I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is a memoir recounting the actress’s
childhood through her twenties, with a focus on her relationship with her mother. Though likely
surprising to her millions of fans, the iCarly and Sam & Cat star never wanted to act. With a
narcissistic mother who had dreamed of being a child star and plenty of money issues in the
family, Jennette was forced to fulfill both her mother’s dream as well as become the
breadwinner of the family. Along with the crippling control and emotional abuse the former
actress experienced, she also went through addiction and eating disorders due to her parent.
However, her mother, cancer-ridden, eventually succumbs to the condition as Jennette reaches
adulthood. As Jennette finally quits acting, begins to go to therapy, works on her addictions, and
becomes an author, she reaches a conclusion. She’s glad her mom died.
A fascinating and emotional read, the book is funny at times and devastating at others.
I’m Glad My Mom Died offers an inside perspective on the world of child stars, as well as that of
abuse victims and those with eating disorders. The book never disappoints, both with its writing
or with its important message: you don’t owe forgiveness to the dead. It’s important to note that
the book might be triggering for anyone who’s gone through similar experiences, but I would
recommend it to just about anyone else.