In Deborah Spungen's memoir, "And I Don't Want to Live This Life: A Mother's Story of Her Daughter's Murder," the author recounts her harrowing experience as a mother dealing with the tragic loss of her daughter, Nancy. Spungen reflects on the deep emotional turmoil and the challenges she faced throughout this painful journey, illustrating the profound impact of her daughter's life and death on her family.

The quote, "You had to laugh, if you wanted to survive," encapsulates the resilience required to cope with grief and trauma. In navigating her sorrow, Spungen highlights the importance of finding moments of humor amidst despair, suggesting that laughter can be a vital mechanism for survival in the face of overwhelming heartbreak.