Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast

Christina Crawford’s memoir Mommie Dearest (with Angela Tucker)

Nov 24, 2023

Angela Tucker joins Chelsea Devantez on a deep dive into Christina Crawford's memoir "Mommie Dearest." They explore the damaging adoption process, the abusive behaviors of Joan Crawford, and the complexities of the Crawford mother-daughter relationship. They also discuss the importance of multiple adult figures in a child's life and the different perspectives siblings can have on their childhood experiences. This episode provides fascinating insights into trauma, adoption, and the power of sharing personal stories.

01:16:33

Episode guests

Angela Tucker

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The memoir exposes the abusive relationship between Christina Crawford and her famous mother, Joan Crawford, shedding light on the impact of adoption and societal expectations on their family dynamics.

The book challenges the popular image of Joan Crawford as a doting mother, revealing her ambitious and manipulative nature in the entertainment industry, and bridging the gap between her public persona and private struggles.

The memoir delves into the complexities of the adoptee experience, highlighting differing perspectives within the same adoptive family and the societal pressures placed on adoptees, raising important questions about identity and the lasting effects of trauma.

Deep dives

The Controversial Memoir: Mommy Dearest

Mommy Dearest, written by Christina Crawford, is a memoir that sheds light on her complicated relationship with her famous mother, Joan Crawford. The book discusses Joan's adoption of Christina and her siblings, and explores the impact of adoption on their family dynamics. It delves into the abuse and mistreatment that Christina endured at the hands of her mother, revealing shocking details about their tumultuous relationship. The memoir also addresses the societal expectations placed on adoptees and the intense pressure to be grateful for their circumstances. The book received both praise and criticism, with many questioning the validity of Christina's claims.

Introduction

5min

Donor Conception and Adoption: Exploring Identity

15min

Misunderstandings and Misconceptions

11min

Themes of Obsession and Abuse in 'Mommie Dearest'

4min

Challenges of Nuclear Parenting and the Importance of Multiple Adult Figures

2min

The Complicated Relationship Between Joan Crawford and Christina

20min

Different Perspectives on Siblings' Childhood Experiences

13min

Reflections on 'Mommie Dearest'

4min

Book promotion, Patreon benefits, and gratitude for team and product partners

2min

Chelsea and Angela Tucker (You Should Be Grateful, The Adoptee Next Door) dive into the whirlpool of trauma that is Christina Crawford’s 1978 memoir Mommie Dearest, as well as her mother Joan Crawford’s 2017 autobiography A Portrait of Joan. From the infamous film based on Mommie Dearest, to the extremely damaging adoption process, this memoir has the distinction of being the first “tell all” celebrity memoir!

Show Notes:

Where to find our Guest: Angela Tucker

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For more book recaps & gentle tea, follow Chelsea on Instagram @chelseadevantez

Become a member of the Celebrity Book Club Patreon!

Glamorous Trash: Where we make treasure out of pop culture garbage. Glamorous Trash is all about going high and low at the same time— Glam and Trash. We recap and book club celebrity memoirs, deconstruct pop culture, and sometimes, we cry! If you've ever referenced Mariah Carey in therapy... then this is the podcast for you.

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