Molly Bonamici by James Mulhern is the story of Molly Bonamici. Molly starts her tale when she is a teenager still living at home and getting ready to head to college, and ends shortly after the death of her grandmother. Molly tells of what life was like at home with her abusive father and her mother, who was weak and let her father do what he wanted; how her grandmother essentially raised her and she spent all her time there; of finding a friend of her grandmother's dead; when a prank went wrong in college and led to the death of her roommate; glosses over the rough period she went through after graduating from college; and tells of her move down to Florida with her best friend and roommate who was her personal trainer at a gym she joined. At points, Molly goes into detail on the events she's describing and reveals her worries and fears while telling the story of her life.

Molly Bonamici by James Mulhern is well written and unique. The story is told from Molly's viewpoint, but is so much more than just Molly telling her story. Molly tells of her fears and what she felt during some of her life experiences. What Molly reveals makes her seem like there's somebody sitting right next you telling you the story. Molly Bonamici feels real and is very easy to relate to when she tells of her fears and experiences, but I really related to her when she told of the regrets she had about her parents and other events that happened in her life. It made me sad when Molly's story ended as I'm not really sure that her story really was done. I will be watching for a second book on Molly, just in case James Mulhern decides to continue her story.

Molly Bonamici by James Mulhern is a young adult story centered around high school senior, Molly. Molly's life turns upside down when she is told by a faith healer that she is an Angel of Death. As the faith healer's predictions begin to come true, Molly is surrounded by death, but she doesn't believe in the paranormal. She couldn't have psychic abilities. She doesn't even believe in religion! She leaves the comfort of her Catholic neighborhood to set about exploring the world. During her journey to discover what is true and what is myth, Molly begins to understand that humans are fragile beings with so many more mysteries and complexities than anyone can imagine. She is surprised by what she learns about humanity, but mostly by what she learns about herself.

I'm not sure if James Mulhern intended Molly Bonamici to be a young adult story - the main character is a senior in high school and the story is about her life, so it qualifies as a YA story. However, Mulhern touches on some deep issues that aren't normally seen in YA books, but that I found quite refreshing and thought-provoking. It was very interesting to have a main character questioning the meaning of life. Why shouldn't teenagers voice their thoughts about religion and paranormal activities and the afterlife? All of these are natural, normal questions and it made the story seem so real and genuine. Along the journey, Mulhern had us laugh and cry with Molly, which makes it an even more touching story.

Molly Bonamici by James Mulhern starts in the '80s, when 16-year-old Molly lives with her abusive father and demure mother. Molly is a smart but introverted and somewhat gloomy teenager, hoping to leave her dysfunctional parents behind and be on her own. The only family she gets along with is her grandmother, Nonna Agnella. When she accompanies Nonna to a faith healer in a seedy section of downtown Boston, Molly is told that she is an Angel of Death, and will be surrounded by tragedy most of her life. Within a short time it seems the prediction comes true, but Molly will discover some shocking truths as she journeys into adulthood and learns more about who she should trust in the beginning.

Molly is cold and her rather cynical attitude may not make her an instantly likable lead character, but she will win readers over bit by bit with her intelligent and firm approach. The writing is consistently compelling, and sometimes serves as observations on the human condition. Anyone who has ever been an adolescent on the brink of adulthood will find a lot to relate to in Molly’s struggles to get an anchor in her life and her edginess to move ahead. Alternatively, I can relate more to the adult Molly. The change in her perspectives toward life in general is easily relevant and thought-provoking, and I absolutely love the big, hidden twist in the plot. Simply put, Molly Bonamici is a solid read from Mulhern and highly recommended.

A Great read--All Characters most familiar in both a real & fictional manner- ---- -For me--reads very close to my heart & soul.--Seems this fiction is very close to the truth.--Written by an author with a great mind who displays so ; with the written word..

don't want to give too much away for the future reader. I was not a real fan of Molly but over time got to enjoy and even like her. She had a complex life and it was nice to see how she changes. She met wonderful people along her journey and even suspect if the book followed her further she would have softened (in her own way). Loved Gabe's Mom who made me laugh out loud with her funny ways. Molly's Aunts had such a small sad life it made me think about how many people are trapped in their own small world. I felt for her parents working so hard and getting no where......
All and all I would say -- I am still thinking about the book and loved all the detailed descriptions. In my head I could see every person and every place they were at. Good read and I am looking for more from this talented author........ Enjoy.

Loved this book!!!I was intrigued by MOLLY. She is a strong character who elicits many different emotions thru out the novel. It is a page turner. Just when I thought I had it all figured out the author sneaks up on you with another twist. Some scenes I actually laughed out loud!! LOVED the scene that reminded me of THE GREAT GATSBY. I also picked up wisps of James Joyce. Hope there is more to come from this brilliant author. Sara Welch

I love this author! Molly Bonamici is a terrific find ---- intriguing characters, funny adventures, light and heavy moments all leading to food for thought and a deeply personal recognition of the need for belief in something we all struggle to find. This book is a treasure, and Molly is a survivor.

A friend of mine loaned me this book a couple weeks ago. I loved it so much that I had to order a copy for myself. A psychological thriller, the story of an exceptional protagonist for the setting of the novel's beginning--1980, Molly has an unusual voice--extremely logical, intelligent, almost chillingly cold, but over the course of her life, these personality traits begin to change. All the certainties that she possesses as a senior in high school evaporate through a series of coincidences and deaths. By the end of the novel, at age forty-one, Molly's vision of the world and her knowledge of herself is radically changed. I have not read a contemporary book with such an unusual and provocative narrator. This book appeals to our primal fascination with violence and the grotesque, yet the story transcends its genre and becomes a masterful literary achievement with echoes of famous literary works. This literary aspect of the book should not intimidate the lay reader, who simply enjoys a good psychological thriller, as the novel can be enjoyed on many levels. It's all here--humor, violence, sex, questions of mortality and belief; frankly, life itself. Be prepared to be surprised by the ending. You will think about this book for days.

I remain a huge fan of Mr. Mulhern's writing, and found myself so caught up in the story of Molly Bonamici that I almost missed my subway stop! I was lost in the tale, compelled to read yet a few more pages so that I could uncover more layers and secrets within the book. The characters are complex and always surprising. They come to life and I yearn to see them portrayed on the screen. Mulhern is a master of creating fascinating women and getting inside of their heads and hearts. I want more about Molly!

Molly was a wonderful book. The characters seemed so real and very complex, as most of us are. The "Angel of Death" went through a lot of crises in her young life. I enjoyed following the evolution of Molly's character, her many regrets, and her efforts to "live afresh." The resounding climax was a compete surprise. This story would make a wonderful movie.

I loved this novel. It is well-written with such a great main character. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next in Molly's life. You won't want to put it down.

A young girls journey and search for life's meaning through family dysfunction, friendships and betrayal. I found myself laughing out loud sporadically and was entertained with Molly's unusual character qualities. Enjoy!!

Fantastic read. Very unique writing style. Mr. Mulhern really brings characters to life and the dialogue is so animated. I often felt like I was in the room with Molly and her family and friends. A very well constructed and captivating novel!!!

Molly is an intriguing character - not wholly sympathetic, but always fascinating. The other characters in this short book are also compellingly drawn. To me, the book is really a great character study. I enjoyed it tremendously - and was so engaged I read it through in a brief afternoon.

The worst part was having to put it down! This was wonderfully written, funny and thought provoking. The many lives of Molly keep you guessing and wanting more. What's next?

The worst part was having to put it down! This was wonderfully written, funny and thought provoking. The many lives of Molly keep you guessing and wanting more. What's next?

A friend of mine loaned me this book a couple weeks ago. I loved it so much that I had to order a copy for myself. A psychological thriller, the story of an exceptional protagonist for the setting of the novel's beginning--1980, Molly has an unusual voice--extremely logical, intelligent, almost chillingly cold, but over the course of her life, these personality traits begin to change. All the certainties that she possesses as a senior in high school evaporate through a series of coincidences and deaths. By the end of the novel, at age forty-one, Molly's vision of the world and her knowledge of herself is radically changed. I have not read a contemporary book with such an unusual and provocative narrator. This book appeals to our primal fascination with violence and the grotesque, yet the story transcends its genre and becomes a masterful literary achievement with echoes of famous literary works. This literary aspect of the book should not intimidate the lay reader, who simply enjoys a good psychological thriller, as the novel can be enjoyed on many levels. It's all here--humor, violence, sex, questions of mortality and belief; frankly, life itself. Be prepared to be surprised by the ending. You will think about this book for days.