Submitted by lurkerlurker789 t3_zh6no7 in books
I had a very tense relationship with my mom and she died unexpectedly this year. Jennette McCurdy’s book came out shortly after her funeral and I considered reading it right away but thought it would be better for my mental health to wait a few months. Last week I decided it was time. I finished it in less than a day.
I’ve struggled with an eating disorder since I was in high school. My mom, though she was a good person, had her own issues with food and was one of the main causes of my bulimia. She was also very religious. I think my own childhood helped me to view McCurdy’s memoir through a different lens. I know what religious trauma can do to you. I know how eating disorders can easily be sparked by some careless words and nurtured by family members. I know how confusing it is when a parent dies and you have conflicting emotions about it. Ungenerous thoughts you’re afraid to even admit.
McCurdy’s description of the days surrounding her mom’s death hit me hard. Some chapters could’ve been taken from my journal. It’s odd to have such a similar experience as a complete stranger. I laughed, I cried, and I gritted my teeth to get through this book. Part of me is glad I choose to read it after all and part of me wishes I never picked it up.
Have any of you had a similar experience with this memoir? Or any another book where you read it at a time in your life when it aligned closely with what was happening to you and was a very emotional read for you?