“My whole life, my entire existence has been oriented to the narrative that Mom wants what’s best for me, Mom does what’s best for me, Mom knows what’s best for me. Even in the past, when resentments started to creep in or wedges started to come between us, I have checked those resentments and wedges, I have curbed them so that I can move forward with this narrative intact, this narrative that feels essential to my survival.” - Jennette McCurdy

My first autobiography and it was a raw and captivating read from start to finish. Going through the abuse she suffered as a young child - and reading as though through the unaware eyes of a child that doesn’t or couldn’t recognize their parent as anything less than good was heart breaking, to watch the realisation shine through the progression of the pages. It feels honest, and unashamedly vulnerable in how it pulls no punches expressing the mental health difficulties and the harsh reality of child stardom.