Krista Chesal, Content Solutions Specialist

“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle and “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jeannette McCurdy. Untamed was what I expected, but that does not mean I didn’t like it! I first encountered Doyle more than a decade ago, when I listened to her TedTalk “Lessons from the Mental Hospital.” She was wise, compassionate, and thoughtful. I related to her struggles and empathized with her journey. I am always so impressed by people my age who have such deep insight and wisdom to the human condition. To me, it feels like she has an extra sensory ability to assess her life and the world she exists in. One quote that really resonated with me, as a primary caregiver to three children, was this:

It’s not easy to admit about myself, but I caught myself feeling sad and salty that my husband could saunter off to his rather long list of activities, while my entire life was taking care of the kids needs. I realised that I didn’t want anyone in my family to have any less, I want them all to have the world, but that shouldn’t mean I should have nothing at all of my own. Doyle’s book helped me to feel ok about wanting to have a life of my own. Her writing helped me to really believe that it’s ok for me to want friends, activities, fun even! I think my whole family will be better off if I’m a bit happier, even if it does mean that the house isn’t perfect and the socks aren’t matched. Now, is anyone up for a 2 mimosa brunch, hike on the beach, and book club with wine and cheese?

I didn’t have many expectations going in to McCurdy’s book. The title was intriguing, if a little on the nose. I’m too old to have watched iCarly or Sam and Cat, but I love to read biographies and kept seeing this one pop up on my different social media feeds. This is one of the rare books I stayed up very late to finish in one go. I could not put it down. McCurdy tells a heartbreaking and harrowing story with a dry and observational tone that juxtaposes well with the material. A different voice may have changed the tone of the book to overwrought, but hers is perfect. Parts were really tough reading. McCurdy was a bit late to personal insight, having been gaslight by a terribly abusive, narcissistic mother and surrounded by utterly useless other adults. But when she is reflecting on her journey, it is with insight, honesty and compassion. This was a really moving read, and a reminder of the hidden nature abuse can take, and the colossal damage narcissistic people inflict on the ones who love them.