I'm Glad My Mom Died
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Book Summary
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
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.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Book Reviews
Wondering how you could earn $25 by just signing up? Earn $25 for free by joining Payoneer. Sign Up!
Autobiography of an interesting, unique, often successful and a mostly painfully dysfunctional life. It’s a testament to the biggest challenge facing America today - parents matter, and the portion of them that are absent - Jenette’s in home and biological fathers - or dysfunctional, narcissistic - Jenette’s Mom - is growing like cancer. Quality, succinct, writing helps the reader not have to linger in some truly painful events. You understand and admire Jenette’s loyalty to her mom throughout her mom’s life, yet root against it.
At first I didn’t understand why the book was name this but after I got to the last chapter it very much summed it up. I related a lot to how she felt and was kinda proud of her. It’s no secret that child stars are just that but she proved she’s more than that.
What a book! It touched my heart and made me sympathize with Jeanette so much. As a kid, I used to be a fan of the tv shows she acted. Learning about her life outside of acting has given me a lot of insight and respect for her as a person. I hope she puts out more books, she truly is talented in writing.
A beautiful depiction of Jennette’s life from her struggles with an ed to a boyfriend who thought he was Jesus. A crazy, heartbreaking, and some how hilarious story that proves McCurdy’s dream of being an author are finally coming true
I’m not a big reader normally, and this was the first book I couldn’t wait to get home and read after work, or right when I woke up. I couldn’t put this book down. It was so nice to read a book that felt like the author was being genuine and real. Loved it.
This is probably the most amazing book I’ve ever read!
Such an amazing and heartbreaking read!
This is a really great read. No mother-daughter relationship is perfect but we try anyway because unfortunately “we only get one”. Jennette’s story was really touching & healing in some ways regarding my own relationship with my mother..im happy I bought it.
I couldn’t put this down! I bought the book less than 24 hrs ago and finished it just now. I loved how raw the story was.
This book is amazing! So emotional and real and powerful and inspiring. 10/10 would recommend.
Was not familiar with Jennette or her acting career. The title got me! And the book hooked me from the start. Jennette is beyond talented. Loved it cover to cover.
This is a well-written and easy to read autobiography. It’s sad, funny, honest, and hopeful at the same time. It was a good and easy read, though it might be painful for someone who struggles with their own history of dysfunction and mental health problems in their childhood and families.
This book is captivating, heart breaking, & inspiring. Janette’s story will blow you away, but her inner dialogue and humor is what makes is great.
just…wow
Not going to lie, the title is what pulled me in. I didn’t grow up watching iCarly, so I went into the book blind. I can’t say how great an actor Jennette would is, but as a writer, she’s absolutely superb. I’m not usually one to finish a book in about a day, but I couldn’t set this down. Her humor balances the rough subject matter perfectly. I loved every second reading this book.
It was such a comforting read. At times, there were uncomfortable topics but there was something nice about seeing a tv star in a different light. Everyone always puts them on pedestals, it was nice to see that they’re people too.
Enjoyed it!
I never watched Nickelodeon, and to be honest, really didn’t know who the author was. Regardless, her story is one I could not put down. She laid her pain all on the table here. A tremendous read.
I grew up wanting to be like these actors an actresses. I guess the price of fame comes along with sacrifices and experiences like hers. I enjoyed her book. Very brave of her to share.
Having lost both of my parents to alcoholism within 3 months of each other, I have been suffering from a lot of pain and anxiety related to what I now know was an incredibly toxic childhood. This book made me feel less alone and I’m so happy I chose to read it. ♥️♥️♥️
This book is amazing to read about. It gets you thinking and really makes you think about how you want to raise your own children. It makes you think about your own life. It also makes you wonder how a human could treat their child that way. It’s crazy the things we think we know about people but we really don’t know anything about people. Even people who are always exposed every move to the cameras we still have absolutely no idea. This is such a good read and I feel has valuable knowledge in it.
The intimate parts of her live really resonate with me. The vail that the mom has had over her hair for her life is a shock. I read this boo because I really resonate with having parents with the same control. When reality hits, it makes you question life. But growing away from it and seeing what life has to offer, that’s is true success.
I felt this on another level, she’s so strong.
Beautiful
This book was so eye-opening for me. I could never watch iCarly the same after knowing that Jannette hated acting. How much trauma her mom put her through. How uncomfortable Dan Schneider made her feel and treated her poorly. I only imagine her pain through the scenes. This book is also incredibly empowering. I love that Jannette was able to overcome her mom and finally leave that part of her past in the past. She’s a great person and I only wish her happiness and blessings! Great book :)
The things her mother said to her haunted my dreams, I think about it constantly. What an insane and horrible woman, and what a wonderful young lady to come out of that.
A great story about living in a family . There is love, manipulation, abuse and discovery. I am happy that Jeannette McCurdy not only survived the horrors of being a child star , but that she wrote such a compelling story for us all to learn from .
I’m probably going to be a bit hyperbolic in this review but this is the first time in a LONG time that I’ve picked up a book and not been able to stop reading it. I sped through such a large chunk of it so fast that I got upset once I realized how close I was to the end. I mean, legitimately so distraught by it that I stopped reading it for roughly a month and a half. I bought the book not long after it was announced that it dropped but here I am, just finishing the last few pages in early November. Her way of describing her core memories is so raw and captivating in a way that makes you (cliche incoming) feel like you’re seeing everything happen through her eyes as it happened. She lets you in to her emotions in a way that makes you feel them as closely as possible to the way she experienced them but just muted enough that you don’t end up in your own spiral (and maybe some of that is to be attributed to my own neurodiversity). Suffice to say I very much enjoyed this reading experience and I’m very thankful that Ms. McCurdy shared her life with us like this. And directly to Jennette herself, I hope you continue to find happiness in this life. No matter what form it comes in.
Difficult to put down
So heartfelt and relatable
This book is written so that I could finally understand the mindset of a Hollywood child. My fears of ever becoming famous were Jennette’s reality. I honestly cried during parts of this book, because being a young woman is hard and even harder when everyone is watching you.
Great book. Gives detailed insight into Jenettes life and curiously shows her perspective as a young child.
We listened to this and found it absorbing, sad and revealing. Nit really all that humorous despite what some people claim. Rather depressing and slightly hopeful. The manipulation she went through is searing and a warning for all parents. Well worth the time.
I laughed, cried and agonized over some parts that hit too close to home. I will be recommending this book to the students enrolled in my psychology courses.
Very easy read
One of the best memoirs I’ve read
This book has everything and more. Highly recommend.
This memoir was incredible. Jennette paints the perfect picture of her life and I’m so glad she let us into her day to day life of a child actor. I highly recommend!
Unflinching honest, McCurdy shares both trauma and triumph in a memoir that gives herself and her readers the validation everyone deserves. Using a word like “brave” to describe McCurdy or her work would feel almost condescending; she’s giving herself (and, again, by extension, her readers) permission to be human - permission to acknowledge the harms done to us in the past, permission to heal (whatever that healing journey consists of) and permission to move forward in the lives we want to live. To McCurdy herself, thank you for putting this book out into the world; it’s just what I needed right now. I hope it’s just what you needed, too.
Jeannette McCurdy has a talent for taking painstakingly difficult events that happened to her throughout her life - with her mom’s death, acting, EDs, etc and putting a humorous spin on it without taking anything away from its truth. Her book is easy-to-digest and deserves like 10 stars if possible.
Jennette gave plenty of details and didn’t miss !
Jeanette McCurdy told her honest truth throughout this book. Something that was raw honest and relatable.
I could not put this one down. Jeanette’s voice is powerful and the recounting of events is chilling. Proud of the woman she is and for sharing her story.
This is such a sad story I couldn’t get past page 400, out of 800 pages on my tablet. Every chapter depicts the same depressing interaction between a daughter who tries so hard to please, and her controlling, mentally Ill mother.
There is something so raw about this memoir that is beautiful, yet horrifying because of the abuse McCurdy faces. If you feel like you need to read a richly written book, have a cry and question reality; this is the book. It really is a masterpiece.
Jennette is a fantastic writer. This book is nearly impossible to put down. Her story is absolutely heartbreaking, but I am glad I read it. You never know what other people are going through or have been through. It’s so important to be kind to others and to be fiercely loyal and protective of those we love. It is also so important to truly take care of ourselves and not allow anyone else to cram us into their mold.
just wow this has to be the best thing i’ve read in yrs !!! i’m applaud & honestly lost for words , I deff would read again & AGAIN !!! :)))
This book is amazing and if you thinking about getting it do it. It’s an easy read and hard to put down
Absolutely gutwrenchingly beautiful MUST READ! Sending all my love to Jenette❤️
Seriously i read this in one day. Relatable because Jennette is human and so am I. Congratulations to her becoming an author. To becoming herself. Congratulations girl!
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 120 currencies while saving up to 90% over local banks! The cheap, fast way to send money abroad. Free transfer up to 500 USD!
Phenomenal read
Raw, insightful, and powerful. I could not stop listening to this gem. I throughly enjoyed and I am excited for more of Jennette’s writing.
Incredibly heartfelt and raw.
Finished the book in 2 days because I like to binge (no pun intended). Great book, not too explicit but keeps you engaged. Last 30 or so pages definitely blow you away
I wasn’t sure what I was going to expect when I purchased this book, but I was enthralled by every page. Growing up watching iCarly, never would I have expected the life she had behind the scenes. I hope to see more written pieces from Jennette in the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have very much admired Jennette McCurdy for a long time, and interested in human behaviour and thought, overall. I am so happy that Jennette has shared and dealt with all of these obstacles and I am grateful that she has and was willing to expose people and issues that need to be out in the open. It was great to get more insight into someone I particularly admire and especially from their perspective. I am glad that Jennette is mentally in a better place now and wish her the best in her future!
This book will make you laugh, cry and laugh again. Jennette does an excellent job of taking the reader with her though her life as she recalls. Jennette’s recount of events is honest and brutal, her writing is so immersive. A real page turner!
I can only imagine how hard it would have been for Jennette to revisit all these moments of her life. Anyone who has known someone who has suffered with an ED, or has family members that don’t healthily respect boundaries will be able to take something away from her journey.
This is a powerful tale of what it is like to be the child of a narcissistic mother and an emotionally unavailable father. It is extremely well written and I recognised myself in this book.
I watched her interview with Drew Barrymore and instantly wanted to read this. It is very sad at points and there’s a lot about eating disorders. It makes me so sad for Jennette, but I think this book is great for others to know they’re not alone. There’s not many people who overcome all of that trauma and then would have the courage to tell the tale. I definitely recommend.
I first book Ive read in years & actually finished
Not sure there’s much else to say about this book, it is amazing, definitely worth the read.
Though I’ve not found fame as a child star (nor do I have a dead mother), I found this book strangely relatable in ways I didn’t think I would. It’s an interesting read, and I absolutely recommend it. Lots of personality in the writing, almost like it’s coming directly from a friend, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Inspiring, eye opening and everything in between. Absolutely amazing
Mind Lab Pro boosts work performance and productivity with nootropics for focus, multitasking under stress, creative problem-solving and more. Buy Now!
Couldn’t put it down! Very compelling and well-written!
This book could be triggering for a lot of people. Mentions of eating disorders and abuse. All that aside, this book was really good. I hardly read celeb memoirs but Jeannette’s vulnerability was just so honest and raw. The writing style was addicting. I hope she’s doing ok.
Book was so well written from start to finish. Love how the book ended.
This book is so powerful. Jennette writes like an old friend telling you a story. Her raw, blunt honesty is what takes you on her intimate journey as if you're right there with her every step of the way. It's heart wrenching, but hopeful. Loved it!!
I feel heavy emotions reading this thing. She’s a great writer and is brave to tell her story so truthfully.
A must read. A real page turner. Hollywood, Dark humor, serious topics… no, I’m not giving any spoilers! But hey, I’m glad your mom died too Jeannette. Keep writing & take care of yourself.
❤️
I respect Jennette McCurdy for honesty and vulnerability
Love the book and being let into her life. Seeing her persevere through her trauma is definitely inspiring. Recommend reading for sure ❤️
This is what you get when a person is finally able to pursue their own passions and understand their own identity. Recovery from abuse is never easy. I speak from experience. McCurdy hits the nail on the head, and I’m so glad she was able to write this book. I finished it in two nights.
A must read, I couldn’t put it down
I’m so glad Jennette had the courage to share her story.. this is an amazing read and I recommend everyone check it out.
Relate a lot to her story, made me feel heard. :)
I thought this book would be straightforward but there were so many twists and turns. I laughed and I cried. Great book. Thanks for sharing your story.
I haven’t read a book in YEARS but I really wanted to read this one & all I can say is thank you for sharing. This book took me back to several experiences with my own mother... It was nice to relate but sad that we do like that. Continue staying strong 🤍
WOW!! That is all I have.
So good and real
Girl can write. Wow. Just read it.
Amazing! I wish it would of been longer. I hope there’s a PT2. I was hooked!
Great book!!! Loved it made me wanna cry 🥹💕
We all know Jennette is a great actress, but she is an extraordinary writer. Don’t let the title of the book mislead you. Read her story of growing up with an abusive mother, and how her mother’s death has helped her heal from her trauma immensely. Truly a great read but saddened to know all the things she’s been through. She is INCREDIBLY strong.
Incredibly well written and captures the heart in different ways, both in happiness for her freedom and pain for her prison.
I did not put the book down! It’s such a powerful book and for those criticizing the tittle, I urge you to read it!
I absolutely I loved reading this book it’s really cool to read how actors and actresses get into acting. However, it was sad to see how her acting career came to be and also kind of made me feel guilty for absolutely loving her character and iCarly knowing that she did not like it
Absolutely so well written!! My mom heart broke and is so proud of this sweet woman’s amazing strength and power!!
Such an inspiring story given the roller coaster ride her career took. Proves it is so important to take care of yourself and get the help you need. Thanks for all the laughs. You are missed.
I really enjoyed this book and to hear her perspective of her life rather than seeing a totally different life through a TV series. Definitely worth the read. Inspiring to read about her growth and self-healing journey
I grew up watching iCarly and Sam & Cat so I was beyond excited to read this. I had the hardest time putting this down. It’s that addicting! I laughed, I cried, I gasped a few times, I had every emotion possible. You see this beautiful blonde girl on TV and in interviews smiling and going through life like everything is alright, but we had no idea what she was going through. Jennette speaking on her experiences is incredibly brave and courageous of her. I hope her voice allows others to share their stories. This is honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read and I highly recommend it.
Very hard to read book in terms of emotion. It deals with really heavy topics and this is one of the only books that made me cry
This was a heartbreaking and powerful read that managed to balance levity and humor perfectly. This would make a great book club book and I highly recommend it. I would love to read more from Jennette in the future.
I definitely recommend this read, her honesty and raw emotions really come through in this book. Anyone who has a complicated relationship with their mother will relate to this book. I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.
WOW. I HAVE NO WORDS. INCREDIBLE. A MUST MUST MUST READ!
Such an incredible book. The audio version was simply amazing. Hearing it read from Jennette herself, made it even more personable. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel joy. Great book
what a wonderful heart wrenching book. i would read over and over again. now even a bigger fan.
4.5 A personal debut novel, that showed me the horrors of the entertainment history. Sick of the glitz and glamour, i am thoroughly destroyed by how understanding and how everyone is still growing. Truly fantastic
Gives so much insight on what abuse can really be & how harsh eating disorders actually are.
I think that McCurdy was capable of putting into words what so many of us with “parental trauma” have felt. I’m personally trying to process a lot of it; and this has had an amazing impact on my ability to. Thank you Jennette! If you ever feel alone; know that there are thousands of us who are just doing our best to breathe.
Beautifully written
Yes.
AMAZING BOOK. Jennette McCurdy, this book has changed my life.
This book is very personal and graphic and holds back nothing. It can be jumpy at some points, but you really feel what the author was feeling throughout the whole book.
This was so amazingly written and really brought light onto the entertainment industry and how unhealthy and traumatic it can be for young children and through adulthood. I’m so glad Jennette had the courage to share her story with the world.
The way McCurdy vulnerably and openly talks about her abuse, and her rawness behind her healing journey make this book a must read.
Will be adding the hard copy to our library. Very honest account of childhood abuse and survival
Wonderful easy read! Glad she told her story!
I can’t imagine the pain she had to go through but I’m glad that she is getting better and becoming the person that SHE always wanted to be♥️
Amazing and unforgettable
She tells everything !!!!!
Growing up on iCarly, I never would’ve guessed the pain Jennette was going through. This book helped me to better understand eating disorders and I hope to be an ally to those who struggle. Thank you Jennette for being so vulnerable with all of us readers.
Incredibly honest and raw. Couldn’t put it down.
Jennette McCurdy - I'm Glad My Mom Died Comments
Jennette Michelle Faye McCurdy (born June 26, 1992) is an American writer, director, podcaster, singer and former actress. McCurdy's breakthrough role as Sam Puckett in the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly (2007–2012) earned her various awards, including four Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. She reprised the character in the iCarly spin-off series Sam & Cat (2013–2014) before leaving Nickelodeon. McCurdy also appeared in the television series Malcolm in the Middle (2003–2005), Zoey 101 (2005), Lincoln Heights (2007), True Jackson, VP (2009–2010), and Victorious (2012). She produced, wrote, and starred in her own webseries, What's Next for Sarah? (2014), and led the science-fiction series Between (2015–2016).McCurdy independently released her debut single, "So Close", in 2009. She released her debut EP, Not That Far Away, in 2010, followed in 2012 by the Jennette McCurdy EP and the Jennette McCurdy album. The lead single, "Generation Love", reached number 44 on the Billboard Hot Countr....
