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

Deborah Spungen

Oct 2011 · Sold by Ballantine Books

About this ebook

 “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.

Ratings and reviews

I read this book in my early teens. I cried so hard. I knew of the Sex Pistols, but had never heard of, Nancy Spungen. Deborah is such a strong woman for having lived that life, Nancy, as well. A very, VERY great read.

A very honest and candid account of how not to handle a disturbed child. This family was ill prepared and ill equipped to handle this level of disturbance. They sacrificed their two innocent, younger children by allowing this girl to control their home and abuse their younger children. I do hope their younger children have overcome their experiences with an abusive sibling and neglectful parents. Perhaps the younger ones were finally allowed to shine. How sad.

Such a sad, sad story of Nancy's life. I can't even imagine how the Spungen's stayed so strong for her. So awful that Nancy wasn't able to find peace during her life.

About the author

Deborah Spungen received her master of social service and master of law and social policy degrees from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work in May 1989. She is the executive director and founder of the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia. She lives in Philadelphia.