I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
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McCurdy rose to fame on the Nickelodeon show iCarly, which is one that I’ve seen random episodes of, but it was a bit too young for me when it finally aired. Regardless, I know who Jennette is and the more I heard about her memoir, the more I wanted to read it. We all know about child stars that spiral out, or end up having mental health or drug or drinking issues. What’s different about Jennette is that she never wanted to act. That was all her mom’s doing.
I imagine if you’re a mom, this might be tough to read about, as Jennette’s mom is very much abusive and yet never punished for it. The book follows Jennette from pre-acting to more recent years, after her mom died of cancer, and she’s finally learning to heal. As Jennette writes, it’s from the point of view of herself at that time, so it can be tough to “hear” her justify the way her mom acts and how desperate she is to do anything to make her mom happy.
Along with forcing her into acting, Jennette’s mom taught her to constrict calories, essentially teaching her daughter how to be anorexic at the age of eleven. It’s hard to find redeeming qualities in her mom, and by the end, you’re also glad her mom died. It means that Jennette is free to figure out who she is and heal from the trauma she’s suffered. If her mom had not passed away, it’s frightening to imagine where Jennette would be right now, or if she’d even be alive herself – having passed from her eating disorder.
Definitely an emotional read, and it’s one that deals with some tough topics. I applaud Jennette’s courage in being so open and honest. I imagine it was tough, but healing, to write this memoir. I think it’s amazing that she’s finally healing and is willing to share her story with others.
I’m maybe the one person who doesn’t want to read this! It feels like it would be too much.
I don’t really have any interest in this one (I’ve never heard of the actress/author) but there’s no denying the great reviews it’s been getting. She’s certainly had a lot to overcome!
I’ve seen this book everywhere, but I’m not sure it is something I would enjoy reading. The dark subject matter is kind of a turnoff. That being said, so many people seem to be reading it!
I think that I have seen nearly every episode of iCarly because my kids loved the show. I have this one and plan to work it into my reading schedule soon. It sounds like a very emotional read.
I am so torn because I DO want to read it, and heard wonderful things, and your review makes it definitely sound compelling.. but knowing it is a true story that this poor woman had to suffer through might be too much for me. Like dark fiction I am all over, but knowing she actually went through all this is what gives me pause. Regardless, I am SO glad she is healing!
This sounds like a tough read, but it’s great that she’s talking about this, shedding light on what an abusive parent can be like, and that she’s able to start healing now.
I saw an interview with her, this is so hard. I think she is very brave 🙂
Definitely sounds like a tough read, but one that could be a good or important read. Thanks for reading and telling us about this!