I’m Glad My Mom Died Review: A Dark Celebrity Memoir That Hits Hard

Reading Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died was a beautiful mistake. Beautiful, because I liked it; mistake, because it wasn’t what I expected it to be. The bright, cheerful cover made me assume this would be a light, playful read. I expected something witty and casual. I had no idea it was a life story when I picked it up.

I found myself reading a story that was deeply unsettling, occasionally funny but mostly disturbing. And it was far heavier than I had anticipated. I wasn’t ready to read something like that so early (Jan 2026) in the year. It’s a dark celebrity memoir that hits hard.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍

A dark celebrity memoir that hits hard.

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What is the Book I'm Glad My Mother Died About

I'm Glad My Mother Died is a memoir that follows Jennette McCurdy, a former child actor who grew up under the tight control of an overbearing mother. Pushed into acting at a young age, Jennette’s life revolved around auditions, sets and public appearances. And this was all while dealing with extreme food restriction and emotional manipulation at home.

As she grows up in the spotlight, the book explores her struggles with eating disorders, anxiety and unhealthy relationships. At its core, this book is a story about complicated grief, identity and what it takes to reclaim your life after years of control.

What Works

I loved how brutally honest this book is. In I'm Glad My Mother Died, Jennette doesn’t soften her experiences or try to make them more palatable. The charm lies in her candour. She tells her story as it is, even when it’s uncomfortable to read. Won’t recommend the book at all for a comforting, lighthearted read.

The writing style is candid, conversational and unapologetic. The book reads like she’s speaking directly to you, as if discussing her life with a friend. What makes it more engaging is the use of humour... dark humour. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it makes the narrative gripping.

Some of my favourite moments were when Jennette was away from home (and mom), especially while on tour. Those sections felt unexpectedly cute. They were what freedom was like for her, for a child. And they made me smile in an otherwise heavy story.

The latter half of the book, which focuses on therapy and healing, too, feels quite emotional. The recovery isn’t dramatic or rushed. It’s slow, messy and real.

What Falls Short

There’s little to complain about in terms of writing, but the emotional weight is undeniable. Despite the sarcasm woven throughout, this isn’t a light read at all. Also, I can't ignore the fact that the cover was misleading (for me, at least).

Who Should Read I'm Glad My Mother Died

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy memoirs rooted in trauma and recovery. A good fit for those who are looking for emotional depth and raw honesty. So, If you’re interested in celebrity stories that go beyond fame and glamour. If you want a heartwarming or feel-good memoir, this Jennette McCurdy book may not be for you.

Final Thoughts

I’m Glad My Mom Died is disturbing, honest and emotionally heavy. It has those dark themes of force control and emotional abuse, but then... the book is also about freedom and self-reclamation. Despite the misleading cover and the weight of its subject matter, I do recommend this book... to anyone who’s ready to engage with a true story that’s real and uncomfortable.

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