The Review

I normally do not read memoirs, as I don’t enjoy reviewing them. How can you review a novel about someone’s lived experiences? It doesn’t feel like my place to voice my opinion. However, I couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died”.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” is a raw and candid account of McCurdy’s trauma, resilience, and the quest for establishing self-identity in the entertainment industry. McCurdy’s narrative offers a searing look into the perils that come with fame for child stars – sometimes at the hands of their own families.

McCurdy’s writing was a highlight for me of this novel, as previous celebrity memoirs I have read have been too conversational. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook as McCurdy herself, which makes the experience feel as though you are talking to a close friend. Her voice is strong, and each story is told with a purpose. Through these various anecdotes of McCurdy’s life, McCurdy dismantles the image of the “perfect” life that fame so often presents, delving into the darker undercurrents of her experiences being the primary breadwinner for her family.

The huge component of the novel is McCurdy’s relationship with her mother, who pushed McCurdy into being an actress to make up for her own lost dreams. The complexity of their relationship is depicted with nuance and emotional depth. McCurdy navigates the turbulent waters of maternal expectations and personal sacrifice with a voice that is both vulnerable and defiant. The process of reconciling her own desires and dreams with the expectations imposed upon her is portrayed with such honesty.

In conclusion, I’m Glad My Mom Died is a strikingly brave memoir that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the strength found in personal growth and self-acceptance. Jennette McCurdy’s narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the profound impact that personal trials can have on our lives and identities. From her LDS past to her long battle with eating disorders, each story McCurdy choses to include creates a fully firmed narrative, and ultimately answers the question of why she is glad her mom died.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

If you are debating about listening to the audiobook or reading “I’m Glad My Mom Died”, I highly suggest taking the audiobook route.

Jennette McCurdy, best known for her hit role on the TV Series “iCarly” or “Sam & Cat”, is a phenomenal storyteller. I was deeply captivated with her very raw and candid account of her life. The story is deeply personal and, at times, heart wrenching.

From her LDS past to her long battle with eating disorders, each story McCurdy chose to include creates a fully firmed narrative, and ultimately answers the question of why she is glad her mom died.