Review: “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” by Jennette McCurdy
Lee este texto en español: Me alegro de que mi madre haya muerto, reseña – Jennette McCurdy
Table of Contents
Jennette McCurdy, known for her childhood and pre-teen roles in Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Sam & Cat, has released a book that has truly caused a global stir: “I’m Glad My Mom Died.”
While I confess I was never a fan of her characters, the news of this book sparked an unexpected curiosity in me. An actress who didn’t want to be an actress? And who, furthermore, quit acting out of shame? My surprise was immense.
The Search and Curious Odyssey of the book
When “I’m Glad My Mom Died” became available for pre-order, in English, the price initially deterred me. I decided to wait for its official Amazon release, thinking it would be a simple purchase. How wrong I was!
The book sold out in less than 24 hours, becoming a global best-seller. I finally bought it, though with a six-week wait. The curious thing is that, in the same purchase, I added “A Course in Miracles,” by Helen Schucman, a book that intrigued me and also had its own adventure getting into my hands, albeit in paperback and in English.
My Lost Copy and Reading for pleasure
My copy from Amazon never arrived. I received an email: “it got lost.” Lost? Unbelievable!
Someone gifted me a Kindle, which finally allowed me to read the longed-for book thanks to another friend who “made sure” I had it in English and an unofficial Spanish version (machine translation).
I read it in English and finished on a Monday morning, regretting staying up late, but happy to resume the habit of reading for pleasure.
After being away from reading for various reasons, this book was the trigger to dive back into stories, even if it meant adapting to English formats that, at times, challenge me due to punctuation.
An Honest Review
Now, is it as good as they say? It’s a decent book, yes, globally praised, and its author has been recognized by Time magazine. As a biography, you cry with her. But it’s not a book I would read again. Its humor, much like the character of Sam Puckett, didn’t quite resonate with me.
I don’t mean to disparage the struggle of a childhood abuse survivor, and I don’t doubt the rawness of her experiences. But it’s so triggering. And my perspective was simply different. In fact, I’m glad Amazon reimbursed me.
Personal Reflections and Motherhood
While I’m not glad her mother passed away (as she deserved to face the monstrosities she inflicted), Jennette McCurdy’s success makes me immensely happy. And I must admit that it made me reflect deeply on my own role as a mother.
Being friends with my daughter? Definitely not.
Keep calling her “Baby”? I’ll try to stop.
Enrolling her in activities she’s not interested in, like ballet or piano? Better to let her keep drawing, which is her passion.
And the idea of taking her to a modeling agency or suggesting to my nephew to try out for an acting role… completely discarded!
I prefer that my daughter enjoys her childhood fully, without any pressure or impositions. My priority is to protect her and allow her to be whoever she wants to be, without dictating her life or imposing my interests.
In the end, what does it matter if she’s not a dancer, a concert pianist, or a gymnast?
Have you read it? What did you think?
