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I wish that there were more content warnings in the cultural conversation around this book. I think many people call this book comedic--to me though her inner voice is witty, derisive, and comedic, this book is not comedic at all. It's brutal and I think would be very triggering to many people (as you can see I added a lot of content warnings to my review).
I listened to the audio book and hearing this story in McCurdy's voice added a level of intimacy and vulnerability, especially when her voice breaks while talking about her experience with therapy. It made me cry. I couldn't put it down. The book was very fast paced and I felt myself wanting to ask follow up questions and really dig deeper. She captures a lot of trauma in just a couple of sentences. But then, I feel part of the problem that she's describing, the morbid fascination with her life that is so destructive towards her.
Anyway, clearly this book made me think a lot. It's well-written and deeply vulnerable, but I would be very careful with who I recommended it to because of how graphic and triggering it could be.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Grief, Death of parent, Dysphoria
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Dysphoria
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Dysphoria
Minor: Rape, Stalking
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Dysphoria
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Trafficking, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Dysphoria
Graphic: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Dysphoria
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Dysphoria
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Dysphoria
Moderate: Cursing, Abandonment
This book can best be described as intense, poignant, and emotional. It explores difficult topics like abuse (mental, emotional and physical) and eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia) It's written in a linear way that i really appreciate, starting from when she was little and ending right around the time the iCarly reboot came out. She writes from the perspective of herself in each moment, with the thought process she had in those moments before she realized that her mother was severely abusing and manipulating her. It's difficult at many points to read, and is at once jarring and relatable, as someone who has mental health issues and used to struggle with eating disorders. If you're triggered by such things, this might not be the best book for you. The last third goes into great detail about her e.d's, and eventually how she seeks help for them.
This book really hit home for me in a lot of different ways. It's at once depressing, emotional, and hilarious. Jennette doesn't hold back as she tells her story in great detail, and there's so many moments where I was in shock. I teared up a few times while reading, but never fully cried. And, not surprisingly, it wasn't when her mom died. (For those who hate the title, once you read the book you'll probably understand just why she was glad her mom died.) Any fan of hers will get something out of this, but I also think people who are unfamiliar with her will as well. Anyone that's ever experienced abuse, trauma, e.d's, or mental health issues (so basically almost everyone) will probably take away something from this book. It's a gripping story, written incredibly well, and handles really difficult topics in such an accessible and real way.
This book is worth the hype. If you're even a tad curious, I urge you to read this book! (And maybe keep some tissues handy.)
Graphic: Child abuse, Eating disorder
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria