A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by 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. ~taken from Goodreads
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. ~taken from Goodreads
Jenette McCurdy was my absolute favorite character on both iCarly and Sam & Cat. My kid's watched the show and I watched along with them. I said it even back then- out of all the characters, she was the star. I chose to listen to the audiobook version, read by McCurdy herself, and it just goes to show how little we actually know about what goes on in the lives of celebrities.
I had heard just small bits and pieces prior to starting this, but mostly went in not knowing what to expect and let me tell you, it broke my heart. McCurdy does an excellent job recounting the horrors of her childhood at the hands of her narcissistic mother. How pressures from her family to act and support them all lead her to develop an eating disorder and addiction to alcohol.
This is a very deep and very personal story that she tells, and she does it with full honesty and her own sense of comedy thrown in. If you are hoping to get the low down on her co-stars this isn't that type of book. She does include her experiences on the Sam & Cat set, which she hated, and working with her co-star Ariana Grande. She even talks about her work relationship throughout the years with Dan Schneider, though she never specifically mentions him by name. But she doesn't gossip or say anything spiteful.
Her mother's abuse, both psychological and physical, were harsh realizations that even she at first didn't believe really happened. She really dives deep into how she felt about her entire childhood. It was real and raw and emotional and she got down to the meat of the story. She didn't include long, drawn out, unnecessary details. I appreciate that. It was a very organized, well-balanced and tastefully humorous memoir.
I am happy that McCurdy has found some sort of peace and is finding a way to get through life and do things that truly bring her happiness and joy.
Once again, I recommend the audio version as it's read by the author herself and just adds a whole layer of depth to the story. You get to hear her emotions behind the words, which added to the experience.
"I'm Glad My Mom Died" is available now so get it wherever you buy or borrow books! It was a 5 star read/listen for me!
Happy Reading!
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