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‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’: Jennette McCurdy’s Memoir Is a Story About Survival and Resilience

Photo courtesy of Brian Kimskey.

TRIGGER WARNING.

I’m Glad My Mom Died is a memoir by former actress and singer Jennette McCurdy. The book details McCurdy’s life as a child actress and her relationship with her mother. Today, I wanted to share my thoughts on her book with all of you and convince you why you should pick it up for yourself. Let’s get started.

Let me preface by saying that I’m not a reader. I’ve never liked reading. I don’t hate it but I don’t love it either. I enjoy writing more if I’m being honest.

I don’t remember exactly how I found out that Jennette McCurdy was releasing a memoir. I kept hearing such great things about it before it got released and after it got released. How it’s a #1 New York Times bestseller and the amount stories Jennette has reposted on Instagram of people with her book.

I caved and bought it. I devoured this book in 1 day. 1 whole day. I’ve never read a book in just 1 day. I started it the night I got it and finished the next day. It was so good that I couldn’t put it down.

I want to talk about just a few things. Don’t worry, there won’t be any spoilers here. If you’re thinking about purchasing the book, I do want to give you a trigger warning prior because she discusses her experiences, some in graphic detail that may be unsettling. There were a few moments where I was a bit uncomfortable.

I’m Glad My Mom Died is about Jennette’s struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her mother—and how she retook control of her life. It’s an inspiring story of resilience and independence. 

McCurdy’s fame skyrocketed because of a little TV show called iCarly. I’m sure if you’ve heard of it. Like many Gen Z out there, I grew up watching her as Sam Puckett on the show. Her character definitely influenced my personality at the time. I didn’t watch the spin-off, Sam & Cat, though. It just wasn’t my thing. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to rewatch iCarly after reading the things she went through with her mother and The Creator. 

Jennette truly has a gift for storytelling. Every sentence was full of immense detail, especially towards the end. The perfect balance of dark humor and honesty makes this book refreshing and breathable. It would be even darker and more depressing without the humor.

There’s one line in particular I want to share with you which resonated with me.

“The years that you’re supposed to spend building character, I was spending building characters.”

I think this is the first memoir I’ve ever read. It makes me want to read more in general. It’s actually therapeutic, almost like writing is for me, but in a different way. It’s nice to get off the technology for a little bit.

 

 

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is available for purchase wherever you purchase books.

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