I'm Glad My Mom Died
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.
**Book Review: "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy**
In her memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," Jennette McCurdy, former Nickelodeon star and co-star of the popular show "iCarly," shares her harrowing and inspiring story of growing up with an abusive mother. With raw honesty and courage, McCurdy delves into the complex and often conflicting emotions that arose from her mother's death, ultimately finding freedom and healing in the aftermath.
As a child, McCurdy endured years of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse at the hands of her mother, Debra. Debra controlled every aspect of Jennette's life, from her diet to her friendships, and subjected her to constant criticism and manipulation. McCurdy's mother forced her into acting, hoping to live vicariously through her daughter's success. This led to a successful career on Nickelodeon, but it also exacerbated the abuse as Debra's grip tightened even further.
Debra's death in 2013 was a turning point for McCurdy. While she initially felt guilt and shame, she eventually realized that her mother's death had set her free. She began to unpack the trauma of her childhood and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. McCurdy candidly discusses the eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm that plagued her for years, as well as the therapy and support that helped her overcome these challenges.
"I'm Glad My Mom Died" is a powerful and moving account of survival, resilience, and the transformative power of breaking free from toxic relationships. McCurdy's writing is both unflinchingly honest and deeply compassionate, allowing readers to connect with her story on a profound level. Her journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and healing are possible.
McCurdy's memoir is a must-read for anyone who has experienced abuse or is struggling with the aftermath of a toxic relationship. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of finding peace and freedom in the face of adversity.
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