I'm Glad My Mom Died

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is a gripping memoir that delves deeply into the complexities of a life shaped by the ambitions and control of an overbearing mother. In this candid and darkly humorous account, Jennette, best known for her roles on Nickelodeon's iCarly and Sam & Cat, reveals the harrowing experiences she faced as a child actor and the profound impact they had on her mental and emotional well-being.

From a tender age of six, Jennette's life was dominated by her mother's relentless pursuit of stardom for her only daughter. This pursuit came with stringent dietary restrictions that led to severe eating disorders, invasive makeovers, and an overall loss of personal autonomy. Jennette was compelled to weigh herself multiple times a day, subjected to her mother's incessant critiques, and even forced to share showers with her mother up until her mid-teens.

As Jennette navigates through her early acting career, she is cast in the wildly popular iCarly, catapulting her to fame—a development that brings nothing but delight to her mother. Meanwhile, Jennette battles intense anxiety, self-loathing, and shame, which spiral into addiction and tumultuous relationships. Her struggles intensify following the death of her mother due to cancer shortly after Jennette lands a lead role in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande.

The memoir vividly details Jennette's pivotal journey from the depths of despair and control to a place of self-discovery and recovery. With raw honesty, she chronicles her experiences with therapy, her decision to quit acting, and her newfound independence, culminating in the realisation of what she truly desires for her life. Jennette's story is one of resilience and transformation, underscored by her unique ability to infuse even the darkest moments with wit and humour.

I'm Glad My Mom Died is more than just a celebrity tell-all; it is a testament to the power of reclaiming one's life and finding joy amidst adversity. With over two million copies sold and recognition as a #1 New York Times and International Bestseller, this memoir has resonated deeply with readers around the world. Jennette McCurdy's eloquent and unflinching narrative serves as both an important reflection on the pressures faced by child actors and an inspiring story of personal empowerment.