Is Jennette McCurdy’s new book any good?
Jennette McCurdy burst onto the literary scene with her unflinching 2022 memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, a raw account of maternal abuse, eating disorders, and the dark underbelly of child stardom on shows like iCarly. The book sold over 3 million copies, dominated bestseller lists, and is now headed to Apple TV+ with Jennifer Aniston in the lead. Now, at 33, McCurdy pivots to fiction with her debut novel Half His Age, delving into a teen’s illicit affair with her teacher—a story laced with power imbalances, shame, and rage drawn from her own life. But does this bold follow-up live up to the hype?
Diving into the reviews
Jennette McCurdy’s Half His Age has sparked intense early buzz, with critics praising its unflinching take on disaffected girlhood. The New York Times calls it a confirmation of her storytelling gifts, while The Guardian highlights its bleak humor amid family trauma. Released today, the novel draws from McCurdy’s own creepy age-gap experiences, making it a provocative character study of desire and power imbalances.
Readers on Goodreads echo the acclaim, with over 500 reviews averaging high marks for its raw honesty. Jennette McCurdy told The New York Times she aimed to make audiences squirm, exploring unprocessed anger from her past. This isn’t a victim tale, but a sharp look at rage and self-discovery, inspired by her decade away from acting to focus on writing.
Public sentiment on X shows a mix—initial backlash over the premise has given way to intrigue post-release, though some find the sex scenes too graphic. Jennette McCurdy, now embracing her author identity, maintains creative control, much like her role in the upcoming I’m Glad My Mom Died adaptation. Overall, it seems her bold pivot is resonating.
From memoir to novel mastery
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir success brought an onslaught of messages, forcing her to change her phone number and tighten her circle. This isolation fueled her writing, leading to Half His Age, a novel she calls a personal dive into power, shame, and rage. Critics note its roots in her own age-gap encounters, blending fiction with unflinching truth.
The book’s release coincides with the Apple TV+ adaptation of I’m Glad My Mom Died, where Jennifer Aniston plays her abusive mother, and Jennette McCurdy serves as co-showrunner, writer, and director. This hands-on role underscores her commitment to creative control, ensuring her stories remain authentic amid Hollywood’s glare.
At 33, Jennette McCurdy has fully embraced authorship after quitting acting a decade ago. Her intensive writing practice shines in the novel’s sharp prose, exploring self-discovery without victimhood. Early sales suggest it’ll match her memoir’s impact, proving her talent extends beyond non-fiction.
Rage fuels the fiction
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” not only sold over 3 million copies but lingered on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 80 weeks, exposing her battles with addiction alongside eating disorders and Nickelodeon fame on iCarly and Sam & Cat. This raw honesty set the stage for her novel’s bold themes.
In interviews, Jennette McCurdy reveals Half His Age stems from her own unsettling age-gap relationship, channeling unprocessed rage into a narrative that probes intimacy, consumerism, and class divides. She told The New York Times her goal was discomfort, turning personal trauma into a thrilling exploration of misguided desires.
Critics like those at Harper’s Bazaar dub it 2026’s most provocative read, with USA Today noting it’s no simple love story but a dive into twisted power dynamics. Early reader reactions on platforms affirm Jennette McCurdy’s knack for blending bleak humor with empathy, suggesting the book is indeed a worthy successor.
Personal roots, universal resonance
Jennette McCurdy channels her own creepy age-gap encounters into Half His Age, transforming unresolved trauma into a narrative that probes shame and power without romanticizing the affair. Drawing from a decade of dedicated writing post-acting, she crafts a story that’s as intimate as it is unsettling, blending bleak humor with sharp social commentary.
Critics at outlets like USA Today and The Independent emphasize how Jennette McCurdy avoids victim tropes, instead delivering a bold exploration of desire and rage. Early excerpts in Harper’s Bazaar highlight its provocative edge, with readers noting the novel’s ability to evoke discomfort while fostering empathy for its flawed protagonist.
Overall reception suggests Half His Age is a strong yes—Jennette McCurdy‘s debut novel captivates with its raw authenticity, earning praise for mirroring the memoir’s impact. While some X users balk at graphic elements, the consensus affirms her growth as a fearless storyteller tackling tough truths.A worthy successor
Jennette McCurdy’s Half His Age delivers on the promise of her memoir’s raw edge, channeling unprocessed rage into a provocative fiction debut that resonates widely. With strong reviews affirming its bold take on power and desire, it’s clear this novel cements her as a fearless author—definitely worth diving into for fans of unflinching stories.
