By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Jennette McCurdy's memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," is a harrowing exposé of the dark underbelly of child stardom and the insidious nature of familial abuse. With unflinching candor, McCurdy dismantles the facade of her Nickelodeon fame, revealing a childhood marred by her mother's relentless manipulation and emotional torment.

From the outset, the memoir plunges readers into the chaos of McCurdy's life, dominated by her mother's obsessive control. Debra McCurdy, a woman whose own unfulfilled dreams poisoned her parenting, coerced Jennette into acting, imposed severe calorie restrictions leading to eating disorders, and conducted invasive "examinations" under the guise of maternal care. The title, provocative yet apt, encapsulates the profound relief and liberation McCurdy experiences upon her mother's passing—a sentiment that, while jarring, is rendered understandable through the narrative's depth.

Critics have lauded the memoir for its raw honesty and incisive prose. Kirkus Reviews describes it as "the heartbreaking story of an emotionally battered child delivered with captivating candor and grace." ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennette-mccurdy/im-glad-my-mom-died-mccurdy/?utm_source=openai)) Publishers Weekly echoes this sentiment, calling the book "insightful and incisive, heartbreaking and raw." ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Glad_My_Mom_Died?utm_source=openai)) Such acclaim is well-deserved, as McCurdy's narrative is both a searing indictment of the entertainment industry's exploitation of young talent and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

However, the memoir is not without its controversies. Some readers have found the explicit content—detailing abuse, eating disorders, and mental health struggles—disturbing. The Counter Culture Mom blog issues a content warning, noting the presence of "swearing, sex, reflections of abuse, extreme accounts of anorexia, alcoholism, and perhaps most graphically of all, bulimia." ([counterculturemom.com](https://counterculturemom.com/reviewing-icarly-memoir/?utm_source=openai)) While these elements are integral to understanding McCurdy's journey, sensitive readers should approach with caution.

Commercially, the book has been a resounding success. It sold out within 24 hours of release at major retailers and debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list for non-fiction, selling over 200,000 copies across all formats in its first week. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Glad_My_Mom_Died?utm_source=openai)) As of July 2025, it has sold over three million copies, underscoring its widespread impact and resonance.

In conclusion, "I'm Glad My Mom Died" is a brutally honest and compelling memoir that sheds light on the often-hidden traumas of child actors and the complexities of abusive familial relationships. McCurdy's narrative is both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for those seeking to break free from the chains of their past. While the content is undeniably heavy and may be triggering for some, the memoir's authenticity and McCurdy's unyielding voice make it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 1/8/2026