As mentioned last week, I spent a few weekends ago watching Younger, and subsequently catching up on four seasons before diving into season five. (Moot point, by the way, as Hulu has not made the latest and greatest available to those who refuse to take it in the ass by a cable company.) While watching it, I noted that many of the character arcs seemed inspired by real-life literary talent. A Google search confirmed my suspicions.
One of the more humorous plotlines revolved around a party-girl beauty blogger, Jade Winslow, who spent her advance on blow and other necessities. I read on Vulture that the character was an allusion to Cat Marnell. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to read more and read this book I did.
Last week I blew (pun intended) through How to Murder Your Life. During the workday I would look forward to getting home, so I could do a quick change into some gym clothes, and walk on the treadmill (3.5 MPH at a 1.5 incline, thanks for asking) for 65 minutes, while reading Ms. Marnell’s memoir. Then I would prep a smoothie, shower, and read more.
Caution: Cat treads into some into some very uncomfortable topics. Abortion, bulimia, drug abuse, parent issues, physical and sexual abuse are all on the table and take up the majority of the page real estate. The synopsis and book reviews I digested prior to buying the book indicated that this memoir was going to be going to some dark places (the rehab portions made me think of A Million Little Pieces, but you know, true life). I resolved to make my future daughter read this book the summer before her freshman year of college or when I start worrying about her “extracurricular activities,” whichever comes first. How to Murder Your Life is a cautionary tale.
Bottom line: Will I read it again? No. Would I recommend my pre-Cat Marnell narrative-gifted self to read it? Absolutely.
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