LOST SOMETHING?

No. reviewers 1.2M +
Rating 4.5 - 4.8
85%+ rated 4 or 5 stars 

I'm Glad My Mom Died is a deeply personal and candid memoir by Jennette McCurdy, in which she recounts her difficult and complex relationship with her mother, who was emotionally and physically abusive.

The book explores McCurdy’s childhood in the public eye, her career as a child actress, and the immense pressure she faced to meet her mother’s expectations. With raw honesty, McCurdy reflects on her struggles with body image, eating disorders, and the psychological toll of being raised by a controlling and demanding mother.

The memoir also examines McCurdy's eventual freedom after her mother's death, and how she comes to terms with the emotional scars left behind. The book blends humour with harrowing detail, offering readers a unique, compelling narrative on the realities of trauma, survival, and self-discovery.

What reviewers loved

Brutal Honesty and Vulnerability: Many readers praised McCurdy for her unflinching honesty in detailing the abuse and emotional turmoil she experienced. Her vulnerability in sharing her personal story resonated deeply with those who have experienced similar struggles.

Humour Amidst Trauma: Reviewers admired how McCurdy used humour to balance the heavy subject matter. The ability to weave moments of levity into an otherwise devastating story provided a unique reading experience and offered a sense of catharsis.

Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Readers appreciated the memoir's empowering message. McCurdy’s journey towards healing, independence, and reclaiming her life after her mother's death is seen as a testament to resilience and personal growth.

Nuanced Portrayal of Mother-Daughter Relationship: The book’s exploration of the complicated and at times toxic relationship between McCurdy and her mother was widely praised. Many readers appreciated the depth and complexity with which McCurdy approached her mother’s role in her life.

Authentic Depiction of Fame and Child Stardom: McCurdy’s reflections on her time in the entertainment industry, especially as a child actor, were engaging. Readers found her insights into the pressures of fame, the exploitation of young actors, and the effect of public life on mental health to be eye-opening.

Impact on Mental Health Awareness: Many readers commended the book for shining a light on mental health issues, particularly eating disorders, self-worth, and trauma. McCurdy’s candid discussions helped raise awareness of these often stigmatized topics.

Narrative Structure and Writing Style: Reviewers were drawn to McCurdy’s strong writing style, which kept them engaged from start to finish. The memoir is praised for its clear, well-paced narrative that seamlessly blends humour, emotion, and reflection.
 
Potential Lack of Closure: Some readers noted that while McCurdy’s journey to self-discovery is powerful, the memoir leaves certain aspects of her life and healing process unexplored. Some felt that the book could have provided more insight into McCurdy's emotional journey after her mother’s death.

Tone of the Memoir: A few readers found the tone of the book to be at times too dark or confrontational, especially when dealing with the difficult relationship with McCurdy’s mother. While many appreciated the raw honesty, others felt it made the book harder to engage with on an emotional level.

Criticism of Fame and the Entertainment Industry: Some readers felt that McCurdy’s criticisms of the entertainment industry, while valid, at times came across as one-sided or overly harsh. These critiques, while powerful, may not resonate with all readers.