I'm Glad My Mom Died

Depending on your age, you might have grown up idealizing Jenette McCurdy, or you may have never heard of her.  How did this affect your reading of the book?

As a child, McCurdy adored her mother and desperately wanted to please her.  As an adult, she finally realizes all the ways in which her mother was abusive.  Can you relate to wanting someone else to be happy so much that it comes at the expense of your own happiness?

McCurdy has received some pushback on the book’s title but has defended her choice as “something that I mean sincerely.”  What do you think about the title of the book?  Why do you think McCurdy chose this title?  When, if ever, is it okay to express relief or even happiness over someone’s death?

McCurdy tells her story in the present tense, relating it from her point of view according to what she knows at the time.  As a result, she relays stories that are fairly disturbing without judgment.  What do you think of this writing technique?  In what ways did it make the story more powerful?  In what ways, if any, did it take away from the book?

McCurdy’s friendship with Miranda Cosgrove was an important part of her life.  Have you experienced similar friendships that helped sustain you during challenging periods of your life?   What about McCurdy’s description of youthful friendship resonated with you?

McCurdy’s mother’s actions clearly cross the line into abuse, but when it comes to making decisions for children, the line can be blurry.  How much control should parents have over their children’s lives and activities?  Is it always wrong to push our children, especially if they have talent but not necessarily drive?

There were many adults in McCurdy’s life who did not step in to help her.  Do you think that they just didn’t clearly see what was happening, or were they purposefully complicit?  If so, why?

Given the insider glimpse McCurdy gives us into the world of child acting, how does it change your view of other child stars?  Do you think that child acting can be ethically done?  Would you let your own children become child actors?

Despite its at times extremely disturbing subject matter, this is also a very funny memoir.  Discuss the role of humor in the book.  Why do you think McCurdy chose to joke about her experiences?