I'm Glad My Mom Died

Before I ever learned of Libby and Goodreads, I started my 2023 reading journey. My first book of the year was I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.

Goodreads Stats

Why I Read This Book/How I Heard About It

I don't know if you live in a cave or what, but this book has been making the rounds in the media, if only because it has a shocking title and the author is a minor celebrity with the Gen Z crowd, three of which I expelled from my uterus. Yes, I have seen every single episode ever made of iCarly (the original, not the reboot) and I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I loved Jerry Trainor, who played Carly's older brother, Spencer. But I digress.

Of course, it was the title that grabbed me from the jump. But I had also seen a review from a friend (lookin' at you SKS), in which she mentioned that anyone who grew up with familial abuse would fully understand and relate to the material in the book. Well, that caught my attention. Without going into detail here, I decided then and there that I must read it, as a former kid of trauma and all. Thus, my 2023 reading adventure began in January with this gem of a memoir.

Basic Summary

In this book, Jennette gives a tell-all look at her childhood and talks about what it was like to grow up with a mentally ill narcissist for a mother who basically forced her into acting as a child. Being an actress was her mom's personal unrealized dream. Later, Jennette explains how her mother led her into a serious eating disorder. Jennette's mom called the shots in her career and in every area of her life, from the time she was very small and it took years for her to realize she was suffering abuse at the hands of her mom. Until a therapist stated it to her very bluntly later in life, she was in awe of her mother and she lived to please her, no matter the personal cost to her own heart.

First Impressions

I liked this one because it was narrated by the author. I always thought Jennette was super funny as Sam on iCarly and it shocked me to read about how uncomfortable she always felt as an actress. I also remember feeling pretty frustrated with Jennette for allowing little kid her to be so obviously controlled and abused by her mother. Even so, I know that's not fair. When you're a little kid and your mom is your world, you just want her to be happy with you. So I understand.

She was also very honest about the sexism and intimidation she felt from men in the entertainment industry, one in particular. Unfortunately, this means I probably won't ever feel comfortable watching or supporting a lot of the more nostalgic Nickelodeon shows my kids used to watch on repeat.

Final Thoughts

It's just so sad. When you read further, you can really see the damage that was wrought through this unhealthy, controlling relationship. Kind of a wake up call for those of us that were fans of Jennette. I didn't realize how we, as the audience, were contributing to the negativity that surrounded Jennette in her childhood. I mean, with the best of intentions and total adoration of her talent, of course...but still.

Some of the experiences Jennette shared did feel a little close to home at times and that was uncomfortable. But I think one of the best thing to come out of this story is Jennette's candid experience with therapy and getting help for her issues, especially for her eating disorder. She really shared, in very graphic detail, what it's like to fall into that sort of disease and how difficult it is to pull yourself out of it.

In the end, I was happy for Jennette...for the chance she has had to share her story in her own words. I'm sure it was so cathartic and healing for her to write the book. She seems to be on a healthy path now and that's great to see. I really love celebrity biographies because I like to see their humanness, I guess. It's a little reminder that we all struggle with similar things and we have more in common than we could ever imagine, fame or not.

Rating on Goodreads

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Would definitely recommend.

My rating method:

• I rarely rate books 5 stars. I save this for the absolute best books I've read. You know the ones...the ones that you can't get out of your head, even after you've finished them. The ones you think about for weeks afterwards.

• If a book is really, really good, I'll give it 4 stars. If you see a 4-star rating from me, I'd definitely recommend it to you to read.

• If it's just OK, it gets 3 stars. Basically, it means I could take it or leave it. I'd probably read it again because it wasn't terrible. But not like a favorite or anything.

• If I rate it 1 or 2 stars, I would not recommend anyone read it. It either didn't hold my interest or I couldn't relate to the characters/plot.