Status
Available
Collection
Description
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.
Physical description
320 p.; 9 inches
User reviews
LibraryThing member gpangel
I’m glad my mother died by Jennette McCurdy is a 2022 Simon & Schuster publication.
I have never seen an episode of iCarly, though I had heard of the show. I wasn’t familiar with any of the cast members, even Jennette McCurdy. I just didn’t move in the circles of folks who had kids at the
With a title like this one, it was obvious that the author had some serious family issues, so I really wanted to see what McCurdy’s story was.
Sometimes it is very hard to articulate one’s feelings about another person’s memoir, and that’s the case here. I think that not knowing the author in any way might have helped me to have a more balanced opinion, but it might also have been a hindrance, as I didn’t really understand the type of role she was expected to portray. Finally, I gave in and went to YouTube to look at a few clips of the show. All I’m going to say is I can understand why she might grow weary of it… in a hurry. *No offense to anyone who enjoyed the show.
That said, the show was obviously popular with a certain audience and the original series ran for about five years. During that time, Jeannette McCurdy was living a life full of emotional abuse. Her mother, who had battled cancer when McCurdy was a baby, became obsessed with her daughter’s career, introducing her to anorexia to keep her body at a child’s weight, she still bathed her well into her teenage years, was religious when it suited her, and could turn vicious at the drop of a hat. If that weren’t enough, the pressures of being a child professional, and the passive aggressive atmosphere of the adults in her work environment, led to a world of mental, emotional, and physical illnesses for Jeannette, that she battled well into her twenties, which included eating disorders, co-dependent relationships, and alcohol.
When her mother’s cancer returned, her abuse didn’t end, and maybe even ramped up a bit. It was harrowing to read about some of the ugly things this woman said to her daughter and the mess she left Jeanette in after she died.
Reading about this level of abuse and watching a young woman begin to circle the drain is difficult to read about, and it was even worse than I was prepared for, but I am glad it wasn’t glossed over. By the same token, I do wish McCurdy would have glossed over some of the intimate details of her romantic life. It was very off-putting, and TMI, in my opinion. Honestly, there is no way, I’d go into those details in a book that so many people will read or listen to, and I’d have to take into consideration that other people were involved and would be named, but people today don’t seen to get the concept of discretion, so I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised… but really, do you all really want to read about her oral sex skills? UGH!
Overall, though, this book confirms my thoughts on child actors and their parents. I hope this young lady continues to seek counseling, perhaps sound spiritual guidance, as well. I am glad she feels free from being forced to do something she didn’t really enjoy. I hope finds her niche, has balance in life, takes care of her health, both physical and mental, and will have a sound, solid productive adult life.
I have never seen an episode of iCarly, though I had heard of the show. I wasn’t familiar with any of the cast members, even Jennette McCurdy. I just didn’t move in the circles of folks who had kids at the
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right age to watch the show and it certainly wasn’t a program my own kids would have watched. In fact, Nickelodeon was a channel we had to pay for, back before cord cutting, that we never watched. So why was I interested in reading this book? I’ve always followed the psychological issues that child stars developed and what, if any role the parents played in that- or if it was the Hollywood machine or a combination of both things. With a title like this one, it was obvious that the author had some serious family issues, so I really wanted to see what McCurdy’s story was.
Sometimes it is very hard to articulate one’s feelings about another person’s memoir, and that’s the case here. I think that not knowing the author in any way might have helped me to have a more balanced opinion, but it might also have been a hindrance, as I didn’t really understand the type of role she was expected to portray. Finally, I gave in and went to YouTube to look at a few clips of the show. All I’m going to say is I can understand why she might grow weary of it… in a hurry. *No offense to anyone who enjoyed the show.
That said, the show was obviously popular with a certain audience and the original series ran for about five years. During that time, Jeannette McCurdy was living a life full of emotional abuse. Her mother, who had battled cancer when McCurdy was a baby, became obsessed with her daughter’s career, introducing her to anorexia to keep her body at a child’s weight, she still bathed her well into her teenage years, was religious when it suited her, and could turn vicious at the drop of a hat. If that weren’t enough, the pressures of being a child professional, and the passive aggressive atmosphere of the adults in her work environment, led to a world of mental, emotional, and physical illnesses for Jeannette, that she battled well into her twenties, which included eating disorders, co-dependent relationships, and alcohol.
When her mother’s cancer returned, her abuse didn’t end, and maybe even ramped up a bit. It was harrowing to read about some of the ugly things this woman said to her daughter and the mess she left Jeanette in after she died.
Reading about this level of abuse and watching a young woman begin to circle the drain is difficult to read about, and it was even worse than I was prepared for, but I am glad it wasn’t glossed over. By the same token, I do wish McCurdy would have glossed over some of the intimate details of her romantic life. It was very off-putting, and TMI, in my opinion. Honestly, there is no way, I’d go into those details in a book that so many people will read or listen to, and I’d have to take into consideration that other people were involved and would be named, but people today don’t seen to get the concept of discretion, so I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised… but really, do you all really want to read about her oral sex skills? UGH!
Overall, though, this book confirms my thoughts on child actors and their parents. I hope this young lady continues to seek counseling, perhaps sound spiritual guidance, as well. I am glad she feels free from being forced to do something she didn’t really enjoy. I hope finds her niche, has balance in life, takes care of her health, both physical and mental, and will have a sound, solid productive adult life.
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LibraryThing member gaillamontagne
Jennette McCurdy, the author, read her story with objective, authentic, and humorous candor. It is a story of a pretty, intelligent, innocent little Mormon girl, and a completely controlling , narcissistic mother who forced her dreams and ambitions on Jennette. Jennette's mother, both a religious
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Mormon and a cancer survivor, played on people's sympathies if it would help Jennette get a part. Jennette lived in poverty and was obedient to her mother's every desire wanting to make her mother happy all the time, as Jennette felt responsible for her mother's happiness. Jennette denied her conflicting feelings and desires in order to please her accusing mother who was scolding her, or going into a tirade, but she truly believed that her mother was right and wanted the best for her. If Jennette was pleasing her mother, Jennette was be affirmed with a happy parent and supportive words of affection. Jennette's mother wanted Jennette to be a famous actress, or musician and continually pushed and bullied anyone who was in their way including Jennette herself. Jennette started with auditions at the age of 6 with her ability to look sad and cry on que. Jennette was forced to take acting lessons, music and dance lessons plus pogo stick practice as well. It was very important for a child actress to cry on que and be versatile for any possible role that came up. Because she had success in getting child parts, her mother put her on a strict diet in order to keep her body from developing into a teenager. Her breasts were bound, and her calories restricted so she did not have any more periods. Her success in gaining small parts continued until she hit the big time landing a leading role in I Carly, a successful show on Nickelodeon. Jennette eventually became both anorexic and bulimic, never realizing that her mother was seriously abusing her. Jennette's mother eventually succumbed to cancer again and passed away. This is when Jennette was free to have a boyfriend(age 18+) get therapy, and begin to realize her mother was feeding her own ego at Jennette's expense. Jennette came to realize her entire life was built on a lie that all her mother did to her, told her, kept from her, was for her good. Show Less
LibraryThing member bobbieharv
I'm probably one of the few people who never heard of McCurdy, so I had no preconceptions about her or the book. She and her mother were totally enmeshed, by her narcissistic mother's design; and in the first half of the book McCurdy writes from this point of view - not seeing or admitting how
I'm glad she gave up acting for writing, and I hope she is able to recover.
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damaging her mother's total takeover of Mccurdy's life was. In the second half McCurdy takes us with her as she and we come to see more clearly the results of the damage - addictions, OCD, and eating disorders. A horrific courageous story, written so compellingly I sped through it. I'm glad she gave up acting for writing, and I hope she is able to recover.
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LibraryThing member Micareads
Jennette McCurdy, star of Nickelodeon's iCarly, has led a very hard life. In her memoir, she notes what it was like growing up with a hoarder for a mother who continuously reminded her children that she almost died and how lucky they are to have her. As Jennette reached six years old, her mother
Make no mistake about it - this book is a very hard read. There are many, many trigger warnings involved with this book but the details are needed for the true scope of the story to be understood. Jenette details the narcissistic and abusive behavior of her mother as well as her obsession with making Jennette a star and spending every moment with her. There are far too many moments in her life where her mother overstepped her boundaries by a large measure. If you have experienced mental or physical trauma at the hands of another please be sure that you are prepared before you pick up this book. If you have dealt with any sort of eating disorder, this book may not be the best choice for you. All in all, I think the author was extremely brave in telling her story and being so open and vulnerable.
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decided to live vicariously through her and began taking her on auditions - she would become the actress her mother always thought she could be. As her mother continues to be an overbearing presence in her life, Jennette deals with an eating disorder, mental health issues, and a variety of other problems. After the death of her mother to breast cancer that has spread, Jennette moves from anorexia to bulimia in a way to attempt to have some control of her life. Years after her mother's death, Jennette begins therapy and seeks help for her eating disorder, and is finally putting her personal needs over those of around her.Make no mistake about it - this book is a very hard read. There are many, many trigger warnings involved with this book but the details are needed for the true scope of the story to be understood. Jenette details the narcissistic and abusive behavior of her mother as well as her obsession with making Jennette a star and spending every moment with her. There are far too many moments in her life where her mother overstepped her boundaries by a large measure. If you have experienced mental or physical trauma at the hands of another please be sure that you are prepared before you pick up this book. If you have dealt with any sort of eating disorder, this book may not be the best choice for you. All in all, I think the author was extremely brave in telling her story and being so open and vulnerable.
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LibraryThing member ASKelmore
Best for:
Those interested in what life can be like for a child actor with an abusive parent.
In a nutshell:
Jennette McCurdy became famous as part of a hit Nickelodeon television series. Behind the scenes, she was doing everything she could to please her abusive, narcissistic mother.
Worth quoting:
N/A
Why I chose it:
I’ve seen it in so many shops, and it is a memoir read by the author - basically half of what I’ve been reading lately.
Review:
Damn. Content note for this book includes disordered eating, substance use disorder, physical abuse.
First, a note specific to the audio book - the way that McCurdy reads her writing is extremely deadpan and very quick. Basically the absolute opposite of Making a Scene (Constance Wu’s memoir I just read as an audio book last month). There’s only one moment where the author allows emotion to creep through, and it’s noticeable and shocking. I’m not sure if this was a production choice, or how she talks, but the book goes by so quickly that I almost get the feeling that she just wanted to get the reading over with. Not in a bad way - I don’t think she dislikes her own book - but so much of what she discussed is unpleasant, I’d imagine it’s not exactly fun to give voice to it after having already written and edited it.
Alright, this is an intense book. It’s about McCurdy’s life, having to navigate her mother’s abuse without fully realizing that it was, in fact abuse. It’s not a pleasant story. But it’s also not trauma porn, if that makes sense. Maybe it’s because of McCurdy’s matter-of-fact delivery, or because she’s a talented writer. The things she shares could have resulted in an extremely depressing book - and it is definitely dark - but it’s not hopeless? It’s also not … hopeful? It’s just someone sharing her story, realistically, with all the crap that was there.
I am a bit too old to have watched McCurdy on TV, but I have heard of the show she was on. It sounds like it was unpleasant a lot of the time, and that the producers (one in particular) were not there to look out for the kids acting on the show. There is one point in the book where she is essentially offered hush money to never discuss her experiences at Nickelodeon (and it’s not a small amount of money), but she declines, and I think damn, good for her. By sharing her experience, perhaps others will be spared some of what she went through.
The main focus of the book is McCurdy’s relationship with her mother, who is obsessed with McCurdy being a successful child actor. She home schools McCurdy (and her three brothers), and puts McCurdy in dance classes, acting classes. She’s basically the stereotype of a stage mother, and is deeply emotionally abusive as she basically puts all of her hopes and dreams and pressure on McCurdy, and McCurdy spends all of her time desperate to keep her mother happy. There’s a point where McCurdy starts to go through puberty, and her mother ‘helps’ her out by teaching her disordered eating. Like, intentionally. It’s so deeply fucked up. And that’s just the tip of the iceburg.
Now, obviously the parent of every child actor isn’t going to be like McCurdy’s. But damn, I do wonder about what life is like for the kids who act. My grandmother was a studio teacher in Hollywood in the 60s and 70s, but she passed away when I was young so I didn’t get a chance to ever really ask her about what life was like for the kids she looked after. I can’t imagine it was great then. I know laws have been passed in California protecting the wages of child actors, and limiting their time on set and such, but I don’t know what can be done for the children who don’t really want to be there, or are only there because they are desperate to please their abusive parents.
I’m happy this book seems to be getting so much attention, and I hope that McCurdy is able to continue healing and finding work that she chooses to do, not work she is expected to do.
Recommend to a Friend / Keep / Donate it / Toss it:
Recommend
Those interested in what life can be like for a child actor with an abusive parent.
In a nutshell:
Jennette McCurdy became famous as part of a hit Nickelodeon television series. Behind the scenes, she was doing everything she could to please her abusive, narcissistic mother.
Worth quoting:
N/A
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(Audiobook)Why I chose it:
I’ve seen it in so many shops, and it is a memoir read by the author - basically half of what I’ve been reading lately.
Review:
Damn. Content note for this book includes disordered eating, substance use disorder, physical abuse.
First, a note specific to the audio book - the way that McCurdy reads her writing is extremely deadpan and very quick. Basically the absolute opposite of Making a Scene (Constance Wu’s memoir I just read as an audio book last month). There’s only one moment where the author allows emotion to creep through, and it’s noticeable and shocking. I’m not sure if this was a production choice, or how she talks, but the book goes by so quickly that I almost get the feeling that she just wanted to get the reading over with. Not in a bad way - I don’t think she dislikes her own book - but so much of what she discussed is unpleasant, I’d imagine it’s not exactly fun to give voice to it after having already written and edited it.
Alright, this is an intense book. It’s about McCurdy’s life, having to navigate her mother’s abuse without fully realizing that it was, in fact abuse. It’s not a pleasant story. But it’s also not trauma porn, if that makes sense. Maybe it’s because of McCurdy’s matter-of-fact delivery, or because she’s a talented writer. The things she shares could have resulted in an extremely depressing book - and it is definitely dark - but it’s not hopeless? It’s also not … hopeful? It’s just someone sharing her story, realistically, with all the crap that was there.
I am a bit too old to have watched McCurdy on TV, but I have heard of the show she was on. It sounds like it was unpleasant a lot of the time, and that the producers (one in particular) were not there to look out for the kids acting on the show. There is one point in the book where she is essentially offered hush money to never discuss her experiences at Nickelodeon (and it’s not a small amount of money), but she declines, and I think damn, good for her. By sharing her experience, perhaps others will be spared some of what she went through.
The main focus of the book is McCurdy’s relationship with her mother, who is obsessed with McCurdy being a successful child actor. She home schools McCurdy (and her three brothers), and puts McCurdy in dance classes, acting classes. She’s basically the stereotype of a stage mother, and is deeply emotionally abusive as she basically puts all of her hopes and dreams and pressure on McCurdy, and McCurdy spends all of her time desperate to keep her mother happy. There’s a point where McCurdy starts to go through puberty, and her mother ‘helps’ her out by teaching her disordered eating. Like, intentionally. It’s so deeply fucked up. And that’s just the tip of the iceburg.
Now, obviously the parent of every child actor isn’t going to be like McCurdy’s. But damn, I do wonder about what life is like for the kids who act. My grandmother was a studio teacher in Hollywood in the 60s and 70s, but she passed away when I was young so I didn’t get a chance to ever really ask her about what life was like for the kids she looked after. I can’t imagine it was great then. I know laws have been passed in California protecting the wages of child actors, and limiting their time on set and such, but I don’t know what can be done for the children who don’t really want to be there, or are only there because they are desperate to please their abusive parents.
I’m happy this book seems to be getting so much attention, and I hope that McCurdy is able to continue healing and finding work that she chooses to do, not work she is expected to do.
Recommend to a Friend / Keep / Donate it / Toss it:
Recommend
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Memoir about surviving an abusive mother who, in the course of pressuring McCurdy into acting, also pressured her into an eating disorder, which is described in much greater detail (including detailed descriptions of what forcing oneself to vomit is like) than McCurdy’s OCD. It is written in a
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light tone that puts the heavy subject matter into sharp focus. Show Less
LibraryThing member Amzzz
Funny, sad, honest
LibraryThing member brianinbuffalo
When a book is described as “heartbreaking and hilarious,” this can be a combination that doesn’t quite work for me. McCurdy’s memoir is an exception. I had no clue who McCurdy was until I read some book reviews. I never recall seeing her even once on television, nor do I recall ever seeing
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her social media posts. Yet I was instantly drawn in by her devastating story, her raw candor and her resiliency. I do agree with some reviewers who have suggested that the book would have been even more effective if McCurdy had spent a bit less time detailing specific events in her young life and a bit more time in self-reflection. Still, “I’m Glad My Mom Died” kept my interest from beginning to end. Show Less
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Narrated by the author. McCurdy reads her work at a rather brisk clip, a bit too quick for my listening tastes. But there's a brief, raw moment at about 05:15:00 when her voice catches and stops while recollecting the first time she heard the word "anorexia." That moment encapsulates her troubled
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young life and relationship with her mother. Show Less
LibraryThing member BoundTogetherForGood
I was familiar with Jennette McCurdy from our kids having watched iCarly. There is a lot of talk about this book. I wanted to know what was up.
She reads the audiobook. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer when Jennetter was two. Her cancer returned when Jennette was 11 years old. She died when
It is not an uplifting book. While Jennette seems to have begun a path to healing, her past will always be a difficult part of her life. She did a good job of conveying the information she set out to convey.
She reads the audiobook. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer when Jennetter was two. Her cancer returned when Jennette was 11 years old. She died when
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Jennette was 21. During Jennette's life, her mother was overbearing and abusive; she pushed her into an acting career at age 6. Her mother was also a hoarder. Jennette came to the realization that her relationship with her mother was abusive. She also had to face her own emotional problems that likely arose because of her mother. It is not an uplifting book. While Jennette seems to have begun a path to healing, her past will always be a difficult part of her life. She did a good job of conveying the information she set out to convey.
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LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
I love reading about other people's lives - perhaps because I don't have one, haha - but occasionally the story being told makes me thankful to be me. Jennette McCurdy, a former teen actor on Nickelodeon who I must admit I'd never heard of, went through hell with her narcissistic and abusive
Jennette has an engaging and darkly humorous narrative style, describing life in an 'inactive' Mormon household with an overbearing mother whose hoarding forced her five children to sleep on mats in the lounge to facing further abuse by a studio exec and developing anorexia and bulimia in an attempt to control her life, but her life makes for hard reading. Even her boyfriend had a psychotic episode and announced that he was Jesus reincarnated!
I'm glad that Jennette has found success and happiness now, and she is very brave for sharing such a private and painful account of her battles, but I didn't expect such a frothy pastel cover to contain such distressing memories (although the title should probably have been a clue!)
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mother, who forced her daughter into acting to fulfil a fantasy of her own, and the effects of that relationship had emotional and physical consequences for Jennette long after her mother's premature death from breast cancer. Jennette has an engaging and darkly humorous narrative style, describing life in an 'inactive' Mormon household with an overbearing mother whose hoarding forced her five children to sleep on mats in the lounge to facing further abuse by a studio exec and developing anorexia and bulimia in an attempt to control her life, but her life makes for hard reading. Even her boyfriend had a psychotic episode and announced that he was Jesus reincarnated!
I'm glad that Jennette has found success and happiness now, and she is very brave for sharing such a private and painful account of her battles, but I didn't expect such a frothy pastel cover to contain such distressing memories (although the title should probably have been a clue!)
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LibraryThing member bell7
Former child actress Jennette McCurdy, known for her role as Sam Puckett in iCarly and Sam & Cat, recounts what the experience was truly like for her doing something she didn't much like but her mother pushed her into.
In short vignettes, McCurdy reveals a lot about herself and the messed up
In short vignettes, McCurdy reveals a lot about herself and the messed up
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relationship she had with her mother. Much of the book is told in a straightforward style without reflecting much on events but recalling the way she interpreted it at the time, starting about when she was six on through her career as a teenager and young adult. It makes it all the more horrible because the reader knows exactly how messed up the dynamics are without being told. After her mother's death, the focus shifts to her therapy and overcoming her eating disorder (be warned there is a LOT about that, and it's tough to read). An engaging, quick but very intense read. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
I had no idea who Jennette McCurdy was and her experience as the child of an emotionally damaged mother who pushed her into child acting is sometimes funny but mostly sad. I never really connected with McCurdy who narrates the audiobook but sounds bored with her own story. The point of view bounces
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from McCurdy at the age she was experiencing her childhood to adult McCurdy with the benefit of hindsight and then rushes into full understanding at the end when she finally acknowledges what the reader has known from the start - that her relationship with her mother was rotten from the core. Neither a fun nor compelling read. Show Less
LibraryThing member janismack
Story of Jeanette McCurdy a child star with the Nickalodian network. We read about how she was forced into acting by her mother and the many mental problems this pour girl had because of her mother’s influence. The tone of the story is not that she wants sympathy, she just want to tell her life
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story. Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member xaverie
Narratively and even stylistically, I'm Glad My Mom Died is very simple; divided into two parts 'before' the death of McCurdy's mother, Debra, and 'after', the story starts when Jennette is very young and progresses up to relatively recently in her life.
McCurdy is sparse with details about
McCurdy's prose is simple and easily understandable, and though I'd hesitate to call her style comedic, there's a wry humour to her writing that belies her age. A memoir does require a certain amount of openness, of frankness, and I'm Glad My Mom Died certainly has that.
McCurdy is sparse with details about
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everything other than herself and her mother, keeping only the details necessary to relate specific stories. I think that having done this material as part of a one-woman show before transforming it into a book during the Covid pandemic has given McCurdy the sharpness to know what is necessary to the story she's telling and what is off-topic.McCurdy's prose is simple and easily understandable, and though I'd hesitate to call her style comedic, there's a wry humour to her writing that belies her age. A memoir does require a certain amount of openness, of frankness, and I'm Glad My Mom Died certainly has that.
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LibraryThing member spiritedstardust
There’s not many memoirs that keep my interest but this one day.
It focuses heavily on eating disorders.
It focuses heavily on eating disorders.
LibraryThing member FormerEnglishTeacher
I don’t often quit on a book, especially when I’m 75% of the way through it, but at page 210, I just couldn’t take anymore. That’s the point at which McCurdy’s spin off show was cancelled and she spends a page saying how much she doesn’t care. For about half the book, she talked about
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how much she wanted to be famous. Her relationship with her mother is downright perverted. I’m not quite sure why this book is so popular. Maybe female audiences enjoy the drama, but the McCurdy drama gets old fast. If someone asks me whether I recommend it, I would have to say no. Save your time and energy for a book with something to offer other than whining. Show Less
LibraryThing member villemezbrown
Acerbic humor makes this dark tale of celebrity very readable and captivating. Jennette McCurdy recounts the toxic relationship she had with her very unwell -- physically and mentally -- mother. It's like a "Mommy Dearest" tell-all, but the beatings are substituted with world-class
It's harrowing stuff, and I hope the best for McCurdy in her recovery.
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passive-aggressiveness, an induced eating disorder, and a huge family secret.It's harrowing stuff, and I hope the best for McCurdy in her recovery.
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LibraryThing member bumblybee
In I'm Glad My Mom Died, McCurdy describes the impact her mother had on her life and career. As a child and later as an adult, even after her mother's death, McCurdy has had to grapple with the abuse inflicted on her.
From the first page, McCurdy's voice demands the reader's attention. She doesn't
I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to expect from this book going in; I wasn't aware of McCurdy's one-woman show of the same title, or of her podcast. The draw for me was the iCarly nostalgia of my tween years, and I have to say, after reading this book, I do feel a little guilty at how miserable McCurdy must have been making that show. Still, it's a fantastic read, and McCurdy's voice alone is worth picking this one up. I really hope she pursues other writing, because I'll be first in line to buy whatever she creates next.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
From the first page, McCurdy's voice demands the reader's attention. She doesn't
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sugar-coat her experience, but she also doesn't make her story so graphic or sorrowful considering the themes. Her humor is always on point, and it makes the read incredibly enjoyable. I read this on a flight, and could not put it down until I was finished - that's how good it was, and I credit that to McCurdy's writing ability. I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to expect from this book going in; I wasn't aware of McCurdy's one-woman show of the same title, or of her podcast. The draw for me was the iCarly nostalgia of my tween years, and I have to say, after reading this book, I do feel a little guilty at how miserable McCurdy must have been making that show. Still, it's a fantastic read, and McCurdy's voice alone is worth picking this one up. I really hope she pursues other writing, because I'll be first in line to buy whatever she creates next.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
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LibraryThing member Anamie
A great read about the mixed feelings involved with a dysfunctional relationship. McCurdy manages to bring up humor about her dark past and has an engaging style that keeps one reading.
Okay, where can I start? Jenette's childhood is far from normal. She grows up poor with a crazed mom pushing her
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into being a Hollywood star. I was vaguely familiar with iCarly. I never watched it but knew Miranda from Drake and Josh. I know getting into these TV shows is super competitive but reading about all the hoops she jumped to be an actress when she didn't even want it was something else. While there were a few takeaways from the book, I found it an interesting commentary on class differences in America. She is using these acting roles as a way to support her working class family while it is apparent lot of the people she works with come from more privileged backgrounds. It hit me even more when she declined a $300k payment from Nickelodeon to not talk about her experience. It makes me wonder how many more voices are out there unheard because they need money. She brings light into the predators in her life, whether it is work or dating. Today, we have the rise of more children in the media through influencers and that is even less regulated than Hollywood. This story is a warning to all. That said, there were some heartwarming points in the story. Her relationship with Miranda was actually really cute and reminded me of the friends I had when AIM was a thing. Her strange relationship with the church was also relatable to anyone who is half Christian out there. I am cheering her on in her own personal recovery from not only a toxic mom but the toxic career she had. Thanks for sharing your story. Show Less
LibraryThing member debbie13410
This is definitely not a bad book. It was insightful and challenging but not great. I think it is a great description of what it is like to live with a narcissist. Mom clearly had other mental health issues but as a child you don't realize you are living in crazy. This is your normal.
LibraryThing member Bodagirl
The unrelenting descriptions of mental child abuse from a narcissistic stage-mom was to much for me.
LibraryThing member Griffin_Reads
Every word of this memoir is there for a reason and is worth every second reading. I don't want to use Jennette's experiences for entertainment, but the memoir is very much worth the attention it has received and a lot can be learned from her experiences.
LibraryThing member Andjhostet
A surprisingly great read. I usually assume the latest celebrity memoir that gets hype is just a case of bandwagoning and over-marketing. But this one was great. A heart breaking look into child acting, with a manipulative and abusive mother, and how these issues compound each other to lead to
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eating disorders, mental instability, addiction issues, etc. Well written, and hit a great balance of funny and heartbreaking. Show Less
LibraryThing member rosienotrose
I was not an aficionado of iCarly or any of the Disney shows to be honest. I didn’t know Jennette McCurdy as Sam Puckett or anything else but it has been impossible to avoid this book since it was released and it was when I saw her interview with Drew Barrymore (highly recommended) that I decided
McCurdy starts at six years old with her mother’s determination to make her a child star, all the way to the present day. She tells the story of a young person who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of their mother and the acceptance of the abuses she suffered at her hand. It is a raw and honest portrayal of grief and survival.
I listened to the audiobook read by McCurdy herself. I’ve found author-read memoirs to be very powerful, and this one really packed a punch. What is clear from the start is that McCurdy really had no interest in acting. She was merely trying to please her mother. A mother that was demanding, overbearing and fragile. What is also clear is that she still loves her mother and this book in some ways is her trying to reconcile the mother who abused her and manipulated her until her dying breath (and beyond) with the mother who she loved deeply and felt lost without.
What is also striking in the book is McCurdy description of her eating disorders and ongoing recovery from them.
A book that will no doubt help a lot of people who have dealt with similar issues.
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it was time to delve in.McCurdy starts at six years old with her mother’s determination to make her a child star, all the way to the present day. She tells the story of a young person who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of their mother and the acceptance of the abuses she suffered at her hand. It is a raw and honest portrayal of grief and survival.
I listened to the audiobook read by McCurdy herself. I’ve found author-read memoirs to be very powerful, and this one really packed a punch. What is clear from the start is that McCurdy really had no interest in acting. She was merely trying to please her mother. A mother that was demanding, overbearing and fragile. What is also clear is that she still loves her mother and this book in some ways is her trying to reconcile the mother who abused her and manipulated her until her dying breath (and beyond) with the mother who she loved deeply and felt lost without.
What is also striking in the book is McCurdy description of her eating disorders and ongoing recovery from them.
A book that will no doubt help a lot of people who have dealt with similar issues.
Show Less
Media reviews
The heartbreaking story of an emotionally battered child delivered with captivating candor and grace.
Awards
Original publication date
2022-08-09
ISBN
1982185821 / 9781982185824