Author Jennette McCurdy announces third book ‘The Examined Year’

Bestselling author Jennette McCurdy is releasing a new book that seeks to lead readers on a journey to self-discovery.

Titled The Examined Year: A Self-Discovery Tool, the book will be McCurdy’s third since becoming a literary marvel after stepping away from Hollywood for good in 2018.

It will be a complete contrast to her 2026 debut fiction novel, Half His Age – which is about a 17-year-old’s sexual relationship with her creative writing teacher – and heartbreaking 2022 memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died.

The latter delves into McCurdy’s struggles as a child actor and complicated relationship with her abusive mother. It went on to top book charts and landed a 10-episode series deal at Apple TV.

Guided journal

McCurdy touted The Examined Year as a creative outlet for setting goals, reflecting on personal growth, and answering the most important question: “Who are you, really?”

“The Examined Year is a guided journal I created to help you identify your core values, build goals that honour those values, and take honest stock of your life month by month and season by season, pivoting accordingly as you gain insight and learn more about yourself,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, August 3.

The 34-year-old said she designed the book with readers in mind. From creating journaling prompts to choosing the perfect vegan leather cover, paper, layout, and fonts.

“Ultimately, I wanted every piece of this book to be substantive, beautiful, calming, and helpful to your self-discovery.

“We’re going to reflect. We’re going to learn about ourselves. And we’re all going to write this one together,” added McCurdy, who rose to fame on Nickelodeon sitcoms iCarly and Sam & Cat.

In the same post, she also thanked her fans for supporting her in every way and helping her get the life she’s always dreamed of living.

The Examined Year will hit the shelves in the United States on December 8.

Preorders for the book’s hardcover edition are available via HarperCollins Publishers’ official website.

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