I recently read I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy and it was a grand slam five-star read! It will be one that’s added to the stack of Five Star Reads of 2022!

I read this memoir in August, along with 12 others. You can check out this post to see the ratings on the other books I read and connect with me on Goodreads to stay up to date on what I’m reading!
A title like this took me by surprise! As a self-proclaimed “Nickelodeon kid,” I was first excited to hear Jennette had a memoir about her years as a childhood actor. The excitement quickly drained when I realized it wasn’t good.
Then, my need to read it really hit. Like, what was going on in your life?! You seemed so happy and fun to young me. Goes to show that just because it looks beautiful and glossy doesn’t mean it is.
You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.
The audio narration is a must for this book, although I immediately bought a physical copy because I just needed it. I know you’ll understand. Especially with the babysitters club vibe like this, a must.
Jennette narrated her own book and my earbuds were glued to my head. I couldn’t take in her story fast enough. It was shocking and sad and infuriating- and, I hope, cathartic that she finally chose to share.
A must read for any millennial who grew up watching Nickelodeon, fans of memoirs, and those interested in learning more about the dark sides of Hollywood and acting.
Check out my review on Instagram for more!
You can purchase I’m Glad My Mom Died on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Libro.fm!
You can also browse all of my favorite books in my Amazon Storefront.

It took me a while to identify a cocktail that accurately suited this dynamic memoir. I finally settled on The Slow Burn. This is a recreation of one of my favorite drinks from a new bar here in Fort Worth, Birdie’s Social Club.
It’s sweet and full, but packs a spicy punch. It satiates the need for a strong drink and compliments both happy times and melancholy ones. Perfectly made for the complexities of this book.
Did you think I could get that deep on a margarita recipe?!

THE SLOW BURN
You’ll need:
- 1 part tequila
- 2 parts pineapple juice
- 1/2 part ginger juice
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1/2 part agave
- Jalapeno slices
- Pineapple slice
- Tajin
Here’s how to make it:
- Rim glass with pineapple juice, followed by tajin and fill with ice
- Shake pineapple juice, jalapeno slices, ginger juice, lime juice, tequila, and agave in ice and strain into glass
- Garnish with pineapple and jalapenos as desired! I like to press a pineapple slice into tajin for added flair!

Tip: You’re going to want more than one of these and they make fantastic drinks when hosting, so prepare the pineapple juice + jalapenos ahead of time! Use a large mason jar and fill with pineapple juice and jalapeno slices. Pour from this when preparing cocktails. The jalapenos will spice up the juice and you won’t be stuck cutting up jalapenos every time you want this drink!

Have you read I’m Glad My Mom Died? Leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
I’d love to know if you make The Slow Burn!
I just finished!! And stumbled upon your post when looking for food/drink ideas for book club. Slow burn it is! Wowza, what a book and story and experience. I couldn’t stop listening and was crying with her when her voice broke for a second during narration. Cheers to Jennette for her strength and doing the work and cheers to you for sharing this read review and drink recipe.
Author
It was heartbreaking!! So brave of her to finally open up and share those burdens. I hope it was cathartic for her! Thanks for sharing your comment!