Half His Age cover art

Half His Age

A Novel

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About this listen

 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I’m Glad My Mom Died comes “a thorny examination of power, lust, shame and rage” (Los Angeles Times) from “a writer able to capture some of the darkest parts of human nature with unflinching honesty and devastating humor” (NPR)

“Unapologetic and undeniable . . . If there was ever any doubt whether the narrative command that Jennette McCurdy displayed in her bestselling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died might translate to fiction, let it henceforth be put to rest.”—Elle
Waldo is ravenous. Horny. Blunt. Naive. Wise. Impulsive. Lonely. Angry. Forceful. Hurting. Perceptive. Endlessly wanting. And the thing she wants most of all: Mr. Korgy, her creative writing teacher with the wife and the kid and the mortgage and the bills, with the dead dreams and the atrophied looks and the growing paunch. She doesn’t know why she wants him. Is it his passion? His life experience? The fact that he knows books and films and things that she doesn’t? Or is it purer than that, rooted in their unlikely connection, their kindred spirits, the similar filter with which they each take in the world around them? Or, perhaps, it’s just enough that he sees her when no one else does.

Startlingly perceptive, mordantly funny, and keenly poignant, Half His Age is a rich character study of a yearning seventeen-year-old who disregards all obstacles—or attempts to overcome them—in her effort to be seen, to be desired, to be loved. Coming of Age Editors Select Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Funny Inspiring Tearjerking

Editorial Review

Jennette McCurdy’s foray into fiction
As a fan of Jennette McCurdy’s bracing I’m Glad My Mom Died, I couldn’t wait for her debut novel. Half His Age, about a precocious teen who falls for her English teacher, is decidedly NOT Nickelodeon material. But despite the skin-crawling plot, I found myself rooting for Waldo (yes, Waldo) and even laughing at the comic moments. McCurdy writes short, propulsive chapters and cutting observations (my favourite, “The lemon verbena is a double-edged sword,” describes how Waldo’s mom’s preferred hand soap eats away at her spray tan), and her narration is at once matter-of-fact, sharp, sad, and funny. Like My Dark Vanessa for the anxious generation, Half His Age is set against a backdrop of frictionless tech and late-stage capitalism. At a lean 4.5 hours, it asks you to sit in discomfort—but no longer than necessary. —Kat J., Audible Editor

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The only complaint is that I wish there was more. Jennette does such a fantasic job when telling her story. A few times my roomate asked why I was laughing to myself, she is so naturally funny and at times relatable.
I was able to find some personal clarity when listening..so.. I thank you.
Waiting patiently for the next novel to come.

Delivery 100/100

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I absolutely love McCurdry's writing style, I bought the audiobook as soon as payday came and I don't regret it at all. It had great pacing and awesome tension. McCurdy's voice shines through her writing

Kept me hooked the whole time

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I’m not too sure why other people are being so harsh on this book. I thought the story was strong, the characters were very well done and the performance was amazing (that part wasn’t a surprise).

I Don’t Understand Other People’s Issues

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Everything in the story was woven together and felt like a lot of thought was put into how each chapter unfolded. Like a high school language arts class book that your teacher chose because of all the themes and topics they can pull out for discussion... but lots of sex. But thankful not a sexy book for your gratification.

Intentional writing

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I have heard such mixed opinions of this novel, now everyone is absolutely allowed to have an opinion and feelings about it. However I wanna put my own thoughts out there in case someone isn’t sure if they want to pick this novel up. I think it is a great work of fiction, the absolute raw and truth to what the human experience really is. The gross and hard parts about being a person in today’s society. I think it perfectly encapsulates the true pull of power and attraction that we all have deep down. Thank you Jennette for a beautiful piece.

How raw and real this novel felt!

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