“I’m Glad My Mom Died” isn’t as bad as it sounds

? When it comes to memoirs, authors may often choose to conceal some truths or sugarcoat them. However, in former Nickelodeon child star Jeanette McCurdy’s case, the harsh, ugly truth is laid out in her emotionally shattering memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died.

From the get-go, a memoir under that name might immediately be off-putting, but if you ask us, it’s one you’ll need to read if you want to know how to be a better parent. In her memoir, McCurdy — whom you might recognize as Sam Puckett from hit Nickelodeon show iCarly — traces a life of child stardom, grueling schedules, and dreams forced on her from youth. McCurdy’s mother had one dream: her daughter was going to be a star, and she wouldn’t stop at anything to make sure that happened.

McCurdy is thrown into the vicious cycle of child auditions from the tender age of six. She’s made to go through intense training schedules, develops debilitating eating disorders, and becomes riddled with a slew of mental illnesses fueled by unhealthy relationships — with her craft, with her mother, and with life in general. When her mom passes away from cancer, McCurdy decides to take control over her own life, and march to the beat of her own drum — yet it’s not a journey that comes easy after a lifetime of abuse.

"Why do we romanticize the dead...?” We had a tough time going through this book, but we pushed through because it was necessary. McCurdy does not sugarcoat nor does she hide away her most jarring thoughts. She often employs humor to lighten the shock, yet she does not shy away from the spine-chilling anecdotes. There were certain chapters that proved too heavy to binge, and we found ourselves having to take a few breathers here and there. It’s a book that requires lots of deep introspection — the uncomfortable kind. It’s brave to go out in the world and make your story public, and for McCurdy, it paid off — the support she has received since the book’s publication in 2022 has been monumental.

The audiobook was a particularly painful listen. Narrated by McCurdy, there were moments where she would audibly cry, heave, and have her voice break. It was a deeply personal listening experience, and one that elicited quite a few tears from us. The memoir is set to receive a screen adaptation, starring Jennifer Anniston as McCurdy’s mother, Debra McCurdy.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can get the e-book on Amazon, or place a special order for the paperback version from The Bookspot. The Audiobook is also available on Storytel.