I’ve a soft spot for biographies and memoirs in audiobook format, particularly if they’re narrated by authors themselves. I’ve seen Jennette McCurdy’s book multiple times in the top rated section, but didn’t pick it up as I didn’t realise who she is – the name didn’t ring a bell and I did not do any research on it.

That was until a co-worker recommended I check it out, selling it further with a short premise on what’s it about and clarifying that this is the actress portraying Sam in iCarly – well of course I know who that is.

And oh my, oh my, I’m so happy I finally picked it up.

This is by far the most honest and raw memoir I’ve read so far. Absolute mad respect for Jeannette to conquer everything she’s been through to the point of being able to, objectively, talk about it.

Jeannette gives an account of her life from the early childhood years, all the way through to more present days, in incredible detail. She talks about her acting career and how it, together with all other aspects of her life, was managed by her mother. The same mother who taught her calorie restriction diet at a young age to help retain child-like physique. The same mother who constantly guilt tripped her and others, using her cancer survivor card as a bargaining chip. And the same mother who showered Jeanette, together with her brothers. It becomes clear quite quickly how abusive her mother’s behaviour was, resulting in/contributing to Jeannette’s food eating disorders, misperception of body image, anxiety, etc.

“I was conditioned to believe any boundary I wanted was a betrayal of her, so I stayed silent. Cooperative.”

Jennette McCurdy

While Jeannette’s mom is a big part of this book (proportional to her real life and how it shaped, it feels), the author also goes into a little bit of detail into her career, the fame, the perks and the cons that came with it. She sheds light at the questionable dealings she encountered at Nickelodeon and unfair treatment given to different TV shows stars, but she doesn’t go into great specifics, in case you’re interested in that information.

Following her mother’s death, she decided to part ways with acting and took up therapy sessions, and I hope she is finally doing what it is she really wants to do in life. Her writing style is incredibly impactful, resonating with the reader despite difficult topics covered, filled to the brim with emotions.

If you’re uncomfortable with such topics, this might not be a book for you, it does contain what could be a trigger content. However, it is incredible to see the journey Jeannette took to get to where she is today and I wish her all the best on the recovery journey.