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A review by tvintrs
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
I was recommended this biography by my younger sister, and I'm glad that she did. This was a hard read in terms of the substance but must have been so freeing for Jennette to put to paper. At least, I hope it was.
This was an incredibly painful read as Jennette outlines the many abuses she was victim to her in her childhood, some causing harmful ripples that continued into adulthood in terms of her view of her body, food and her self-worth. I cannot even begin to fathom being made to live a life that someone else wanted, but it is so clear throughout the many manipulations that were used against her from a young child which made her agree to it time and time again. It shocked me throughout the way that very few adults, especially family members, seemed to notice or try and do anything to help Jennette. Of course, there may have been times but they were omitted from the narrative, but it was noteworthy the very few times it was mentioned someone trying to check in on her.
Although I'm very thankful to not have been abused in childhood so can't relate completely to this story, I can very much sympathise with being a child who felt like they had to keep the peace, make sure everyone was happy, solve problems for people before they even knew they were a problem. I also had a dad who died slowly when I was in my late teens-early twenties, and was not an easy person before or after his cancer. I made choices to help and protect him that were to the detriment of myself, but I loved him, so it was okay right? Jennette's complicated relationship with her past and with her mum is a fascinating but horrying read and at times also helps to hightlight the commodification of actors, and specifically child actors, in Hollywood. I am happy, for her, that she didn't accept the alleged hush money so she could freely speak her truth.
I had expected the book to end with the mum's death, so I was glad in a way when I came to the middle and she had passed on. I was hopeful that Jennette would have a chance to start recovering and reclaim her life and was pleased to see that she has. The road hasn't been easy, and I suspect it will still dip and climb in places. Grief for the people you've lost, and moreso the life you have lost, is always there in the background finding its way out, but I hope in time she's able to fully be the person she wants to be with no more control from others - free.
Please be warned though, that there's a lot of really difficult topics discussed in this book. Jennette has a great and very direct style of writing which sometimes can disguise the seriousness of some of the abuse she's describing - done I suspect on purpose and very well, but if it's something you're sensitive to I would advise avoiding until you are ready. She is heartbreakingly open with everything so just know that if that's not for you, that's okay.
This was an incredibly painful read as Jennette outlines the many abuses she was victim to her in her childhood, some causing harmful ripples that continued into adulthood in terms of her view of her body, food and her self-worth. I cannot even begin to fathom being made to live a life that someone else wanted, but it is so clear throughout the many manipulations that were used against her from a young child which made her agree to it time and time again. It shocked me throughout the way that very few adults, especially family members, seemed to notice or try and do anything to help Jennette. Of course, there may have been times but they were omitted from the narrative, but it was noteworthy the very few times it was mentioned someone trying to check in on her.
Although I'm very thankful to not have been abused in childhood so can't relate completely to this story, I can very much sympathise with being a child who felt like they had to keep the peace, make sure everyone was happy, solve problems for people before they even knew they were a problem. I also had a dad who died slowly when I was in my late teens-early twenties, and was not an easy person before or after his cancer. I made choices to help and protect him that were to the detriment of myself, but I loved him, so it was okay right? Jennette's complicated relationship with her past and with her mum is a fascinating but horrying read and at times also helps to hightlight the commodification of actors, and specifically child actors, in Hollywood. I am happy, for her, that she didn't accept the alleged hush money so she could freely speak her truth.
I had expected the book to end with the mum's death, so I was glad in a way when I came to the middle and she had passed on. I was hopeful that Jennette would have a chance to start recovering and reclaim her life and was pleased to see that she has. The road hasn't been easy, and I suspect it will still dip and climb in places. Grief for the people you've lost, and moreso the life you have lost, is always there in the background finding its way out, but I hope in time she's able to fully be the person she wants to be with no more control from others - free.
Please be warned though, that there's a lot of really difficult topics discussed in this book. Jennette has a great and very direct style of writing which sometimes can disguise the seriousness of some of the abuse she's describing - done I suspect on purpose and very well, but if it's something you're sensitive to I would advise avoiding until you are ready. She is heartbreakingly open with everything so just know that if that's not for you, that's okay.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Chronic illness, and Vomit
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Blood