Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy

 I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Genre: Memoir | Format: Audiobook (mostly)

I had heard amazing things about this book—especially about the audiobook—and that Jennette McCurdy narrates it herself. That alone adds something really powerful. I didn’t know much about her going in. I knew she had been on iCarly, but it came out when I was just a little too old for Nickelodeon, so it wasn’t a show I ever watched.

That said, I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy story. The title alone tells you this isn’t a heartwarming “my beautiful childhood” type of memoir. And sadly, we’ve learned over the years that stories like this are all too common among child actors.

I listened to most of the book on audio, and hearing Jennette tell her own story made everything hit so much harder. There’s no questioning the pain—her voice makes it clear that this is her truth. I wouldn’t say her narration was surprising, but it did have a kind of numbness to it. Almost like she was still processing or protecting herself in some way. And honestly, I don’t view that as a negative thing. It made the experience feel raw and real.

This book made me feel sad. Really sad. The stories she shares—especially the ones involving her mother—are painful. There were moments that were so difficult to hear, and yet, you can also see how Jennette didn’t fully realize the depth of the situation she was in at the time. Her mom came across as loving… but to a toxic, controlling extreme. The type of abuse Jennette endured is something I truly cannot imagine.

I would absolutely recommend this book, especially to those who grew up watching her. To see her on such a lighthearted show and then read about the darkness happening behind the scenes is heartbreaking. It’s also an important reminder: you really never know what someone is going through.

That said, I do think books like this can be tough for readers who’ve lived through similar situations. So please check content warnings before diving in.

This story is incredibly brave. Jennette McCurdy didn’t just tell us what happened—she opened the door to a part of herself that was never seen, and that takes so much strength.