Book Review: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

“Why do we romanticize the dead? Why can’t we be honest about them?”

Jennette McCurdy, I’m Glad My Mom Died

Review:

Like many others reading this book, iCarly was a big part of my childhood. Sam was my favorite character from the start and I was super excited to hear that Jennette McCurdy had written a memoir. 

Both engaging and heartbreaking, Jennette takes us through her childhood focusing largely on her career as a child actor and the complicated relationship with her mother. After her mother’s death, the realization of the extent of the abuse she suffered starts to come to light. The last part of the book discusses her battle with anxiety, eating disorders, and addiction.

Despite the heavy topics, most of the book is written with whit. Everything is presented matter-of-factly yet doesn’t go into super graphic details. The audiobook felt especially personal. I’m glad this was the way I chose to read it. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The frankness of her story.
• She didn’t trash her co-stars, even when she didn’t get along with certain ones.
• The audiobook is wonderfully narrated by Jennette McCurdy herself.

What I didn’t like:

• The chapters were inconsistent lengths.

Afterthoughts:

While I don’t personally relate to most of the struggles Jennette has faced in her life, it was still an inspiring read. One of the better celebrity memoirs I’ve read for sure.

Where to buy the book: