. She goes to law school at Cornell where she is raped and suffers a nervous breakdown. Her post-rape trauma is articulated.
A part of me admires McDonald. She got into an elite college, more than one elite law school, interned at elite media outlets and law firms, and worked at an elite law firm at a very high salary. It is not surprising she is a member of Mensa and working in International Law in Paris at the time of writing. What is surprising is how shallow her description of the world around her is. Everything and everyone is broken down into race and class identities. She is smart, obviously, but not particularly hard working or diligent. It seems academic success came easy. But she does not seem to be successful navigating the world. She has a hard time staying at the same law school. She does not graduate until she is 32. She does not last long at any job she takes. She does not mention ever having a long-term lover. She wants us to believe she ended up in France because America was not the right fit for her. But, maybe she was not the right fit anywhere. And she does not give the impression she delved deep into French life. She just never manages to get deep beneath the surface anywhere.
A part of me admires McDonald. She got into an elite college, more than one elite law school, interned at elite media outlets and law firms, and worked at an elite law firm at a very high salary. It is not surprising she is a member of Mensa and working in International Law in Paris at the time of writing. What is surprising is how shallow her description of the world around her is. Everything and everyone is broken down into race and class identities. She is smart, obviously, but not particularly hard working or diligent. It seems academic success came easy. But she does not seem to be successful navigating the world. She has a hard time staying at the same law school. She does not graduate until she is 32. She does not last long at any job she takes. She does not mention ever having a long-term lover. She wants us to believe she ended up in France because America was not the right fit for her. But, maybe she was not the right fit anywhere. And she does not give the impression she delved deep into French life. She just never manages to get deep beneath the surface anywhere.
July 11, 2012
Read this over ten years ago and still think about it sometimes.
August 27, 2019
What a story! I truly think Janet McDonald’s life is amazing. Growing up in the projects of Brooklyn, she went on to go to school in Vassar, Columbia School of Journalism and New York University School of Law. While at Cornell, she got raped, but picked herself back up and threw herself even more into her passions after that. She spent a year abroad in Paris and she had a few elite internships at some media companies during college as well.
I think McDonald’s trajectory through life is so interesting. She goes through a hot-shot lawyer job in New York, to a more low key lawyer job in Seattle, to finally working as a lawyer in Paris, which is her dream.
My only qualm with this book is the whole middle section of the journal entries. I get that this section is supposed to give this book more authenticity, but it also seemed like an excuse to not write a third of the book. I also wish McDonald had spent more time describing the lawyer job in Paris and what she did there. I speak and study French, so I would have loved a spotlight on that part of the book, even if it was at the end.
Nevertheless, this is a remarkable story that will inspire anyone to work hard and to never ever give up, no matter what knocks you down. But most of all, this book taught me to to not give up on my dreams, no matter what my friends and family sway me to do. I think that this is so important in life, and I’m glad “Project Girl” gave me that reminder.
I think McDonald’s trajectory through life is so interesting. She goes through a hot-shot lawyer job in New York, to a more low key lawyer job in Seattle, to finally working as a lawyer in Paris, which is her dream.
My only qualm with this book is the whole middle section of the journal entries. I get that this section is supposed to give this book more authenticity, but it also seemed like an excuse to not write a third of the book. I also wish McDonald had spent more time describing the lawyer job in Paris and what she did there. I speak and study French, so I would have loved a spotlight on that part of the book, even if it was at the end.
Nevertheless, this is a remarkable story that will inspire anyone to work hard and to never ever give up, no matter what knocks you down. But most of all, this book taught me to to not give up on my dreams, no matter what my friends and family sway me to do. I think that this is so important in life, and I’m glad “Project Girl” gave me that reminder.
November 25, 2015
I originally gave this book two stars because when I was finished, I was annoyed about some things and disappointed in the moment. After discussing the book at our book club meeting, I realized I took more from the book and liked more of the story then I was annoyed. Thanks Elaine for pointing out how my reactions meant I did take more from it! And again, great pick!
November 7, 2019
I struggle with this rating. McDonald's life was tragic and fascinating. While I have no doubt about her intelligence, her writing wasn't great and the mid-section, highly editorialized journal portion of the book didn't work.
December 6, 2016
I read this hoping to adopt it in my Intro to Multicultural Studies course, but it's not what expected. That doesn't mean it's a bad book. In fact, read in tandem with The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League, this would be a really great way to start some important conversations.
The good - a poignantly written and inspiring memoir about being the one who makes it. Struggling in a neighborhood that transition from "working poor" to just "poor" is bleak, and that really comes through. This book is probably best used as a case study of what it's like to be a victim of sexual assault, as about a third of the text is her diary entries while coping with that terrible incident. It's also great for a story of what it was like in Brooklyn before it became today's Brooklyn. Janet grew up in BK back when white people simply were not on Ocean Avenue. It's like a ghost from the past speaking about a world that's gone.
The bad - My students could have definatly used a more optimistic "here's what it takes to make it" stories and McDonald has a very unique voice, but so much of the book is about her tortured inner struggles and the constant throwing away of opportunities. This reads like a Black female Holden Caulfield, except she's a rebel with a cause...
The good - a poignantly written and inspiring memoir about being the one who makes it. Struggling in a neighborhood that transition from "working poor" to just "poor" is bleak, and that really comes through. This book is probably best used as a case study of what it's like to be a victim of sexual assault, as about a third of the text is her diary entries while coping with that terrible incident. It's also great for a story of what it was like in Brooklyn before it became today's Brooklyn. Janet grew up in BK back when white people simply were not on Ocean Avenue. It's like a ghost from the past speaking about a world that's gone.
The bad - My students could have definatly used a more optimistic "here's what it takes to make it" stories and McDonald has a very unique voice, but so much of the book is about her tortured inner struggles and the constant throwing away of opportunities. This reads like a Black female Holden Caulfield, except she's a rebel with a cause...
December 4, 2014
An interesting book to have read immediately following 'The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace,' both stories of Ivy-League-bound young people from the projects. Many common themes, albeit wholly different trajectories and outcomes ... both which demonstrate vividly just how deep the divide in "the American experience" is, even for those are able to cross boundaries in class, race and socioeconomic status.
'Project Girl' offered a fascinating glimpse into McDonald's mind as she navigated between the disparate environs of her young life, with a large portion of her narrative devoted to her emotions following a rape. Her rage and heartbreak throughout most of the book are palpable.
My biggest beef with the way McDonald presents her story is the 70+ section in the middle, composed entirely of journal excerpts. The otherwise coherent narrative that McDonald presents on her life is interrupted by painstakingly minute details ("I got a perm today!"), only some of which appear to bear relevance on the greater narrative as a whole.
Otherwise, powerful read, devastating and encouraging all at once.
'Project Girl' offered a fascinating glimpse into McDonald's mind as she navigated between the disparate environs of her young life, with a large portion of her narrative devoted to her emotions following a rape. Her rage and heartbreak throughout most of the book are palpable.
My biggest beef with the way McDonald presents her story is the 70+ section in the middle, composed entirely of journal excerpts. The otherwise coherent narrative that McDonald presents on her life is interrupted by painstakingly minute details ("I got a perm today!"), only some of which appear to bear relevance on the greater narrative as a whole.
Otherwise, powerful read, devastating and encouraging all at once.
July 4, 2016
A brilliant memoir as Janet McDonald chronicles how she grew up in one of New York's worst neighborhoods and ends up becoming a lawyer in Paris. Along the way we get a cross-section of period and experience the problems of straddling two worlds and never feeling a part of either. A brilliant writer who perfectly articulates the issues she faces. My only slight critique would be that for about 100 pages she switches to journal entries which feels jarring in the context of the rest of the book.
If AMC are looking for something to fill the Mad Men space they could do worse.
If AMC are looking for something to fill the Mad Men space they could do worse.
May 23, 2011
...warmed my heart when I got to the part when Janet tells her mother, "I'm sorry. I feel like I let the family down," to hear her mother turn around and say, "maybe the family let you down." Very touching, albeit, I waited before prematurely applauding, which a lengthy review shortened (there honestly is so much in here)... but in her mother I saw a gem, and Janet (like others who've paved a way their way) is a trailblazer for those in her family coming behind her! Great Work!
March 30, 2022
I often wonder what Janet McDonald declined to include in this autobiography. There is scant mention of romance. Don't misinterpret me, I love this story. Yet, it seems she had little yearning for romance.
Project Girl remains permanent in my home library. I encourage everyone to foster their growth and read this book.
Project Girl remains permanent in my home library. I encourage everyone to foster their growth and read this book.
August 6, 2019
The first 11 chapters are a 4, and then it is a 2, and then it drops further... I did not finish.
Listen to the 7/28/2000 This American Life (Ira Glass) with her instead; that also includes a fun interview with David Sedaris.
Listen to the 7/28/2000 This American Life (Ira Glass) with her instead; that also includes a fun interview with David Sedaris.
April 2, 2007
This was an excellent book about a black girl struggling through the oppression of Brooklyn projects, to raise herself from the depths to become a lawyer. I really like memoirs.
December 7, 2009
This is one of the books I just pick out in the library wasnt even looking for this book. I happen to see if on the shelf and its soooooooo good.
August 20, 2019
Incredibly depressing at times but also a necessity
August 31, 2025
I am sad to be done with this book. I’m going to miss being in Janet’s company. And even sadder that there’s not more I can read on her life after the memoir ends.
This was a heart wrenching, conflicting story. If it was fiction, you would have accused the author of being dickensian inventing too many tragedies, making the story unrealistic. And yet, reality is stranger than fiction.
She and her family experience every injustice the American system has to throw on the poor and the minorities: lack of access to education and opportunities in your own community (forcing you to seek them outside of home), the unadulterated failures of the justice system in preventing and prosecuting crime (this INFURIATED me), violating rights when accused of a crime, racism, sexism, the lack of support and safety net for the poor and struggling, the lack of protection, and violence. She experiences this in addition to every other tragedy that being a human brings: sibling conflict, feelings of inadequacy, struggling with your parents expectations, seeing family members and community members make the wrong choices for themselves, entertaining your own demons and self-destructive behavior.
Janet was a real person, with real, unflinching emotions.
She had lifelong struggles with identity, which were in many ways, rooted in the inherent trauma of the injustices of American life and its treatment of the poor and minorities.
I cheered for her. I flinched and winced for her. I laughed at her sardonic jokes. I was amazed at how much humor she was able to eke out of her experience. I loved her depictions of life and identity and freedom in Paris.
Such a fascinating holding of self-creation and self-destruction in tension, in a world and two-selves, one that seemed to strive for a life-giving existence and one that seemed hell-bent on tearing her down.
Overall, book shook me to my core. I will be thinking about if for a long time and wish more people knew her story.
Some favorite quotes:
On the many difficulties and tragedies faced by her family members: “Kevin was kicked out of the job corp. The whole family is cursed. We’re the black penniless Kennedys.”
The sharply clever and cruel convergence of her identity struggles at one of her lowest moments: “By my deed I had failed as a law student. By my confession, I failed as a project girl…How could a project girl who had grown up with some of the savviest criminals in the ‘hood be so dumb as to cry on a lying cops shoulder and confess to something no one could prove? That’s what it was, that naive college-girl shit.”
On the power of presence of another in the worst moments of tribulation: “Professor Younger visited…No other faculty or administrator deemed such a visit appropriate and hers was a real surprise. Her large eyes brimmed with compassion as we attempted conversation. Silence filled much of the visit, but her presence was more of a comfort than any words could have been”
On the beauty of France, setting her free from the uniquely American experience of her identity: “In France I was liberated from the Vassar girl/project girl conflict. No one judged me on specifics, and I had nothing to prove. The French saw me as just another American, though I didn’t see myself that way at all. I viewed Americans as white patriots, who didn’t want me in school with their children. I was black, period. The french drew no such distinctions, which meant I no longer had to worry about making African Americans look good. Or bad. Whatever I did was attributed to Americanness, not blackness. What a switch - a black person with the power to make white people look bad”
“They were elated to meet an African American and bombarded me with questions about racism, Harlem, black entertainers and anything that touched the lives of black people in America. The giggles at my french and laughed outright when I attempted to explain that I was black, not American. “Mais, Jeanette,
you are so very-y americaine” She said I looked American, dressed American and walked like an American.
On the gift of the difficulties “I realized, to my surprise, that my life had given me a psychic and spiritual stamina that money, connections, and privilege could not afford”
On the future ahead (one of the most hopeful lines in the book): “I can’t wait to graduate and begin my career. I’ll have a job, money, and an apartment. My life will be mine. I’m full of shrapnel but determined to survive.”
This was a heart wrenching, conflicting story. If it was fiction, you would have accused the author of being dickensian inventing too many tragedies, making the story unrealistic. And yet, reality is stranger than fiction.
She and her family experience every injustice the American system has to throw on the poor and the minorities: lack of access to education and opportunities in your own community (forcing you to seek them outside of home), the unadulterated failures of the justice system in preventing and prosecuting crime (this INFURIATED me), violating rights when accused of a crime, racism, sexism, the lack of support and safety net for the poor and struggling, the lack of protection, and violence. She experiences this in addition to every other tragedy that being a human brings: sibling conflict, feelings of inadequacy, struggling with your parents expectations, seeing family members and community members make the wrong choices for themselves, entertaining your own demons and self-destructive behavior.
Janet was a real person, with real, unflinching emotions.
She had lifelong struggles with identity, which were in many ways, rooted in the inherent trauma of the injustices of American life and its treatment of the poor and minorities.
I cheered for her. I flinched and winced for her. I laughed at her sardonic jokes. I was amazed at how much humor she was able to eke out of her experience. I loved her depictions of life and identity and freedom in Paris.
Such a fascinating holding of self-creation and self-destruction in tension, in a world and two-selves, one that seemed to strive for a life-giving existence and one that seemed hell-bent on tearing her down.
Overall, book shook me to my core. I will be thinking about if for a long time and wish more people knew her story.
Some favorite quotes:
On the many difficulties and tragedies faced by her family members: “Kevin was kicked out of the job corp. The whole family is cursed. We’re the black penniless Kennedys.”
The sharply clever and cruel convergence of her identity struggles at one of her lowest moments: “By my deed I had failed as a law student. By my confession, I failed as a project girl…How could a project girl who had grown up with some of the savviest criminals in the ‘hood be so dumb as to cry on a lying cops shoulder and confess to something no one could prove? That’s what it was, that naive college-girl shit.”
On the power of presence of another in the worst moments of tribulation: “Professor Younger visited…No other faculty or administrator deemed such a visit appropriate and hers was a real surprise. Her large eyes brimmed with compassion as we attempted conversation. Silence filled much of the visit, but her presence was more of a comfort than any words could have been”
On the beauty of France, setting her free from the uniquely American experience of her identity: “In France I was liberated from the Vassar girl/project girl conflict. No one judged me on specifics, and I had nothing to prove. The French saw me as just another American, though I didn’t see myself that way at all. I viewed Americans as white patriots, who didn’t want me in school with their children. I was black, period. The french drew no such distinctions, which meant I no longer had to worry about making African Americans look good. Or bad. Whatever I did was attributed to Americanness, not blackness. What a switch - a black person with the power to make white people look bad”
“They were elated to meet an African American and bombarded me with questions about racism, Harlem, black entertainers and anything that touched the lives of black people in America. The giggles at my french and laughed outright when I attempted to explain that I was black, not American. “Mais, Jeanette,
you are so very-y americaine” She said I looked American, dressed American and walked like an American.
On the gift of the difficulties “I realized, to my surprise, that my life had given me a psychic and spiritual stamina that money, connections, and privilege could not afford”
On the future ahead (one of the most hopeful lines in the book): “I can’t wait to graduate and begin my career. I’ll have a job, money, and an apartment. My life will be mine. I’m full of shrapnel but determined to survive.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2017
So I was disappointed in this book. It was hard for me to get through to the last 50 pages. I was so sick of hearing about white people this and black people that.. I couldn't get though a single page without it. I felt like she was a very intelligent women. But for some reason the race issue held her back. I felt like she was belly aching about making a ton of money being a lawyer and that she hated, like she was forced to do it. I found it hard to like the author. I really do feel about her rape that happened probably the best thing would've been for her to have some time in an institution her ramblings in her diary were scary... homicidal..suicidal.. I wonder how she maintained a job at time. She def showed signs of severe borderline personality disorder.. what a case... I do think she treated her brother Kevin really sweet and with a lot of affection. I am white so I don't claim to know what it is like to be a person of another race or know the trials she went through. I just think she had a lot of hang ups herself with the issue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
One of the most powerful acts that really stuck out to me, is after her mother didn't give her the money for subway fare to get to the College Program, she decided the program was her only way out and hopped over the turnstile and the rest was history.
This book did leave me with a lot more questions. One mainly about her mental health. She talked of suicide and needing therapy throughout her early years. However, after she started working in her profession, she never mentions it again. Like did she just get better? Did she continue seeing a therapist on occasion? And one moment she's on heroin, the next she's able to turn it down after being offered by her sister. I think readers need to understand that process of how & what determination and willpower it took to get off such a powerful drug. It's just so abrupt.
Overall, I am glad she chose to write about her life. I even googled to find out more about the family. It turns out one of her sisters who was a heavy drug user, is now a Minister and does clay art.
This book did leave me with a lot more questions. One mainly about her mental health. She talked of suicide and needing therapy throughout her early years. However, after she started working in her profession, she never mentions it again. Like did she just get better? Did she continue seeing a therapist on occasion? And one moment she's on heroin, the next she's able to turn it down after being offered by her sister. I think readers need to understand that process of how & what determination and willpower it took to get off such a powerful drug. It's just so abrupt.
Overall, I am glad she chose to write about her life. I even googled to find out more about the family. It turns out one of her sisters who was a heavy drug user, is now a Minister and does clay art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2023
This is an INCREDIBLY dull book and it is written in the mechanical and artless fashion of an edgy junior college student who thinks they're a writer with something to say OR one that closely and (always) unwittingly follows the instincts and contours and glaring mistakes of the worst sort of self-published memoirs. I couldn't believe it was from the University of California press! About half way in I was skimming and I figured I could at least give it to my one super sanctimonious insultingly woke white girl friends who just found out about racism a few years ago and now lords it over EVERYONE no matter that they are far more educated. BUT it isn't even good enough for her. It isn't even good enough for a miserable middle aged white woman living in a formerly redlined racial covenant neighborhood with a BLM lawn sign in her front yard!!!
If you want to read this book get it from the library.
Or find a more adept author to read.
If you want to read this book get it from the library.
Or find a more adept author to read.
January 15, 2021
I read this after I heard the author speaking on This American Life. She did have an interesting life. It was amazing how many second chances she was offered, and that she kept trying. She finally did make it through law school. I hated the middle section ("journal excerpts") as it skipped around so much with little depth. I was interested in her thoughts on the changes in the projects from the 50's to the 70's. Would have like to hear more about that.
August 30, 2023
I became interested in McDonald after hearing her interviewed in a "This American Life" segment about Americans drawn to living in Paris. Her memoir, a rare and harrowing glimpse into a valiant, lonely struggle to overcome the impact of what she calls (extremely daunting) "environmental factors," is a gift to all who wish to understand such impacts on both individuals and society. I so wish this exceptionally intelligent, insightful, and delightful voice were still with us.
January 24, 2021
I wanted to read this book after hearing her story on a “This American Life” podcast. (25th anniversary show called “American in Paris”)
Her story really addresses how difficult it is to improve your station in life even with the advantage of a great education. Racism & guilt runs deep no matter how smart you are.
Her story really addresses how difficult it is to improve your station in life even with the advantage of a great education. Racism & guilt runs deep no matter how smart you are.
February 23, 2022
Interesting memoir about a Black girl who grew up in the projects who found a better way for herself through education at several of the top universities in the country. Hers was a struggle that she did overcome but her road to self realization was overwhelming to say the least.
December 16, 2022
Really wanted to love this. But her energy was so fragmented. In part her story was too familiar, in part on steroids. Her alienation in the world of professional, monied whites was beautifully done. But it was as if she was hiding from her self.
November 15, 2020
Well written and engaging book.
January 19, 2021
What a fascinating look into her life, and one that is so different from mine. I'm so glad that she found all the pieces of herself amidst her struggles.
September 4, 2022
This woman's life story is too wild to make up. Amazing that she's gotten to where she is, and hoping all is well for her.
July 26, 2023
Interesting and sad.
December 1, 2024
Although the class and race-based homicidal rage was a little outside my experience, this was an entertaining read.
May 27, 2022
Overcome, harsh, hopeful, education.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews