And I Don't Want to Live This Life: A Mother's Story of Her Daughter's Murder

By Deborah Spungen

 “Honest and moving . . . Her painful tale is engrossing.”—Washington Post Book World

For most of us, it was just another horrible headline. But for Deborah Spungen, the mother of Nancy, who was stabbed to death at the Chelsea Hotel, it was both a relief and a tragedy. Here is the incredible story of an infant who never stopped screaming, a toddler who attacked people, a teenager addicted to drugs, violence, and easy sex, a daughter completely out of control—who almost destroyed her parents’ marriage and the happiness of the rest of her family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9780307807434

Reviews for And I Don't Want to Live This Life

[howifeelaboutbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story of Nancy Spungen (of Sid and Nancy infamy) told by someone who knew her best - her mother. I read this book over and over when I was in high school; I guess the mystery of the rock and roll life and death appealed to me more back then. It was a little more difficult to get through this time. Spungen's writing is very verbose, and at times it's too melodramatic. Sometimes I identified with her or had empathy for her, but sometimes she came off as whiny. She starts with the difficult time she had giving birth to Nancy, then all the behavioral problems that followed. Nancy's death is, of course, still a mystery, but Spungen provides insight into Sid Vicious in the form of letters he wrote her while he was in jail. The book is very dark, which is appropriate, considering the subject matter. Still, there is an upbeat ending because Spungen became very involved in various victims' rights and Families of Murdered Children groups.

[underwaterlily · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the best memoirs I’ve read.

[DeeKat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm a mom I understand where she's coming from. At the same time, as f-ed up as Sid & Nancy were, as a former junkie, I'd wish his ashes on my grave. In fact, I'd wish our ashes mixed together as I don't believe Sid would've purposely stabbed Nancy; she was his Life, his Everything. I'm not saying there was someone else, I wasn't there, but I have gotten into stupid junkie fights where if my ex hadn't left, he'd be dead. Over something stupid. You don't always realize when you're high. Let them rest in peace, together.

[a1stitcher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

At the time I read this book, not very long after the deaths of Nancy Spungen and Sid Vicious, I was very saddened by the entire story. Every once in a while all these years later I still think of it.

[katerinabead · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a really good book. Doesn't matter whether or not you are a fan of Sid and Nancy. This is a book about a mother's heartbreak and her impossible child.

[sar_154 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I decided to read this book becuase how can you obsess over one and not know about his soul mate and other half? I truely did enjoy this read it was hearbreaking, moving and disturbing all wraped up into one mothers tale of the worst fear a parent can have, losing a child. I think that Deborah showed alot of heart when she opened her familys life to the public and that is clear in her words. It was nice of her to add in all of the letters that Sid sent while he was in and out of jail, up until his death. Overall this book was a great read, how could it not when it was so personal?

[jacey25 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderfully honest and shocking this book was skillfully and bravely written by Nancy's mom and details her (very difficult) life from birth to death. This was easily the most riveting book I've read in ages, more compelling and compulsively readable than any recent works of fiction I've read. Highly reccomended. However, the one caveat I throw out to potential readers is that this is not the Sid & Nancy version of her life, there is not much detail on their lives together as this is written from her mother's perspective & experiences so if you're looking for loads of their rock n' roll exploits this is not the book for you.

[marlene9nl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such a great book. I read this a few years ago and then released it to another bookcrosser.Afterwards I felt a bit stupid cause I really wanted to re-read. Even my mom loved it. Now I have another copy so planning to read again.

[english99_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've probably read this book at least 15 or 20 times. There is something fascinating about it, and I never get tired of this story of an out of control girl on a collision course with punk rock, hard drugs, and an early death.

[iamagirldork_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful and touching story written by Nancy Spungen's mother. It provides a lot of insight into the lives of Sid and Nancy. I highly recommend it.

[rampaginglibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting bio of Nancy (of Sid and Nancy) written by her mother. Nancy was an uncontrollable child from her adopted beginnings and could not be reached.