Book Wise

This Book Exposes the Tragic Life of a Nickelodeon Star

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About the episode

If you grew up watching Nickelodeon in the late 2000s/early 2010s, you probably remember the smash hit iCarly, starring Jennette McCurdy.

Though McCurdy appeared sunny and cheerful; her personal life was anything but.

Growing up with an overbearing, emotionally abusive mom-ager — McCurdy developed several harmful coping mechanisms. However, her issues didn’t evaporate with the death of her mother. McCurdy would find herself locked in a years-long losing battle with addiction, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

She would live to tell the tale. But the battle scars are visceral.

On this episode of Book Wise, Britt Brewer aka Dr. Books explores McCurdy’ tragic upbringing through the lens of:

1. Her fraught relationship with the creator of iCarly and Nickelodeon
2. A tormented upbringing with her Mom slash manager
3. Her continued battles with disordered eating

So check your nostalgia at the door, ’cause things are about to get really real.

Free Summaries

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is a bestselling memoir that balances heartbreak and humor as it details her journey from child stardom to personal recovery. Starting as an actress at six to fulfill her mother's dream, Jennette faced severe control and abuse, including calorie restrictions, invasive makeovers, and being showered by her mother until 16.

Her success on Nickelodeon's iCarly brought fame but also deep anxiety, eating disorders, and self-loathing, exacerbated by her mother’s domineering influence. After her mother’s death from cancer, Jennette quit acting, sought therapy, and began reclaiming her life. With honesty and dark humor, the memoir explores themes of resilience, healing, and discovering independence.