I’d always been curious about “I’m Glad My Mom Died” and with a title like that, how could you not be? Like most people my age, the other part of my curiosity was fueled by my familiarity with Jennette’s character, Sam, from iCarly. It was one of the few shows I’d really enjoyed as a kid, with its wacky characters and even wackier plots. (Imagine my horror what I’d read later on in the book)
Still, when a friend lent me the book, I was fairly cautious about my optimism. Generally, I don’t have the best taste in my mouth from celebrity memoirs. I get the broad sense that these celebrities are not actually interested in the craft of writing and that I’m always wary that the story isn’t actually written by them. However, *potential spoilers ahead* I was pleasantly surprised when I opened up the first page of “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” Jennette’s voice is present throughout the entire novel, a mixture of macabre, hilarity, and irony at times.
It was really heartbreaking to hear what she had gone through. I’d devoured the book in three days time, with a knot in my stomach upon reading the things she had to endure. In some other memoirs, I find the stories to be overly sad with no breath of air for relief. Or even, excruciatingly detailed with the plot nowhere in sight. Still, these things are all understandable. I mean, life is hardly a perfect narrative. However, this is why I think that Jennette’s book is successful. She is able to craft her life’s narrative with the same sort of skill as she would for a fictional a novel. Despite her life experiences being quite difficult, she’s somehow able to weave in moments of comedy and even happiness so that the entire novel isn’t one note. With that, I think that Jennette always keeps the reader in mind.
Also, she’s entertaining as all hell. I have a great appreciation for how her mind works. There are some great moments of juxtaposition or callbacks that really tie everything together. I’m very much looking forward to any future work that she plans and I’m happy to hear that she actually has a true affinity for writing or directing.