I'm Glad My Mom Died

by Jennette McCurdy

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.

• ISBN10: 1982185821
• ISBN13: 9781982185824
• Publish Date: 15 September 2022 (first published 9 August 2022)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

Ah, the book that everyone is talking about. I had to try it.

As a person who had a troublesome relationship with my own mother (not as troubling at Jeanette's), I took comfort in Jeanette's journey into learning to heal and make peace with mother's actions. It is a hard book to listen to, but Jeanette's honest and head-on approach made me keep listening. 

As I've told others, don't let the title put you off.  Being around my own mother and dealing with her was mental and physically exhausting. There are days I am glad my mom died, but I still lover. And like Jeanette, I've learned that not all mothers deserve the pedestal they've been placed on.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Quirky Cat]

I'll be the first to admit that I don't read nearly enough memoirs. That being said, Jeannette McCurdy's autobiography (I'm Glad My Mom Died) is one of those rare books that got my attention and made me desperate to read it. I'll admit that part of this stems from my days of loving iCarly. But mostly? I think it's important to read about (and understand) the cost and pain that many child stars struggle with.

Before I dive into my review, I want to address the elephant in the room. I've seen a lot of people in my bookish communities upset about this title. Everyone needs to take a step back and consider Jeannette's specific situation. If you don't know her situation, I suggest reading the book before passing judgment—just my two cents.

Jeannette McCurdy was only six years old when she landed her first audition. However, this was not something six-year-old Jeannette was excited about – it was her mother's dream she was chasing, and only in an attempt to keep her pleased.

Everything that follows continues a pattern of behavior, with Jeannette putting her mother's feelings before her own needs. It's a harrowing and heartbreaking read – yet something we all need to be more aware of.

“I yearn to know the people I love deeply and intimately—without context, without boxes—and I yearn for them to know me that way, too.”

As one might imagine, I'm Glad My Mom Died is quite a heavy read. I'm sure what makes it so heavy is that everything in this book happened – to a real person (little girl). It certainly made it harder for me.

I do want to take a moment to mention some trigger warnings. Readers who are uncomfortable reading about eating disorders, controlling behaviors, cancer, or abuse should probably ask a few hard questions before deciding to pick this book up.

Jeannette McCurdy did an excellent job breaking down everything that happened in her past. Her story perfectly explains many of the entertainment industry's problems, especially regarding how children are treated. I respect her for speaking up, as this is something that we as a society need to be more aware of.

What I'm trying to say is this: if you've been seeing I'm Glad My Mom Died online and have been debating about picking it up, do it! It's worth the read, especially if you want to be more informed on these sorts of very real stories.

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