I'm Glad My Mom Died

By: Jennette McCurdy

Narrated by: Jennette McCurdy

* #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER * MORE THAN 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD!

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.

Everything I thought it would be and more

I knew that this book would discuss the childhood acting industry and Jennette’s mom, but there was so much more to this book.
It truly does an amazing job breaking down the emotions and thought processes of a little girl who grew up in an abusive environment that she thought was normal. A person who she loved and admired she later learned never had her best interest in mind. There are so many people this book will help and that will be able to relate to even one part of Jennette McCurdy’s story.
I can’t recommend reading this book enough! And I’m beyond happy that the audio version is read by Jennette herself!

intense, painful, but cathartic

this is the first time I’ve ever pre-ordered on audible, because I was just so impatient for this to be released. I knew some of the details of it beforehand, I’ve pretty much watched/listened to all the podcasts from Jennette, either her own or the ones she’s guested on, but the book was what I was really impatient for.
For me, the best part was that she was the one reading it. Given the subject matter, I’d have understood if she had chosen not to, but I hope maybe it was a bit cathartic for her to be the one reading and getting it out.
I relate a bit too much to some of the key issues she discusses, and I’m working through them myself. Reading this book was painful for that reason.
I finished the audiobook in one night. Afterwards, the next morning, I called my sister and we had a crazy long conversation about our parents and childhood, and it was probably the best painful thing I’ve ever done.

this audiobook is great for so many reasons, but it also helps to feel closer to the real hidden stories of someone we pretty much grew up alongside. knowing she had similar struggles as my siblings and myself, and that she felt just as isolated, especially in the spotlight, is sad, yes.. but it builds a weird sense of “shared trauma” for me that makes me feel a bit less alone.

that said, a lot of this book is definitely very intense, so make sure you are mentally safe and prepared to read.
especially if you have any issues with some of the things she talks about. maybe plan some self care for afterwards. get some hot tea, listen to relaxing music, that sort of thing.

I don’t regret getting this book, and will probably at some point listen again when I’m ready, as one of the best things that’s helped me is hearing from others who have gone through similar things. admittedly, I haven’t done much acting, but I related about the writing parts and growing up constantly trying to read/predict the volatility of people around me.

so thank you for sharing this with us, Jennette.

A very important piece of literature. Helped me so much.

This book was incredibly triggering for all the best reasons. It helped me heal a part of my inner child that had been holding onto the idea of someone who was not who I thought they were. Huge thanks for Jeanette for sharing her story to better help others!

Such a great story of growth

My heart goes to you and your courage for this. So glad it was Jennette that was the reader.

Beautiful

Just beautiful. I cried because I didn’t want the narrator to leave me. I will miss her.

Highly Recommend!

As a fellow woman with similar "mommy issues" I found this book very genuine and tactful. I really enjoy her sense of humor and brutal honesty, and definitely let out a chuckle at times and a tear or two at other times. Jennette does a great job narrating her own book but when she talks about hurtful events she seems to read faster and not take many breaths which is totally understandable but I had to hit the 30 second replay a couple times to really understand what she said but not very often. I highly recommend this book to listen to or to read!

comforting, devastating yet familiar

deeply relatable and raw. this book will help many who struggle with similar issues. jennette read this like she herself was telling you personally what happened. felt very connected to her.

most cathartic listen ever

this was life changing, i only hope for the most beautiful, safe and healthy life for jennette mccurdy. everyone should read or listen to this

Really great book

I loved this book. Her way with words made me feel like was right there with her. Beautiful

Soul

I really enjoyed this book. Jennette shared her experiences bravely. I’m so glad she found her voice.