A Young Woman's Struggle with Self-Worth

Jennette McCurdy's new book, Half His Age, explores the tumultuous life of 17-year-old Waldo, a girl navigating the complexities of love, power, and self-worth in Alaska.

A Toxic Relationship

Waldo's life is far from simple. Her mother is an absent figure, spending nights alone shopping online. Waldo works at Victoria's Secret but spends her earnings on more shopping, seeking validation and self-worth.

Her romantic life is equally chaotic—she dates multiple boys, but none bring her the happiness she craves. That's when she meets Mr. Korgy, her English teacher. He is older, married, and unavailable—qualities that make Waldo feel special.

Their relationship is unhealthy, filled with sex and power imbalances. McCurdy writes these scenes to make the reader uncomfortable, emphasizing the wrongness of their dynamic. However, the frequent sex scenes begin to dominate the story, overshadowing deeper themes.

Waldo's Struggles

Waldo lacks a father figure and dismisses her peers, including Nolan, who might be good for her. She believes people from stable families are boring, a belief she knows may not be true but doesn’t care to challenge.

Her relationships with her mother and best friend Frannie are more compelling than her toxic affair with Mr. Korgy. These connections reveal Waldo’s vulnerabilities and growth in ways her relationship with Korgy does not.

The Flaw in Mr. Korgy

Mr. Korgy is a stereotype—a married man who watches artsy films and pushes Waldo to read and watch certain things. However, he lacks depth and sympathy. His presence in the book feels excessive, and the story improves when Waldo finally realizes he cannot give her what she truly needs.

The Real Story Begins

The book shines when the focus shifts from sex to meaning. The uncomfortable scenes were never just about shock—they were about Waldo’s search for validation. Once the physical relationship ends, the real story of self-discovery and growth can finally take center stage.