39 I'm Glad My Mom Died Book Club Questions & Snack Ideas

Here 39 discussion-worthy book club questions and book club snack ideas for Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died.

To be honest, I had never heard of iCarly or Jennette McCurdy until I saw this book. So I really didn’t know what to expect. Like many of you, I was shocked to read the title. I mean, what could Jennette’s mom have possibly done that made her choose this title?

And I got the answer.

Let me tell you, this book was utterly gripping, sad, and truly remarkable.

It explores everything about Jennette’s childhood in a dysfunctional family – a mom who never lets her eat, washing her even as a teenager, and many more horrible things she went through as a child star. She was forced to live her mother’s dream. This memoir was truly heartbreaking.

If I’m Glad My Mom Died is your book club’s book of the month, I am excited for you, Because I am about to share some great book club questions, snack ideas, and activities that will help you have a fantastic book club discussion with your members.

It’s truly one of the most insightful and inspirational memoirs I have ever read.

I’m Glad My Mom Died Summary

I’m Glad My Mom Died is a story about Jennette McCurdy’s journey in acting and life.

Her mom wanted her to be a star, and the book talks about the tough times she had.

There were rules about how she looked, what she ate, and her mom controlled many parts of her life.

Even though she became famous on Nickelodeon’s iCarly, she struggled with feeling anxious, ashamed, and not liking herself, which led to problems like eating too little and addiction.

The story gets even harder when her mom got sick during the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat.

After she stopped acting, got help, and started taking care of herself, Jennette’s story becomes about getting better, finding herself, and enjoying the simple things in life.

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I’m Glad My Mom Died Book Club Questions

How did the book’s title, I’m Glad My Mom Died impact your expectations before reading? Did it change after finishing the book?

In what ways did the storytelling format impact the pacing of the book? Did it create suspense or surprise, or did it make the story more challenging to follow?

Discuss Jennette McCurdy’s dysfunctional childhood.

What were your initial thoughts on Jennette McCurdy’s relationship with her mother? How did it evolve throughout the memoir?

In what ways did the pressure to become a child star affect Jennette’s mental health and self-image?

Share your thoughts on fame and its impact on Jennette. Were there surprises or insights you gained?

Discuss the role of eating disorders in Jennette’s life.

What were your thoughts on the author’s use of humor to cope with challenging situations? Can you recall specific moments that stood out to you?

Discuss the theme of independence in the book.

How did the death of Jennette’s mother influence her life, both positively and negatively?

Explore the dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship portrayed in the memoir. What aspects were relatable or surprising to you?

Discuss the impact of therapy on Jennette’s life. How did seeking professional help contribute to her recovery?

What are your thoughts on the portrayal of relationships in I’m Glad My Mom Died , particularly those labeled as unhealthy?

Share your thoughts on Jennette’s decision to quit acting.

Discuss the role of societal expectations in shaping the life choices of child actors. Do you think these expectations have evolved over time?

How did Jennette’s struggles with self-loathing impact her relationships, both personally and professionally?

Share your favorite humorous moments from I’m Glad My Mom Died.

In what ways did Jennette exhibit resilience in the face of adversity?

Should parents always let their children decide things without making them do what the parents want?

What do you think of Jennette’s decision to share intimate details such as diaries, emails, and income.

What do you think of Jennette’s friendship with Miranda? Discuss their friendship timeline.

Consider the role of family dynamics in the book, both before and after the death of Jennette’s mother.

How did Jennette navigate the complexities of grief while in the public eye?

Explore the theme of control in the book. In what ways did Jennette regain control over her life, especially in the aftermath of her mother’s death?

Discuss Jennette ‘s journey from child actor to finding her own path. What challenges did she face, and how did she overcome them?

Discuss the significance of the iCarly series in Jennette’s life. How did it shape her career and personal journey?

Reflect on the portrayal of societal expectations for women in the entertainment industry. How have these expectations evolved, and in what ways do they still persist?

Discuss McCurdy’s decision to include the hush money offer in her narrative, why do you think she chose to address it despite wanting to avoid its excessive focus?

If you were in Jennette McCurdy’s position, facing a similar hush money offer, would you have made the same decision to include it in your narrative?

Discuss Jennette’s experience with body image and beauty standards. In what ways did these factors contribute to her struggles?

What do you think of Jennette’s relationships?

I have listened to the audio version of the book. Have you listened to it too? If so, how was your listening experience?

What particular incidents between Jennette and her mom struck you as the most heartbreaking?

Discuss the role of transparency in celebrity narratives. Do you believe that celebrities should share potentially controversial or sensitive aspects of their experiences?Why or why not?

Do you think the entertainment industry should take care of young actors’ well-being? Why or why not?

What are some ways to make sure young talents feel safe and supported in their work?

Why do you think books about people’s lives, like those by Jennette McCurdy and Britney Spears, are good to read?

Discuss the quote in the context of the memoir-I yearn to know the people I love deeply and intimately—without context, without boxes—and I yearn for them to know me that way, too.”

Do you really think Jennette is really glad that her mom died? Do you think she may regret this title once she becomes a mother? Why or Why not?

I’m Glad My Mom Died Book Club Snack Ideas

Comfort Food Buffet: Serve a spread of comfort foods to match the theme of the memoir. Include macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, mini pizzas, and other nostalgic favorites.
Healthy Snack Platter: Considering the book’s focus on eating disorders, offer a selection of healthy snacks like vegetable sticks with hummus, fruit skewers, and nuts.
Mocktail Station: Craft a mocktail station with a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. You can create fun and colorful drinks that reflect the vibrancy of Jennette’s journey.

I’m Glad My Mom Died Book Club Activities

Share Your “Childhood Dreams” Activity: Ask each member to share their childhood dreams and whether they feel any pressure to live up to those expectations.

Writing Exercise: Provide journals or papers and ask members to write a short reflection on a turning point in their lives and how it shaped them.

Discussion on Mental Health: Facilitate an open discussion about mental health, body image, and societal expectations.

iCarly Trivia : Create a trivia game with questions related to iCarly episodes, characters, and behind-the-scenes facts

Books Similar to I’m Glad My Mom Died

Educated by Tara Westover: If you are looking for a memoir that talks about dysfunctional families, Educated is a must-read. Tara’s story is all about self-discovery and the struggle for education in a challenging family setting. It’s a real journey of resilience, and I think you’d find it really powerful.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears: Britney’s autobiography offers a different take on fame and media pressure, especially after getting a glimpse into Jennette McCurdy’s experiences in the entertainment industry. It’s a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of her career. I really enjoyed this book.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner: This one’s a bit different but equally gripping. Michelle Zauner’s memoir explores grief, identity, and coping with loss. It touches on personal struggles and finding your own identity. A great one to read after Jennette’s book.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry : I’m currently listening to this book. It provides a profound account of Perry’s life before, during, and after the iconic Friends era. From childhood dreams to the whirlwind of fame, grappling with addiction, and navigating a significant health scare, he’s unfolding the whole story.

Frequently Asked Questions about I’m Glad My Mom Died

What’s the book I’m Glad My Mom Died about?

I’m Glad My Mom Died is a memoir by Jennette McCurdy, known for iCarly and Sam & Cat. It shares her tough experiences as a former child actor, including struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and a challenging relationship with her controlling mother. The book also tells how she took charge of her life.

Is it worth reading I’m Glad My Mom Died?

Yes, it’s worth reading. After trying therapy and quitting acting, Jennette goes on a journey of recovery and self-discovery. The book is powerful and written in a captivating style—heartbreaking yet filled with humor.