I'm Glad My Mom Died
I’m glad my mom died by Jennette McCurdy is an It is a fantastic biography of the child actors' struggles growing up in the industry and with an abusive mother. I felt every emotion while reading this book; I almost couldn't put it down.
I love the way Jannette wrote this book because, amidst the craziness, there were moments of humor, and her inner dialogue reveals just how much she betrayed herself to make those in her life happy.
In this book review, I will try not to spoil too many shockers, but let's say her mom was Cuckoo-for-cocoa-puffs. At the beginning of the book, it seemed like Jannette was a young girl who just wanted to please her mom, but as you read further, you begin to catch all the emotionally manipulative tactics. Her mom invaded Jannette's privacy daily and trained her to engage in "restricted eating," which led to her struggling with various eating disorders. Her mom pressured her to begin an acting career so she could live vicariously through Jannette, was financially dependent, and then placed her in unsafe environments to be targeted by predators.
While reading, I could only think, "Why didn't anyone step in to protect her?" But her family members seemed to have their issues as well. Jannette gave us insight into life in Hollywood, working with the "creator" who people seemed to fear.
My takeaway from the book is the importance of community and self-awareness. Jannette quickly noticed that something was off once she began acting and was around people her age who didn't struggle with the same thing. One of the ways abusive people maintain control over their victims is by isolation and brainwashing. The book is labeled "I'm glad my mom died" m because if not for her moms untimely death due to cancer, Jannette may still be in bondage.
Self-awareness is my other takeaway because, as with most people who grew up with narcissistic or emotionally abusive parents, it's tough to accept that a person you love so much was abusive. Jannette was in denial for years about the abuse she endured because she loved her mom. By the last page, she comes to terms with reality, and her last statements left my mouth wide open. She also addressed how her people-pleasing behavior translated to her romantic relationships.
I highly recommend this book if you want something funny focusing on overcoming challenges.
