From the Bookshelf of The Perks Of Being A Book Addict…

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Jennette McCurdy

Start date: January 1, 2023

Finish date: January 31, 2023

Discussion: Group Books of the Month (BotM)

Why we're reading this: Chosen by members as a group BotM for January.
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What Members Thought

Mar 27, 2023 Terri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: women-s-abuse-and-recovery, memoir-women

The actress and writer, Jennette McCurdy, survived and went on to publish a moving and heartbreaking memoir of the suffering her family endured at the hands of a narcissistic mother who ruled the home. Her weak and pathetic father was a victim as well as her older brothers but the author seemed to have endured the brunt of it. What is amazing about the book is despite the complete lack of empathy her demanding mother had, Jennette seems to have loads of it and that is what makes the book compell ...more

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May 26, 2023 Jenifer Jacobs rated it it was amazing

And I’m glad that you finally get to do what YOU want to do, Jeanette: WRITE! And you are great at it. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable that you give hope to others that they, too, can heal from childhood trauma.

2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 19, 2023 Brenda rated it really liked it

This is a very tough to read book. Raw,gritty but she told it like it is. She went through so much at such a young age.

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Nov 07, 2022 KayLynn Zollinger rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I picked up this book because the title intrigued me. Like....who on earth would be glad their mom died?
It wasn't what I was expecting, but I don't really know what I was expecting so...
A real and raw memoir about growing up as a child star and dealing with a very inappropriate and narcissistic "stage mom". If you have mother, sexual abuse, eating disorder, or alcohol addiction triggers I would steer clear of this. That being said, I enjoyed it, even if at times it was tough. I appreciate when ...more

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Aug 17, 2023 Adrijana added it

The relationship between a victim and their abuser is one of the most intricate and challenging dynamics to understand, both for those within it and those observing from the outside. Jennette McCurdy's memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," offers a raw and unfiltered exploration of this very relationship, providing readers with a deep dive into the complexities of love, abuse, and the blurred lines that often exist between the two.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it captures the dif The relationship between a victim and their abuser is one of the most intricate and challenging dynamics to understand, both for those within it and those observing from the outside. Jennette McCurdy's memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," offers a raw and unfiltered exploration of this very relationship, providing readers with a deep dive into the complexities of love, abuse, and the blurred lines that often exist between the two.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it captures the difficulty in recognizing roles within an abusive relationship. Often, the victim is the last to realize or admit their status, and McCurdy's narrative is no exception. Through her recounting of childhood memories, she paints a vivid picture of a young girl who, despite the evident harm being done to her, sees acts of control and manipulation as gestures of love and care. This is particularly evident in the poignant scene where a young McCurdy, on the cusp of puberty, is introduced to the idea of calorie restriction by her mother. While an adult reader can immediately recognize the harm and manipulation in this act, McCurdy presents it as a shared secret, a bonding moment between mother and daughter.

The memoir also challenges the conventional understanding of what it means to be a victim. McCurdy's recounting of her relationship with her mother is not a straightforward tale of victimhood; it's a layered exploration of love, dependency, and the struggle for autonomy. The title itself, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," is a testament to the book's complexity. While it may seem shocking or even callous at first glance, it encapsulates the conflicting emotions many victims feel towards their abusers: a mix of relief, resentment, love, and loss.

In an era where celebrity revelations are frequent and often carefully curated, McCurdy's choice to present her story in a full-length, multilayered book stands out. It's not just a tale of childhood stardom or a simple declaration of abuse. It's a journey of self-discovery and reckoning, asking the profound question of what, if anything, a child owes to an abusive caregiver.

In conclusion, "I'm Glad My Mom Died" is more than just a memoir; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the intricate nature of abusive relationships. It serves as a reminder that understanding and healing are not linear processes, and that the journey to self-awareness and acceptance is fraught with challenges. ...more

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Jan 16, 2023 Heather rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An important, honest, look at a confusing, crazy, uncomfortable growing up for a bright young woman who had way too much on her plate way too young. Jeanette felt responsible for keeping her mother happy, for catering to her mother's every whim, desire and demand at all times. It was a nightmare of an enmeshed relationship and reading about it is heartbreaking.

This book contains potential triggers for all kinds of abuse as well as eating disorders. It's hard to keep reading at times. I put it d ...more

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May 26, 2023 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

I was initially a little shocked by the title, but after reading the book, now I’m glad her mom died, too. My family has a narcissistic person like that in our lives, and as much as we hope she will change, the reality is that it’s so unlikely to happen. We just have to figure out how to not let it stress us out since telling her to leave our lives is not an option.

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Dec 11, 2022 Gwen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

How to rate a memoir, especially one as personal as this? Homeschooled in a hoarded house by a narcissistic mother, Jennette is pushed into acting at a young age. She is so eager to please her mother, whom she admires and idolizes, she learns to read her facial expressions and body language to determine what to say and how to act. Obviously quite intelligent, Jennette seems so lost as she has very little support system and is virtually isolated, completely wrapped up in what her mother wants for ...more

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Dec 03, 2022 Niki McDowell rated it really liked it

What a heartbreaking memoir. Tough to read at times, but such an important story to tell.

McCurdy’s disturbing and complex relationship with her mother, weaves it’s way though every decision, every struggle, and every triumph she’s had in her life. Manipulated from an early age, her mother drove career decisions and eating disorders that made my heart sink.

Her mother clearly had mental issues and it sounded like that potentially stemmed from her grandmother.

McCurdy allowed herself to be at a le ...more

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Apr 20, 2023 Jessica rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-book, memoir, mental-health-illness, autobiography, celebrity, abuse, 2023, for-jaz

Love Jennette's dry sense of humor. It was definitely on par with my own. I hope her journey continues to lead her to self-healing and happiness. ...more

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