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.

Books mentioned: 

• “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy

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