A review by conspystery
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

This is a solid, powerful memoir that delves into the complex realities of abuse, eating disorders, and identity. The book is engaging with a firm, focused grasp on the narrative it wants to present, and it does so with casual, witty eloquence perfectly fitting for the author’s intent. Denial is a central theme in Jennette’s story and the book leans hard into it, establishing and maintaining a keen sense of irony that increases in intensity as the chapters go on; only when Jennette finally addresses the reality of her situation does the irony lift, delivering a painful but tragically satisfying emotional release that defines its message of acceptance (of the self and the past, which is importantly not synonymous with forgiveness of abusers!) and moving forward for one’s own sake. While the writing didn’t stand out to me quite as much as I expected it to, I definitely enjoyed it-- the ironic angle it took cast such a stinging but necessary light on Jennette’s experiences, which really resonated with me. Overall, I found I’m Glad My Mom Died poignantly fascinating, offering much to consider about denial, identity, and overcoming strife with an understated yet evocative, intelligently retrospective voice. I liked it a lot. 
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