Jennette McCurdy talks about debut novel 'Half His Age'

Former Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy is making a bold leap from memoir to fiction with her debut novel Half His Age, and she says the book is meant to explore abuse that “does not look, sound or feel like conventional abuse”, challenging readers rather than comforting them.

McCurdy, who retired from acting to focus on writing after her bestselling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, told USA TODAY that she wrote the novel not for shock value but “for truth.”

In Half His Age, the story follows Waldo, a 17‑year‑old senior who enters a sexually entangled relationship with her married creative writing teacher.

McCurdy explained that while the subject matter is uncomfortable, she didn’t want to romanticize the situation; instead, she aimed to capture the real­‑world complexity of unhealthy relationships.

“I’m interested in exploring abuse that does not look, sound or feel like conventional abuse,” McCurdy said, emphasizing that the novel is not a victim narrative but a portrayal of agency and psychological nuance.

McCurdy also highlighted her writing process and intentions, saying, “I know what’s on the page and I trust what’s on the page… I write for truth and also truth is noisy.” She added that the title Half His Age reflects her blunt approach: “I love a blunt and noisy title.”

Discussing the emotional core of the novel, McCurdy noted that writing it helped her process feelings she didn’t realize she still carried from past experiences. She said that confronting intense emotions like rage played a crucial role in shaping both the narrative and her creative perspective: “Anytime I’ve come in contact with my rage, it has led me to make better decisions and be put on the path that is effective and healthy for me.”

Half His Age was released on January 20 and has already sparked conversation for its provocative subject matter and unflinching voice, underscoring McCurdy’s evolution from child actor to author unafraid of tackling difficult themes.