Books n' Brew

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

We read variety of genres and meet at McCarty Mills Taproom one Wednesday a month to socialize, discuss books, and enjoy libations! January's book: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.

The Books n' Brew Book Discussion group meets at McCarty Mills Taproom, a relaxed setting to socialize, discuss books, and enjoy libations. McCarty Mills Taproom is at 140 S. River St., Suite 140, across the street from the Santori Library, and food/drink is available for purchase. 

Books are selected by the group or facilitating librarian, and copies are available on the 3rd floor of the Santori Public Library and at the West Branch Library Reference Desk. Contact Cesar Ortega at cortega@aurorapubliclibrary.org or call 630/264-3612 for more information. 

Book description:

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair. (publisher description)