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The Glass Girl
Everyone in fifteen-year-old Bella’s life needs something from her. Her mom needs her to help around the house; her dad needs her to not make waves; her ex needs her to not be so much. The only person who never needed anything from her was her grandmother—and now she’s dead.
There’s only one thing that dulls the pressure: alcohol. Vodka, beer, peppermint schnapps—alcohol smooths the sharp edges of Bella’s life. And what’s the big deal? Everyone drinks. Besides, Bella can stop whenever she wants. But after she gets blackout drunk at a Thanksgiving party and wakes up in the hospital, it’s time to face reality. And for Bella, reality means rehab.
There’s only one thing that dulls the pressure: alcohol. Vodka, beer, peppermint schnapps—alcohol smooths the sharp edges of Bella’s life. And what’s the big deal? Everyone drinks. Besides, Bella can stop whenever she wants. But after she gets blackout drunk at a Thanksgiving party and wakes up in the hospital, it’s time to face reality. And for Bella, reality means rehab.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 1, 2024
2186 people are currently reading
56268 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Glasgow
16 books12.1k followersKathleen Glasgow is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of Girl in Pieces, The Glass Girl, You'd Be Home Now, How to Make Friends With the Dark, and The Agathas series (with Liz Lawson). Visit her on TikTok (@kathleenglasgow), Instagram (misskathleenglasgow) or her website (www.kathleenglasgowbooks.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,335 reviews
October 8, 2024
Kathleen Glasgow's writing will always leave me speechless, with a broken heart, but also filled with hope. The topics she writes about are so difficult to write about, but they're important stories that need to be told. Receiving this book in exchange for an honest review is such a full circle moment; "You'd Be Home Now" is one of the first ARCs I received to review and that book still holds such a special place in my heart.
"The Glass Girl" is about Bella, a fifteen year old girl. In order to get through her daily life, she sneaks a drink here and there. It's fine -- everyone does, right? After a shocking incident involving drinking, Bella ends up in rehab. We follow Bella first through her daily life, learning why she feels the need to drink and why she starts hiding it. Then, we follow her journey through rehab, which includes meeting other teenagers in the rehab facility. Lastly, we join Bella as she tries to navigate going back to her normal life.
This story really filled me with rage. So many characters are just straight up assholes and it was extremely frustrating. I loved how realistic Bella's character was and how her rehab journey was not a linear one, because it rarely is. I would highly recommend this book (and honestly any of Glasgow's books), especially to those who have struggled with substance abuse or those who would like to understand it.
"The Glass Girl" is about Bella, a fifteen year old girl. In order to get through her daily life, she sneaks a drink here and there. It's fine -- everyone does, right? After a shocking incident involving drinking, Bella ends up in rehab. We follow Bella first through her daily life, learning why she feels the need to drink and why she starts hiding it. Then, we follow her journey through rehab, which includes meeting other teenagers in the rehab facility. Lastly, we join Bella as she tries to navigate going back to her normal life.
This story really filled me with rage. So many characters are just straight up assholes and it was extremely frustrating. I loved how realistic Bella's character was and how her rehab journey was not a linear one, because it rarely is. I would highly recommend this book (and honestly any of Glasgow's books), especially to those who have struggled with substance abuse or those who would like to understand it.
July 2, 2024
"All people have a darkness inside them. You just need to dig a little."
We all have that one thing we turn to when life gets tough. Some of our coping mechanisms are healthier than others. In her story, Kathleen depicts the difficult moments in Bella's life. Brace yourself for this one; it's a heavy read.
In familiar Glasgow fashion, we know the story will tug at our heartstrings and have us rooting for the main character. This tale, just like others by the author, helps me see the beauty in life through her words.
"The Glass Girl" is a powerful story of battling addiction and discovering hope. Not all journeys are smooth, but with the right support, we can conquer anything. The love and encouragement in this story will brighten your future.
We all have that one thing we turn to when life gets tough. Some of our coping mechanisms are healthier than others. In her story, Kathleen depicts the difficult moments in Bella's life. Brace yourself for this one; it's a heavy read.
In familiar Glasgow fashion, we know the story will tug at our heartstrings and have us rooting for the main character. This tale, just like others by the author, helps me see the beauty in life through her words.
"The Glass Girl" is a powerful story of battling addiction and discovering hope. Not all journeys are smooth, but with the right support, we can conquer anything. The love and encouragement in this story will brighten your future.
December 28, 2024
You know when someone with lived experience has written what they know well. I loved this book as a piece of fiction, and an astute experience on what it could be like if they kept on a destructive path.
The experience of the young female protagonist mostly had a lucky experience and support into rehab, though cringeworthy scenes of a father still drinking as Bella needs to be protected and gently eased back into a safe family life.
Shockingly and scarily easily Bella had been introduced to alcohol very early in her life by a family member. This does happen and I believe this story is a stark warning to kids and families about the insidious nature of the disease.
Very well written, I was propelled along not wanting to hit pause, I was drawn in much like Bella was in her perilous situation. This is fiction and the access to fantastic rehab was too easy, it never happens like this in the lower echelon of society, but the narrative relied on this for this particular part of Bella's journey. The lengths we will go to keep up the addiction. Just one more. Bella is lucky to have loved ones by her side, and some quiet unassuming allies.
As all good books will do on this content, I reflect and think about all the wonderful books on this topic, and this one fits in nicely. This book is a wonderful YA book for a general read, and also for families touching on the topic of addiction. It also serves as a stark reminder the perils of social media when things go wrong, and the long lasting effects.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library. As a value add the author's note was welcomed at the end. Highly recommended.
The experience of the young female protagonist mostly had a lucky experience and support into rehab, though cringeworthy scenes of a father still drinking as Bella needs to be protected and gently eased back into a safe family life.
Shockingly and scarily easily Bella had been introduced to alcohol very early in her life by a family member. This does happen and I believe this story is a stark warning to kids and families about the insidious nature of the disease.
Very well written, I was propelled along not wanting to hit pause, I was drawn in much like Bella was in her perilous situation. This is fiction and the access to fantastic rehab was too easy, it never happens like this in the lower echelon of society, but the narrative relied on this for this particular part of Bella's journey. The lengths we will go to keep up the addiction. Just one more. Bella is lucky to have loved ones by her side, and some quiet unassuming allies.
As all good books will do on this content, I reflect and think about all the wonderful books on this topic, and this one fits in nicely. This book is a wonderful YA book for a general read, and also for families touching on the topic of addiction. It also serves as a stark reminder the perils of social media when things go wrong, and the long lasting effects.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library. As a value add the author's note was welcomed at the end. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2024
4.5⭐️
give kathleen glasgow a damehood
give kathleen glasgow a damehood
February 2, 2025
What a phenomenal read! While I've read Glasglow before, I haven't read her more hard hitting contemporaries. I definitely understand why so many people enjoy her as an author. CW: graphic descriptions of addiction, underage drinking, parental neglect, grief, intense moments of anxiety representation.
What Worked: Everything. I'm a huge fan of realistic fiction in young adult literature and I'm constantly fascinated by the ways in which these authors portray topics that can be experienced by the every day teenager. Glass Girl is no different. The descriptions of addiction were heartbreaking, yet realistic in a way that will assist readers in better understanding how it not only impacts that person experiencing the addiction, but also their family and friends. To be honest, I was surprised by the emotional impact this one had on me. When it comes to recommending books related to addiction, I often refer to Mindy Mcginnis or a few titles by Ellen Hopkins; however, I didn't expect this one to hit as hard as those. As a parent, my heart went out to Bella as she attempted to shrug off her addiction, process the grief associated with the loss of her grandmother, and deal with the lack of awareness of her parents. This book is raw and doesn't present addiction through rose colored lenses. Readers will experience Bella's triumphs as well as her failures. Her failures resonated with me the most because they served as a reminder that addiction is a constant battle. Glasgow's writing was AMAZING and really lent to my infatuation with the plot and character development. This is definitely a book that I will revisit time and time again.
What Worked: Everything. I'm a huge fan of realistic fiction in young adult literature and I'm constantly fascinated by the ways in which these authors portray topics that can be experienced by the every day teenager. Glass Girl is no different. The descriptions of addiction were heartbreaking, yet realistic in a way that will assist readers in better understanding how it not only impacts that person experiencing the addiction, but also their family and friends. To be honest, I was surprised by the emotional impact this one had on me. When it comes to recommending books related to addiction, I often refer to Mindy Mcginnis or a few titles by Ellen Hopkins; however, I didn't expect this one to hit as hard as those. As a parent, my heart went out to Bella as she attempted to shrug off her addiction, process the grief associated with the loss of her grandmother, and deal with the lack of awareness of her parents. This book is raw and doesn't present addiction through rose colored lenses. Readers will experience Bella's triumphs as well as her failures. Her failures resonated with me the most because they served as a reminder that addiction is a constant battle. Glasgow's writing was AMAZING and really lent to my infatuation with the plot and character development. This is definitely a book that I will revisit time and time again.
December 13, 2024
BELLLAAAA THEY COULD NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7k5...
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7k5...
September 19, 2024
WHEW this one was a tough read for me, in the best way possible. kathleen glasgow depicted teen addiction in such an authentic way. i can deeply relate to a lot of what bella went through and saw myself in her. such an amazing book that will definitely stick with me for a long time.
Want to read
October 9, 2024EXCUSE ME HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS
December 3, 2024
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯, 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.” 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘴.”
_____________________________
“𝘕𝘰, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵.”
“𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘈𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶: 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘱. 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦. 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘶𝘱. 𝘉𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺. 𝘉𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘖𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯.”
This book recked me inside and out.
Holly’s entire character HURT ME, she deserved so much more..she deserved a happy ending 😭.
AND???? Are we gonna talk about Josh???? I had SUCH high hopes for him and Bella BUT NO. can’t trust anyone.
so many characters did Bella dirty SO MANY, like give the bloody girl a break she’s a fifteen year old alcoholic for crying out loud.
I understand that Charlotte was obviously hurting in her own way and that caused her to cause other people pain because of what she was feeling..but DAMN to force Bella out into the chicken coop then get her drunk and then leave her there?? I mean COME ON.IMAGINE👏🏻IMAGINE👏🏻 the hatred that I have for nearly ALL of the characters..
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘴.”
_____________________________
“𝘕𝘰, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵.”
“𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘈𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶: 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘱. 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦. 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘶𝘱. 𝘉𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺. 𝘉𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘖𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯.”
This book recked me inside and out.
Holly’s entire character HURT ME, she deserved so much more..she deserved a happy ending 😭.
AND???? Are we gonna talk about Josh???? I had SUCH high hopes for him and Bella BUT NO. can’t trust anyone.
so many characters did Bella dirty SO MANY, like give the bloody girl a break she’s a fifteen year old alcoholic for crying out loud.
I understand that Charlotte was obviously hurting in her own way and that caused her to cause other people pain because of what she was feeling..but DAMN to force Bella out into the chicken coop then get her drunk and then leave her there?? I mean COME ON.IMAGINE👏🏻IMAGINE👏🏻 the hatred that I have for nearly ALL of the characters..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Where do I even begin to start with this absolute masterpiece of a book? The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow is the heartbreaking and hopeful story of protagonist Bella as she goes through rehab for alcoholism. The writing explains her addiction, interior thoughts, and how these factors affect both her and the world around her.
I really appreciated the emphasis that Glasgow put on rehabilitation and recovery because I have had my own similar struggles to Bella, and I know just how important and meaningful those things are. Thank you to this wonderful author for crafting authentic and relateable stories and characters throughout her writings. I cannot stress how much I needed to read this, and her other novels as well.
I give this book 5 stars! I could really relate to, and feel Bella's emotions and experiences. Not to mention, the writing of The Glass Girl was engaging and interesting. This is a novel you truly can't put down once you start it.
I really appreciated the emphasis that Glasgow put on rehabilitation and recovery because I have had my own similar struggles to Bella, and I know just how important and meaningful those things are. Thank you to this wonderful author for crafting authentic and relateable stories and characters throughout her writings. I cannot stress how much I needed to read this, and her other novels as well.
I give this book 5 stars! I could really relate to, and feel Bella's emotions and experiences. Not to mention, the writing of The Glass Girl was engaging and interesting. This is a novel you truly can't put down once you start it.
May 25, 2024
Title: The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
Release Date: October, 1st, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
Bella's journey offers a raw and honest look at the struggles and triumphs of overcoming personal demons.
Bella is at her breaking point. Everyone in her life seems to need something from her, and she turns to alcohol to dull the overwhelming pain and pressure. It smooths out the rough edges and makes everything seem more manageable. Besides, everyone drinks, right? And Bella is convinced she can stop whenever she wants.
But everything changes one fateful night. After one too many drinks at a party, Bella finds herself unconscious on her mother’s front steps with a fractured cheekbone and no memory of what happened. This terrifying wake-up call forces Bella to confront her reality, leading her to a path she never thought she'd take: rehab.
Why I enjoyed It:
🌟 Relatable Protagonist: Bella is a character many will find themselves rooting for. Her struggles with addiction and the pressure of others' expectations are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity.
🌟 Emotional Depth: Kathleen Glasgow doesn't shy away from the hard truths. Bella's journey is filled with heart-wrenching moments that will make you feel deeply connected to her story.
🌟 Hope and Redemption: Despite the dark themes, the book is ultimately about hope and the possibility of redemption. Bella's path to recovery is inspiring and beautifully portrayed.
🌟 Powerful Message: The Glass Girl delivers a powerful message about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help, making it an important read for both teens and adults.
The Glass Girl is a gripping and poignant novel that draws you in from the first page. Bella's descent into addiction and her subsequent journey to recovery are depicted with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. Kathleen Glasgow’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the pain and hope that define Bella’s experience.
Bella’s character is incredibly well-developed, making her struggles and triumphs feel real and impactful. The supporting characters, from her family to her friends in rehab, add depth to the narrative and highlight the complexities of addiction and recovery.
The book's pacing keeps you hooked, with each chapter revealing more about Bella's inner world and the events that led to her breaking point. The journey to rehab and the challenges Bella faces there are portrayed with realism and empathy, making her eventual steps toward healing all the more rewarding.
The Glass Girl is not just a story about addiction; it’s a story about finding oneself amid chaos and pain. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys deeply emotional and thought-provoking YA fiction.
Thank you to The Publisher Oneworld Publications | Rock the Boat ,The Author Kathleen Glasgow & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: October, 1st, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
Bella's journey offers a raw and honest look at the struggles and triumphs of overcoming personal demons.
Bella is at her breaking point. Everyone in her life seems to need something from her, and she turns to alcohol to dull the overwhelming pain and pressure. It smooths out the rough edges and makes everything seem more manageable. Besides, everyone drinks, right? And Bella is convinced she can stop whenever she wants.
But everything changes one fateful night. After one too many drinks at a party, Bella finds herself unconscious on her mother’s front steps with a fractured cheekbone and no memory of what happened. This terrifying wake-up call forces Bella to confront her reality, leading her to a path she never thought she'd take: rehab.
Why I enjoyed It:
🌟 Relatable Protagonist: Bella is a character many will find themselves rooting for. Her struggles with addiction and the pressure of others' expectations are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity.
🌟 Emotional Depth: Kathleen Glasgow doesn't shy away from the hard truths. Bella's journey is filled with heart-wrenching moments that will make you feel deeply connected to her story.
🌟 Hope and Redemption: Despite the dark themes, the book is ultimately about hope and the possibility of redemption. Bella's path to recovery is inspiring and beautifully portrayed.
🌟 Powerful Message: The Glass Girl delivers a powerful message about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help, making it an important read for both teens and adults.
The Glass Girl is a gripping and poignant novel that draws you in from the first page. Bella's descent into addiction and her subsequent journey to recovery are depicted with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. Kathleen Glasgow’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the pain and hope that define Bella’s experience.
Bella’s character is incredibly well-developed, making her struggles and triumphs feel real and impactful. The supporting characters, from her family to her friends in rehab, add depth to the narrative and highlight the complexities of addiction and recovery.
The book's pacing keeps you hooked, with each chapter revealing more about Bella's inner world and the events that led to her breaking point. The journey to rehab and the challenges Bella faces there are portrayed with realism and empathy, making her eventual steps toward healing all the more rewarding.
The Glass Girl is not just a story about addiction; it’s a story about finding oneself amid chaos and pain. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys deeply emotional and thought-provoking YA fiction.
Thank you to The Publisher Oneworld Publications | Rock the Boat ,The Author Kathleen Glasgow & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2024
This is a good YA book that describes the dangers of any addiction but, more particularly in the case of Bella - drinking.
Bella and her little sister Raffi live between homes since their parents acrimonious divorce. Bella is struggling to stay afloat emotionally as her parents argue, criticise and scream at each other while using Bella as a GP between and ersatz carer for Raffi. As Bella tries juggle caring for her sister, schoolwork, adjudicating her parents fights, she is also suffering grief from the loss of her beloved grandmother, Laurel, and the disintegration of her relationship with boyfriend Dylan.
She uses alcohol to "disappear" and numb the pain but it soon becomes apparent to everyone but Bella that it is taking over her life. One night everything comes to a head when Bella ends up in hospital then rehab.
This is a well written and thoughtful book about the destructive effect addiction can have plus the power that it has over the lives of those unable to say no. Bella has a steep learning curve which is masked during rehab. The part of the book I liked best was when she returns to her life and learns who her real friends are and how easy it is to slip back into self-abusive ways.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone. Despite the YA tag it could apply to any age. A salutory tale with a clear message without preaching.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Oneworld Publications for the advance review copy.
Bella and her little sister Raffi live between homes since their parents acrimonious divorce. Bella is struggling to stay afloat emotionally as her parents argue, criticise and scream at each other while using Bella as a GP between and ersatz carer for Raffi. As Bella tries juggle caring for her sister, schoolwork, adjudicating her parents fights, she is also suffering grief from the loss of her beloved grandmother, Laurel, and the disintegration of her relationship with boyfriend Dylan.
She uses alcohol to "disappear" and numb the pain but it soon becomes apparent to everyone but Bella that it is taking over her life. One night everything comes to a head when Bella ends up in hospital then rehab.
This is a well written and thoughtful book about the destructive effect addiction can have plus the power that it has over the lives of those unable to say no. Bella has a steep learning curve which is masked during rehab. The part of the book I liked best was when she returns to her life and learns who her real friends are and how easy it is to slip back into self-abusive ways.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone. Despite the YA tag it could apply to any age. A salutory tale with a clear message without preaching.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Oneworld Publications for the advance review copy.
January 1, 2026
A realistic depiction of a teen who manages the pain and struggles of life with self-medication using alcohol.
It begins innocently enough, until it becomes a problem - how to hide it, recover from it, what lengths she will go to in order to do it again and again…
Recovery is not linear, and relapse happens. This book reads as an honest depiction of trying to smooth out the edges, trying to manage addiction and seek support.
This is listed as a YA book and although there are many complex issues covered, it is depicted with nuance and will spark interesting conversations.
It begins innocently enough, until it becomes a problem - how to hide it, recover from it, what lengths she will go to in order to do it again and again…
Recovery is not linear, and relapse happens. This book reads as an honest depiction of trying to smooth out the edges, trying to manage addiction and seek support.
This is listed as a YA book and although there are many complex issues covered, it is depicted with nuance and will spark interesting conversations.
October 23, 2024
Naprawdę świetna książka, opowiada o poważnych problemach młodych ludzi w które po prostu można uwierzyć
November 7, 2024
Poczułam te historie każdą cząstką siebie.
May 23, 2024
5 stars - a raw depiction of alcoholism and recovery from the pov of a 15 year old girl.
Bella is struggling due to the recent loss of her grandmother Laurel, her parents divorce and the pressures of school. The only thing that helps Bella get through this, is alcohol, or Vodka specifically. After a night of drinking and partying, she blacks out and her friends leave her on her mom’s porch to basically die. After being treated in hospital, her mom sends her to a rehab despite Bella’s protests, that she doesn’t have a problem. We follow Bella as she meets her fellow patients and her 30 day rehab stay, and also how she copes when her stay ends.
A beautiful but hard hitting and story that shows the consequences of teenage addiction and the road to recovery. The character of Bella is just a typical teenager who is just dealing with a lot of things teenagers shouldn’t have to deal with. This makes the story all the more heartbreaking as we learn all about her inner thoughts and feelings, and the build up to her drinking problems and her road to recovery.
I felt the author portrayed an honest and real depiction of addiction and how people cope when they leave the safety of rehab. Even though she is just a character I really wish Bella well for the future.
I liked the rehab setting of getting outdoors, the Polaroid picture aspect and I felt captivated by all of the other patients Bella meets, especially Holly.
If you liked this book or vice versa you may also enjoy Clean by Juno Dawson with a similar addiction and rehab story.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the Ebook.
Bella is struggling due to the recent loss of her grandmother Laurel, her parents divorce and the pressures of school. The only thing that helps Bella get through this, is alcohol, or Vodka specifically. After a night of drinking and partying, she blacks out and her friends leave her on her mom’s porch to basically die. After being treated in hospital, her mom sends her to a rehab despite Bella’s protests, that she doesn’t have a problem. We follow Bella as she meets her fellow patients and her 30 day rehab stay, and also how she copes when her stay ends.
A beautiful but hard hitting and story that shows the consequences of teenage addiction and the road to recovery. The character of Bella is just a typical teenager who is just dealing with a lot of things teenagers shouldn’t have to deal with. This makes the story all the more heartbreaking as we learn all about her inner thoughts and feelings, and the build up to her drinking problems and her road to recovery.
I felt the author portrayed an honest and real depiction of addiction and how people cope when they leave the safety of rehab. Even though she is just a character I really wish Bella well for the future.
I liked the rehab setting of getting outdoors, the Polaroid picture aspect and I felt captivated by all of the other patients Bella meets, especially Holly.
If you liked this book or vice versa you may also enjoy Clean by Juno Dawson with a similar addiction and rehab story.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the Ebook.
October 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every book Kathleen releases just gets better and better each time. She will make you feel all the feels. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster for sure especially relating to the part of addiction and having somebody close to you be an addict.
This book is so raw and authentic, this book will stay with me for a very long time.
Every book Kathleen releases just gets better and better each time. She will make you feel all the feels. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster for sure especially relating to the part of addiction and having somebody close to you be an addict.
This book is so raw and authentic, this book will stay with me for a very long time.
February 16, 2025
Αν μπορώ να περιγράψω με μια λέξη τις ιστορίες της συγκεκριμένης γυναίκας θα έλεγα ότι είναι σημαντικές.
October 16, 2024
This one was good! The storyline was interesting and held my attention, and listening to Bella and her story was an enjoyable experience. Maybe it wasn't the right time for me to read it, though, because at the end I didn't feel excited about it in any kind of way. Very much "Well, that's done." and onto the next one. Bummer because I love mental health books and the like. I would definitely recommend it, though. It was a genuinely good read, it just wasn't the good read for me.
April 16, 2024
Advanced reader copy: book comes out November 2024.
No one deals with difficult topics in the YA format as well as Kathleen Glasgow. This book is about 15 year old Bella, an alcoholic, and her story leading up to rehab, in rehab and post rehab. Just like Girl in Pieces, this story will stay with me. 5 stars
No one deals with difficult topics in the YA format as well as Kathleen Glasgow. This book is about 15 year old Bella, an alcoholic, and her story leading up to rehab, in rehab and post rehab. Just like Girl in Pieces, this story will stay with me. 5 stars
October 2, 2024
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this one!*
I just really love Kathleen Glasgow and everything she writes is astounding. Like, she literally floors me every single time with her storytelling, and the meticulous crafting of her very complex, very lovable characters. Her books are always such an emotional rollercoaster but I really appreciate how raw and honest she is in her exploration of such difficult topics. It’s very messy but very real, and unpacking a lot of this stuff of page through the characters feels almost cathartic. It’s a long and bumpy road to recovery as we see in this book and no person is wholly good or bad in their choices, they’re just people. Trying their best. It’s all so relatable and realistic, and after turning that final page you’re just going to sit and soak in the brilliance of it all. I can never think of anything to criticise in her books, they pack a really powerful punch every time. One of my all time favourite and autobuy authors for a very good reason.
As usual, we kind of have to hit almost rock bottom in this book to start seeing the light again so please be warned, it’s quite heavy to digest. I think it really nailed the discussions happening, and it really did the topic of addiction in adolescents credit. They're a group that often flies under the radar when we talk about addiction and addictive behaviours, so Bella’s story is so important for a plethora of reasons. I think Glasgow is really talented in not sugar coating anything, she really goes for the hard hitting reality of struggle, you see her characters and the people around them sometimes at the lowest and most difficult periods of their life, trying to build themselves up again. And she doesn’t make it look easy or smooth, and it’s not always the perfect happily ever after tied up in a cute little ribbon. That’s what makes these stories so special to me, how vivid and real they are. At points, you completely forget it’s a fictional account you're reading. Her writing is absolutely gorgeous, and balances the dry self deprecating humour that I love, with really tender and vulnerable moments too.
Bella was such a sweetheart of a character, and I was rooting for her so deeply. Her mental health struggle and her experience with grief and how it impacted almost every aspect of her life was so difficult to watch, but I appreciated how fleshed out the characters and their dynamics were. There was a lot going on in this book, and it takes you on a really crazy journey, but it’s all done so masterfully. I loved her and her journey, and it was still somehow so hopeful despite it being so harrowing to read. Love.
I just really love Kathleen Glasgow and everything she writes is astounding. Like, she literally floors me every single time with her storytelling, and the meticulous crafting of her very complex, very lovable characters. Her books are always such an emotional rollercoaster but I really appreciate how raw and honest she is in her exploration of such difficult topics. It’s very messy but very real, and unpacking a lot of this stuff of page through the characters feels almost cathartic. It’s a long and bumpy road to recovery as we see in this book and no person is wholly good or bad in their choices, they’re just people. Trying their best. It’s all so relatable and realistic, and after turning that final page you’re just going to sit and soak in the brilliance of it all. I can never think of anything to criticise in her books, they pack a really powerful punch every time. One of my all time favourite and autobuy authors for a very good reason.
As usual, we kind of have to hit almost rock bottom in this book to start seeing the light again so please be warned, it’s quite heavy to digest. I think it really nailed the discussions happening, and it really did the topic of addiction in adolescents credit. They're a group that often flies under the radar when we talk about addiction and addictive behaviours, so Bella’s story is so important for a plethora of reasons. I think Glasgow is really talented in not sugar coating anything, she really goes for the hard hitting reality of struggle, you see her characters and the people around them sometimes at the lowest and most difficult periods of their life, trying to build themselves up again. And she doesn’t make it look easy or smooth, and it’s not always the perfect happily ever after tied up in a cute little ribbon. That’s what makes these stories so special to me, how vivid and real they are. At points, you completely forget it’s a fictional account you're reading. Her writing is absolutely gorgeous, and balances the dry self deprecating humour that I love, with really tender and vulnerable moments too.
Bella was such a sweetheart of a character, and I was rooting for her so deeply. Her mental health struggle and her experience with grief and how it impacted almost every aspect of her life was so difficult to watch, but I appreciated how fleshed out the characters and their dynamics were. There was a lot going on in this book, and it takes you on a really crazy journey, but it’s all done so masterfully. I loved her and her journey, and it was still somehow so hopeful despite it being so harrowing to read. Love.
April 1, 2024
“I believe if you can walk into the darkness, then you have the strength to walk back out.”
🍸
Bella is drowning. Her mom needs her to be her support since the divorce. Her dad needs help taking care of her little sister. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she was “too much”. And the one person in her life, her grandmother, passed away so Bella has no one. The only thing that helps dull the pain is alcohol. What started as an escape has now turned into a serious issue when she ends up face down in front of her mom’s house the day after Thanksgiving and a video of her has gone viral. Now Bella is headed to rehab at fifteen years old and her road to recovery has just begun.
🥃
I read this in one sitting because…it was so dang good. I’m still thinking about it hours later, which doesn’t usually happen for me. @misskathleenglasgow is known for her ability not to shy away from the hard topics in her YA books and this was no exception. What an honest portrayal of alcoholism in teens. Everything felt so authentic and powerful, especially for those who work with teens and might not see the obvious signs. Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end when this novel releases November 12. Thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: alcohol, alcoholism, vomit, detox, cutting/self-harm, alcohol poisoning, hospitalization, suicide attempt, death, emotional abuse, drug use, overdose
🍸
Bella is drowning. Her mom needs her to be her support since the divorce. Her dad needs help taking care of her little sister. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she was “too much”. And the one person in her life, her grandmother, passed away so Bella has no one. The only thing that helps dull the pain is alcohol. What started as an escape has now turned into a serious issue when she ends up face down in front of her mom’s house the day after Thanksgiving and a video of her has gone viral. Now Bella is headed to rehab at fifteen years old and her road to recovery has just begun.
🥃
I read this in one sitting because…it was so dang good. I’m still thinking about it hours later, which doesn’t usually happen for me. @misskathleenglasgow is known for her ability not to shy away from the hard topics in her YA books and this was no exception. What an honest portrayal of alcoholism in teens. Everything felt so authentic and powerful, especially for those who work with teens and might not see the obvious signs. Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end when this novel releases November 12. Thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: alcohol, alcoholism, vomit, detox, cutting/self-harm, alcohol poisoning, hospitalization, suicide attempt, death, emotional abuse, drug use, overdose
December 5, 2024
I officially don’t like this author which is unfortunate because I like the loose ideas of her books’ concepts. There’s a way to write about struggles that doesn’t make the reader struggle just as bad trying to get through the story. She does not have that skill.
The narrator needs to chill as well. She screeches almost every line like it’s the most dramatic thing in the world. Sure, some lines could have a little of that considering the context but she does it THE ENTIRE BOOK making this painful to get through.
Story wise this wasn’t great either. The friends, family, doctors, teachers, everyone are all fucking horrible. This story pushes people to kill themselves over getting help. There’s zero hope here.
The narrator needs to chill as well. She screeches almost every line like it’s the most dramatic thing in the world. Sure, some lines could have a little of that considering the context but she does it THE ENTIRE BOOK making this painful to get through.
Story wise this wasn’t great either. The friends, family, doctors, teachers, everyone are all fucking horrible. This story pushes people to kill themselves over getting help. There’s zero hope here.
did-not-finish
August 26, 2025dnf because I didn’t feel like reading it
October 28, 2024
Kathleen Glasgow books are always beautiful and painfully brutal, as a former teen girl and as a mom of teen girls. This book is an unflinching and raw look at alcoholism and addiction and I think Glasgow was incredibly brave to write it. Make sure that you don’t miss the author’s note.
Note: I listened to this on audio and it was good but somewhat grating and frenetic . I recommend the physical version .
Note: I listened to this on audio and it was good but somewhat grating and frenetic . I recommend the physical version .
March 21, 2025
Mais um livro imperdível da Kathleen Glasgow.
Esta autora já me tinha conquistado no ano passado com o livro «Como ser Amiga da Escuridão», e por isso estava com expectativas muito elevadas em relação a este livro.
Eu adorei-o, mais uma vez adorei a escrita e senti que vou querer ler todos os livros que esta autora lançar. É um livro forte e pesado (como eu gosto!) que fala sobre alcoolismo, mas do ponto de vista de uma rapariga que apenas tem 15 anos…
Vamos percebendo os seus sentimentos e o que levou a que se sinta assim, sempre com uma necessidade de anestesiar os seus sentimentos. A resposta não é fácil nem óbvia, foi um conjunto de acontecimentos, mas toda a história está tão bem escrita que é impossível não sentirmos empatia pela Bella, a personagem principal.
É uma história que nos faz refletir em relação a muita coisa, nomeadamente à facilidade do acesso ao álcool, uma droga viciante como tantas outras, mas que está disponível, acessível e que é algo que toda a gente consome.
Perto do final houve uma situação que me surpreendeu, que foi quase um murro no estômago e que nos prova de que nem sempre conhecemos as pessoas em quem confiamos.
Se tivesse de escolher entre um e outro, continuaria a preferir «Como ser Amiga da Escuridão», mas sem dúvida que este também tocou o meu coração. Em breve irei ler «Rapariga em Pedaços» e já sei que vai ser uma excelente leitura.
Esta autora já me tinha conquistado no ano passado com o livro «Como ser Amiga da Escuridão», e por isso estava com expectativas muito elevadas em relação a este livro.
Eu adorei-o, mais uma vez adorei a escrita e senti que vou querer ler todos os livros que esta autora lançar. É um livro forte e pesado (como eu gosto!) que fala sobre alcoolismo, mas do ponto de vista de uma rapariga que apenas tem 15 anos…
Vamos percebendo os seus sentimentos e o que levou a que se sinta assim, sempre com uma necessidade de anestesiar os seus sentimentos. A resposta não é fácil nem óbvia, foi um conjunto de acontecimentos, mas toda a história está tão bem escrita que é impossível não sentirmos empatia pela Bella, a personagem principal.
É uma história que nos faz refletir em relação a muita coisa, nomeadamente à facilidade do acesso ao álcool, uma droga viciante como tantas outras, mas que está disponível, acessível e que é algo que toda a gente consome.
Perto do final houve uma situação que me surpreendeu, que foi quase um murro no estômago e que nos prova de que nem sempre conhecemos as pessoas em quem confiamos.
Se tivesse de escolher entre um e outro, continuaria a preferir «Como ser Amiga da Escuridão», mas sem dúvida que este também tocou o meu coração. Em breve irei ler «Rapariga em Pedaços» e já sei que vai ser uma excelente leitura.
October 26, 2025
This exceeded my expectations. It was truly heartbreaking. It made me also realise how bigger a situation can be than it looks like. My hearts with everyone who’s related to her books ❤️
September 4, 2025
Das war so krass. Aber gut.
April 27, 2025
Wow, Kathleen Glasgow’s writing always astonishes me. She has such a tender way to write about difficult topics that make you feel so much empathy and understanding of the characters.
In this story, we follow Bella and her struggles with alcoholism as a teenager. This book deals with that, family trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms & so much more while also providing a sense of hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
In this story, we follow Bella and her struggles with alcoholism as a teenager. This book deals with that, family trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms & so much more while also providing a sense of hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
December 18, 2025
౨ৎ | “it’s kind of funny to occupy a body that you actively avoid looking at.”
— ★ 4/5
if i ever need to cry i just crack open a kathleen glasgow book. i can admit, this was slow paced but about 40% in i was hooked. i just want to protect belle, wrap her in bubble wrap and tell her it will be okay. im sad and im mad that she had no one except a handful of people in her corner. she deserves better.
i loved (most) of these characters and i wish we had gotten an epilogue, but when do we ever?
— ★ 4/5
if i ever need to cry i just crack open a kathleen glasgow book. i can admit, this was slow paced but about 40% in i was hooked. i just want to protect belle, wrap her in bubble wrap and tell her it will be okay. im sad and im mad that she had no one except a handful of people in her corner. she deserves better.
i loved (most) of these characters and i wish we had gotten an epilogue, but when do we ever?
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