I read Half His Age

If there's one book you add to your reading list this year, make it Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy. I went into this one already a fan of McCurdy as an author, but this book solidified exactly why she's become one of my favourites. It's personal, it's immersive, and it's the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

A Character You Can't Help But Connect With

One of the things that struck me most about this book was the main character, Waldo. Even her name feels right — it's quirky and unexpected, and it suits her perfectly. From the moment we meet her, she feels incredibly real — not like a fictional creation, but like someone you might actually know. The school scenes in particular resonated deeply with me. I found myself seeing so much of my own younger self reflected in the way she navigates her world, and that kind of relatability is something that not every book manages to pull off. McCurdy has a real talent for crafting characters that feel grounded and authentic, and it shows throughout the entire story.

The Power of First-Person Narrative

A big part of why this book works so well comes down to the way McCurdy chose to tell it. Written in first person, the story pulls you directly into the main character's head, and the effect is immediate. Rather than observing her journey from a distance, you're living it alongside her — feeling what she feels, thinking what she thinks. It's the kind of narrative style that makes a book nearly impossible to put down, and McCurdy executes it beautifully. The voice feels natural and compelling, and it's a key reason why the story is so easy to sink into from the very first chapter.

A Note on Content

Before diving further, I do want to flag that Half His Age contains a fair amount of adult content. If that's something that doesn't appeal to you, it's worth being aware of before you pick it up. That said, for me, it actually enhanced the reading experience. The content never felt gratuitous or shoehorned in — it felt like a natural part of the story and the characters' journeys. You can hear it in the way she narrates; she was too young emotionally to lose her virginity. But as angry as that must feel, she falls into it like it's no big deal, it reminds me of a friend I knew in high school that had worn the same personality on her shoulder. It's vulnerable and personal. But open and exposed. Honestly, I think that strengthened the book overall.

Despite being the kind of book that leaves you wanting more from McCurdy, Half His Age doesn't suffer from feeling incomplete. The story wraps up in a way that feels fully satisfying — there are no loose threads or unresolved questions that left me frustrated. It's a self-contained experience that delivers from beginning to end. And yet, I'd happily pick up another book by McCurdy without hesitation. That, to me, is the sign of a great read — one that feels whole on its own, but still makes you hungry for more from the same author.

Final Thoughts

Half His Age is an easy, engaging read that has a lot more depth than you might initially expect. It's adult and vulnerable in a way that feels earned, and it's relatable, well-written, and emotionally honest. Whether you're a long-time fan of Jennette McCurdy or just looking for your next great book, I can't recommend this one highly enough. Pick it up — you won't regret it.

I'm also planning on listening to it on Audible next — given how much I loved the story the first time around, I'm really looking forward to experiencing it in a whole new way. If you're an audiobook person, it might be worth adding to your list too!

Rating: 5/5