Praise & Testimonials
“An engaging coming-of-age novel that tackles all the messy and beautiful parts of being a family.” Kirkus Reviews
“…a deep coming-of-age story that will bring back feelings of nostalgia among those who remember the bicentennial celebrations in America. Highly recommended reading, regardless of your favorite genre; it will stay with you for a long time.” Readers’ Favorite
“An alternately heartwarming, heartbreaking, and laugh-out-loud funny novel…” Indie Reader
“…a layered, evocative coming-of-age novel that will resonate particularly with readers who recall the 1970s or who appreciate family sagas that refuse to shy away from complexity. Berelson has a gift for dialogue that rings true to a child’s perspective…” Seattle Book Review
“[An] intimate epic of a debut, coming-of-age road trip novel alive with incident and a fraught father/daughter relationship.” Book Life by Publishers Weekly
Bicentennial Summer captures the turbulence of adolescence with remarkable authenticity. Mary’s journey - both literal and emotional - is layered with nostalgia, uncertainty, and quiet revelations. The novel balances adventure with deeper themes of family and personal growth, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read. A beautiful blend of history and heart.
A captivating tale that seamlessly blends history, culture, and personal growth. A must-read for every avid reader.
Bicentennial Summer is a thoughtful and well-written coming-of-age story. Mary’s cross-country journey with her family is rich with nostalgia, heart, and self-discovery. The 1976 setting adds depth, and the father-daughter dynamic is especially compelling. A strong debut!"
A Must-Read
I LOVE THIS! This story has such an unmovable place in my heart, and it has been such a privilege to work on it alongside such a talented author. I will be keeping a lookout for this title as soon as it’s published so that I can own my own copy! The best of luck to you, and I hope someday our paths cross again!
Join Mary Berelson in unraveling the transformative narrative of Bicentennial Summer - A Coming of Age Journey Across America, a literary masterpiece that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart.
About Mary Berelson
Mary Berelson still believes in the magic of a good story - especially the kind that makes you feel like you're riding shotgun on a long summer road trip, chasing big dreams with messy hair and missing teeth. Her writing captures the wonder of childhood, the awkwardness of growing up, and the quiet bravery it takes to find your way. With a heart full of curiosity and a pocket full of memories, Mary invites readers to rediscover the world through wide eyes and an open spirit.
Author Interview​
What do you hope readers take away from Bicentennial Summer?
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Growing up is complicated. Parents aren’t perfect. Sometimes the moments that shape us aren’t the ones we expect. And I hope readers enjoy the ride - because even when things go wrong, a road trip is always an adventure.What was the writing process like?I began by trying to capture the trip as I remembered it, but the story only came alive when I shifted from memoir to fiction. Letting go of strict fact allowed me to focus on what made the best narrative. I used a storyboard full of colorful Post-it notes to shape the plot, moving scenes around until the pacing felt right. Some days were spent planning, others writing at full speed on a tiny TV tray by the woodstove
Why use a road trip as the backdrop?
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Road trips strip things down - there’s no escape from one another in the car, motels, or diners. The changing landscapes mirror Mary’s shifting perspective: from the Great Plains to neon Nevada to crowded San Francisco, her view of her father slowly changes. By the time they break down in Texas, she’s realizing that adventure isn’t always what it seems.
Why 1976?
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The Bicentennial was a fascinating cultural moment. Patriotism was everywhere - flags, parades, commemorative coins - yet beneath the surface, the country was unsettled. The Vietnam War had ended, Watergate was fresh, and economic struggles loomed. That contrast reflected Mary’s own shift as she began to see cracks in the ideals and people she once trusted.
How did your teaching background influence your writing?
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Decades of teaching children gave me a childlike sense of wonder and deep respect for young readers. Kids live fully in the moment, ask big questions, and notice small details - all qualities that shaped my storytelling. Teaching also taught me never to talk down to readers, but to meet them where they are with honesty and hope.
What inspired you to write this book?
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I wanted to capture the push and pull of love and disappointment. Mary adores her father, but she’s beginning to recognize his flaws. It’s that moment when you realize parents aren’t infallible - they’re just people, and they don’t always get it right.
With so many books out there, how do you imagine yours getting noticed?
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Well, here’s my dream: I bump into Reese Witherspoon at a farmers market in Tennessee. She spots my manuscript in my tote bag, asks about it, and takes it home. A few days later, my phone rings. It’s Reese herself: “I couldn’t put it down. Let’s make it a Reese’s Book Club pick.” One perfectly timed coincidence, a Southern superstar, and a scrappy little book finding its way into the spotlight.
Any final thoughts?
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Bicentennial Summer began as a memoir of a road trip with my father and sisters, but became fiction over time. The emotions - family, coming of age, reckoning with a parent’s flaws - remain deeply personal. Many of us look back and realize childhood was more complicated than we understood. That’s what I wanted to explore through Mary’s journey.
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