I’m Glad My Mom Died
By Jennette McCurdy
Adult Nonfiction
This is a bold look into the life of a child star. Beginning with her first audition at 6, McCurdy never really wanted to act, but she wanted to please her uptight mother. Her life went through the whole gambit of common child-actor struggles: eating disorders, substance abuse, and mental health issues. With a good sense of dark humor, and a remarkable vulnerability, this book discusses the ins and outs of McCurdy’s troubled life through snapshot memories.
This book didn’t have the same feel as a regular old memoir. The chapters are short, the language is casual, and it is told from McCurdy’s perspective. While it was enjoyable, readers should be warned that it gets graphic in the language and some descriptions. It is definitely not for children, and anyone with eating disorder or sexuality triggers should approach it carefully. But overall, this book is a wonderful look into the mind of someone whose childhood was lost in the sea of Hollywood entertainment, and is finally recovering enough to tell her story.
(Plus, it could fulfill several of the Orem Library Adult Reading Challenge badges. Bonus!)
Book Review by Melisa Z. (Circulation)
The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+ : Winning Strategies to Make your Money Last a Lifetime
By Suze Orman
Adult Nonfiction
Over the years, I’ve read a number of personal finance books. Some are better than others. This is one of the better ones. Orman covers basic investment strategies, dealing with family finances, downsizing to a smaller home, finding a financial advisor (if you want one), and getting legal documents (i.e. wills, trusts, etc.) in order. You will find a wealth of information in this book and solid advice on how to “make your money last a lifetime.” I highly recommend this book!
Book Review by Art N. (General Reference)
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
By Lori Gottlieb
Adult Nonfiction
If you enjoy books that touch on psychology like You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy or The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown, you might enjoy the heartwarming but very real and raw lessons Gottlieb and her patients help us understand.
Gottlieb takes you into her personal life (life-changing breakup) and professional life (lessons she has learned from her own patients), as well as what it feels like to be in therapy.
My favorite takeaway from the book is “there’s something likable in everyone.” It’s a good reminder there’s always a reason someone is acting like an jerk. If you’re like me and have spent too much time inside this winter and need a little therapy in your life, this book is for you.
Book Review by Bethany D. (Circulation)
