Adult Readers' Advisory: Week Twelve Prompt

Adult Readers' Advisory: Week Twelve Prompt

For your prompt this week, please complete the Readers' Advisory Matrix, found on the last page of the reading title RA Guide to Nonfiction in Oncourse Resources, about a non-fiction book you have read.

Mommy Dearest  By Christina Crawford

Publication Date:   1978

Where is the book on the narrative continuum? A mix of the splendor of the movie star life and the horror's of a child terrorized by a parent. 

What is the subject of the book?     The subject of this book is a tale of a young woman trying to come to terms with the violence of her mother and the apathy of those around her to the terrorization of a child.  

What type of book is it? It is primarily a work of first-person reporting of child abuse and a parent who may have suffered from a bi-polar disorder and/or depression. 

Articulate Appeal:     The story is sad, horrifying and interesting.

What is the pacing of this book? It has a quick pace but you want to read past some of the parts.  . 

Describe the characters of the book? The author, her mother and sometimes brother are the main characters. 

Characterization/How does the story feel? It is shocking and interesting, feels genuine. 

What is the focus of the story? The story focuses on the relationship of this adopted daughter and her adopted mother, often tragic and volatile.   

Does the language matter? While the book is written in a conversational manner, it is quite horrible at the same time.   

Is the setting important and well described? The settings are important because you can see the supposed sumptuous lifestyle but at the same time, the daughter is left so abjectly neglected.  

Are there details and, if so, of what? There are many details about the home, the photographers, the studio, the attendants, Christina and most of all, her mother, Joan Crawford.  

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? The book includes just the cover art.   

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? There are moments of all empathy for the poor child but the mature reader will also be left wondering about Joan, the overwhelmed mother  too.

Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)? 1. Tone - It is narrative and truly a story. 2. Learning and understanding for both of these poor women 3. Characters 4. Details of the life and times of the studio actor and her adopted children.  

Summary: I really enjoyed this book and identified with the daughter and the mother. It is not an easy relationship under the best circumstances.  You do get the impression Christina feels somewhat of a Cinderella in the family.