I'm Glad My Mom Died Book Review
and a week of nostalgia with the 6 of Cups
Friends! I’m back after a week off for Labor Day. I hope you enjoyed some free time and good weather. This week, I’m reviewing Jennette McCurdy’s best-selling book, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” which I finished before the holiday weekend.
The first thing I have to say is that this book is hilarious, dark, and so easy to blow through in a day or two. 110% recommend.
I chose the audiobook version, which I often do when it comes to memoirs that are read by the authors. I did this with Michelle Obama’s “Becoming,” Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime,” and Stephen King’s “On Writing” — all highly recommended (and all affiliate links). What better way to hear the author’s story than through their own voice? And I already knew I loved Jennette McCurdy’s voice since I first heard her on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast.
Jennette McCurdy was a child actor on Nickelodeon’s iCarly, which I’ve never seen. I’m glad I didn’t have this frame of reference because it allows me to appreciate her as the brilliant writer and natural comedian she’s developed into since shedding the child actor identity forced upon her at an early age.
The book's title is shocking, and the material within is dark. That said, I’m amazed by how often I laughed out loud while listening to it. McCurdy describes the most complex mother-daughter relationship I’ve ever heard of. This is not a story about a young woman who hates her mom, but of one slowly healing and recovering from decades of abuse, manipulation, and exploitation. Her mom insisted on showering her until she was 17, coached her on disordered eating, and pushed her into a career she hated.
This has all the pain points of a deeply depressing story, but McCurdy tells it in a way that will absolutely crack you up.
A juicy side plot is her firsthand tales of iCarly creator Dan Schneider, who she only refers to as “The Creator” throughout the book. I’m assuming this was for legal reasons — Schneider has since been outed by many former Nickelodeon actors for fostering a hostile and abusive work environment for children.
Anyway, the book is good. There’s a reason it’s spent over a year atop the best-seller list. Go read it. Even better, give it a listen!
Let’s get into your tarot card for the week.
The Six of Cups
The Six of Cups is a card of nostalgia and childlike wonder. It aligns with the book review this week because of its focus on the past, particularly childhood. This card can come up when you’re feeling a sense of longing for a simpler time. You might find yourself reconnecting with childhood friends or reminiscing about memories with siblings and chosen family.
Or/and, you might revisit comforting pastimes. This part resonates for me because I’ve recently finished re-watching Schitt’s Creek — a huge feel-good show for me — and I’m nearly done reading “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow,” for the second time. I cried during both, even though I already knew what was going to happen.
Crying is good sometimes. However, if you’re feeling stuck in the past, and crying a bit more than you’d like, this card can also be a gentle reminder that the present moment needs your attention.
For more insight on a specific issue, or help navigating a transition, book a personalized tarot reading with me at the link below:
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for reading!
Love,
Lauren