Say You’ll Remember Me. By Abby Jimenez. Audiobook

Emma Smith

Refreshingly honest and powerfully crafted, Jennette McCurdy's debut novel delivers a raw, new perspective on girlhood and the complex journey of growing up. It examines power imbalances and the lasting wounds of neglect, making it an essential read.

While I first found fame playing the aggressive but hilarious Sam in the Nickelodeon shows, my public persona shifted in 2022 when I left acting behind. That year, I published my memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, which pulled back the curtain on my life. Readers connected with the brutal honesty about my struggles with my mother and my relationship with food. Half His Age, while fictional, echoes that same vulnerability. This story, however, is entirely its own beast.

My debut novel is a darkly funny and sharply addictive look at obsession and ruin, told through the lens of a young woman's infatuation with her much older teacher. It's not a story I just wrote—it's a truth I lived through, and one I felt compelled to tell with unflinching clarity. This narrative peels back the layers of desire and destruction, offering a heartbreaking look at how power can be weaponized against the vulnerable.

The story follows Waldo, a teenage girl whose impulsive and all-consuming crush on her creative writing teacher, Mr. K, becomes the center of her world. I wanted to explore the messy, confusing, and often painful reality of first love and the blurred lines of authority. Waldo's narrative is unflinching in its portrayal of the manipulation she endures, all while believing it's love. This is a story not just about a relationship, but about the systems that enable it.

Many novels about age-gap relationships have been criticized for romanticizing abuse. In my novel, I intentionally and constantly underscore the uncomfortable and predatory nature of these dynamics. From the very beginning, the power imbalance is highlighted—he is always "Mr. K," never given the intimacy of a first name. This is a choice designed to keep the reader, and Waldo herself, at a distance. It's a reminder that this is not a romance, but a story of control.

Despite the darkness, I've woven in a sharp, comedic thread. Waldo's inner monologue is hilariously cynical, packed with one-liners that cut through the tension. Her observations about working at the mall's pretzel stand and navigating high school hierarchy are painfully relatable. Lines like, "it's nice to believe the only thing standing between me and being a supermodel is a good highlighter," land with a perfect mix of humor and pathos. This comedy isn't just for laughs—it's the armor she wears, and it makes her journey all the more compelling.

This book is more than just my first foray into fiction; it's a deeply personal story. It's a darkly comedic and unsettlingly addictive exploration of want and what it destroys. It offers a truly devastating look into how easily young women can be exploited by those they trust. This isn't just a book I wrote—it's a story I survived, and one I'm now sharing.

Final thoughts: This is a challenging, provocative, and unforgettable read. The prose is gripping, and the character of Waldo will stay with you long after the last page. For those who appreciate a nuanced, voice-driven narrative, I highly recommend picking it up. The audiobook narration, in particular, captures Waldo's unique voice and sharp wit with breathtaking intensity, making the experience even more immersive.