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Murdering My Youth: a memoir
Cady McClain’s Murdering My Youth will break your heart and scorch your soul. It will also leave you awed and inspired by the triumph of the human spirit. By fearlessly revealing the horrors of her upbringing – alcoholism, madness, sexual abuse, and that’s just for starters – this supremely gifted actress and filmmaker delivers a story of emotional survival that is raw, wild and shocking, yet also dazzlingly funny. The lady went through hell and found the Light, and we are the better for it.
Michael Logan, TV Guide Magazine
Michael Logan, TV Guide Magazine
- GenresNonfiction
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
12 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Cady McClain
9 books11 followersCady McClain is an actress, writer, director, and producer. She has performed in Indie and studio films, primetime and daytime television and won 2 Emmys, and Off-Broadway in David Ives’ The Red Address. Her second short film (which she wrote, directed, and produced) The World of Albert Fuh, won Best Comedy Drama Short at the Ohio Indie Gathering and was awarded an Honorable Mention for Best Director by the Los Angeles Film Review. Her self-published memoir about growing up a child actor in a dysfunctional family system, Murdering My Youth, brought her recognition from Entertainment Tonight and TV Guide and over 115 positive reviews on Amazon. She will be releasing her first documentary Seeing is Believing: Women Direct about women in the directing field this year.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 30, 2014
As others reviews have stated, this isn't some celebrity tell all - though there are a couple of passages with some behind the scenes revelations. This autobiography is actually an account of a young girl forced into show business to financially and emotionally support her alcoholic and abusive parents; parents who could never fully grew up or understood what being a parent is all about.
Cady's writing is masterful and the book is funny, entertaining and easy to read (because of her entertaining style), as well as harrowing and difficult to read (because of the subject matter). My God. While far too many people can empathize with growing up in an abusive home I have to say that Cady's bravery in sharing this story with the world is remarkable and will hopefully help others who need assistance facing their own demons. She sets a good example. There are helpful phone numbers at the end.
After growing up the way she did and conquering that crucible through some rebelling and therapy, I think writing this has helped her move past all of it to a point where she can just be herself and enjoy the ride - it seems so according to the acknowledgements at the end. Heartwarming and nice to read. In my opinion, she's survived and grew under immense pressure both at home and in Hollywood. She's brand new - you're a diamond, girl.
Cady's writing is masterful and the book is funny, entertaining and easy to read (because of her entertaining style), as well as harrowing and difficult to read (because of the subject matter). My God. While far too many people can empathize with growing up in an abusive home I have to say that Cady's bravery in sharing this story with the world is remarkable and will hopefully help others who need assistance facing their own demons. She sets a good example. There are helpful phone numbers at the end.
After growing up the way she did and conquering that crucible through some rebelling and therapy, I think writing this has helped her move past all of it to a point where she can just be herself and enjoy the ride - it seems so according to the acknowledgements at the end. Heartwarming and nice to read. In my opinion, she's survived and grew under immense pressure both at home and in Hollywood. She's brand new - you're a diamond, girl.
August 10, 2016
Remarkably deep, thought provoking, enraging, heart-warming and quirkily funny all at once, "Murdering My Youth" by Cady McClain is filled with the brave honesty and keen self-awareness required for *any* book tackling the ever shape-shifting layers of childhood abuse and how it can truly effect the victims. "Murdering My Youth" is Cady McClain's tale of incredible survival and her fight to overcome obstacles as a child, and into adulthood.
In her unique narrative style, Cady paints a vivid picture of life as a young adolescent growing up in the 70s. It brought to mind for me a warped kind of Brady Bunch-70s style existence, aside from the fact Cady had just one sibling and an absent and sexually abusive father. Her days were spent alternating between auditions and acting gigs, watching tv and tending bar for her mother.
The topic of familial dysfunction and sexual, mental and verbal abuse is hardly ever covered with equal parts frankness, wit and compassion, yet McClain so aptly weaves all of it into her story. In my humble opinion it's a must-read for victims of abuse and those who wish to treat them. It's also a beautiful treatise to life, and how the depth of which can indeed come from the struggle if only we are willing to face it head on refusing to succumb.
Brava, Cady! Ya done good girl.
In her unique narrative style, Cady paints a vivid picture of life as a young adolescent growing up in the 70s. It brought to mind for me a warped kind of Brady Bunch-70s style existence, aside from the fact Cady had just one sibling and an absent and sexually abusive father. Her days were spent alternating between auditions and acting gigs, watching tv and tending bar for her mother.
The topic of familial dysfunction and sexual, mental and verbal abuse is hardly ever covered with equal parts frankness, wit and compassion, yet McClain so aptly weaves all of it into her story. In my humble opinion it's a must-read for victims of abuse and those who wish to treat them. It's also a beautiful treatise to life, and how the depth of which can indeed come from the struggle if only we are willing to face it head on refusing to succumb.
Brava, Cady! Ya done good girl.
April 30, 2014
I loved this book, but then I've admired Cady McClain for a long time. She tells her life story with honesty, candor, and humor. She is an amazing woman, and I respect her even more now that I see how much she endured growing up. It's not always an easy read - she is very honest - but it is very well done, and I appreciate the insight into her life. It certainly tells me why she can bring such emotion to her acting and her art. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2016
i thought it was pretty darn good, but then again, I wrote it.
October 8, 2014
I could feel the pain Cady lived with through her words.
I have been aware of Cady McClain, the actress, since her first days on "All My Children". Never in a million years would I have realized the life she had outside of the studio. I always pictured her as the sweet and loving Dixie Cooney. To learn that she spend the majority of her young years taking care of her mother and supporting her instead of being a regular teen/young adult was something I never would have considered. Now that I have read her story, all I can say is how thankful I am that she didn't go through with the suicide and she has blossomed into the amazing woman I see on my TV and read about in magazines. She is truly what the word SURVIVOR signifies. I applaud her honesty in this book and and so glad to have read it. I wish Cady and her husband Jon Lindstrom all the love and happiness the future has for them. She more than deserves the great joys that are now coming her way. Thank you for opening up those raw and painful emotions. I know it wasn't easy to do, but I believe it was a great healing for your mind and body, Cady. Bless you!!
I have been aware of Cady McClain, the actress, since her first days on "All My Children". Never in a million years would I have realized the life she had outside of the studio. I always pictured her as the sweet and loving Dixie Cooney. To learn that she spend the majority of her young years taking care of her mother and supporting her instead of being a regular teen/young adult was something I never would have considered. Now that I have read her story, all I can say is how thankful I am that she didn't go through with the suicide and she has blossomed into the amazing woman I see on my TV and read about in magazines. She is truly what the word SURVIVOR signifies. I applaud her honesty in this book and and so glad to have read it. I wish Cady and her husband Jon Lindstrom all the love and happiness the future has for them. She more than deserves the great joys that are now coming her way. Thank you for opening up those raw and painful emotions. I know it wasn't easy to do, but I believe it was a great healing for your mind and body, Cady. Bless you!!
April 5, 2015
I ordered this book because Cady McClain is an actor on my soap opera, Y&R, so I became interested in her biography. Yes, she had a tough life growing up. Tougher than most, I would say.
As a child actor, Cady earned a fairly large (?) amount of money, which her parents spent, her often absent father an alcoholic, her mother a well-educated mentally ill, co-dependent parent. Cady spent many years supporting her mother and fighting her demons.
A well told tale with a less than satisfying ending.
As a child actor, Cady earned a fairly large (?) amount of money, which her parents spent, her often absent father an alcoholic, her mother a well-educated mentally ill, co-dependent parent. Cady spent many years supporting her mother and fighting her demons.
A well told tale with a less than satisfying ending.
May 17, 2014
I bought this book being a fan of the work that Ms. McClain did as an actress and always being a curious person about how people live their lives and how experiences changed people I love reading biographies. The way that this book is written touched me profoundly, it gives you permission to find the humour and laugh at the sometimes horrible experiences that make up our pasts.
I have gratefully never been physically abused, the emotional abuse, the extreme emotions of an unpredictable parent and growing up far before your time are experiences that I found mirrored in my own life.
This book reminds me that we do not have to be the people that we were told to be, that our past does not have to predict the future, we can find a new way to be happy on our own terms. When I finished this book I had a renewed sense of optimism and peace that nothing is insurmountable and that we will all be okay.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!!!
I have gratefully never been physically abused, the emotional abuse, the extreme emotions of an unpredictable parent and growing up far before your time are experiences that I found mirrored in my own life.
This book reminds me that we do not have to be the people that we were told to be, that our past does not have to predict the future, we can find a new way to be happy on our own terms. When I finished this book I had a renewed sense of optimism and peace that nothing is insurmountable and that we will all be okay.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!!!
June 4, 2016
What I admire most in people is brutal honesty. (A quick wit is a close second.) What I love most in people is compassion, not only for others but especially for themselves. Cady posssses all of this and more. This book was written in a no-holds-barred honest and forthright style (similar to my own, I humbly suggest) and despite the often painful subject matter, always with a bit of a wink to keep the reader from descending into the abyss and taking to the streets to tar and feather all neglectful, abusive and/or absent parents. (Though that might not be a bad idea.) Cady bares her soul while still keeping a tiny bit in her pocket (rightfully so) and ultimately, this book is a call to all who have felt broken or damaged to remind us that we can persevere and maybe even triumph no matter what the circumstances. There are passages I know I will re-read when I find myself under the bell jar and I know they will help me to press on with all this crazy life has to offer.
February 27, 2016
excellent. a sad story of child abuse, and Cady's triumph over it. The last chapter is very profound, how Cady finds herself, understands and accepts her parents and their shortcomings.
The abuse was of a domineering toxic mother. Several times while reading it, I felt like going back in time, finding Cady and slapping her upside her head and say: "Stand up for yourself girl. Tell her to f off!"
I am glad that Cady persevered and overcame not only the damage done to her self-esteem, but also learning that she is deserving of being loved for herself, and she found a guy.
I hope all the best for Cady and her husband Jon.
The abuse was of a domineering toxic mother. Several times while reading it, I felt like going back in time, finding Cady and slapping her upside her head and say: "Stand up for yourself girl. Tell her to f off!"
I am glad that Cady persevered and overcame not only the damage done to her self-esteem, but also learning that she is deserving of being loved for herself, and she found a guy.
I hope all the best for Cady and her husband Jon.
June 5, 2014
Fantastic memoir. The title is perfect; yes, it appears her youth was mercilessly taken from her. But the overall thing is, she was aware, and fought to find herself. What happened to her made me want to go back in time and gather her up and adopt her.
June 28, 2014
I am a fan of Cady's & was surprised to read about her traumatic experiences. I have a new found respect for her & felt inspired that if she could make it through those events, then I could definitely get through life's trials!
July 5, 2014
Very interesting! Amazing that she was able to cover up on screen what was happening in her real life.
May 29, 2015
I found Cady McClain's memoir to be fascinating and brutally honest. She has went through hell and came out on the other side. She is an excellent writer, a brave woman, and I loved her book.
May 14, 2023
A poignant look into a life
Candy McClain’s autobiography is searing and unforgettable. Her retelling of the abuse she experienced as a child and young adult had to have been difficult. Yet she accomplishes that with honesty, wit, and even humor. The book is a gift to others who have or are experiencing such abuse in their own lives, a way of saying “I survived; you can too.”
Candy McClain’s autobiography is searing and unforgettable. Her retelling of the abuse she experienced as a child and young adult had to have been difficult. Yet she accomplishes that with honesty, wit, and even humor. The book is a gift to others who have or are experiencing such abuse in their own lives, a way of saying “I survived; you can too.”
August 31, 2020
I've admired her acting since her debut on All My Children years ago and no doubt she had a dreadful, inexcusable childhood--just expected something more.
July 4, 2022
Wow! What can I say? Miss McClain holds nothing back in regards to her life! Five stars!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 9, 2023Haven't read this yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Signed by Cady and her husband Jon Lindstrom.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews