Scan barcode
A review by lastingliterature
The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"But you have to get up because you’re fifteen and that’s what you do. Put on baggy jeans. Put on baggy T-shirt. Baggy hoodie. Baggy everything because you need to leave room for your pain to grow. Protect yourself. You’ve perfected a mask of powder and black eyeliner and a face for people to look at on the outside and maybe it’s not really who you are on the inside, but who wants to see that? That part is too much and not enough. That part is all hollows and a gray, dying heart. Everyone says it will get better after all this. When you’re older. Like it’s a sentence you have to serve. Like it will toughen you up if you can make it. Like it will all be worthwhile. And maybe that’s true, but it seems a long way away and a long time to carry that weight and the only reason you can get through the day is because you know what you can do at the end of it to make it worthwhile for a little bit before that comforting wave takes you away and drowns everything else out"
Kathleen Glasgow is a new favorite author. Reading her books reminds me of how I felt reading Ellen Hopkins as a teen -- seen. While I have never struggled with substance abuse, I have had my fair share of unhealthy coping mechanisms and have close friends and family members who struggle with alcoholism & addiction. Reading Bella's story was painful -- I have seen so much of what she struggles with firsthand, and it is a rough journey. Hurt people hurt people. And while everyone's path is different, so much resonated and took me back. I had trouble putting the book down, even when it hurt to turn the next page.
I haven't cried reading a story like that in a long time. Oof.
Well done, Kathleen.
(If it isn't abundantly clear, check the content warnings before reading and keep yourself safe)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kathleen Glasgow is a new favorite author. Reading her books reminds me of how I felt reading Ellen Hopkins as a teen -- seen. While I have never struggled with substance abuse, I have had my fair share of unhealthy coping mechanisms and have close friends and family members who struggle with alcoholism & addiction. Reading Bella's story was painful -- I have seen so much of what she struggles with firsthand, and it is a rough journey. Hurt people hurt people. And while everyone's path is different, so much resonated and took me back. I had trouble putting the book down, even when it hurt to turn the next page.
I haven't cried reading a story like that in a long time. Oof.
Well done, Kathleen.
(If it isn't abundantly clear, check the content warnings before reading and keep yourself safe)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐