Trigger warning: themes of abuse and grooming; eating disorders

There are probably few people who haven’t heard of this book. It was everywhere for a while! Well, I finally got around to reading it, and let me tell you, I am proud of Jennette for coming to terms with all that happened to her and being able to tell her story. I also feel like a lot went unsaid.

The abuse by Dan Schneider (allegedly), known as ‘The Creator’ in this memoir, is hinted at but is not delved into any deeper. There are mentions of massages being given and underage drinking being encouraged; so much so that he had to be separated into a different booth. I have a strong feeling that there will be a Part 2 after he is no longer around to see his atrocities being exposed.

Jennette is also no stranger to the narcissist stage mum, with her own mother forcing her dream upon her daughter and making her and her other children and husband accommodate her entirely. She manipulates her family, forcing them to have watch parties of her cancer video. She dissuades Jennette from following her dream to be a writer and pushes her into body checking behaviours and disordered eating, which she still struggles with today. Her father tries his best, knowing all along that he isn’t her biological father.

I really felt for Jennette in this case. Honestly, it is hard to ‘review’ a story when it is simply the reality of somebody’s upbringing, of someone’s life. I think this is, sadly, a pretty common tale of exploited Disney/Nickelodeon child actors and a lesson in protecting children in the industry, especially with the rise of family vloggers and the controversies arising around the exploitation of their minor children online. A must-read for all non-fiction and pop culture lovers.

Buy here: Bookshop.org*

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