Book Review: Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis

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Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis is the first installment in the Maya and Sandra Mystery series, a cozy mystery series centered on private investigators. The story follows Sandra Wallage , the wife of a U.S. senator and the newly elected president of Portland High School’s PTA, who becomes the latest target of a vicious gossip website called Dirty Laundry . After a heated PTA meeting, Sandra crosses paths with Maya Kendrick , a private investigator who has uncovered the identity of the person behind the gossip site. When the two women attempt to confront the culprit, they instead discover a dead body. Was it really a suicide, or did someone have a motive for murder? I’m a longtime fan of books by Lee Hollis , which is actually the pen name for sibling writing duo Rick Copp and Holly Simason . They’ve written several cozy mystery series, and what I appreciate most about their books is that they aren’t overly kitschy, unlike some other cozy mysteries I’ve ...
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Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

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book review im glad my mom died jennette mccurdy

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is a heartbreaking memoir of former child actress Jennette McCurdy, best known for her roles on Nickelodeon's iCarly and Sam & Cat.  Jennette wanted nothing more than to please her mother so at six years old, she went on her first audition.  From there, Jennette starts restricting her calorie intake with the help of her mother.  Things get worse for Jennette, and she takes us on her journey to overcome many things.

This is a book I wouldn't have read had the book club I belong to not chose it for our February 2023 meeting.  I vaguely knew who the actress was, but the title of her autobiography was a huge turn off for me.  With that being said, I am so glad that I bit the bullet and read her story.  I now know why Jennette chose the title she did.  The grass was definitely not greener on her side.

I can not believe all the things Jennette had to endure from her mother, including but not limited to vaginal and breast examinations,, the mother bathing Jennette into her teens and at times forcing her and her older brother to shower together, and being encouraged by her mother to starve herself so Jennette didn't develop breasts in the hopes to get younger roles longer.  There is so much more that went on behind closed doors, but you'll have to read the story to see what else Jennette endured.

I'd have to say that I'm Glad My Mom Died is well written and intriguing.  However, I would never say it's humorous like many of the synopses say.  It is a heartbreaking and disturbing read.  Jennette McCurdy's story may have triggers for people with eating disorders, addictions, or abuse.  Five out of five stars.

 

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