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A review by smacey
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was overall a really great memoir. Jeannette's childhood was traumatic in so many ways, and the way that she doesn't realize how bad it was until she's older is heartbreaking (but unfortunately common). It was easy to follow and an important story to share, particularly when it comes to showing the effects that emotionally immature and mentally abusive and manipulative parents can have on their children's mental health and wellbeing, both during their childhood and teen years and later as an adult. It's also important to additionally get a transparent account of what child stars often go through, especially those who were a part of Nickelodeon at that time (AKA the ones who were there at the same time as Dan Schneider)...
Some of the things Jeannette's mother did to her are shockingly disturbing to me (*potential spoiler*: teaching her calorie restriction as a kid and consistently showering her until she was 16 years old are just a couple of examples that come to mind...), and I applaud Jeannette for her vulnerability and honesty in talking about these instances. She knew she'd be getting backlash for her title alone, but detailing all of the literal abuse her mother put her through opens the door for the "respect your parents no matter what" crowd to publicly shun and criticize her. Of course, as depicted in the book and as is generally a theme amongst people in the entertainment industry and public eye, the general public giving their unsolicited opinions is something Jeannette is very familiar with. Additionally, it was really intriguing to get an insight into the way she navigated friendships and romantic relationships as she got older and how drastically her experiences with her family affected her interpersonally.
I will say that the ending felt a little rushed or abrupt to me. I'm not really sure why, it just didn't feel like we got full closure. Granted, we are not owed that as an audience nor is Jeannette's story over. Still, it felt like something was missing from my perspective, I just can't quite put my finger on what exactly that could be. It was almost as if some of the points she made in wrapping up the book felt unfinished or not fully explained.
Overall, though, I genuinely really enjoyed this book and it was a quick read for me. It was genuine, vulnerable, and captivating, and I too am glad that her mom died as well as the fact that she was brave enough to tell the whole world about her.
Some of the things Jeannette's mother did to her are shockingly disturbing to me (*potential spoiler*: teaching her calorie restriction as a kid and consistently showering her until she was 16 years old are just a couple of examples that come to mind...), and I applaud Jeannette for her vulnerability and honesty in talking about these instances. She knew she'd be getting backlash for her title alone, but detailing all of the literal abuse her mother put her through opens the door for the "respect your parents no matter what" crowd to publicly shun and criticize her. Of course, as depicted in the book and as is generally a theme amongst people in the entertainment industry and public eye, the general public giving their unsolicited opinions is something Jeannette is very familiar with. Additionally, it was really intriguing to get an insight into the way she navigated friendships and romantic relationships as she got older and how drastically her experiences with her family affected her interpersonally.
I will say that the ending felt a little rushed or abrupt to me. I'm not really sure why, it just didn't feel like we got full closure. Granted, we are not owed that as an audience nor is Jeannette's story over. Still, it felt like something was missing from my perspective, I just can't quite put my finger on what exactly that could be. It was almost as if some of the points she made in wrapping up the book felt unfinished or not fully explained.
Overall, though, I genuinely really enjoyed this book and it was a quick read for me. It was genuine, vulnerable, and captivating, and I too am glad that her mom died as well as the fact that she was brave enough to tell the whole world about her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Grief, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, and Sexual content