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.
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"If you have not yet listened to the audiobook of Jennette McCurdy's memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, then you are missing out on an incredible journey. This deeply emotional and moving story is narrated in such a way that will leave you in awe of the immense strength and courage of the author. Jennette's beautiful voice captures the raw emotion of her experience, being honest about her feelings towards her mother and how she learned to cope after her death. The audiobook takes you on a powerful journey as she recounts intimate memories, moments of joy and sorrow, and discovers the importance of purpose through writing. Jennette's words carry a great amount of warmth, wit and wisdom that many can relate to. She speaks with resilience about facing adversity head-on, overcoming it by finding purpose within herself instead of relying on others for support. Her story is an inspiring message for those going through difficult experiences; it conveys how our inner strength can help us find peace even in times of turmoil or grief. As an audiobook, "I'm Glad My Mom Died" is a unique one that stands out as something really special. Jennette bares her soul and offers real life lessons on coping with loss while inspiring hope for a better tomorrow along the way. Her personal account reinforces how we can all discover our strength when faced with tragic events or circumstances outside our control. As such, this audiobook should be heard by everyone seeking comfort in knowing they are not alone during tough times or just needing a reminder to appreciate life's gifts no matter what happens around them."
— Milly S. (5 out of 5 stars)
“McCurdy strips away the candy-coated façade of her sitcom experiences.”
— Vanity Fair“A stunning memoir…[McCurdy] reveals herself to be a stingingly funny and insightful writer, capable of great empathy and a brutal punchline.”
— Time“Sharply funny and empathetic.”
— Washington Post“[An] explosive debut…Insightful and incisive, heartbreaking and raw, McCurdy’s narrative reveals a strong woman who triumphs over unimaginable pressure to emerge whole on the other side. Fans will be rapt.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Hysterical and heartbreaking and fascinating all at the same time.”
— Jenny Lawson, New York Times bestselling author“Furious, sad, brave, knowing, honest, heart-wrenching, and utterly compelling…A beautifully crafted coming-of-age story as fearless as its author.”
— Lauren Hough, author of Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing“A coruscating picture of her life as a child actor, devastatingly honest and with great understanding of the psychology and emotions operating at a deep level.”
— Hayley Mills, English actress“Jennette McCurdy is the queen of lemonade from lemons, using her trauma to weave a painfully funny story that also illuminates the commodification of teenage girls in America.”
— Lena Dunham, actor, director, and New York Times bestselling author" I have been a fan of Jeanette McCurdy since Sam swung that butter sock but I always hated her overly upbeat energy and wide smiles. Come to find our those were all so forced. This was an amazing read and highly recommend. "
— Fluffygoddess, 1/1/2024" as a former mormon, i connected very easily with the story. i witnessed her story repeatedly in my local congregations. it was quite painful to remember the coercion and manipulation that happens in many lds families so that the parents can avoid the shame of other members. luckily for her, she escaped fairly young. any religion or any family can coerce and manipulate so it isn't just mormons. it is just sad that emotional evolution grinds so slowly and that innocent kids are subjected to these damaging behaviors. "
— rusty, 4/25/2023" This was an amazing story, tough to hear at times but quite the ride……thanks for sharing your life Jenette "
— Picko, 1/10/2023" Jennette McCurdy's "I'm Glad My Mom Died" isn't your typical audiobook; instead, it is a powerful and moving memoir. Jennette doesn't shy away from revealing her true feelings as she deals with her mother's death. It would be easy for Jennette to focus solely on pain or sadness in these moments but instead she manages to paint a fuller picture – one full of courage, resilience, gratitude and growth along with sorrow - allowing readers to learn valuable lessons while being able to relate to what they are hearing. No matter how heartbreaking or difficult topics come up, Jennette always finds purpose in it by channeling it into something positive in order to make sense of it all. This amazing feat makes "I'm Glad My Mom Died" an empowering audiobook experience that will leave you feeling inspired even after it ends! If there ever was a must-listen audiobook out there today – this is definitely it! "
— Arielle A., 12/31/2022" If you're looking for an emotional, thought-provoking bio/memoir, Jennette McCurdy's audiobook is a must-listen. In this moving, poignant memoir Jennette relates the psychological and emotional rollercoaster that was her childhood. Her raw honesty and insight about her life and the death of her mother is heartbreakingly honest and real. Jennette narrates her own story with deft skill and emotion that will draw you in from the very first word until the final sentence. You'll feel as if she's right there in the room with you as she speaks directly to your heart. The audiobook is full of poignant moments and throughout it all there's an underlying current of resilience and hope which will inspire listeners to always keep fighting no matter how hard life gets. It's this combination of heart-wrenching emotion and ultimate uplift that makes this audiobook unforgettable. Whether you're already familiar with Jennette McCurdy or not (I actually wasn't prior to this book), I'm Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring listen that I damn sure won't soon forget! "
— Kerry1988, 12/17/2022" Jennette McCurdy's audiobook adaptation of her highly acclaimed memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died" is a stunning accomplishment. Filled with powerful and evocative stories of Jennette's struggles with grief and depression, this audiobook takes you inside Jennette's personal journey in an immersive fashion. Jennette has crafted something truly special in this highly personal work - a memoir that will resonate not just with those experiencing similar trauma, but with all listeners looking for meaningful connection in their lives. As someone went through a rough childhood myself, I found myself deeply moved by this memoir - both by the strength it took for Jennette to share her story and by how beautifully she did so. This isn't just an audiobook; it's a piece of art. It will make you laugh, cry and think about what it means to truly cherish life and love those we have while we are here on Earth. A must listen for anyone looking for meaningful reflection on life! "
— Carisa Mitchell, 12/5/2022