[This was originally posted to Audible's page - I've listened to the audiobook for this one]

I see lots of complaints about the author’s performance for this audiobook. Is it sterile and lacking in nuance? Sure, but I think it also kind of fits the book. Can’t imagine Jennette McCurdy was thrilled in doing this. Her detached voice matches the emotional detachment one has when confronting a life of trauma. Hearing her voice breaks when her dawing revelation happens at the end breaks my heart. The writing is stiff and somewhat direct; once again something I would expect from someone who spent their whole life shutting up their own emotions for the benefit of others. It’s a poignant read that has the potential to spark a lot of relevant debate at the familial and community level. Jennette is glad her mom is dead and so am I, but I’m also glad she wrote this book. ( )

Captivating story ( )

Absolutely dark.

I once heard someone say that they refuse to rate autobiographies because how can you rate someone's life--since then, I couldn't agree more.

Jennette is a very talented actress that I first "met" watching iCarly with my son. To readhow she hated acting, and the damage her mother (and family) did to her and what she went thorugh is heartbreaking. I think writing this book took guts. She is also a very talented writer and I hope she continues to pursue and encourage her passion. The psychological trauma, manipulation and abuse were horrific and the insite she shared to her responses were raw and honest and her innervoice grew from childhood into adulthood. She went deep with her experiences but I still feel like she was holding back to protect her mother and the rest of her family. I dont' think it was a bad thing. Just something I noticed. I wish only the best for her and hope that writing her memoir helped with her healing and that she continues to grow and experience life on her terms. ( )

What an absorbing memoir. I hesitated for a long time to read this because I was worried it would contain upsetting material for me. I was unnerved and furious on behalf of McCurdy, and tense while reading this. But I read through it fine. I'm so sorry for everything that has happened to her. I wish her all the best going forward. ( )