An Open Letter to Jennette McCurdy; I’m Glad Your Mom Died, Too

7 min readAug 24, 2022

And I’m glad you’re selling the shit out of your book.

Dear Jennette,

Congrats! I’m so happy for you that your memoir is #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list for nonfiction! That is one hell of a huge accomplishment for anybody, but for someone whose own mom stamped out her writing passion in childhood, it’s got to be one of (if not THE) biggest accomplishments of your life.

Criticism

I think the criticism and judgement I’ve heard about your book is really weird. I’ve seen lots of reviews, posts, and threads where people have said something to the effect of, “I’ve heard that Jennette had a really difficult childhood and that her mom messed up a lot… but to be glad her own mother died is just abhorrent!”

To that I say, “Read. The. Damn. Book” I know not everybody’s jam is a memoir about a kid who was forced into acting by her controlling, enmeshed, narcissist of a mother; But I feel most people who have a problem with the title would have their minds changed by the first few sentences.

What was it that you said about your grief over your mom’s death? What was the word? Oh yeah. Insurmountable. Sounds like it’s more complicated than a rich woman being spoiled and petty.

Only people who’ve never experienced parental abuse could ever be confused about why you’re glad for your mother’s death. It’s clear why you’re glad she’s dead: because you’re not not dead. You’re still alive, and you aren’t going to die from an eating disorder or addiction.

Beyond that, you’ve been able to grow, to know yourself, and to love yourself in a way you’d never have been able to if your mom was still here. That’s a hard reality to face, but you do it, and you should be celebrated because of it!

Your ability to thrive is a true fucking inspiration! Anybody who’s experienced parental abuse can at very least understand your position.

Hopefully everybody who has a problem with the title will change their mind or at least lose interest.