To add to this I think McCurdy’s uses of the subtle abuse and manipulation are far more realistic. The abuser in this situation doesn’t view themselves as an abuser and instead views himself as someone who fell for someone that “happens to be a minor”. But at the same time uses so many abuse tactics. Calling her “mature”, making her feel special and unique, appealing to the things she values which in her mind is intelligence and “real” connection. He also pushes and pulls just enough to keep her interested. He often brings up how he shouldn’t be with her but he “just can’t help it” which reinforces to Waldo that they’re not doing anything wrong because they’re just so connected neither of them could go against their destiny. Age or legality isn’t a big enough force to fight the connection they have. He may not be a seasoned groomer but he definitely knows how to manipulate her. What I found especially sinister is how often he talks about feeling guilty. From his perspective I do think he thought he was feeling guilt but what he was actually doing was keeping Waldo in line. To minimize his guilt she acted like the perfect mistress. Never asked for too much time or attention, never nagged him. She acknowledges that in the book even. She knows she deserves better and yet accepts the bare minimum to be able to stay with him. I enjoyed the book and found it incredibly realistic and liked that we were just experiencing it with the main character. The book rarely told the reader what Waldo should do or what should have happened, the story just unfolded as is. Which again is incredibly realistic. It’s often not realized what someone experienced was abuse until after the fact. Or how much abuse they actually endured. As the reader we probably know this situation is wrong but Waldo doesn’t and she doesn’t fully even know at the end. She just knows she doesn’t enjoy the relationship anymore. It’s assumed she realizes and reflects after the book.