It feels very odd to rate someone writing about their own life the same way I would a fictional work. But this was a perfect 5 stars for me. I listened to the audiobook and got to hear Jennette tell her own story with a horrific and understandable rushed detachment to the whole thing. I can’t imagine writing all of this down to be shared with the world, let alone recording it too.

I picked this up because I grew up watching iCarly. I’ve also seen the industry chew up and spit out child stars with a recent increase in horrifying memoirs and documentaries as of 2026. But knowing how dark and disturbing the child acting industry is nothing - nothing - prepared me for the trauma Jennette’s mother inflicted on her from the moment she was born.

As a child she was learning to manage the whims of a manipulative narcissist who also happened to give birth to her. Each story sounds unbelievable except for the part where it’s not. Jennette’s almost detached narration actually ends up being the biggest selling point. She’s not pointing fingers or casting blame. She’s comes off as almost reluctant to even be sharing the information like a kid with stage fright desperate to be out of the limelight. And that makes it so much easier to see the damage her mother caused.

We follow Jennette over two decades of abuse. Her mother dies about halfway through the book which goes to show just how difficult it was for her to undo the damage done to her. Her path was far from easy, but the book ends on a hopeful note as Jennette prioritizes herself for the first time in her whole life. I am confident that the candidness with which Jennette shared her story will resonate with those experiencing similar struggles and perhaps even encourage those who need it to seek help.

This was very heavy with a dictionary of trigger warnings. If you choose to read, take your time and be mindful of your boundaries.