A mother is a pillar of compassion and love. However, what happens when her form of love is abuse? Former Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy offers a no-holds-barred answer in her best-selling memoir.
As far as celebrity memoirs go, nothing is as gut-punching as Jenette McCurdy’s “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” In Hollywood, many mothers wish for their children to be the next big thing. However, the pressure of bringing their child to the top requires neglecting their chance of a normal childhood. This situation deprives a child of their social and emotional growth because they immediately start working as adults.
It’s heartbreaking to say this is not uncommon. Think about it, how many fallen child stars have we seen unravel before our eyes? If you want recent examples, a few names like Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, and Britney Spears ring a bell. Like Bynes, McCurdy worked in Nickelodeon, a network television aimed at kids and teens. As Sam Puckett, she plays the feisty yet headstrong character in iCarly.
Her performance slowly gains praise, and she even manages to score a spinoff. Unfortunately, her new show ends in cancellation due to backstage issues.
Nevertheless, Jennette persisted—at least until her mom died. The reality of her abuser’s death hits her, and she is finally free from the restraints of her “love and support.” She processes the things her mother put her through and titles her book with words no mother wants to hear.
In this memoir, the author doesn’t shy away from the horrors of what her mother did. From pushing her daughter to developing an eating disorder to invading her child’s privacy—the author relays her experience with honesty intermingled with dark humor. From a girl riddled with shame and self-loathing now comes a woman with fierce independence. Considering everything her mother has put her through, I suggest reading the book before judging the tale by its title.
“I’m Glad My Mom Died” is now available on Amazon and other selected bookstores.