the one thing that really surprised me when i first saw the book was HOW many people were surprised and outraged by the title, whereas me and some friends where like "yeah, i have felt that and i understand how some parents are toxic af". I love how she also said "this book maybe isnt for everybody", and that is so true. I dont think everyone is ready accept the fact that parents arent perfect and that we arent meant to love them just because of that
yeah that is not a one sided feeling. I hate my parentt for the most part and I believe that ALL PARENTS should be hated because none iof them are capable of beinng good at parenting. Or at least, I used to tink that. Everyone needs to learn to be more open minded
There is definitely more nuance than that and Jennette would have hardcore disagreed with this take. The whole book showed how her view of her mom became more gray as she got older, which she EMPHASIZED in all her interviews and that her nuanced take wasn't going to be for everyone. Not all parents that make crucial missteps are abusive and not all people that think parents should be loved are trad-life shills. Understandable if that's a hard pill to swallow, since nuance is the Internet's cosmic horror. EDIT: What Jennette's mom did was absolutely did was abuse, no doubt about that. I feel like teenagers on the internet are doing the usual "All Parents Are Bad" phase but now there's an internet echo chamber for it and it's becoming a more solidified belief that parents are inherently abusive in some shape or form.
@@LoIsBook oh yes, i don't agree with the idea that "all parents are bad" at all! I have other friends whose parents are really cool and they are very grateful for them, and im sure there are lots of good parents as well However, i meant what i said that parents (or just people we are related to) arent't automatically entitled of our love! Jennette also has mentioned how she doesnt hate her mom now, but she doesnt work towards apoligising her either, cause she doesnt have to. Once again, another thing we are expected to do for parents and relatives, and many people (i think mostly older generations) arent ready to accept that
I feel like in her book you really feel how much she enjoys writing. In her book she also talks about how she loved writing stories as a kid but stopped because her mom guilt trips her into acting and nothing can compete with it. I really hope she can persue her writing now
The title may frighten someone, but there’s just a lot more to it than anyone could ever realize. Jennette McCurdy is a brilliant individual. I don’t see her much as a celebrity, but a more well-rounded and deeply intellectual woman. Thanks for this review, Jack. More power to you.
I probably won’t read the book but the title reminds me of the stepford wives movie with Nicole Kidman the character Bobby wrote a book about her mom called “I love you but please die”
Why are “celebrity” and “well rounded and intellectual” mutually exclusive to you? Ashton Kutcher is leading the fight against sex trafficking in the US by developing new technology with a team of scientists. Kim Kardashian is apprenticing to be a lawyer and has passed the baby bar. Mayim Bialik has a Ph.D in neuroscience. So idk where you’re coming from really
@@abbigailcarr2725 "Celebrity" and "well rounded intellectual" *aren't* mutually exclusive as you said, it's a stereotype because many celebrities on camera appear vapid (or sometimes they intentionally act "dumb" for entertainment or part of their image). That stereotype doesn't have to define the whole group
4:45 She mentioned his name ONCE. (at least in the audiobook.) In ONE line she said "Dan" did something, and then she continued to refer to him only as "The Creator". I was blown away that she decided to mention just his first name just once and in a casual way. This book was so coolly written.
the audiobook for this was stunning. i think the best experience for a memoir is to listen to it narrated by the author themself. adds so much more to the storytelling and depth of emotion portrayed. hearing jennette get choked up was heart breaking but i’m so happy that she was brave enough to share her story with all of us. i think it will be a comfort to so many people out there. this memoir was SO candid
The very last chapter where she visits her mums grave for the last time really got to me. Must’ve been so hard to read that to the mic with a straight face
I blew through the audiobook in 4 days and I have a toddler. It was just such a captivating experience I listened every chance I could. I got a lump in my throat hearing Jennette get choked up.
the part that infuriated me the most, was when she took her manuscript to her mother (for a little book he had an idea) and that... terrible, terrible woman tells her that aspiring to be a writer is condemn herself to obesity, ugliness and bitterness. "Do you want to be a horrible, bitter, fat-assed writer?" and to make it worse, when she asks her what the book was about (after downplaying it to microscopic), she tells her it wasn't that good because it was the plot of " the parent tramp" I'm glad she died too. What a horror of a person. And the granma was even worst. The only one she had was her grandfather.
It was early proof of what a great writer she would become to be. She hadn't even seen or read the original novel and came up with a similar plot, on her own, as a child. She writes terrifically. The comedic beats in the tragedy were seamless. Not usually an easy thing to do!
Calling Dan Schneider "the creator" is also a clever way to convey the power an abuser has over their child victim and the amount of importance and authority a survivor often assigns to their adult abuser.
As a parental abuse survivor, I'm really looking forward to this book. The title is a sentiment that many of us with CPTSD have expressed. For a lot of us there's a complex relief entangled with loss and grief.
Yeah, I feel exactly the same way! I’m a little nervous I’ll end up being triggered by the book, but I think it’d be valuable for me to read the story of someone else who went through similar things to me.
I just had a question. I haven't watched any of her shows or anything. But will i able to still understand and get the full experience out of this book?
While starting the reading of this memoir, I suggest you another one from another celebrity: it's "Born a crime", by Trevor Noah. Very witty, clever and hilarious, but also emotional and touching. (The title alone is so clever! Trevor was in fact the child of a mixed couple during apartheid in South Africa)
she’s phenomenal. writing is clearly her passion she’s written and directed some incredible short films. apparently she’s writing a fiction book now and i couldn’t be more excited
Highly recommend the audiobook if you can't get a physical copy. Hearing Jennette read it herself was incredibly painful but so beautiful. Her delivery was conveyed so many emotions and it was truly an unforgettable listen. You can hear her crying at some point and I just wanted to hug her the entire time. She is also just such a great storyteller and I hope she writes more (if she want to of course) be it books of screenplays.
It's interesting she doesn't paint her mother as a villain in the book. The media's attention has definitely been on the abuse, and that's what's constantly being highlighted. Of course discussions of abuse are important, but it sounds like the book isn't as one sided as the media has made it out to be. A lot of the discussion around the book is whether it's okay to be glad your mom died, if it's okay to hate your abuser even if they were your mother. Funny how what the internet runs with and discusses and fights over isn't even what the book is really about- she's glad her mom died, but she doesn't hate her. And that's a lot more interesting and nuanced than if her mom was just the villain.
I feel like this is what growing up means. When we were kids, many of us would watch these shows and idolize this girl and many others. Being carefree and innocent, not knowing or being able to pick up the behind the scenes. Now, as for me, a twenty something book-loving young adult, who has been through some shit and hardships in life, I'm watching you Jack talk about this wonderful book written by a person who is troubled, afterall. We see things more clearly now, but we are strong.
I’m almost done with the audiobook and as someone who is her age and adored iCarly, I deeply resonated with her story - mainly, that as a teen myself I wanted to be just like the people I saw on tv, magazines, etc. I wanted to be as pretty and skinny and fashionable as them, and beating myself up when I wasn’t. This book is such an important reminder that the standards of beauty that women my age desperately tried to achieve were impossible, unhealthy, and behind the scenes causing incredible damage to the teen stars who had to put on the face of “I’m a happy celebrity”. It’s a stellar book and the voice that my generation of women should all hear.
I highly highly recommend the audiobook for this one. Her narration is amazing! It is raw and emotional and brought me tears at one point because you can really hear how she is still processing her feelings.
I don’t usually finish a book in a day because although I love reading, I have a short attention span but I read this book in 5 hours! It’s that good 😍
I know people read books in a shorter amount of time but my reading speed is slow so I can really understand what I read. It was amazing book is what I’m trying to say. I agree with Jack how raw and real it was actually refreshing.
as a person who always questioned the unconditional love that society thinks we should feel for our parents (and also that our parents should feel for us) i’m intrigued and wanna read this so bad!! Especially when you mentioned audiobook, cause its my favorite way of consuming books
I was too old to watch her shows so I'd never heard of her before this book. I assumed it was a 100% pass but then I just happened to catch one of the zillions of interviews she did. Given that sensationalistic title I was surprised how grounded and introspective she seemed. I was starting to be swayed but this review just sealed the deal. Definitely reading it now!
I listened to the audiobook and the writing style switch worked so well with her actually reading it. It made it so much more relatable. She was recounting her real time comprehension of the situation rather than reflecting back on it. If that makes sense. She is just such a talented writer. Her interview with Trevor Noah about the book is also a must watch.
You're so right about this being a page turner, I was in a reading slump for months and I read this in two days, you can actually tell she cares about the craft of writing unlike other celebrities that just write for a quick check or that get a ghost writer and never mention their book again
4:50 correction: she refers to Dan Schneider by name *once* in the book during the dinner scene about half way through. It's offhand, quick, and it's only by first name, but it exists.
currently reading this book and oh my god. The amount of notes i've already placed because so much of it is unbelievable like. A person went through all that shit. Like a real life person. I feel so much for her and the fact that it's written in present tense makes the events seem more intense? It's like we're reading all this manipulation and abuse being done to a 6yo in real time and it's so heartbreaking.
I'm glad you explained the difference between a memoir and an autobiography. I feel like this destinction hasn't been made enough in regards to this book. I've seen a few people complain that it leaves out certain parts of her life but it makes sense because the book has a theme, like you said, and it's clearly the relationship between her and her mother and what resulted from that.
For those who have read and appreciated this memoir, another memoir that explores the relationship between a daughter and their parent is 'Reckoning' - Magda Szubanski. It is an extremely powerful Aussie classic about coming to terms with the past, self discovery, and the reverberation of trauma through family, one's own life and the lives of loved ones. It comes as an audiobook as well if you'd like to listen to Magda narrate her own memoir (she does some cracking accents which were a pleasant surprise). Highly, highly recommend! 💌🥰
So excited you read it and liked it! It is on my tbr since it came out and I saw a few interview snippets of Jennette McCurdy talking about it and she sounds so intelligent and interesting and I'm really excited to get to know her story! So proud of her to not only escape her toxic relationships but to learn to cope with her history, really great role model. (Probably get the audiobook now :) ) Great video
Yes! I finished the audiobook in two days. Listening to her tell her story, you can really hear the emotion behind her writing which I think helps elevate the entire memoir!
As someone with some of the same parental trauma as she had I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get through it. I devoured it in one sitting. Laughed cried and commiserated.
I related too much to janette it was very hard to get through some parts but no one have described eating disorder brain as she did it was so raw and honest one of the best books i have read overall beautiful book and her constant struggle and guilt towards her mother was so good written I really enjoyed reading it
I saw the title of the video and I KNEW EXACTLY which book was being referred to. Also, happy to see your mom not unpacking the book because that’d be a lot to unpack.
i just read it recently too. i grew up watching jennette and as the time went on, i slowly forgot about her. this book hit me like a slap on the face. i had no idea this was going on behind the scenes. i truly admire her journey and her ability to flawlessly depict that horror to page. amazing and truly compelling writing.
im sure she's made way more than 300,000 from this book already. not saying that as a bad thing. i mean good on her, it takes a lot of courage to share this personal info. but i also commend her for setting her own boundaries for how much detail she wanted to go into.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this book!! I loved it. Jenette Mccurdy is an amazing author, and I’m so glad she was able to have this opportunity to share her story with the world. I’ll be honest and say that this book drew me out of a multiple year-long reading slump !!
this is a book I read so quickly it hit me all so hard and fast that I need to re read it to soak in and process the information again. it was so good. it could have gone a lot of directions and I think she put it together in a way to connect so deeply with the audience.
Listening to the audibook was genuinely one of the most fascinating experiences for me. It didn't make me think of my mother, but of my mother's relationship with my grandmother and how that could've affected her own relationship with me. In a way, it helped repair a lot of my mom specific emotional issues, even if just a little bit. Sooooo I also definitely recommend it
I quite literally called in sick to work because I started reading this in the morning and didnt want to stop! She tells the story in such a phenomenal way, I feel so proud of her!
I hope she sees reviews like these. People who appreciate her writing and the thread she was focusing on. Your explanation of memoir vs autobiography was great.
I read this book as soon as it came out, having always been a Jenette McCurdy fan. I am so glad I read it. I absolutely loved her writing style and this book resonated with me so deeply. I hope she continues her writing career because I am invested.
I tend to feel similar to you about memoirs but I blazed through the audiobook this past weekend. Listening to her tell her story is definitely the way to go. I’d say definitely trigger warnings for going into this book as she doesn’t pull any punches with regards to discussing eating orders and abuse, but well worth the read if you’re up for tackling that.
Borrowed the audiobook from the library but had to put it down partway because it was tough for me to swallow. Great book, but something i gotta take in when im in a better state mentally
so so happy you finally got around to reading this book!! it’s been on my tbr for the longest time and seeing that my favorite youtuber gave it a glowing review?? it’s top priority now thank you jack !!!
I watched her interview about this book and it made me want to read it more! Definitely need to purchase- also huge congratulations on creator of the year 🎉
i literally started following your channels because RUclips considered me as a book lover after i watched videos about this book. and now you're making a video about it, and how much you liked it So I really need to read it
"Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir" by Akwaeke Emezi will easily be another 5 star! It's heartbreaking. But written SO beautifully, my Goodness! Definitely a must read - especially because you enjoyed their other book recently.❤❤❤
Patti Smith's Just Kids is the most wonderful memoir, please read!!! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, she reads it herself and it's brilliant
i requested the audiobook as soon as it came out and i just listened to it, this book is so good and so powerful, i cried, i laughed and i had a LOT of time to reconcile the image of that girl who made me happy for so long as a child and the girl that was suffering behind the scenes. I'm so happy Jennette is happy and healthy now
YESS i was desperately wondering your thoughts on this memoir since your not such a big fan of other memoirs in general. All I can say is *chef’s kiss*
i never watched icarly and have seen maybe one episode of sam and cat in passing but I was instantly interested in this book. I've considered buying it but this video coupled with the half price offer on amazon have convinced me!
I have this on my TBR. I have respect for her honesty that I’ve seen in interviews. Sometimes fame isn’t what you think it will be, especially at such a young age when no one has your back.
I think back when there was a buzz about an iCarly reboot and so many media outlets made Jennette's lack of interest a dig at the show or possibly people on the show and that wasn't fair to her or her castmates. I'm glad she is getting good feedback on her book. Childhood trauma, especially from a parent whose main job is to protect, guide, and teach but was just not that for her is eye-opening for many who didn't know her reasons for wanting to step back from show business. I don't think people realize how many parents out there are horrible and the emotional damage they do to their children. I hope that this book helped her heal a bit and able to move forward with less mental heartache from that trauma.
I respect your approach in this review. Thank you! It's so nice to see someone who loves reading talk about it. I've read lots of books in a day as well, even though I'm more into film now. I really want to read this book now.
Your review sold me! I ordered the book yesterday and I was very skeptical because we all know these kind of books can be VERy boring at best, however I heard many positive reviews about this book and Jeanette sounds truly passionate both about her writing and her very touching story. Can’t wait to read it
I started this audiobook after your recommendation and just finished it! thank you so much for your review jack, this book has really given me so much to think about and was such a phenomenal piece of literature. your recommendations never fail !!
this book is incredible, i couldn’t stop reading it once i started, it made my blood boil from remembering how much i loved her as a kid watching icarly, yet now knowing what was happening behind cameras. The best memoir i have ever read, i’m still thinking about this book even tho its been a while since i read it.
I listened to the audiobook as well and I am not usually into audiobooks but I deeply recommend it to everyone. It adds an extra layer hearing her read it.
I also listened to the audiobook and loved it. I never watched iCarly so I didn't know who she was before the book came out. Related with some things like being incentivized by my mom to be on diets, and also to feeling relieved that a parent passed away (in this case my father). Watched so many interviews with her after, she has such a good sense of humor, really happy she found therapy and do hope she's taking care of herself and feeling better! ❤
I do the same thing with audiobooks!! I kind of have to listen to my books due to my schedule and I always buy the ones I love to re-read them and annotate. Can't wait to read this one (or listen!)
I'm currently half way through! so far I'm really enjoying it, it's so down to earth and raw, so so open and honest. I think maybe the best memoir I've read since Educated by Tara Westover??! jack is never wrong and his taste is impeccable; would trust this man to hold my drink but also my life.
Listened to this as an audiobook read by Jennette herself and I soaked up every word, she’s so talented and it truly is an amazing book! As someone who has struggled with an ed before I had to take a break from reading a couple times when it became just a little bit too graphic, but she honestly has an amazing way with words and it was a really brutally honest and refreshing read.
My daughter grew up watching Jennette, so I watched her too. To me it was clear that Jennette was the most naturally talented performer on the show. I must recommend the audio book for this one, in particular. I love it when the author is the reader, as is the case here. The extra inflections, etc., are great.
Развлечения
the one thing that really surprised me when i first saw the book was HOW many people were surprised and outraged by the title, whereas me and some friends where like "yeah, i have felt that and i understand how some parents are toxic af".
I love how she also said "this book maybe isnt for everybody", and that is so true. I dont think everyone is ready accept the fact that parents arent perfect and that we arent meant to love them just because of that
yeah that is not a one sided feeling. I hate my parentt for the most part and I believe that ALL PARENTS should be hated because none iof them are capable of beinng good at parenting. Or at least, I used to tink that. Everyone needs to learn to be more open minded
Uhm no!? Not all parents should be hated bc there are loving parents out there and i honestly know a lot of them
There is definitely more nuance than that and Jennette would have hardcore disagreed with this take. The whole book showed how her view of her mom became more gray as she got older, which she EMPHASIZED in all her interviews and that her nuanced take wasn't going to be for everyone. Not all parents that make crucial missteps are abusive and not all people that think parents should be loved are trad-life shills. Understandable if that's a hard pill to swallow, since nuance is the Internet's cosmic horror.
EDIT: What Jennette's mom did was absolutely did was abuse, no doubt about that. I feel like teenagers on the internet are doing the usual "All Parents Are Bad" phase but now there's an internet echo chamber for it and it's becoming a more solidified belief that parents are inherently abusive in some shape or form.
@@LoIsBook oh yes, i don't agree with the idea that "all parents are bad" at all! I have other friends whose parents are really cool and they are very grateful for them, and im sure there are lots of good parents as well
However, i meant what i said that parents (or just people we are related to) arent't automatically entitled of our love! Jennette also has mentioned how she doesnt hate her mom now, but she doesnt work towards apoligising her either, cause she doesnt have to. Once again, another thing we are expected to do for parents and relatives, and many people (i think mostly older generations) arent ready to accept that
I love the title, pretty much anyone who had toxic relatives can relate
I feel like in her book you really feel how much she enjoys writing. In her book she also talks about how she loved writing stories as a kid but stopped because her mom guilt trips her into acting and nothing can compete with it.
I really hope she can persue her writing now
I second that! She didn't hold back. Really knows how to translate emotional gut-punches in prose.
I didn't know that. It's quite poetic that some things always find their way in the end.
The title may frighten someone, but there’s just a lot more to it than anyone could ever realize. Jennette McCurdy is a brilliant individual. I don’t see her much as a celebrity, but a more well-rounded and deeply intellectual woman. Thanks for this review, Jack. More power to you.
I don’t know what the book is about , but I wasn’t even surprised / shocked by the title considering how many toxic moms there are in the world.
I probably won’t read the book but the title reminds me of the stepford wives movie with Nicole Kidman the character Bobby wrote a book about her mom called “I love you but please die”
Why are “celebrity” and “well rounded and intellectual” mutually exclusive to you? Ashton Kutcher is leading the fight against sex trafficking in the US by developing new technology with a team of scientists. Kim Kardashian is apprenticing to be a lawyer and has passed the baby bar. Mayim Bialik has a Ph.D in neuroscience. So idk where you’re coming from really
If anyone is frightened by the title they better start giving thanks to God they live a privileged enough life to not understand immediately
@@abbigailcarr2725 "Celebrity" and "well rounded intellectual" *aren't* mutually exclusive as you said, it's a stereotype because many celebrities on camera appear vapid (or sometimes they intentionally act "dumb" for entertainment or part of their image). That stereotype doesn't have to define the whole group
4:45 She mentioned his name ONCE. (at least in the audiobook.) In ONE line she said "Dan" did something, and then she continued to refer to him only as "The Creator". I was blown away that she decided to mention just his first name just once and in a casual way. This book was so coolly written.
the audiobook for this was stunning. i think the best experience for a memoir is to listen to it narrated by the author themself. adds so much more to the storytelling and depth of emotion portrayed. hearing jennette get choked up was heart breaking but i’m so happy that she was brave enough to share her story with all of us. i think it will be a comfort to so many people out there. this memoir was SO candid
Yessss the audiobook was impeccable I can’t even imaging actually reading it because hearing her read her story was so emotional and perfect
The very last chapter where she visits her mums grave for the last time really got to me. Must’ve been so hard to read that to the mic with a straight face
Totally agree 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I blew through the audiobook in 4 days and I have a toddler. It was just such a captivating experience I listened every chance I could. I got a lump in my throat hearing Jennette get choked up.
Can’t agree more. The audiobook was a beautiful listen
the part that infuriated me the most, was when she took her manuscript to her mother (for a little book he had an idea) and that... terrible, terrible woman tells her that aspiring to be a writer is condemn herself to obesity, ugliness and bitterness. "Do you want to be a horrible, bitter, fat-assed writer?" and to make it worse, when she asks her what the book was about (after downplaying it to microscopic), she tells her it wasn't that good because it was the plot of " the parent tramp"
I'm glad she died too. What a horror of a person. And the granma was even worst. The only one she had was her grandfather.
It was early proof of what a great writer she would become to be. She hadn't even seen or read the original novel and came up with a similar plot, on her own, as a child. She writes terrifically. The comedic beats in the tragedy were seamless. Not usually an easy thing to do!
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, Jennette McCurdy reads it herself
he did listen to the audiobook, he mentions it in the video :)
It was soo good.
Yess I swear there wasn't a moment where I was bored
I'm just about to start it. I've seen this book everywhere and now I'm really curious.
@@clovisandtheclover i know, i commented before i watched the whole video out of sheer excitement :D
Calling Dan Schneider "the creator" is also a clever way to convey the power an abuser has over their child victim and the amount of importance and authority a survivor often assigns to their adult abuser.
As a parental abuse survivor, I'm really looking forward to this book. The title is a sentiment that many of us with CPTSD have expressed. For a lot of us there's a complex relief entangled with loss and grief.
Yeah, I feel exactly the same way! I’m a little nervous I’ll end up being triggered by the book, but I think it’d be valuable for me to read the story of someone else who went through similar things to me.
@@marshm3llow467 that's honourable of you, best of luck
You should consider watching her interview with Drew Barrymore on RUclips. It was very moving. Poor Drew had a similar situation growing up.
It’s so sad that she was one of our favourite characters on tv yet behind the scenes all of this was happening
I just had a question. I haven't watched any of her shows or anything. But will i able to still understand and get the full experience out of this book?
@@amorfatiauthenticity5704 I would say yes.
@@amorfatiauthenticity5704 yes I don’t think it’s necessary like Jack said but it probably hits
it also makes me wonder how many other young actors have had this same pressure
@@amorfatiauthenticity5704 yes, I haven't seen any show she's in, only heard of them
While starting the reading of this memoir, I suggest you another one from another celebrity: it's "Born a crime", by Trevor Noah. Very witty, clever and hilarious, but also emotional and touching. (The title alone is so clever! Trevor was in fact the child of a mixed couple during apartheid in South Africa)
Sarah Polley's Run Toward the Danger is also absolutely brilliant.
A brilliant book. I would also highly recommend.
Born A Crime is also my favorite! I learned a lot from Trevor's memoir. :)
Great rec!! I learned so much more about South African apartheid from this book, it was absolutely brilliant.
just wanted to add that Trevor also interviewed Jannette abut the book on The Daily Show! now that Jack speaks so highly of it, can't wait to read it!
she’s phenomenal. writing is clearly her passion she’s written and directed some incredible short films. apparently she’s writing a fiction book now and i couldn’t be more excited
Highly recommend the audiobook if you can't get a physical copy. Hearing Jennette read it herself was incredibly painful but so beautiful. Her delivery was conveyed so many emotions and it was truly an unforgettable listen. You can hear her crying at some point and I just wanted to hug her the entire time. She is also just such a great storyteller and I hope she writes more (if she want to of course) be it books of screenplays.
She’s said she’s writing more books in an interview.
It's interesting she doesn't paint her mother as a villain in the book. The media's attention has definitely been on the abuse, and that's what's constantly being highlighted. Of course discussions of abuse are important, but it sounds like the book isn't as one sided as the media has made it out to be. A lot of the discussion around the book is whether it's okay to be glad your mom died, if it's okay to hate your abuser even if they were your mother. Funny how what the internet runs with and discusses and fights over isn't even what the book is really about- she's glad her mom died, but she doesn't hate her. And that's a lot more interesting and nuanced than if her mom was just the villain.
I normally lean mostly towards fiction but everything I’ve heard about this book has been so good I’m dying to read it
Tbh to me it felt like reading fiction from the way it's narrated
As a fellow mostly-fiction reader, I absolutely recommend this book! It’s ridiculously readable and engaging.
I feel like this is what growing up means. When we were kids, many of us would watch these shows and idolize this girl and many others. Being carefree and innocent, not knowing or being able to pick up the behind the scenes. Now, as for me, a twenty something book-loving young adult, who has been through some shit and hardships in life, I'm watching you Jack talk about this wonderful book written by a person who is troubled, afterall. We see things more clearly now, but we are strong.
oh and i forgot to tell I'm wishing everything good on Jennette and everyone really, may we all be healed
I love how this book is equally humorous as it is tragic. It’s a perfect balance to keep the reader entertained throughout
I’m almost done with the audiobook and as someone who is her age and adored iCarly, I deeply resonated with her story - mainly, that as a teen myself I wanted to be just like the people I saw on tv, magazines, etc. I wanted to be as pretty and skinny and fashionable as them, and beating myself up when I wasn’t. This book is such an important reminder that the standards of beauty that women my age desperately tried to achieve were impossible, unhealthy, and behind the scenes causing incredible damage to the teen stars who had to put on the face of “I’m a happy celebrity”. It’s a stellar book and the voice that my generation of women should all hear.
Another celebrity memoir worth your time is Trevor Noah's Born a Crime. It's one of my favorite
I highly highly recommend the audiobook for this one. Her narration is amazing! It is raw and emotional and brought me tears at one point because you can really hear how she is still processing her feelings.
I don’t usually finish a book in a day because although I love reading, I have a short attention span but I read this book in 5 hours! It’s that good 😍
I know people read books in a shorter amount of time but my reading speed is slow so I can really understand what I read. It was amazing book is what I’m trying to say. I agree with Jack how raw and real it was actually refreshing.
I am glad you clarified the tea of what the media picked up on with the book vs the actual content of the book :)
as a person who always questioned the unconditional love that society thinks we should feel for our parents (and also that our parents should feel for us) i’m intrigued and wanna read this so bad!! Especially when you mentioned audiobook, cause its my favorite way of consuming books
I was too old to watch her shows so I'd never heard of her before this book. I assumed it was a 100% pass but then I just happened to catch one of the zillions of interviews she did. Given that sensationalistic title I was surprised how grounded and introspective she seemed. I was starting to be swayed but this review just sealed the deal. Definitely reading it now!
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I listened to the audiobook and the writing style switch worked so well with her actually reading it. It made it so much more relatable. She was recounting her real time comprehension of the situation rather than reflecting back on it. If that makes sense. She is just such a talented writer. Her interview with Trevor Noah about the book is also a must watch.
You're so right about this being a page turner, I was in a reading slump for months and I read this in two days, you can actually tell she cares about the craft of writing unlike other celebrities that just write for a quick check or that get a ghost writer and never mention their book again
Like you said, she isn't bashing Ariana but Nickolodian for the unfair treatment and adresses how it made her feel.
4:50 correction: she refers to Dan Schneider by name *once* in the book during the dinner scene about half way through. It's offhand, quick, and it's only by first name, but it exists.
I've had this book on hold at my library since early August and I'm 154th in line. I canNOT wait to get my hands on this book
currently reading this book and oh my god. The amount of notes i've already placed because so much of it is unbelievable like. A person went through all that shit. Like a real life person. I feel so much for her and the fact that it's written in present tense makes the events seem more intense? It's like we're reading all this manipulation and abuse being done to a 6yo in real time and it's so heartbreaking.
I'm glad you explained the difference between a memoir and an autobiography. I feel like this destinction hasn't been made enough in regards to this book. I've seen a few people complain that it leaves out certain parts of her life but it makes sense because the book has a theme, like you said, and it's clearly the relationship between her and her mother and what resulted from that.
For those who have read and appreciated this memoir, another memoir that explores the relationship between a daughter and their parent is 'Reckoning' - Magda Szubanski. It is an extremely powerful Aussie classic about coming to terms with the past, self discovery, and the reverberation of trauma through family, one's own life and the lives of loved ones. It comes as an audiobook as well if you'd like to listen to Magda narrate her own memoir (she does some cracking accents which were a pleasant surprise). Highly, highly recommend! 💌🥰
The audiobook for it is also so good. She narrates it herself.
So excited you read it and liked it! It is on my tbr since it came out and I saw a few interview snippets of Jennette McCurdy talking about it and she sounds so intelligent and interesting and I'm really excited to get to know her story! So proud of her to not only escape her toxic relationships but to learn to cope with her history, really great role model. (Probably get the audiobook now :) ) Great video
Yes! I finished the audiobook in two days. Listening to her tell her story, you can really hear the emotion behind her writing which I think helps elevate the entire memoir!
As someone with some of the same parental trauma as she had I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get through it. I devoured it in one sitting. Laughed cried and commiserated.
Jack - Eleanor Oliphant is on your TBR but you didn't list it in your episode recently. But you neeeeeeed to read it. You're not ready.
Please please please please
it's definitely one of my few 5 star reads!
He does need to read it!! I LOVED it so much. I think he'll like it too
I loved Eleanor Oliphant!!! ♥️
That book is divine omg
I related too much to janette it was very hard to get through some parts but no one have described eating disorder brain as she did it was so raw and honest one of the best books i have read overall beautiful book and her constant struggle and guilt towards her mother was so good written I really enjoyed reading it
I saw the title of the video and I KNEW EXACTLY which book was being referred to. Also, happy to see your mom not unpacking the book because that’d be a lot to unpack.
i just read it recently too. i grew up watching jennette and as the time went on, i slowly forgot about her. this book hit me like a slap on the face. i had no idea this was going on behind the scenes. i truly admire her journey and her ability to flawlessly depict that horror to page. amazing and truly compelling writing.
im sure she's made way more than 300,000 from this book already. not saying that as a bad thing. i mean good on her, it takes a lot of courage to share this personal info. but i also commend her for setting her own boundaries for how much detail she wanted to go into.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this book!! I loved it. Jenette Mccurdy is an amazing author, and I’m so glad she was able to have this opportunity to share her story with the world. I’ll be honest and say that this book drew me out of a multiple year-long reading slump !!
The fact that I instantly knew which book you were talking about it astounding to me. I want to read this book so badly
The audiobook read by Jennette herself ist incredible!!!!
this is a book I read so quickly it hit me all so hard and fast that I need to re read it to soak in and process the information again. it was so good. it could have gone a lot of directions and I think she put it together in a way to connect so deeply with the audience.
Listening to the audibook was genuinely one of the most fascinating experiences for me. It didn't make me think of my mother, but of my mother's relationship with my grandmother and how that could've affected her own relationship with me. In a way, it helped repair a lot of my mom specific emotional issues, even if just a little bit. Sooooo I also definitely recommend it
I quite literally called in sick to work because I started reading this in the morning and didnt want to stop! She tells the story in such a phenomenal way, I feel so proud of her!
I hope she sees reviews like these. People who appreciate her writing and the thread she was focusing on. Your explanation of memoir vs autobiography was great.
I read this book as soon as it came out, having always been a Jenette McCurdy fan. I am so glad I read it. I absolutely loved her writing style and this book resonated with me so deeply. I hope she continues her writing career because I am invested.
I tend to feel similar to you about memoirs but I blazed through the audiobook this past weekend. Listening to her tell her story is definitely the way to go. I’d say definitely trigger warnings for going into this book as she doesn’t pull any punches with regards to discussing eating orders and abuse, but well worth the read if you’re up for tackling that.
Oml thank you so much i was looking for someone to talk abt this book in the exact second u posted this
she’s such an amazing writer. this was SO honest I loved it so much
I love how everyone is loving it like good for her!!!
Borrowed the audiobook from the library but had to put it down partway because it was tough for me to swallow. Great book, but something i gotta take in when im in a better state mentally
so so happy you finally got around to reading this book!! it’s been on my tbr for the longest time and seeing that my favorite youtuber gave it a glowing review?? it’s top priority now thank you jack !!!
I just finished it last night and I was also blown away by the writing. I love listening to the audiobook spoken by Jenette, herself.
She did an excellent job recounting it all, she went thru so much! Defo worth reading this book and the title is *perfect*.
I watched her interview about this book and it made me want to read it more! Definitely need to purchase- also huge congratulations on creator of the year 🎉
i literally started following your channels because RUclips considered me as a book lover after i watched videos about this book. and now you're making a video about it, and how much you liked it
So I really need to read it
The audiobook is super great as well, as she herself narrates it!
"Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir" by Akwaeke Emezi will easily be another 5 star! It's heartbreaking. But written SO beautifully, my Goodness! Definitely a must read - especially because you enjoyed their other book recently.❤❤❤
Can’t wait to get my hands on this! Will defo read the audio version🙌🙌
Patti Smith's Just Kids is the most wonderful memoir, please read!!! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, she reads it herself and it's brilliant
i requested the audiobook as soon as it came out and i just listened to it, this book is so good and so powerful, i cried, i laughed and i had a LOT of time to reconcile the image of that girl who made me happy for so long as a child and the girl that was suffering behind the scenes.
I'm so happy Jennette is happy and healthy now
I'm so glad this book is acknowledged and loved so much and got Jeanette McCurdy her baggg 🥰
yes!! couldn't agree more! was waiting for your thoughts on this
You are iconic and this book seems so iconic as well
i was WAITING for you to talk about this book!!!!
YESS i was desperately wondering your thoughts on this memoir since your not such a big fan of other memoirs in general. All I can say is *chef’s kiss*
i completely agree, i loved this book.
wait jack you should totally read born a crime by trevor noah, it's one of the better memoirs ive read (:
If you have childhood trauma, the title isn’t shocking....
i never watched icarly and have seen maybe one episode of sam and cat in passing but I was instantly interested in this book. I've considered buying it but this video coupled with the half price offer on amazon have convinced me!
I have this on my TBR. I have respect for her honesty that I’ve seen in interviews. Sometimes fame isn’t what you think it will be, especially at such a young age when no one has your back.
read this the day it came out, cried 10/10
I think back when there was a buzz about an iCarly reboot and so many media outlets made Jennette's lack of interest a dig at the show or possibly people on the show and that wasn't fair to her or her castmates. I'm glad she is getting good feedback on her book. Childhood trauma, especially from a parent whose main job is to protect, guide, and teach but was just not that for her is eye-opening for many who didn't know her reasons for wanting to step back from show business. I don't think people realize how many parents out there are horrible and the emotional damage they do to their children. I hope that this book helped her heal a bit and able to move forward with less mental heartache from that trauma.
I respect your approach in this review. Thank you! It's so nice to see someone who loves reading talk about it. I've read lots of books in a day as well, even though I'm more into film now. I really want to read this book now.
Your review sold me! I ordered the book yesterday and I was very skeptical because we all know these kind of books can be VERy boring at best, however I heard many positive reviews about this book and Jeanette sounds truly passionate both about her writing and her very touching story. Can’t wait to read it
I started this audiobook after your recommendation and just finished it! thank you so much for your review jack, this book has really given me so much to think about and was such a phenomenal piece of literature. your recommendations never fail !!
this book is incredible, i couldn’t stop reading it once i started, it made my blood boil from remembering how much i loved her as a kid watching icarly, yet now knowing what was happening behind cameras. The best memoir i have ever read, i’m still thinking about this book even tho its been a while since i read it.
omg i found a copy at a bookstore the other day right as they restocked and after watching this i need to read it RIGHT AWAY
I listened to the audiobook as well and I am not usually into audiobooks but I deeply recommend it to everyone. It adds an extra layer hearing her read it.
I was unsure about picking this up but you have convinced me
i’m about halfway through this book right now and it’s actually so amazing ❤
I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. It was so well written!
This was such a good video. Makes me want to read the book.
I experienced the audiobook first too, and I'm glad I did. It being narrated by her adds so much to the memoir, it's so freaking good
I also listened to the audiobook and loved it. I never watched iCarly so I didn't know who she was before the book came out. Related with some things like being incentivized by my mom to be on diets, and also to feeling relieved that a parent passed away (in this case my father). Watched so many interviews with her after, she has such a good sense of humor, really happy she found therapy and do hope she's taking care of herself and feeling better! ❤
It’s in my hold-list for my library and I’m so excited to read this!!
I do the same thing with audiobooks!! I kind of have to listen to my books due to my schedule and I always buy the ones I love to re-read them and annotate. Can't wait to read this one (or listen!)
Great review as usual Jack.
Sending love from Kenya😍.
I'm currently half way through! so far I'm really enjoying it, it's so down to earth and raw, so so open and honest. I think maybe the best memoir I've read since Educated by Tara Westover??!
jack is never wrong and his taste is impeccable; would trust this man to hold my drink but also my life.
I'm curious about this book. She nailed it with the title for sure 😂
Listened to this as an audiobook read by Jennette herself and I soaked up every word, she’s so talented and it truly is an amazing book! As someone who has struggled with an ed before I had to take a break from reading a couple times when it became just a little bit too graphic, but she honestly has an amazing way with words and it was a really brutally honest and refreshing read.
My daughter grew up watching Jennette, so I watched her too. To me it was clear that Jennette was the most naturally talented performer on the show. I must recommend the audio book for this one, in particular. I love it when the author is the reader, as is the case here. The extra inflections, etc., are great.
It's like she took out pages of her journal and gave it to us.
Jack is really spoiling us with all this content recently!
Just from hearing that little excerpt summarizing what the book is about makes me want to read it 😊
I can't wait to read this! I'm #4 in line at the library. Great vid!
that blurb made me tear up. "the joy of shampooing your own hair" just wow.
I just got a notification from Waterstones to come collect this book! I've been wanting to read it since the day it came out