Book Review: The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White

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The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White is the story about Phoebe Manigault returning home to Mt. Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, South Carolina, to help her sister with their ailing mother. When past memories resurface, Phoebe is thrown back into some childhood turmoil. I requested an Advanced Readers Copy ARC of The Last Carolina Summer from NetGalley, and I was ecstatic when the provided me with a copy for free in exchange for my honest review. So, a big thank you goes out to them! When I began reading this story, I just happened to be vacationing in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. I loved hearing about the different places, including streets and a bridge called the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which I had to cross to get into Mt. Pleasant as well as Isle of Palms. It's always nice to be able to visualize the places and author writes about. With that being said, I'm not a fan of traveling over bridges, and one of the scenes of The Last Carolina Summer mentions a car going off ...

Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

book review im glad my mom died jennette mccurdy

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is a heartbreaking memoir of former child actress Jennette McCurdy, best known for her roles on Nickelodeon's iCarly and Sam & Cat.  Jennette wanted nothing more than to please her mother so at six years old, she went on her first audition.  From there, Jennette starts restricting her calorie intake with the help of her mother.  Things get worse for Jennette, and she takes us on her journey to overcome many things.

This is a book I wouldn't have read had the book club I belong to not chose it for our February 2023 meeting.  I vaguely knew who the actress was, but the title of her autobiography was a huge turn off for me.  With that being said, I am so glad that I bit the bullet and read her story.  I now know why Jennette chose the title she did.  The grass was definitely not greener on her side.

I can not believe all the things Jennette had to endure from her mother, including but not limited to vaginal and breast examinations,, the mother bathing Jennette into her teens and at times forcing her and her older brother to shower together, and being encouraged by her mother to starve herself so Jennette didn't develop breasts in the hopes to get younger roles longer.  There is so much more that went on behind closed doors, but you'll have to read the story to see what else Jennette endured.

I'd have to say that I'm Glad My Mom Died is well written and intriguing.  However, I would never say it's humorous like many of the synopses say.  It is a heartbreaking and disturbing read.  Jennette McCurdy's story may have triggers for people with eating disorders, addictions, or abuse.  Five out of five stars.

 

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