Parker's Reviews > I’m Glad My Mom Died

“I hate being known as Sam. I absolutely hate it.”

iCarly was one of my favorite shows as a kid. I, like many others, adored characters like Sam Puckett and Gibby for their wacky schenanigans and goofy humor. I remember being disappointed when Sam&Cat was canceled, as it felt like the end of an era. More recently, when it was announced that Jennette McCurdy wouldn't be returning to the iCarly reboot, I had a similar feeling.

Now, I'm so incredibly happy that Jennette has escaped that environment. To think so much horror was lurking underneath the surface for one of the most cheerful, entertaining icons of my childhood is extremely disheartening. The title of this memoir has sparked controversy, but I couldn't agree more. Her mother was one of the vilest people imaginable, and Jennette doesn't owe her anything. She's more than Sam Puckett, and she's more than her mother's daughter.

I'm Glad My Mom Died does an extraordinary job at capturing the road to recovery. It's a harrowing narrative embedded with clever jokes and the essence of naivete. Can't recommend it more.