“Undertow”—Regrets, rebellion, and A life run aground
“The writing is elegant and assured, the tone moving and elegiac. Brava.” —Roxana Robinson, author of Sparta Read “Undertow,” story 6 of PIECES.
“McGuigan demonstrates a wonderful talent for creating emotionally complex characters, believable situations, and closely observed, realistic settings.” – Michael Cart, Booklist
About Mary Ann
Mary Ann McGuigan’s young-adult fiction is about teens trying to make sense of the chaos grown-ups leave in their wake. Reviewers call her novels powerful and compelling, and they’ve been ranked among the best books for teens by the Junior Library Guild, the New York Public Library, and the Paterson Prize. Her novel Where You Belong was a finalist for the National Book Award, and Mary Ann has served on the foundation’s panel of judges.
She writes fiction for grown-ups too. Her short stories appear in literary journals such as North American Review, The Sun, and Prime Number. Pieces, her composite novel, includes stories nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Sundress Publications’ Best of the Net.
Mary Ann taught English and later became a business writer and editor, mainly for Bloomberg L.P. Born in the Bronx, she attended high school and college in Jersey City and now lives in Metuchen, NJ.
What’s Happening
“The Snow Fort”—A broken family, pointless hope, the comfort of rage
“[PIECES] taps into the raw, emotional drama that will leave the reader moved and gasping for air.” —US Review of Books Read “Snow Fort,” story 5 of PIECES.
“Home Front”—When Lies and Loss Are All That’s Left
“In this deftly woven collection, McGuigan poignantly illuminates the shadowy fissures of family loneliness, longing, and fear—and the unexpected interstices of love.” —Barbara Kyle, author of THE TRAITOR’S DAUGHTER “Snow…
Author Visits
The historical events depicted in Mary Ann’s novels make them excellent vehicles for using fiction to discuss continuing social issues: interracial friendship, civil rights, overcoming poverty, teenage drinking, homelessness, domestic violence, and alcoholism.
She tailors her visits to schools, libraries, and bookstores to discuss the themes most important to them.
