Jennette McCurdy knows the title of her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, is causing a reaction, and she’s okay with it.
The iCarly star’s decision to open up about her toxic relationship with her mom in her new book is resonating with other people who struggle with their own complicated parental relationships.
“I think that anybody who has experienced parental abuse understands this title and I think anybody who has a sense of humor understands this title,” McCurdy explained in an interview with Good Morning America about the strong reaction to the title of her new book, I’m Glad My Mom Died.
In her memoir, McCurdy details her life with a mother who wanted her to become a star from the time she was 6 years old, criticizing her looks and refusing to give her any kind of autonomy.
According to the Simon & Schuster description of the memoir, McCurdy “was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.”
When asked on Good Morning America what her mom would think of this book, McCurdy responded, “I wouldn’t have written the book if my mom were alive. I would still have my identity dictated by her.” McCurdy’s mother, Debra, died of breast cancer in 2013.
It’s a sentiment far too many people understood.
“There is only one correct Jennette McCurdy take: If your parents were abusive, you are allowed to no longer speak to them. You are allowed to be relieved when they die. F**k ‘respect ur parents even if they’re abusive.’ If your parents wanted respect they should’ve respected you,” writer Lane Moore tweeted.
Other social media users applauded McCurdy’s courage in speaking out.
Others noted that McCurdy’s book could help other survivors of parental abuse by releasing them from the “the guilt of ‘well your family could be gone one day.’”
Some people who have suffered through toxic parental relationships took to social media to share how much the book means to them.
“Jennette McCurdy’s struggles are validation for me because anyone who tells me that I should feel guilty for abandoning the toxic and abusive majority of my family can kindly f**k off because they speak from the privilege of having parents that actually f**king loved them.”
