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My Name is Mary Magdalene
Stepping away from her comfort zone, author JC Miller orchestrates a written tapestry chronicling the fragile state of a woman on the edge of insanity.
Plagued by a lifelong curse of mental illness, Mary Magdalene finds herself spending her golden years in a mental asylum. Her once zealous life becomes minimized to an endless routine of over-stimulating antipsychotic drugs. That is until Salmone Abrams, a hidden jewel from her past, resurfaces and helps her remember who she once was—The Queen of Harlem. Madame Mary Mags.
Inspired by her jazz playlist, JC Miller's current novella, My Name is Mary Magdalene, shakes the family tree while exploring the often-stigmatized topic of mental health. This fictional spin on the biblical account of Mary Magdalene and her seven demons travels from the late 1940s into the mid-1990s as Mary recalls the battles that tore her life apart. Fear, Lust, Entitlement, Greed, Misery, Dependency, Guilt—emotional baggage that once achingly held her down propels her to victory.
Plagued by a lifelong curse of mental illness, Mary Magdalene finds herself spending her golden years in a mental asylum. Her once zealous life becomes minimized to an endless routine of over-stimulating antipsychotic drugs. That is until Salmone Abrams, a hidden jewel from her past, resurfaces and helps her remember who she once was—The Queen of Harlem. Madame Mary Mags.
Inspired by her jazz playlist, JC Miller's current novella, My Name is Mary Magdalene, shakes the family tree while exploring the often-stigmatized topic of mental health. This fictional spin on the biblical account of Mary Magdalene and her seven demons travels from the late 1940s into the mid-1990s as Mary recalls the battles that tore her life apart. Fear, Lust, Entitlement, Greed, Misery, Dependency, Guilt—emotional baggage that once achingly held her down propels her to victory.
- GenresChristianWomens Fiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2021
18 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Miller
7 books42 followersJC Miller is a freshly anointed, faith-based author who uses her childhood experiences in the Bronx, New York, to capture the soul of inner-city living. As a former student of Chicago's Moody Bible Institute and a graduate of the Te'Hillah School of Urban Ministry, Miller utilizes her studies to intertwine pop culture with divine accounts of biblical characters. Through sharing these stories, her goals are to encourage people to study the bible and not make it complicated, to view themselves through the lives of those characterized, and to find healing in Christ.
JC Miller recently co-founded a publishing company, Jess, Mo’ Books, with her childhood friend, M.R. Spain. Together, these ladies are creating fresh content to uplift, educate, and motivate women through blogs, social media groups, and a yearly online magazine.
JC Miller recently co-founded a publishing company, Jess, Mo’ Books, with her childhood friend, M.R. Spain. Together, these ladies are creating fresh content to uplift, educate, and motivate women through blogs, social media groups, and a yearly online magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 9, 2021
This is a very alluring narrative! I'm NOT so sure I can say I enjoyed it but I was mesmerized by it. "Not enjoyed" because who would want to have a life of degradation brought on by family circumstances and/or poor choices? Who would want the struggle and battle with bi-polar issues and depression?
As I swung through the smorgasbord of trials and troubles and injustices of incest and rape that Mary Magdalene (Mags) and others endured, I can see how she'd have 'demons' that plagued her and one can see, but not necessarily agree with, why she turned to drink and more, to dull the nightmarish memories. It was all so graphic, that I had to check more than once, "was this fiction or non-fiction?" By-the-way, parental guidance may be needed with this one.
To realize that this faith-based story is actually fiction, took time to sink in. I believe that it is commentary very close to truth and many people live lives propelled by lust, greed, pursuit of wealth and so on in such ways that 'demons' really do 'haunt' them such as the main character, Miss Mary Mags, encountered.
I did enjoy meeting other allegorical Bible characters such as Sal (short for Salmon)and Rahab; to mention two of them. There's a Character Glossary at the end of the book that will lead you to their person in the Bible.
On a positive note, those who suffer from depression, bi-polar or other mental illnesses, will relate well to Mag's story and strength, I believe, and like Mags, find hope and comfort in how she eventually coped and overcame the abject traumas of her life.
Besides Jesus, one of the addenda, is a resource list of places (USA but likely similar in other countries) a person and/or family member relative of one with such mental health issues, can find help and assistance. It is not something to be ashamed of nor to keep secret. There is help available and you can get correct treatment.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the reivew copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
As I swung through the smorgasbord of trials and troubles and injustices of incest and rape that Mary Magdalene (Mags) and others endured, I can see how she'd have 'demons' that plagued her and one can see, but not necessarily agree with, why she turned to drink and more, to dull the nightmarish memories. It was all so graphic, that I had to check more than once, "was this fiction or non-fiction?" By-the-way, parental guidance may be needed with this one.
To realize that this faith-based story is actually fiction, took time to sink in. I believe that it is commentary very close to truth and many people live lives propelled by lust, greed, pursuit of wealth and so on in such ways that 'demons' really do 'haunt' them such as the main character, Miss Mary Mags, encountered.
I did enjoy meeting other allegorical Bible characters such as Sal (short for Salmon)and Rahab; to mention two of them. There's a Character Glossary at the end of the book that will lead you to their person in the Bible.
On a positive note, those who suffer from depression, bi-polar or other mental illnesses, will relate well to Mag's story and strength, I believe, and like Mags, find hope and comfort in how she eventually coped and overcame the abject traumas of her life.
Besides Jesus, one of the addenda, is a resource list of places (USA but likely similar in other countries) a person and/or family member relative of one with such mental health issues, can find help and assistance. It is not something to be ashamed of nor to keep secret. There is help available and you can get correct treatment.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the reivew copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
December 8, 2021
A must read...
Mary Magdalena, Mags as she was called shared her life story with us and boy did she live her life. Mags suffered a harsh childhood and those demons carried into her adulthood. Mags lived the life she wanted, but that came with harsh situations and bad consequences that led her to jail and later a mental institution. Years later, she finally takes the help she needs to become a functioning person. Taking those steps, gave her the family and the love she always wanted.
Reading this book made me realize that we never know what people went through in life. We just see they are living the best life out loud, but behind close doors, thats not the case. JC showed us what a person living with mental health issues go through in life and how they battle it. We all have demons and we have to choose rather to fix them or leave them be. Mags was a great example of that. From the beginning of this story to the end I was intrigued. I couldn't put it down and wanted to see what was going to happen next. This was definitely a must read. There were some sensitive subjects, but that is life and we all go through it. All I can say is read this book and open your mind to the possibility of a change coming in your life!!! Excellent read!!!
Mary Magdalena, Mags as she was called shared her life story with us and boy did she live her life. Mags suffered a harsh childhood and those demons carried into her adulthood. Mags lived the life she wanted, but that came with harsh situations and bad consequences that led her to jail and later a mental institution. Years later, she finally takes the help she needs to become a functioning person. Taking those steps, gave her the family and the love she always wanted.
Reading this book made me realize that we never know what people went through in life. We just see they are living the best life out loud, but behind close doors, thats not the case. JC showed us what a person living with mental health issues go through in life and how they battle it. We all have demons and we have to choose rather to fix them or leave them be. Mags was a great example of that. From the beginning of this story to the end I was intrigued. I couldn't put it down and wanted to see what was going to happen next. This was definitely a must read. There were some sensitive subjects, but that is life and we all go through it. All I can say is read this book and open your mind to the possibility of a change coming in your life!!! Excellent read!!!
September 29, 2022
Okay, so this is basically a book about someone taking mental health and "demons" as a veil where he can do whatever he wants behind.
The writing style was really engaging, and kept me distracted enough, but the story takes a big no, there's a difference between poor life choices and just picking the wrong path on every turn!!
The whole doing-every-sin-possible and then returning to the path of God is just poorly done, the dose of debauchery and wrong doing the author used turned it from compelling and unforgettable to just plain mess.
Wasn't a fan.
* I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange of an honest review*
The writing style was really engaging, and kept me distracted enough, but the story takes a big no, there's a difference between poor life choices and just picking the wrong path on every turn!!
The whole doing-every-sin-possible and then returning to the path of God is just poorly done, the dose of debauchery and wrong doing the author used turned it from compelling and unforgettable to just plain mess.
Wasn't a fan.
* I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange of an honest review*
December 20, 2021
Powerful! This is an amazing read.
I was surprised by how so very involved and emotional this was. As a reader, we are really put through a barrage of ups and downs.
I was completely submerged in the story from the very beginning. I was captivated by the trials the characters went through.
I was surprised by how so very involved and emotional this was. As a reader, we are really put through a barrage of ups and downs.
I was completely submerged in the story from the very beginning. I was captivated by the trials the characters went through.
January 1, 2022
Very interesting storyline, the topic maybe not so popular or definitely not easy to write or read about.
I admire author for taking on that.
Mental illness is not easy recognize, patients don’t understand how sick they are. Some medical personnel shouldn’t be working in this kind of setting either.
The book is very engaging but not easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I admire author for taking on that.
Mental illness is not easy recognize, patients don’t understand how sick they are. Some medical personnel shouldn’t be working in this kind of setting either.
The book is very engaging but not easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2022
Powerful
This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say she is a prolific writer. The story Mary Magdalene was told in a way I’ve never seen before. So many deep spiritual meanings. The taboo topic of mental illness in the black community. Well done!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say she is a prolific writer. The story Mary Magdalene was told in a way I’ve never seen before. So many deep spiritual meanings. The taboo topic of mental illness in the black community. Well done!
January 7, 2022
Very moving. The story was at times difficult to read because of its subject but the writing was smooth and flowing.
November 14, 2022
WOW!!! I'm not too sure what to say about this book. But I can say that it was a hard one to take on for reading. The author did an amazing job in writing this book and the courage to write about this subject.
December 24, 2021
My name is Mary magdalene by J.C. Miller.
Plagued by a lifelong curse of mental illness, Mary Magdalene finds herself spending her golden years in a mental asylum. Her once zealous life becomes minimized to an endless routine of over-stimulating antipsychotic drugs. That is until Salmone Abrams, a hidden jewel from her past, resurfaces and helps her remember who she once was—The Queen of Harlem. Madame Mary Mags.
A beautiful read. Sensitive but I couldn't put it down. 5*.
Plagued by a lifelong curse of mental illness, Mary Magdalene finds herself spending her golden years in a mental asylum. Her once zealous life becomes minimized to an endless routine of over-stimulating antipsychotic drugs. That is until Salmone Abrams, a hidden jewel from her past, resurfaces and helps her remember who she once was—The Queen of Harlem. Madame Mary Mags.
A beautiful read. Sensitive but I couldn't put it down. 5*.
January 9, 2022
Deep,y moving and often troubling, this book shines a spotlight on the lived experience of a person living with mental illness. The author treads a sensitive line in presenting some harsh truths in a way which does not detract from the pace of the story itself.
March 28, 2022
Great book.
Tough subject but really well told. Highly recommend.
Mental illness isn't easy to talk about but even harder to live with but the author did a brilliant job.
Tough subject but really well told. Highly recommend.
Mental illness isn't easy to talk about but even harder to live with but the author did a brilliant job.
November 27, 2022
Life Changing
This author and her insight has changed my life forever. Thank you for being obedience to God's call on your life in writing this life changing story!
This author and her insight has changed my life forever. Thank you for being obedience to God's call on your life in writing this life changing story!
March 2, 2022
This book caught me off guard, I wanted to keep reading until I got it all!!
Loved how the little bits and pieces along the way made you think you knew the whole story, but then there is more.
Loved how the little bits and pieces along the way made you think you knew the whole story, but then there is more.
March 31, 2022
My favorite book yet!
Jess I read this book in days. I was not able to pit it down. Can't wait to the Book!
Jess I read this book in days. I was not able to pit it down. Can't wait to the Book!
April 30, 2022
So intriguing
The reason I chose to read this book is because schizophrenia runs rampant in my family, so the description caught my attention. When I tell you I feel like I went on an adventure with Mary!! JC Miller wrote this book in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie. A really good movie! Mary's life was interesting from the beginning to the very end. Sometimes she was dealt a bad hand, and other times she was the one shuffling the cards. Through the trials of mental illness she lived one hell of a life. She fought one hell of a fight. This book is now in my top twenty favorites.
The reason I chose to read this book is because schizophrenia runs rampant in my family, so the description caught my attention. When I tell you I feel like I went on an adventure with Mary!! JC Miller wrote this book in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie. A really good movie! Mary's life was interesting from the beginning to the very end. Sometimes she was dealt a bad hand, and other times she was the one shuffling the cards. Through the trials of mental illness she lived one hell of a life. She fought one hell of a fight. This book is now in my top twenty favorites.
November 8, 2022
Engaging from the first page, this novel reads like a well-written biography and could easily be adapted for the big screen. Yes, a biopic. It is a testament to the author’s talent as a writer that for most of the story, I felt like I was watching a movie. This happens very rarely, and only when a writer is at the top of her game.
The voice of the main character is incredibly distinctive, the characters’ accents and the Creole language so well-rendered, and the action so well-described and believable that I had to keep reminding myself that this was not an actual biography. I totally suspended disbelief. That is how immersive the read was.
J.C. Miller is a writer of considerable talent and has the enviable knack of creating colourful characters that are larger than life. She even managed to weave universal/biblical themes into the story seamlessly and organically, with absolutely no heavy-handedness.
This is an incredible work from an author to watch. Now I must wait for the movie. Please, I need to hear Mags sing those songs and dance on stage. I need to see that fire between her and Tiny. I need to hear those accents! Somebody hand me a fan and a patience pill, please.
The voice of the main character is incredibly distinctive, the characters’ accents and the Creole language so well-rendered, and the action so well-described and believable that I had to keep reminding myself that this was not an actual biography. I totally suspended disbelief. That is how immersive the read was.
J.C. Miller is a writer of considerable talent and has the enviable knack of creating colourful characters that are larger than life. She even managed to weave universal/biblical themes into the story seamlessly and organically, with absolutely no heavy-handedness.
This is an incredible work from an author to watch. Now I must wait for the movie. Please, I need to hear Mags sing those songs and dance on stage. I need to see that fire between her and Tiny. I need to hear those accents! Somebody hand me a fan and a patience pill, please.
January 12, 2022
What a great book! I enjoyed this one without a doubt. This one had it all: sentimental parts, faith based parts, great characters who I cared about, and a story line that just flowed so naturally, and even with the darker themes and her Demons, it had an overall uplifting feel.
I loved that while there are issues along the way, some ups and downs, it's not too down in the dumps, it's more inspirational and beautiful to read. You become invested in her journey and root for her. You are down with her but you are lifted up right along with her as well.
I loved that while there are issues along the way, some ups and downs, it's not too down in the dumps, it's more inspirational and beautiful to read. You become invested in her journey and root for her. You are down with her but you are lifted up right along with her as well.
March 2, 2022
Once you start reading believe me you want quit until you finish the last page. This is wonderful book.
It’s amazing that things that happen in your past can alter your future. My heart hurt throughout the book for Mary, but this is also an inspirational read about the overall journey and outcome.
I love Miller’s writing style. She doesn’t skirt the difficult topics, she takes them head on. Great piece of writing.
It’s amazing that things that happen in your past can alter your future. My heart hurt throughout the book for Mary, but this is also an inspirational read about the overall journey and outcome.
I love Miller’s writing style. She doesn’t skirt the difficult topics, she takes them head on. Great piece of writing.
October 7, 2023
The best fiction also teaches!
I’m in the endnotes, mad at both Richard and Diddy. Richard is my given name and I went to college with a guy that changed his name to Diddy. we’re both pretty pathetic in the book too. But here’s what I didn’t know: I though Mary Magdalene was the sister of Lazarus and Martha. turns out it was Mary of Bethany!
I’m in the endnotes, mad at both Richard and Diddy. Richard is my given name and I went to college with a guy that changed his name to Diddy. we’re both pretty pathetic in the book too. But here’s what I didn’t know: I though Mary Magdalene was the sister of Lazarus and Martha. turns out it was Mary of Bethany!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews