WRITTEN BY: Jennette Mccurdy
NARRATED BY: Jennette Mccurdy
The memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” delivers a jolt with its candidness. It’s as if each chapter is a snapshot, freezing a moment of life in time. Jennette McCurdy’s prose is straightforward and unembellished, with a narration that carries a darkly comic undertone at intervals. It’s a remarkable memoir that seems to cast a spell on the reader.
The book’s structure, composed of brief chapters, might be jarring for some. It was a constant reminder to me that these pages were not mere fiction but a harrowing reality someone endured. McCurdy’s consistent use of the present tense skillfully bridges her past and present voices, from her childhood to adulthood.
Those expecting a behind-the-scenes exposé of Nickelodeon will find this book is not that. Instead, it’s an intimate look at McCurdy’s personal trials. Be forewarned, the narrative doesn’t shy away from the myriad forms of abuse, alongside themes of mortality and eating disorders. Far from a light-hearted read, it nonetheless deepens the respect for McCurdy’s craft, given the adversities she’s faced.
The audiobook’s narration is particularly striking. McCurdy’s emotional authenticity shines through, especially in a poignant moment when she discusses the realization of her mother’s abusive behavior. It’s a potent reflection of the memoir’s title and the very foundation of her life’s story.
