Maisy May

Maisy May #1

by Naomi Kramer

How does an emo teen with an ex-druggie mum, a nonexistent father and a penchant for fast cars fit into a traditional Aussie church? And why is the new boy, Mr Perfect Pastor's Kid, the one to make her suddenly question every belief she holds dear?

Maisy May is a novella - a short novel - for teens and adults. It is the first in a series of three about Maisy.

Contains occasional profanity, and sexual and religious themes.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2010

About the author

I grew up in a little country town called Walla Walla. A tiny place - about 600 people and a Lutheran church that, ironically, could seat all of them. Walla Walla had one big thing going for it - a lack of FUN trouble to get into. So when I was a kid, I spent most of my leisure time reading. And writing. And imagining weird stuff. I come by that talent naturally, you know - my mother has a nutty imagination and a nuttier sense of humour.

I grew up, moved to the Big Smoke, made a few dumb mistakes, grew up some more, and eventually realised that I'd always wanted to be a writer. So I started writing again. I wrote, and wrote, and eventually DEAD(ish) turned up in my head, almost fully-fledged, and I decided that Linda, Mike and Trent might just make me famous. *snicker*

I live in Brisbane, Queensland. I spend my days freelancing, writing books, and reading other people's books.

I'm a sucker for Katharine Kerr's Deverry series, Anne McCaffrey's Pern books, and Mercedes Lackey's everything. Less book-related - I'm a vegetarian, fierce feminist, and liberal christian. I wear my hair kd-lang-short, but usually brightly coloured.

Reviews

[Vicki Tyley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the disclaimer at the front: “This book contains profanity, violence toward bagsnatchers, religious discussions which don't necessarily conclude with 'and of course the bible's always right, as is the church', moral judgments, teen sex, gay relationships, and - possibly worst of all - Australian spelling and slang…”

This novella was so different to anything I’ve ever read. It was right out there, raw and real. Maisy May is a straight-talking tough nut, loyal as she is outspoken. I loved both her voice and the story.

Bloody brilliant as we Aussies say…

[María Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My upbringing wasn't particularly religious, so I didn't expect to like this book so much. But I can relate to Maisy May's struggle to make up her mind. It's hard to decide what we keep from our education and what new things we can add to it. That, and dealing with the consequences of our actions, are things we all have to face. It's what becoming an adult means. Like Maisy, I can't seem to shut up. Too bad I don't have such a charming Aussie accent. This story is precisely the kind of book I wished I had read as a teenager, and I strongly recommend it both for teens and their parents. Hopefully, it will open a conversation about the many subjects that are still taboo in some homes.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Maisy May. I’m talking about the character, but obviously the same good feelings extend to the book as a whole. In many ways Maisy is a typical teenager with typical teenage problems. She’s working at making the transition from kid to adult. Like almost every high school kid there are teachers she doesn’t like, cliques she clashes with, and adults she’d rather avoid. Sometimes her Mom is great and sometimes she wishes she’d just go away.

What sets Maisy apart is her sense of humor. She sees the funny side of everything. She recognizes the absurdity of so many experiences in life. Her internal dialog had me laughing out loud almost constantly. Most importantly, even when her life takes an unplanned and traumatic turn, she keeps laughing. This novella is the first of a trilogy. I’m eager to see what the next installment of Maisy’s life brings.

[Stormy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! What I love about the kindle is reading books by indie authors!
The title character is Maisy May (yes her mom was certifiable and probably still is says Maisy) is your normal teenager. She wants to dress one way bu her mom and church (she's Christian) say that it's satanic. Oh yeah and her boyfriend thinks he might be gay. Maisy has a great sense of humor and is incredible blunt which is pretty funny most times. Even when something that is every teenage girls worst nightmare happens she keeps on laughing and keeps a good sense of humor. This book is he first of a trilogy and I can' wait to see what the future brings for Maisy.

[VLynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible raw and honest look into a teens life. I have a teenager and at times I wondered if Naomi Kramer interviewed my daughter for this book. It's modern and for those parents out there thinking this book is fiction, think again! I recommend this as a conversation opener between you and your teen. Years down the road, your teen may thank you and Naomi Kramer that you read this book. Can't wait for Naomi Kramers next book! Thank you Vicki, for the awesome recommendation to read this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story and a very honest portrayal of a teenager's life. The situations are realistic and heart rending. I love that Maisy thinks things through and is trying to be true to her own heart. It is very enjoyable and entertaining to see her thought processes, Naomi Kramer is very insightful and hysterical. I can't wait for her story to continue. I have a 14 year old granddaughter I plan on sharing this book with.

This book is very well edited and formatted. Please, Naomi, hurry and finish the next book!

[Therinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisy May was an interesting character! Both wise and naive, she is still in transition from child to woman. Maisy is trying create her own identity, and it does not always fit the mold of what her peers or community want her to be. Does she conform, even though it doesn't feel right, or does she follow her own path, even though it is more difficult? Add a boyfriend with his own growing pains and the story gets even more interesting and complicated.

[Beth Orsoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were the parent of a teenager, I would give them this book. But if you're the parent of a teenager considering giving this book to your child read it yourself first (it's short) so you'll be prepared for the questions that will follow. This book touches on a lot of taboo topics--religion, teenage pregnancy, and homosexuality to name a few. It also contains strong language and Australian spelling and slang, so be prepared for that too.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as I liked the short Dead(ish), (which was great fun!) I occasionally enjoy reading a (brief) novel written in very casual language; this one, however, was written in first person, present tense, and I find it jarring in this sort of narrative. I felt the story idea had merit, and it was nice to see a supportive parent in a story like this, but it was a difficult read for me.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about Reality, about coping with stuff the Bible doesn't give practical answers too, this is about growing up, with faith, but whilst still being a "Normal" teen,

No demonising, no over moralistic opinions, just a cracking good story, easy to read, thought provoking, will upset some, but not many !

Read it, let your teens read it, good as a discussion for youth groups and prayer groups,

Truth is it's just a GREAT book

[Tracey Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisy May is a fabulous book. It effortlessly showcases the difficulties of being who we really are versus who people think we should be through the character of Maisy. Kramer's writing style is tight and flows easily and I'd highly recommend this book, especially perhaps to teenagers.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see why Namomi favorites this book. Review soon to come.