Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy — We Have Thoughts
- genredpodcast
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 7
We need to talk about Half His Age… because what exactly did we just read? 🤔
This week on Genre’d, we’re diving into Jeanette McCurdy’s debut novel, a coming-of-age story that is equal parts uncomfortable, sharp, and impossible to ignore. It’s giving Lolita… but if Lolita told the story herself. And yes, it raises way more questions than answers.
But first, we have things to say.
We’re celebrating our 20th episode (!!), reflecting on how we’ve somehow read 20 books in under a year, and spiraling about bangs, slick-back buns, and the deeply personal journey of figuring out what your face looks like on camera.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The first part of this episode is spoiler-free. Then we get into everything.
📚 What We Cover
Genre & Vibes
Literary fiction
Coming of age
Dark, uncomfortable, and very unromantic
Short, punchy chapters with a very specific narrative voice
What It’s Giving
Lolita, but from the girl’s POV
Slums of Beverly Hills energy
“This is not a romance, but there is a relationship”
Emotional discomfort from start to finish
Characters to Watch
Waldo
17, deeply observant, deeply chaotic, and constantly seeking validation. She’s not a perfect victim, and the book makes that very clear.
Mr. Korgy
A deeply mediocre man in his 30s who thinks he’s more interesting than he is. Spoiler alert: he is not.
Waldo’s Mom
Emotionally unavailable, validation-seeking, and honestly one of the most devastating parts of this book.
💭 Our Take (Spoiler-Free)
This is not a book you “like.” It’s a book you think about.
It’s uncomfortable on purpose, and it works. The relationship is never romantic, the tension is never sexy, and the entire story forces you to sit in the question of who actually has the power here.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead
The Relationship
What starts as a “forbidden” dynamic quickly becomes something else entirely.
Waldo believes she’s in control at first. But as the relationship evolves, it becomes clear that the power shifts constantly and uncomfortably between them.
And when she finally “gets” him… he’s just a guy. A boring, disappointing, deeply average guy.
The Scene We Cannot Stop Thinking About
There is one scene (you’ll know it when you read it) that is honestly one of the most haunting things we’ve ever read.
It’s shocking, deeply uncomfortable, and somehow still feels… possible. Which makes it worse.
Themes That Actually Matter
Validation vs intimacy
Attention vs love
Consumerism as coping
What happens when every adult in your life fails you
Also: the most accurate depiction of stress shopping and “save for later” behavior we’ve ever seen.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Katy: Didn’t like it. Uncomfortable, no real payoff.
Elyse: Not a favorite, but can’t stop thinking about it.
Which honestly might be the point.
📖 Fast Facts
Author: Jeanette McCurdy
Genre: Literary fiction
Tropes: Age gap, unreliable narrator, coming of age
Format: Short chapters, first-person narration
💬 Join the Conversation
Did this book feel like commentary… or just chaos? And more importantly: who do you think actually had the power?
🎧 Listen & Follow
Full episode available now on Spotify & Apple. Follow us @genredpodcast for more chaotic book talk.
❓ Mini FAQ
Is Half His Age worth reading?
If you like uncomfortable, thought-provoking literary fiction, yes. If you want romance… absolutely not.
What genre is Half His Age?
Literary fiction with coming-of-age and psychological themes.
Is Half His Age a romance?
No. There is a relationship, but it is intentionally not romantic.
🌟 The Impact of Half His Age
Why It Sticks With You
So, why does Half His Age linger in your mind long after you’ve closed the book? It’s simple. The raw honesty and the unfiltered look at relationships make it unforgettable. You might find yourself reflecting on your own life choices (yikes!).
The Power of Uncomfortable Narratives
Uncomfortable narratives, like this one, challenge us. They force us to confront our own biases and beliefs. They make us question what we think we know about love, power, and vulnerability.
A Call to Action
So, grab your copy of Half His Age and dive in. Join us in this wild ride of emotions and revelations. And don’t forget to share your thoughts with us!
🎉 Celebrate with Us!
As we celebrate our 20th episode, we want to thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to many more books, laughs, and lively discussions. Let’s keep this community thriving!
📅 Upcoming Episodes
Stay tuned for our next episode where we’ll tackle another intriguing book. Who knows? It might just become your new favorite!
💌 Connect With Us
We love hearing from you! Drop us a message on social media or leave a comment. Let’s keep the conversation going!
🥳 Final Words
Remember, reading is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. So, let’s enjoy every twist and turn together!
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