Half His Age: A Novel

Waldo, broken and effectively parentless, becomes emotionally attached to her creative writing teacher, Mr. Korgy. Aware that the attachment is unhealthy, she crosses a line that draws him into an inappropriate and unethical entanglement, exposing the dangers of unchecked influence and authority. I spent a long time thinking about this review and how to word it carefully bc this book is not for everyone. It is sexually explicit and centers on an inappropriate relationship. While I wouldn’t consider it a literary masterpiece, it’s very clear that it was written from a place of anger. Many reviews describe this book as garbage, inappropriate, or disgusting, and often stating it brings something completely wrong to light. However, with a bit of research, it becomes evident that the story was inspired by real events. McCurdy was 18 when she entered a relationship with a much older man, and this novel reads as a way for her to process that experience, by channeling her rage and reclaiming power through storytelling. Writing this narrative on her own terms appears to be the part she could control in a situation where she was likely being controlled. As mentioned, this book won’t resonate with everyone—and that’s okay. But if you do choose to read it, I recommend approaching it through the lens of inspired by true events rather than as an attempt to romanticize something inappropriate. 3 stars bc while I was entertained and read it within a few hours, I wishhhhh it had much more character development!

"Maybe wanting things is what makes me a lot. If I could just want less, I'd be the right amount of person. The amount I'm supposed to be. The not-a-lot amount. The easy-to-love amount." Oh man, this was some dark, twisted, and complex shit. Waldo wants to be seen so badly. Her mother's ghost/glad-we're-besties parenting approach drives Waldo's every move and decision. Her attraction to and pursuit of Mr. Korgy is clearly an attempt at replacing the lack of attention and affection from her mother. But Mr. Korgy is unfulfilled, selfish and weak, with very little to offer anyone, let alone a girl jaded by life but desperate for validation. The lens through which we see the "relationship" blurs the perception of who is the victim and who is the perpetrator. As the luster wears off, Waldo is forced to come to grips with the harm she is doing to herself regardless of Mr. Korgy's role in that harm. Honestly, I'm struggling with how I feel about the novel. I definitely didn't have a good time reading it. I couldn't find common ground with Waldo and had a lot of difficulty conjuring any sort of empathy for her. There was a lot of graphic language, gratuity, and downright disgustingness. But at the same time, thoughts were absolutely provoked and I found myself in that uncomfortable place I sometimes like to go when I read. Despite the cringe-fest, I do still think that McCurdy is a talented writer.

Although I did find the author's writing style drawing, I found the book overall disappointing. Putting the main character as a minor, in Alaska, did not give purpose to the storyline but instead took away from what is probably the moral of the story. I also found that the author put alot into shock factor just to make the reader uncomfortable and romanticize the relationship. I recognize the human side of the plot that this is a reality to many currently or their past, but it didnt have to put this particular situation to show a bad relationship. The double perspective was interesting but I think the book overall wasn't worth the read.

JENNETTE, I LIKE YOUR WRITING BUT I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THIS ONE

I am finishing the book as I write this...I listened to the audiobook and I like that it was in Jenette's voice. I liked some of the parts that were relatable to many women about being a young girl who wants to feel desired ect...

But most of the book felt like a weird, uncomfortable, illegal, soft porn about a high schooler and a creepy middle-aged teacher, with none of the weird details spared. A few parts of the book are just straight up gross but I won't do all the spoilers. I liked Jenette's biography but this one is too much for me personally. I can admire the real/raw way it is written. It shows how uncomfortable the situation is and it does not glorify the realtionships between characters.

Jennette is a phenomenal writer and i understand that the was she depicts this MC is intentional. Personally this was not my favorite book and at times i struggled due to the graphic scenes. i was on a 50/50 line of loving it and disliking it. what pushed me to the disliking it side was the ending it felt very unfinished to me. maybe that was also intentional. *note this was an audio listen and that could have also affected the way i enjoyed this book*