My children are fans of Jennette McCurdy in her various Nickelodeon roles (roles she despised), so it was perhaps inevitable that I would listen to her biography, I’m Glad My Mom Died.
Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to not listen to this book with my kids, because, watch out, as the title implies, this book is dark. Like pitch-black dark. It’s really a remarkable tale of Jennette’s abuse at the hands of a family member (her mom) and the erosion of her own identity to fulfill her mother’s wishes. And the hits keep coming! When you think, “this is terrible,” another thing comes along and you’re like “this is more terrible.” And that happens from the beginning to the end of this book!
I listened and didn’t read this book which I feel is the appropriate format because Jennette narrates her own tale. I think if you are triggered by familial abuse you may want to either steer clear of this book or read it, that may make it more palatable. Ultimately, this is a tale of recovery, because Jennette has been doing the work to get better. This book is Exhibit A.
Written by:
James Cox
Special Collections Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 