the setup…
Waldo is a 17-year old daughter of a struggling single mother who was not much older than her when she got pregnant. She doesn’t have many friends (by choice), is lonely and desperate to be loved by someone who she wants to love back. Waldo is very good at her job at Victoria’s Secret, which feeds her online buying frenzies that feed that void. When she reads her personal assignment in front of her creative writing class, Mr.Korgy acknowledges her. He’s 40-years old, married with a child and not even close to being visually appealing. But Waldo is obsessed with and wants him, relentless in her pursuit of him…until he finally “sees” her and more.
the heart of the story…
Waldo is street smart but too cynical for her own good. Her desire for Mr. Korgy may be inexplicable but it doesn’t take a psychologist to drill down on the why. This isn’t even close to a Lolita comparison despite the teacher succumbing to this inappropriate relationship. There’s no grooming, just a middle-aged man who seizes the opportunity to make his own self feel more relevant through the eyes of a young girl. But what troubled me more was how crudely Waldo saw herself with him and the absence of any sense of affection or care. It kept me from connecting with her or feeling any empathy.
the narration…
The author narrates the story at a breakneck, monotone pace. It’s rare for me to have to slow the speed but it was the only way I could hear the words. It was too emotionless.
the bottom line…
The bones of the story are exceptional. It’s the execution and unnecessary vulgarity that left me adrift. There are strong themes and messages here that are seriously thought provoking. Perhaps a more skilled narrator could have made Waldo more relatable, allowed me to see below her cynicism and appreciate her. She certainly deserved it.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 20, 2026
- Narrator: Jennette McCurdy
- Audio Length: 4 hours, 34 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
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