Poor little celebrity? Yes, I actually mean that. “The Art of Ruining Your Child” could just as well have been the title of this book, although I realize that the current one is more juicy, more provocative, more here-I-am. But it must be said: I completely see where it is coming from, I understand all too well that author Jennette McCurdy is happy that her mother is no longer around. It is a fierce truth to send out into the world, but it is justified. You might not know Jennette McCurdy before? At least I didn’t. But in the motherland of the United States, she is widely known, a stereotypical child star who has starred in two successive series of the type of happy, polished, Disneyfied comedy: “iCarly” and “Sam & Cat”, the latter in a duo with superstar Ariana Grande. CHILD STARS: The trio consisting of Nathan Kress, Jennette McCurdy (in the middle) and title role holder Miranda Cosgrove formed the hard core of “iCarly” (2007-2012), which was also broadcast on news. Photo: Nickelodeon The actor’s dream Twenty years of lived life, remembered and written down in the most careful and honest way. We follow little Jennette from the time she was six years old and went to her first audition. The mother wants her to become an actress. Will is really too mild a word. In addition, she has had cancer that can return, so here it is important to make mum happy. Mum Deborah thinks that if her little favorite becomes a famous child actor, then everything will work out. By “everything” is meant the family’s financial problems, as well as the mother’s faltering ego, in other words: her lost dream of becoming a star in Hollywood herself. Anxiety and discomfort This means frequent test filming, eternal rehearsing of lines, dance lessons several times a week, constant tweaking of the appearance, agents, casting agencies, disappointments, joys, extras, guest roles, proper roles, driving here and there and back and forth. And then this little detail: Jennette has absolutely no desire to be an actress. She is not really made for this life, all the pressure and exposure creates more stress and discomfort than joy and coping. She wants to quit acting and write instead, but that goes down well with dear mum. Bad assumptions Several piquant spices are thrown into this already rather unpalatable pot: religion (read: cult), a hoarder’s home filled to the brim with things, poverty, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety – and eventually also serious eating disorders, depression, alcoholism, co-dependency. It is almost comical how poor this person’s prerequisites are for having a good life. Is it strange that one has to write a book to process such an upbringing? Disguised abuse It tingles disgustingly under the skin the more I read about Deb’s long-term manipulation and control over her daughter, how she single-handedly shapes and gnaws out a dysfunctional person who lacks basic self-worth, and I think: Is it really possible to inflict on a person so much pain and suffering in the name of love? Because there is love there. An overly claustrophobic, sticky and dictating kind of love. And it is precisely this that makes these traumas so complex. It is the one that makes Jennette for a long time, even after her mother’s death, have doubted a narrative that her mother was a superhero. It is abuse dressed in a plush, pink suit. Cold industry Deb was a narcissist, maybe even a sociopath, and she is indisputably the scapegoat in this sad story. But the context in which it happens makes it all the more sickening. It reinforces all the prejudices we have against extreme Americans who completely lose their heads in the race to be known in Hollywood (which I have to admit is a little satisfying), and not least about the crazy parents who force their children into the fire instead. But what is interesting – and heartbreaking – is that there is not a single person along the road who has picked up the bad stench and acted on the child’s behalf. The industry is cold and indifferent, as long as they can make money from a new young talent. All those years, and no one has been able to see past the facade: the little anxious girl who is controlled like a doll by a sick and destructive mother. ADULT NOW: Jennette McCurdy has reached the age of 31, and her book has become a huge success. So far, it has sold over two million copies. Photo: AP Unable to translate This is a brave and revealing piece of real-life literature, and I have respect for what it must have taken to write it. The book is engaging, has easy-to-digest language and good flow. The only thing I think is a shame is that McCurdy’s voice is a bit lost in translation. Some of her sardonic humor and sass cannot be translated into Norwegian in a satisfactory way, and that annoys me a little. But if you are curious about American showbiz and mental destruction, then don’t hesitate! Then this one is for you. news reviewer: Photo: Kagge forlag Title: “I’m Glad My Mom Died” Original title: “I’m Glad My Mom Died” Author: Jennette McCurdy Publisher: Kagge forlag Genre: Biographical literature Pages: 363 Date: 30 August 2023
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“I’m Glad Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy – Reviews and recommendations
