I'm Glad My Mom Died (Jennette McCurdy)

I'm Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy
⭐: 5/5

Calling all children of truly difficult parents: this book is for us. We are not alone. Also, this review will not be my standard pro/con format. (For those of you who know me and my mother, it is what it is. Talk to me, not about me, if you don't like this review.)

Initially, I was skeptical. The title is a bold thing to say, but I knew deep down it wasn't without reason. As I listened to Jennette tell her story, I felt the little girl in me being drawn to her. I was a plethora of emotions throughout the whole ride.

I related to the hoarding issues, to the mother being emotionally reliant on everyone but herself, to the struggle it takes to face oneself, and to the eating disorder. I still struggle with the latter, though I've had more control than it has for more than a decade now. I loathe that Jennette had to go through all she did, but damn it, I'm also really proud of her for being willing to go head first into all the traumas that followed her into adulthood and to show them who's boss! I'm proud that she's continuing to do what it takes to find peace and happiness. I admire her for being true to herself, even when it's difficult.

I also loved how raw she was. She says what every kid probably does when we're little, but that we never admit to. She's hilarious and I giggled more than a few times, too.

I don't normally get star struck, but I think I wouldn't mind having coffee (or a drink) with this girl! I totally understand dysfunctional relationships with mothers, as well as overcoming oneself and eating disorders. I also love how raw, blunt, and unfiltered she is.

Jennette, thank you for sharing your story! I'm sure you've gotten a lot of flack, but I'm here cheering you on for what it's worth! Even if the world doesn't like it, this stuff still happens, so it needs to just deal with it!

Brazen (Julia Haart)

 Brazen
Julia Haart
⭐: 5/5

Where to begin with this review? 

Pros: Though I've never had to escape an ultra religious lifestyle, nor am I into fashion, I still saw myself in so many ways in Brazen.

Julia is not only stubborn and driven, but focused and funny. She's headstrong and isn't afraid to challenge the norm - something I found myself relating to. It was such a sense of... camaraderie... To be able to do so. 

For those of us who have left worlds full of indoctrination and conservative upbringings, riding the coattails of our ancestors, and then who have found ourselves in a brand new setting exactly opposite of what we knew our whole lives... Julia is the example we've created inside ourselves but who has told her story to the world. Like Julia, I also left on my own. Well, I had my faithful Shih Tzu and best friend in tow, but still! It was her and me against the world: two small town girls headed for the big city.

I also adored how she essentially had "imposter syndrome", something I, too, struggled with when going into my dream career I never thought I'd accomplish. I knew I wasn't alone, but seeing someone else be as fierce, bold, and focused was inspiring.

I don't say this often, but I would LOVE to meet and have a drink with this woman! Her audacity and love for life and authenticity is contagious and something I relate to endlessly! I also have traumas of my own, as well as can relate to family estrangement. 

Cons: So, all my reviews are p/c format. The only "con" I can think of is that if you're not the type to question, you shouldn't read this. 

Conclusion: If you ARE the type to question and think for yourself, you will love this book! Julia, if you see this... I would LOVE to chat if possible! I absolutely will be adding this to my personal library after listening to it via the library!