3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
“She was pushing to stay where she wanted to be. Fighting to make this story her own.”

Burns’ strong writing is pulls the reader in. “There was Marley, ever hopeful, blossoming like a summer bouquet.” “Shay wanted so very much to learn how to remain in the present like she did, to tie a rope around a moment and pull it tight.”

Mercury centers around a family who runs a roofing business. Dad, Mick, came home from Vietnam, but struggles with relationships and the rest of life. Mom, Elise, sacrificed much for her family of three boys. Nicknamed Bay, Way, and Shay, each son had his own distinctive personality and challenges. Sometimes they worked together (commercial roofing jobs), but often they were at odds. Add new in town, teenager Marley, to the mix and there is plenty of drama to come, following their growth and hardships for a decade.

Character development is excellent and I enjoyed the complexity of the relationships. I felt the book got a tad long at the end. Highly recommended to those who enjoy stories about interesting families.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Amy Jo Burns' novel "Mercury" offers a deep and nuanced exploration of family, belonging, identity, and sacrifice. The story follows Marley West, a loner who finds herself drawn into the complex world of the Joseph family when she moves to Mercury, Pennsylvania. As Marley becomes entwined with the Joseph brothers and their parents, Elise and Mick, she grapples with the challenges of fitting into their dynamic and the expectations placed upon her.

The narrative unfolds with rich character development and emotional depth, delving into the themes of loyalty, love, marriage, and the complexities of family relationships. While not a fast-paced thriller, the novel captivates with its quiet yet powerful storytelling and poignant exploration of personal growth amidst familial turmoil.

Marley's journey of self-discovery is at the core of the narrative, accompanied by the growth of other characters like Shay, Baylor, and Waylon. The dysfunctional yet compelling dynamics within the Joseph family are portrayed with authenticity and nuance, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the book is finished. Overall, "Mercury" is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant family drama that lingers in the mind, offering a poignant reflection on the ties that bind us.

I didn't really know what to expect with this book going in, but I ended up really liking it. I don't know what the genre is considered, but I would classify this as a family drama above anything else. Set in the 90s, Mercury tells the story of the Joseph family and how their family roofing business is basically the glue that holds them all together.

I think part of the draw to this book for me was I grew up not too far from the places mentioned in the story, so that was fun. I also had strong feelings for some of the characters in this book, and some pretty intense dislike for others. Overall, I think the story wrapped up well and the ending seemed to fit the rest of the book.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes family dramas, but I can also say that I don't think this book is for everyone. It was slow-paced and there wasn't really a point where I would say it was the height of the story. Regardless, I was here for the ride and found it enjoyable.

4 stars

This book far exceeded my expectations. I knew little about this author, about the plot before beginning this book. It's difficult to describe this genre, but fans of Educated and The Glass Castle are sure to enjoy this one.

Mercury is a small rural town, and this story explores the lives of the members of one working-class family, the Josephs. This is a story of being trapped in a life you expected more out of. This is a story of love, family, brotherhood, and the many secrets in between. I was also interested in how the many roles and expectations of a women are explored in this story, how women juggle the roles of daughter, wife, mother, and housemaker. While this was not an extremely fast-paced book in itself, I was quick to finish this one, each chapter ending with relative suspense.

Thank you @netgalley and @celadonbooks for the gifted electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is different genre than the books I typically read. I was intrigued for the first 20%, but then it fell flat and the characters became less likeable. It became exhausting to read and long winded towards the end. I wish the mystery from the beginning of the novel was not forgotten about until around the 50% and that had been more of the focus of the novel, instead of the family drama we got.

The novel's premise was immediately intriguing to me, but as I started reading, I became less engaged with it. The author was withholding information and tediously dragging the plot along, and that normally annoys me. I decided to DNF with a heavy heart. I recognize that this kind of novel will have its many fans and supporters, so for that reason, I won't publish my review to other outlets and negatively influence its reception. Many thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for ARC access.

Amy Jo Burns's "Mercury" takes place in the 1990s and follows protagonist Marley West as she arrives in Mercury, Pennsylvania, longing to be embraced by the idealized family she perceives in the Joseph household.

Initially infatuated with Baylor Joseph, she soon finds solace in the arms of his brother, Waylon, and quickly becomes entangled in a whirlwind romance that leads to marriage and motherhood. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Joseph Victorian house, Marley is captivated by the illusion of familial warmth, particularly by matriarch Elise Joseph, whose poised demeanor she aspires to emulate. However, as Marley delves deeper into the intricacies of the Joseph family, she uncovers fractures and secrets that challenge her perception of familial bliss. With determination, Marley navigates her own path, assuming control of the family business and raising her son, Theo, amidst the turbulence of her faltering marriage. Facing the societal shifts of the mid-1990s, Marley grapples with traditional expectations and the complexities of familial bonds, alongside the silent struggles of those around her.

Despite juggling a diverse cast of characters, Burns expertly delves into each individual, offering profound insights into their motivations and relationships. With well-drawn characters and a vivid setting, this novel offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the quest for belonging. This is a must-read for lovers of deeply drawn and compelling family dramas.

"Mercury" by Amy Jo Burns is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of small-town life, friendship, and the consequences of secrets. Set in the 1970s in the town of Mercury, Pennsylvania, the story follows the lives of two young girls, Mick and her best friend, Phoebe.

Burns masterfully crafts a narrative that intertwines the innocence of childhood with the darker undertones of the adult world. Through vivid prose and intricate character development, she explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the power dynamics within friendships.

The atmospheric setting of Mercury serves as both a backdrop and a character in its own right, with its decaying industrial landscape mirroring the decay of the relationships within the story. The town's secrets and gossip create a palpable tension that drives the narrative forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final pages.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of female friendship and the ways in which it can both empower and constrain young women. Mick and Phoebe's bond is tested as they navigate the complexities of adolescence, and Burns does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of their relationship.

Overall, "Mercury" is a haunting and beautifully written novel that will linger in the minds of readers long after they've finished the final chapter. Amy Jo Burns has crafted a compelling story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, solidifying her place as a talented voice in contemporary literature.

LOVED!! what a perfect family drama this was I absolutely enjoyed all the characters and the setting! Amy Jo Burns’s writing style was captivating from the very first chapter!!

Mercury is a character driven novel that explores family dynamics, secrets, and the enduring power of love. Set in the 1990s in Mercury, Pennsylvania, the story revolves around seventeen year old Marley West who meets the Joseph brothers who become her whole world. The story follows Marley and the Joseph brothers, along with their parents over several years. The characters are likeable and flawed and I really enjoyed this.
Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon Books for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a story of complicated family relationships, and I enjoyed how their stories all came together. I liked how she included parts from each character’s point of view throughout the book, rather than just focusing on Marleys the whole time. It could be a little slow at times, since it definitely is a more character driver story, but I was still intrigued to find out what secrets each character was keeping and how they’d resolve them in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

If you love Tracey Lange’s books this one will be perfect for you. I love family drama books and this is another one that had me invested in the story and the authentic characters. This book is set in the 1990’s in a small town in Pennsylavanvia. Marley is the new girl in town and at age 17 she yearns for a family. She soon becomes a part of the Joseph family when she marries one of the sons after finding out they are going to become parents. The dysfunction and personalities in the family are not what she hoped for but she carries on and makes the best of the situation. As she sees her mother-in-law beaten down and withering from the family dynamics she is determined to be a strong independent woman in control of her life. As secrets are revealed as years go by how will the family shift and will the structure of it change or stay the same? A very interesting and well written domestic drama!

Highly recommend this one!! This is my first time reading one of their books but it won't be the last! This book sucks you in from the get-go and you will find yourself thinking about the characters long after you finish it. Do yourself a favor and get this book!!

I was really excited about Mercury, but the book fell flat for me. The characters (Joseph family: father Mick, Mother Elise, Brothers Baylor, Waylon and Shay and Marley who married Waylon) were all forgettable and unlikeable. I didn’t relate to any of the characters or their family “issues.”
The plot moved so very slowly and there was not a lot of entertainment or engaging story elements. Marley dates Baylor and then ends up marrying Waylon and forever is trying to feel apart of the family by running the family roofing business.
I found myself struggling to pick up the book to continue and I couldn’t wait for it to end. I would give Mercury three stars as it was a well written story and there were parts of the story I enjoyed, but overall it just wasn’t fast paced enough to peak my interest.
I don’t think this will be a book I will remember in the future.

I went into this book blind (influenced by everyone on booksta posting about it) and I’m still not certain how I feel about it. Here are my (admittedly unfinished) thoughts.

First, it’s a story about a family. It’s your stereotypical 90’s midwestern family—brothers who fight, parents who sleep in separate beds, the baby of the family is treasured by everyone, and nobody talks about anything of substance—they just ignore things. There’s a new girlfriend integrated into the family, and a teen pregnancy that the family deals with. The family owns a roofing business. Someone dies.

Growing up in the Midwest and being in high school during roughly the same time frame, this was all too familiar. Especially the part where families would rather not talk than be close.

The story splits and we see everyone’s unique perspectives of what family life is like for them. Depending on the person, it’s stifling, unfulfilling, their life’s work, confusing, familiar, upsetting, what they love most, frustrating, or the best part of life.

I didn’t love the organization of the book, where a large chunk was devoted to a single character, then the narrative would include everyone, then the narrative would switch to focusing on another character for a chunk, and then back again. Maybe it would have been too confusing to run the narratives simultaneously, but it would have added to the intrigue of the book.

I thought this was a good story. But honestly, it felt boring. Like a narrative about life in a small town (which is what it was). If you’re looking for an easy read without much drama that’s really pleasant, this could be a hit for you.

I had heard amazing praise for this book and was really excited to pick it up. For some reason, I just couldn't get into it, but I will definitely be giving it another try soon. I still think I will enjoy this book at a different time. I do have patrons who have said they really enjoyed this book, I will keep recommending it! Thank you to the publisher, author and Net Galley for an advanced copy.

4.25 ⭐

Mercury is a coming-of-age meets family fiction with some interesting twists that kept me on my toes.

I felt very connected to the characters. By the end, I even felt connected to the characters I didn't think I particularly liked. Everything felt real, gritty, and authentic. The characters are all flawed, but in such a human way that it's hard not to root for them.

I enjoyed the plot of this book but found the writing hard to follow. I understand that the intention was to make the characters seem complex but I found that it made for quite an exhausting reading experience trying to figure out and remember how each of the characters felt at any given time. I liked the concept and the found family was nice but overall I just don’t think this was a book for me.

While the discovery of a dead body, would not normally be the start of a tender family drama, “Mercury,” by Amy Jo Burns does just that. The book cover lead me to believe I was in for a tale of struggling rural America. Unbeknownst to this western Pennsylvania native, I found myself in a fictionalize part of the country very well know to me. Burns’ beautiful writing captures the spirit of the area and its people authentically. The financial struggles of the Rust Belt in the late 1990s provided the backdrop for the complicated Joesph family and the rare new girl in town, Marley. The character development was thorough and the ending satisfying.

Oh my did I love this book! It absolutely helped that I grew up in a small town outside of Pittsburgh. Outside of that, I was absolutely enthralled by this family. I felt so connected and invested in these characters for some reason. I loved the family dynamics, drama, and heartbreak. This was a very pleasant surprise for me!