Recently I had the pleasure of reading the autobiography I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, an actor mainly known for her role as Sam in iCarly and Sam and Cat.  

This book does not contain average stories of a glorious Hollywood career but highlights the intense struggles McCurdy faced as a child actor. Balancing growing up, being the main financial provider for her family, and satisfying the expectations of her family created an unhealthy struggle for stability in McCurdy’s life.  

Most of the book highlights the aspects of her everyday life as a child; the focus being her relationship with her mother. McCurdy’s mother was involved in every single aspect of her life; like how a puppet master is involved with their puppet. Throughout her autobiography, McCurdy explains how growing up with a controlling mother forever affected how she lives her everyday life even after her mother’s passing.  

“Without Mom around, I don’t know what I want. I don’t know what I need. I don’t know who I am. And I certainly don’t know what to wish for,” wrote McCurdy. 

While reading, I was often surprised with how talented a writer McCurdy is. She describes events in a way that made me feel like I was there, experiencing them with her. McCurdy’s storytelling talent is not to be ignored. Towards the end of the book, McCurdy reveals that she never liked acting as much as screenwriting. As a reader of her autobiography, I can confidently say that if she ever pursues that career, she will be one of the most talented in the industry.  

For anyone thinking of giving this book a read, I highly recommend it! Readers don’t have to know McCurdy from her acting career to read, enjoy, or understand the novel. A series of stories seamlessly connecting heartbreak and laughter is something, I think, any reader can appreciate.