Who Would Like This Book:
This memoir grabs you from the first page with its raw honesty and sharp sense of humor - a rare combo that's both heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud funny. Jennette McCurdy’s writing is engaging and cleverly mirrors her age through each stage of her story, making the reading experience feel especially authentic. You'll enjoy this if you're interested in stories about mental health, complicated families, childhood stardom, or anyone searching for a memoir that goes beyond the typical celebrity tell-all. Even if you never watched iCarly, McCurdy's story stands strong on its own. Lovers of The Glass Castle or Educated - and anyone who's ever navigated the rocky terrain of a toxic relationship - will find something powerful here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This isn't a light or easy read: the book candidly details abuse, eating disorders, and deeply personal trauma, which may be tough for some readers. Those uncomfortable with dark humor or seeking a conventional, uplifting celebrity memoir may want to look elsewhere. If you're hoping for a juicy, name-dropping Hollywood exposé, you won't find that here - it's focused much more on emotions and recovery than industry gossip. Sensitive readers should be aware of potentially triggering content related to mental health, addiction, and familial abuse.
About:
Jennette McCurdy's memoir, 'I'm Glad My Mom Died', delves into her harrowing experiences with childhood abuse, manipulation, and the struggles of being a child star. The writing is described as straightforward and brutally honest, not shying away from the darker aspects of her life. Readers are taken on an emotional journey through Jennette's traumatic past, from her mother's abusive behavior to her battle with an eating disorder, all while navigating the complexities of fame and Hollywood.
The book is praised for its candid and vivid descriptions of Jennette's life, showcasing her resilience and courage in sharing her story with the world. Readers are left with a deep understanding of the challenges she faced growing up in the shadow of a narcissistic parent and the toll that child stardom took on her mental and emotional well-being.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include high levels of child abuse, emotional manipulation, eating disorders, and mental health challenges.
From The Publisher:
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor-including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother-and how she retook control of her life.
Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother's dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called "calorie restriction," eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, "Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn't tint hers?" She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.
In I'm Glad My Mom Died , Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail-just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly , she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi ("Hi Gale!"), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.
Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I'm Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.
Ratings (569)
Incredible (184) | |
Loved It (227) | |
Liked It (107) | |
It Was OK (42) | |
Did Not Like (6) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (937):
Read It (603) | |
Currently Reading (9) | |
Want To Read (220) | |
Did Not Finish (14) | |
Not Interested (91) |
33 comment(s)
This book was heart wrenching. The number of times I cried….i just….its so so good though!
This book deserves all the praise it has been getting. McCurdy communicates her emotions throughout her life so well. I am able to completely understand how she was able to both love and hate her mother throughout her life despite obviously having time to reflect on it at the time of writing. The way she described her eating disorders was heartbreaking, but done so effectively that I get it. It's horrible but I get it. All these heavy moments throughout her life were equally balanced with some great moments of humor. I think this was a really great read and I would recommend it across the board.
Audiobook, listening to this book which is read by the author is quite emotional. You can hear the emotion in her voice. Gripping story although a bit far removed from my own world and I could not quite get into the story.
This was an incredibly powerful and difficult book, and listening to the audiobook—narrated by Jennette McCurdy herself—made it even more impactful. I finished it over a few days during my drives to and from work, and hearing her tell her own story added a level of rawness that hit me in a way I wasn’t prepared for.
I resonated with so many parts of her story, even if not to her extent. The mental and emotional abuse within a mother–daughter relationship is something I understand deeply. My mom never openly said she had an eating disorder, but she pushed those expectations and fears onto me through constant comments about my body, my weight, and whether I looked “attractive” or “unattractive.” Looking back, it feels like a miracle that I never developed an eating disorder myself. Somehow I stayed resilient—mostly because I had an amazing support system and a dad I could lean on when things felt too heavy. That contrast made Jennette’s experiences hit even harder.
I’ve put this book in my cart and taken it out more times than I can count, unsure if I was ready for it. Finding it as an audiobook felt like the safest way to finally take it in, and I’m glad I did—even if I’m still sorting through my thoughts. It’s a story that lingers, especially if you’ve lived through your own version of this kind of pain.
Jennette’s delivery—the humor, the honesty, the bluntness—made everything feel painfully real. It’s raw and uncomfortable, but also validating in a way I wasn’t expecting. Truly one of the most impactful memoirs I’ve listened to.
This book has got to be the best book i’ve EVER read. I have a whole new respect for Jennette after taking a closer look into her life. I recommend this book for anyone who has a tough relationship with their mother or struggles with mental illness. What a women!!!
jennette mccurdy is such a strong, resilient person, and reading this book ive only gained more respect for her. i would recommend this, whether or not you've watched her on-screen before.
I want to give Jennette a hug. She didn't deserve the abuse. I how she gets to finally do what SHE wants to in her life.
This was honestly tough to get through, but I'm glad I did.
It feels improper to rate a book like this one. How do you rate someone else's journey especially when such large amounts of vulnerability are required to write it?
Interesting memoir that delves into the personal issues of child stars in a way I found illuminating. The author is very honest which gives the book charm and the pov is written to remeber her own prospective at the time. This is a choice I liked but I feel like she sacrificed some self reflection. Maybe the part where she's in therapy could've been longer/delt with more. Still, a very good novel that deserves the hype it gets, as depressing as it is to read.
What can you read after
I'm Glad My Mom Died?
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