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73 pages 2 hours read

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Jennette McCurdy

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy chronicles her experiences as a child star on Nickelodeon and her complex relationship with her mother, touching on themes like body image, family dynamics, love, and the child acting industry. Sensitive topics include emotional and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and mental health.

Emotional

Unnerving

Dark

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.6

1,219,493 ratings

91%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died delivers a raw, compelling memoir that navigates the complexities of abusive parental relationships and Hollywood pressures. Praised for its honest and poignant writing, it resonates emotionally with readers. Some critique its intense, unfiltered nature, yet many find it an essential read on resilience and self-discovery.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I'm Glad My Mom Died?

Readers who enjoyed Educated by Tara Westover and Wild by Cheryl Strayed will find I'm Glad My Mom Died compelling. This memoir, marked by resilience and dark humor, appeals to those interested in celebrity life, overcoming personal trauma, and the journey to self-discovery and independence.

4.6

1,219,493 ratings

91%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Jennette McCurdy

Jennette is pushed into acting as a child by her mother and becomes famous as a teenager on the Nickelodeon show *iCarly*. She struggles with body image, eating disorders, and alcohol use due to her mother's expectations. Her life's purpose is to please her mother. Jennette begins to find independence as her mother’s health fails and ultimately enters recovery after her mother’s death.

Debra is Jennette’s mother who pushes her into acting to achieve her unfulfilled dreams. She exhibits volatile and controlling behavior, heavily influencing Jennette's life and decisions. Her relationship with Jennette is central to the book's narrative, marked by her emotional dependency and disturbing conduct.

Mark is Jennette’s father, who is largely absent and emotionally withdrawn. He is resigned to his wife's behavior and only later reveals he is not Jennette's biological father. Their relationship continues with some awkwardness after this revelation.

Miranda is Jennette's iCarly co-star and becomes her close friend. Despite their friendship lacking physical or verbal affection, Miranda is a figure of support for Jennette and represents a positive aspect of her time during the show.

Steven is a love interest of Jennette, whom she meets on set in Toronto. Their relationship provides genuine intimacy and is a distraction from her eating disorder. Steven’s mental health issues and substance use contribute to their breakup, paralleling Jennette’s progress in recovery.

Jennette’s maternal grandfather expresses concern for her well-being and attempts to protect her, fearing she is missing out on a normal childhood. He acts as a caregiver for Debra during her illness and is noted for his nurturing instincts.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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