I’m Glad My Mom Died by childhood Nickelodeon star, writer and producer Jennette McCurdy spent over 80 weeks on the New York Times’ bestseller list for non-fiction and sold over 3 million copies worldwide. First published in August 2022, this heartfelt memoir detailed her problems with childhood fame, eating disorders and abusive relationships. It also came with the shocking accusation that her mother had emotionally and physically abused Jennette McCurdy and her siblings until 2013 when their mother passed away. It taught us a lot about her life and opened up a world of secrets behind childhood fame, such as the accusation that the ‘creator’ of iCarly and Sam and Cat abused their position of power. If you enjoyed reading I’m Glad My Mom Died as much as we did, here are some recommendations for what you should read next.
Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s debut novel, Half His Age, was released earlier this year on 20 January 2026. Having already sold over 3 million copies, this novel follows fictional protagonist Waldo as she navigates a complex and obsessive relationship with her creative-writing teacher Mr Korgy. At its heart, this novel is about a search for love and a struggle for acceptance. The protagonist navigates complex family dynamics through addiction to online shopping; it is real, emotional and darkly satirical.
Lessons by Ian McEwan
Author of Atonement and booker-prize winner Ian McEwan sold over 8 million copies of his novel Lessons. The 2022 novel follows the life of Roland Baines from his childhood in 1950s England through to the 21st century. It is a meditation on love and the impact of childhood trauma. Lessons combined the intimacy of a personal narrative with the reach of world events such as Chernobyl and Brexit.
Friends, Lovers, And the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
If you like memoirs by famous American celebrities, you will really enjoy this one. Star of the hit sitcom Friends, Matthew Perry published his autobiography in November 2022. It drives us through his battles with drug and alcohol abuse alongside personal anecdotes about his co-stars on Friends. It is a darkly comedic text, one that explores his rise to fame as Chandler, his childhood problems as well as his heartbreaking journey towards sobriety.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Pulitzer Prize winner Barbara Kingsolver’s 2022 novel follows the life of Damon Fields, nicknamed Demon on account of his red hair, as he struggles through foster care, abusive parents and addiction. It highlights themes of exploitation and loss in a delicate and emotional retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield.
Just Ignore Him by Alan Davies
Star of QI and Jonathan Creek, Alan Davies opens up in his memoir about his troubled childhood, including the sexual abuse that he suffered from his father and the death of his mother. It is a novel full of wit and genuine heart-felt emotion- a perfect fit for fans of I’m Glad My Mom Died.
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
The 1948 bestseller No Longer Human was published posthumously by Chiluba magazine. It focusses on themes of alienation and addiction in its semi-autobiographical account of Osamu Dazai’s own life. It is told in three notebooks, tracking his descent from childhood clown to addict in his later years. His adulthood is haunted by lost connections, alcoholism and addiction.
I’m Glad My Mom Died shed a light on complicated families, childhood trauma and the loneliness of stardom. It explored Jennette McCurdy’s pain in a witty and cathartic memoir. Our suggestions offer a little of the same wit and comedy, but with all the bracing honesty. I hope our list has helped you to find your next read.
Words by Lily Barlow
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