In the genre of memoirs, I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy has captivated readers with its raw honesty and gripping storytelling. If you’ve found yourself moved by McCurdy’s narrative, you might be searching for more books that offer similar emotional depth and personal insight. Here are 15 books that will resonate with fans of I’m Glad My Mom Died.
Books Similar to I’m Glad My Mom Died
1. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s Educated is a memoir about growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho but eventually breaking away to pursue education. Westover’s journey from a survivalist upbringing to earning a PhD from Cambridge University is both harrowing and inspiring. This book is highly recommended for its powerful narrative and the resilience of its author.
2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is Jeannette Walls’ unforgettable memoir about her unconventional and impoverished upbringing. Walls recounts her parents’ dysfunction and their nomadic lifestyle, which led to both incredible challenges and unique experiences. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness.
3. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s Wild is a memoir that chronicles her solo journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage. Strayed’s raw and candid writing captures her physical and emotional struggles, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of personal transformation and healing.
4. Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Running with Scissors is Augusten Burroughs’ darkly humorous memoir about his bizarre and chaotic childhood. Sent to live with his mother’s unorthodox psychiatrist, Burroughs’ life becomes a series of strange and often disturbing events. This book is recommended for its unique blend of humor and heartbreak.
5. The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr
Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club recounts her turbulent childhood in a small Texas town, marked by her mother’s mental illness and her father’s storytelling. Karr’s memoir is both poignant and darkly funny, offering a vivid portrayal of a dysfunctional family. It’s a must-read for fans of gritty, honest memoirs.
6. Bossypants by Tina Fey
In Bossypants, comedian Tina Fey shares her journey from a nerdy girl with a dream to one of the most influential women in comedy. Fey’s memoir is filled with her trademark wit and humor, but it also offers insightful reflections on her career and personal life. This book is perfect for those looking for a lighter, yet still impactful, memoir.
7. Hunger by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s Hunger is a powerful memoir about her struggles with weight, body image, and trauma. Gay’s candid and unflinching writing delves into her personal experiences and societal pressures. This book is recommended for its profound honesty and its exploration of complex themes.
8. Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan
Brain on Fire is Susannah Cahalan’s memoir about her sudden descent into madness and the medical mystery that nearly claimed her life. Cahalan’s gripping account of her battle with a rare autoimmune disease is both terrifying and enlightening. This book is a must-read for those interested in medical memoirs and stories of survival.
9. Just Kids by Patti Smith
Patti Smith’s Just Kids is a beautifully written memoir about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and their early years in New York City. Smith’s poetic prose and vivid storytelling capture the spirit of the 1960s and 70s art scene. This book is recommended for its lyrical quality and its intimate portrayal of a deep friendship.
10. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
In The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion explores the year following the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne. Didion’s memoir is a profound reflection on grief, memory, and the process of mourning. This book is a poignant and deeply moving read for anyone who has experienced loss.
11. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir about his journey from a neurosurgeon to a patient diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Kalanithi’s reflections on life, death, and his transition from doctor to patient are both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. This book is highly recommended for its eloquence and depth.
12. The Color of Water by James McBride
The Color of Water is James McBride’s tribute to his mother, a white Jewish woman who raised twelve black children in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. McBride’s memoir explores themes of identity, race, and family with warmth and insight. This book is recommended for its compelling narrative and its celebration of diversity.
13. The Glass Eye by Jeannie Vanasco
Jeannie Vanasco’s The Glass Eye is a memoir about her relationship with her father and the impact of his death on her life. Vanasco’s writing is intimate and reflective, delving into themes of grief, memory, and mental illness. This book is a poignant exploration of the bond between a father and daughter.
14. The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander
In The Light of the World, poet Elizabeth Alexander reflects on the sudden death of her husband and the love they shared. Alexander’s memoir is a lyrical and heartfelt tribute to her late husband and their life together. This book is recommended for its beautiful prose and its exploration of love and loss.
15. Dear Mr. You by Mary-Louise Parker
Mary-Louise Parker’s Dear Mr. You is a unique memoir written in the form of letters to the men who have influenced her life. Parker’s writing is witty, poignant, and deeply personal, offering a glimpse into her relationships and experiences. This book is a refreshing and innovative take on the memoir genre.