Half His Age

Bookseller recommendation

“I don’t think I could ever recommend this to someone, but it was easily the first 5-star read of this year. McCurdy’s ability to viscerally describe the manic nature of overconsumerism and addiction in its many forms will leave you wanting to shake some sense into these characters. ”

— Laney • Ruby's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“"What's the harm in a little crush?" This novel overtakes you with obsession and capitalism and want. McCurdy writes a furious and blunt story of an obsessive affair that questions what really matters most after the chase is over. ”

— Claire • Mostly Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a slap to the face of uncomfortable topics in the most eloquent way. The way that Jennette tackles grooming, generational trauma, depression, and obsession, as well as the way women think they need to look, act, sound, and be, had me hanging on to every word. The writing is aggressive but not in an off-putting way, in a way that you can feel the experience and emotion in every part of it. ”

— Sam • The Book Rack

Bookseller recommendation

“It’s graphic from the start, blunt and honest. It is a worthwhile read, though it may not be for everyone due to the graphic depiction of sex. It does strike me as Lolita from Lolita’s POV. ”

— Kim • Banter Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“An unflinching look into the psyche of a teen who believes she can consent to a sexual relationship with her teacher. Visceral, unsettling, and timely, McCurdy’s debut novel examines young women’s agency, adults’ failures, and how twisted things can get when desires go unchecked. If you loved McCurdy’s performance in her previous audiobook, you’re in for another great listening experience!”

— Ron • Talking Leaves Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautifully written, stomach-churning look at what it can be to be young, lonely, and talented. ”

— Jes • Park Books

Bookseller recommendation

“ “Ain’t no little girl fast enough to catch a grown man.” This is a hard book to recommend so instead I'll give assurances. It is graphic, but it's in no way titillating. Waldo is messy and self-destructive, but the narrative is clear in where the blame lies. The relationship is never truly romanticized to the reader. It's a difficult read at times, but worthwhile. ”

— Chelsea • The Lakewood Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“So compelling and excellently handled. I loved her memoir, and was so exited to read this. It totally delivered and I devoured it in one day. In this novel, you can expect a similar writing voice, witty, sharp, and self-aware, like her memoir. The topic is cringey, and that’s the point. Definitely worth the read! ”

— Eliza • The Chatham Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“The writing puts forth such a clear and crisp sense of longing! ”

— Madison D. • Reverie Books

Bookseller recommendation

“In Half His Age, we're introduced to Waldo, a precocious high school senior who begins an illicit affair with her married English teacher. McCurdy does an excellent job capturing the feeling of being 17. The thought processes that Waldo has are so familiar, they could be remnants from my own teen years. Relatability aside, the plot itself is truly "un-put-downable", progressing at a good pace despite being a character driven narrative. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little grit, a little relatable dark humor, and a lot of spicy discomfort.”

— Aidan • The Snail on the Wall

Bookseller recommendation

“Wow…Waldo is far beyond her years. I read this so fast. I couldn’t stop, but I was nervous the whole time. Nothing I expected to happen did…and I wonder if the story is more normalized than the media portrays. Yikes…this one is going to haunt me. ”

— Missy • Pages & Parcels

Bookseller recommendation

“So many authors have broached the subject of illicit teacher-student relationships/grooming that it feels like there is not much left to say about this topic. McCurdy has proven that this is not the case. With her distinctive voice and razor-sharp wit, she cuts to the core of why relationships like this continue to happen and how we continue to fail young women as a culture. Well worth a listen even for those who didn’t grow up watching her on TV. ”

— Anne • The Regulator Bookshop