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Wethersfield Road
Amelia Glickman has it a trust fund, a shiny red Range Rover, a serious equestrian hobby, and a brand-new house on Wethersfield Road. But lurking in the basement of her existence is the ache of depression and the torment of life as an addict. At least she has her besties by her a bottle and a bong, the binge-purge cycle, and risky hookups. She's the cross-faded chaos queen of nobody's dreams.
Despite feeling utterly lost, a deeply meaningful bond with her horse, Hope, seems to be the only reason for Amelia's will to live. Yet she gradually deteriorates in her self-imposed thousand-thread-count holding cell on Wethersfield Road. After a shameful series of unfortunate events, including domestic violence, cringeworthy sexual exploits, and everything in between, a brutal equine wake-up call propels Amelia on a journey to save herself in the way only she can. As Amelia begins to sift through her designer brand piles of emotional baggage, a life worth living seems to blossom right before her eyes. If only she can resist her default self-sabotage. Although she attributes the void in her chest to life circumstances like her parents' divorce and her botched Hollywood dreams, the truth is that she has felt completely defective from the very beginning. The island of misfit toys promises salvation, if only she can finally allow herself to be part of something.
Through a special connection with animals and nature, her willingness to be broken and brave at the same time, and the essence of the new house itself, she ventures into the real world, stumbling blindly through early sobriety, in search of a happily ever after that's somewhat serene.
Despite feeling utterly lost, a deeply meaningful bond with her horse, Hope, seems to be the only reason for Amelia's will to live. Yet she gradually deteriorates in her self-imposed thousand-thread-count holding cell on Wethersfield Road. After a shameful series of unfortunate events, including domestic violence, cringeworthy sexual exploits, and everything in between, a brutal equine wake-up call propels Amelia on a journey to save herself in the way only she can. As Amelia begins to sift through her designer brand piles of emotional baggage, a life worth living seems to blossom right before her eyes. If only she can resist her default self-sabotage. Although she attributes the void in her chest to life circumstances like her parents' divorce and her botched Hollywood dreams, the truth is that she has felt completely defective from the very beginning. The island of misfit toys promises salvation, if only she can finally allow herself to be part of something.
Through a special connection with animals and nature, her willingness to be broken and brave at the same time, and the essence of the new house itself, she ventures into the real world, stumbling blindly through early sobriety, in search of a happily ever after that's somewhat serene.
Audible Audio
Published October 8, 2025
8 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Anna Binder Reardon
1 book14 followersHi, I’m Anna Binder Reardon! I’m an Author and ex-therapist who writes novels and personal essays about people in therapy. When it comes to mental health, my goal is to destigmatize the struggles and normalize care and support.
My work embodies my core belief in the transformative power of vulnerability. I write stories for folks who are deeply moved by the beauty of life’s imperfections and the powerful journey to discover our most authentic selves.
What started as a therapeutic but fictional creative exercise became what I am proud to call my first novel, Wethersfield Road—a story about a young woman recovering from trauma, mental illness, and addiction. With a Master’s Degree in Counseling, my years as a mental health therapist, and my own experiences on the fainting couch, I bring actual clinical and personal knowledge to my work. As someone with a history of being on both sides of the healing bond and process, I am passionate about shining a light on the messiness of healing.
During a break from my work in the mental health field, I found my true passion to be telling stories about folks in therapy rather than working as the therapist in the room myself. I live in Austin, Texas, with my husband, Tanner, our Golden Retriever Jax, and our Corgi-mix Oliver. When I'm not writing, I can be found reading too many books at once, planning my next travel adventure, or searching for the perfect oat milk vanilla latte.
My work embodies my core belief in the transformative power of vulnerability. I write stories for folks who are deeply moved by the beauty of life’s imperfections and the powerful journey to discover our most authentic selves.
What started as a therapeutic but fictional creative exercise became what I am proud to call my first novel, Wethersfield Road—a story about a young woman recovering from trauma, mental illness, and addiction. With a Master’s Degree in Counseling, my years as a mental health therapist, and my own experiences on the fainting couch, I bring actual clinical and personal knowledge to my work. As someone with a history of being on both sides of the healing bond and process, I am passionate about shining a light on the messiness of healing.
During a break from my work in the mental health field, I found my true passion to be telling stories about folks in therapy rather than working as the therapist in the room myself. I live in Austin, Texas, with my husband, Tanner, our Golden Retriever Jax, and our Corgi-mix Oliver. When I'm not writing, I can be found reading too many books at once, planning my next travel adventure, or searching for the perfect oat milk vanilla latte.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 5, 2025
Heard the author worked really hard. Good for her.
July 21, 2025
"'It's like I've always had this insane amount of love inside me, and it's always been too much. It had nowhere to go before I met you. But you're worthy of it. Protective of it.'"
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I inhaled it! This is one of the best representations of recovery I have ever read. I felt like Anna was telling my story. There were so many moments I was crying or laughing out loud because I related so much to Amelia's experiences.
"She'd once heard someone in a meeting say that in recovery, we get to be the person our younger self would be proud of. Lucy leaned over at that moment and whispered, 'Call me crazy, but I'm just not interested in impressing a mentally ill child.' Amelia couldn't have agreed more."
This book was beautiful and healing. It's a story of hope and love. It perfectly captures the experience of being a young person in recovery dealing with mental health issues, but finding friendship and relationships along the way.
"'You're going to find your forever person, too, Amelia Bedelia.'
Her throat clogged with emotion. 'Maybe.'
'And you're not going to have to convince them to love you.' He continued. 'They'll fall all on their own'"
If you are a person in recovery, a person who knows someone in recovery, or just someone who wants to read a beautiful story of healing and growth, I highly recommend picking up this book.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I inhaled it! This is one of the best representations of recovery I have ever read. I felt like Anna was telling my story. There were so many moments I was crying or laughing out loud because I related so much to Amelia's experiences.
"She'd once heard someone in a meeting say that in recovery, we get to be the person our younger self would be proud of. Lucy leaned over at that moment and whispered, 'Call me crazy, but I'm just not interested in impressing a mentally ill child.' Amelia couldn't have agreed more."
This book was beautiful and healing. It's a story of hope and love. It perfectly captures the experience of being a young person in recovery dealing with mental health issues, but finding friendship and relationships along the way.
"'You're going to find your forever person, too, Amelia Bedelia.'
Her throat clogged with emotion. 'Maybe.'
'And you're not going to have to convince them to love you.' He continued. 'They'll fall all on their own'"
If you are a person in recovery, a person who knows someone in recovery, or just someone who wants to read a beautiful story of healing and growth, I highly recommend picking up this book.
August 15, 2025
I was so honored to be an ARC reader for this incredibly healing and validating book “Wethersfield Road” by Anna Binder Reardon.
This book is all of us. Our most deepest, darkest parts seeking the light in the spirit of awakening. It is a relatable albeit uncomfortable story told through the lens of the non-linear healing journey.
It gave me Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” vibes throughout but had a much happier ending!
As a reader, I was so proud of the main character Amelia’s growth that I wanted to hug her! I haven’t cried from a book in so long but this one got me. It wrecked me in all the right ways and put me back together again.
Favorite quote: “I’m a motherfucking National Forest.”
This book is all of us. Our most deepest, darkest parts seeking the light in the spirit of awakening. It is a relatable albeit uncomfortable story told through the lens of the non-linear healing journey.
It gave me Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” vibes throughout but had a much happier ending!
As a reader, I was so proud of the main character Amelia’s growth that I wanted to hug her! I haven’t cried from a book in so long but this one got me. It wrecked me in all the right ways and put me back together again.
Favorite quote: “I’m a motherfucking National Forest.”
August 6, 2025
Amelia’s story was so raw and real! She takes on recovery and even through the bumps in the road, she doesn’t give up. She finds her people that added so much depth to the story. Amelia was a dynamic and relatable character that I would encourage everyone to read her story. Especially if you know someone going through recovery, this taught me so much.
November 23, 2025
I’m not sure what it says about this book (or about me) that halfway through the reading of “Wethersfield Road”, I realized the book was a novel and NOT a memoir written in the third person POV. Having said that , the book did not really resonate with me and once Amelia stopped making so many poor life choices (promiscuity, drugs and alcohol etc.), I lost interest. Poor of me to admit I enjoyed more being a voyeur into Amelia’s twisted life, but there you have it.
August 11, 2025
🛁 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🛁
Wethersfield Road by Anna Binder Reardon
“A little bit broken, a lot brave.”
Synopsis: Amelia Glickmans life, from anyone’s POV, looks like a dream. But from the inside, her shiny Range Rover and new house are masking the shit show her life has truly become. When an incident with her beloved horse forces her to confront her addictive demons, she realizes one thing: “I need to be my own hero. Or I’ll die waiting for one.
This book. How do I describe it? What I’ve landed on is this: Kristin Hannah mixed with the raw openness of Margo’s got Money Troubles with a heavy dose of non-preachy self help, the power of optimism and shifts in perspective, and deeply human.
This book feels like it was written for me in many obvious ways (Amelia’s love of theatre, openness to a fault, opinions on sexuality, and her relationship with her forever partner to name a few) however, I also learned things I didn’t even know about myself until I read them through Amelia’s perspective: like how it’s okay to choose to be a National Forest or an Amusement park and that bigger, for the most part, is always better. When it comes to feelings, laughter, the way you love - bigger. Always.
I loved the way this story was broken up into journal entries, some emails, and conversations with key players in Amelia’s journey, but believe it or not my favorite parts were the parts where nothing was happening plot wise. The parts where we really get to dig into Amelia’s psyche and understand where she’s coming from and why her mind insists on a path of self destruction. It was extremely enlightening.
This book, while a work of fiction, left me with so many lessons and strategies for doing the best I possibly can to make my own life extraordinary by finding beauty in the ordinary. Much like Hope and Amelia, I feel like this book found me. I’m grateful to have had a chance to share it with you all.📚❤️✨
Wethersfield Road by Anna Binder Reardon
“A little bit broken, a lot brave.”
Synopsis: Amelia Glickmans life, from anyone’s POV, looks like a dream. But from the inside, her shiny Range Rover and new house are masking the shit show her life has truly become. When an incident with her beloved horse forces her to confront her addictive demons, she realizes one thing: “I need to be my own hero. Or I’ll die waiting for one.
This book. How do I describe it? What I’ve landed on is this: Kristin Hannah mixed with the raw openness of Margo’s got Money Troubles with a heavy dose of non-preachy self help, the power of optimism and shifts in perspective, and deeply human.
This book feels like it was written for me in many obvious ways (Amelia’s love of theatre, openness to a fault, opinions on sexuality, and her relationship with her forever partner to name a few) however, I also learned things I didn’t even know about myself until I read them through Amelia’s perspective: like how it’s okay to choose to be a National Forest or an Amusement park and that bigger, for the most part, is always better. When it comes to feelings, laughter, the way you love - bigger. Always.
I loved the way this story was broken up into journal entries, some emails, and conversations with key players in Amelia’s journey, but believe it or not my favorite parts were the parts where nothing was happening plot wise. The parts where we really get to dig into Amelia’s psyche and understand where she’s coming from and why her mind insists on a path of self destruction. It was extremely enlightening.
This book, while a work of fiction, left me with so many lessons and strategies for doing the best I possibly can to make my own life extraordinary by finding beauty in the ordinary. Much like Hope and Amelia, I feel like this book found me. I’m grateful to have had a chance to share it with you all.📚❤️✨
October 6, 2025
I am so lucky to know Anna Binder Reardon and to have gone to High School and College with her. When she first started promoting her book and its themes, I suspected that I would relate to a lot of it, but I didn’t realize just how much this book would speak my truth, almost as if I had written it myself. While reading, I highlighted sentences and passages that resonated with me and let’s just say, pretty much half of this book is now highlighted. Wethersfield Road is incredibly raw, emotional, and beautifully written. It made me laugh and cry throughout. While not a self-help book, there are plenty of life lessons and wisdom filled into these stories. Most importantly, reading this book left me with a feeling of belonging and not being alone, because Anna revealed that there is at least one other person, and probably many more, who have experienced very similar things in life, even if they come from a different socioeconomic background and have different interests and hobbies. This book is for anyone who has ever been told that they’re “too much,” anyone who’s ever struggled with their mental health, addiction, or an eating disorder, and anyone who identifies with being “A little broken, but a lot brave.”
September 16, 2025
This is the perfect book for women who've been told that they are too much all of their lives - too loud, too passionate, too annoying.
This book is essentially about a woman, Amelia, becoming comfortable in her own skin without the crutch of alcohol, sex, or drugs to numb these feelings. I loved being on this journey with Amelia, relating to such much of the book that it was scary at times but also loved how the other characters were so accepting of all the "ugly" part of her. I laughed, I cried, I experienced secondhand embarrassment way too many times, but I really enjoyed it.
If you've struggled with anything in your life, this book makes you feel like you are not alone in your struggles, whether it be body image, addiction, ED, etc. In the end, the book shows that all these struggles are worth it to have a life that you're proud of, a body that you're comfortable in, and a house that'll always tell you what you need even if you don't want to listen.
This book is essentially about a woman, Amelia, becoming comfortable in her own skin without the crutch of alcohol, sex, or drugs to numb these feelings. I loved being on this journey with Amelia, relating to such much of the book that it was scary at times but also loved how the other characters were so accepting of all the "ugly" part of her. I laughed, I cried, I experienced secondhand embarrassment way too many times, but I really enjoyed it.
If you've struggled with anything in your life, this book makes you feel like you are not alone in your struggles, whether it be body image, addiction, ED, etc. In the end, the book shows that all these struggles are worth it to have a life that you're proud of, a body that you're comfortable in, and a house that'll always tell you what you need even if you don't want to listen.
October 5, 2025
So good you'll want to read it twice
I love Wethersfield Road like a sister who just unleashed a torrent of family stories. This book has richness that any storyteller can envy, a novel so wise about things that matter so much. For any of us who've been told we're too much, or have doubted our goodness, this novel is a clarion call: love is the way to a National Forest life, instead of amusement park antics. (It's from the book, along with other gems like Forces of Good, not to mention a horse named Hope.)
I loved this book so much that I ordered two, an extra for a friend. Amelia, our hero of the book, leads us all in finding the way to acceptance and fresh joy, even amid an ugly cry or the panic of an all-day breakdown. It's written by a former therapist, so the story knows its way around the mountains of emotion lots of us live in. Read it and see your way to climbing into the saddle with Hope, then leaping into love for life.
I love Wethersfield Road like a sister who just unleashed a torrent of family stories. This book has richness that any storyteller can envy, a novel so wise about things that matter so much. For any of us who've been told we're too much, or have doubted our goodness, this novel is a clarion call: love is the way to a National Forest life, instead of amusement park antics. (It's from the book, along with other gems like Forces of Good, not to mention a horse named Hope.)
I loved this book so much that I ordered two, an extra for a friend. Amelia, our hero of the book, leads us all in finding the way to acceptance and fresh joy, even amid an ugly cry or the panic of an all-day breakdown. It's written by a former therapist, so the story knows its way around the mountains of emotion lots of us live in. Read it and see your way to climbing into the saddle with Hope, then leaping into love for life.
September 3, 2025
Wethersfield Road is a raw and vulnerable story with heavy topics all woven into the life of someone who seemingly has it all. Amelia’s journey shows that privilege does not shield you from pain, and her path toward healing and self-discovery was both heartbreaking and inspiring to follow.
There were many moments where I found myself deeply resonating with the words on the page, recognizing thoughts and feelings I have carried myself. The doubt, the emotions, the weight of being a millennial kid all felt captured with honesty. The connections with animals added a grounding beauty to the story, and the Austin references made it feel even more personal. This is ultimately a story about resilience, overcoming life’s toughest challenges, and learning to find love within yourself first and foremost.
There were many moments where I found myself deeply resonating with the words on the page, recognizing thoughts and feelings I have carried myself. The doubt, the emotions, the weight of being a millennial kid all felt captured with honesty. The connections with animals added a grounding beauty to the story, and the Austin references made it feel even more personal. This is ultimately a story about resilience, overcoming life’s toughest challenges, and learning to find love within yourself first and foremost.
August 28, 2025
I read this as an ACR and LOVE it so much... I won't give you spoil alerts but ...
Being a recovering addict myself, Amelia’s chaos feels like a familiar mirror, her self-sabotage too close to home, but so does her fight to crawl out. If you’ve ever battled your own demons, numbed the ache, or longed for redemption in the wreckage, this book will feel like someone finally wrote your secret diary out loud.
And the fascinating way Anna wrote it using all these parts of her life filtered into Amelia's dismantling as fictional works in a really powerful way.
Being a recovering addict myself, Amelia’s chaos feels like a familiar mirror, her self-sabotage too close to home, but so does her fight to crawl out. If you’ve ever battled your own demons, numbed the ache, or longed for redemption in the wreckage, this book will feel like someone finally wrote your secret diary out loud.
And the fascinating way Anna wrote it using all these parts of her life filtered into Amelia's dismantling as fictional works in a really powerful way.
December 14, 2025
Wethersfield Road by Anna Binder Reardon is a deeply heartfelt story that lingers long after it ends. With emotional honesty and subtlety, it explores grief, love, and the complicated ways we carry our pasts.
I adored this book for its tender authenticity. It finds depth in small moments and unspoken truths, and it portrays healing as messy, slow, and very human. A beautiful, character-driven story I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
I adored this book for its tender authenticity. It finds depth in small moments and unspoken truths, and it portrays healing as messy, slow, and very human. A beautiful, character-driven story I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
December 4, 2025
Anna’s book is gritty and engaging. She does not shy away from the difficulties a young substance abuser with borderline personality disorder faces. I know the story all too well. It’s not only accurate but tender. You can’t help but fall in love with Amelia as she learns how to love herself. Thank you for this raw, honest, authentic read.
February 14, 2026
While fictional, this is a powerful and insightful journey through addiction, trauma, and vulnerability on the road to healing and wholeness. I would recommend this book to anyone regardless of your story because as a line from the book says, "All of us are just a little broken, but a lot brave." So transformative and wonderfully written!
September 30, 2025
This book left me speechless. The emotion, the ups and downs of recovery and just life in general. It’s just so well written. I laughed, my heart ached and I may have gotten second hand embarrassment a few times but all in all I loved this book. I just wanted to give Amelia a hug and be a listening ear. I think everyone should read this one.
October 2, 2025
Amazing book! I devoured this story so quickly. It made me laugh and cry. Honestly, it healed a little part of me that I didn't realize was still hurting. Amelia (the main character) truly held up a mirror to my soul. Highly recommend reading this book!
October 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wethersfield Road by Anna Binder Reardon is a profoundly touching and immersive contemporary novel that completely surprised me. As someone who normally reads Romantasy and Fantasy, I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love with a story outside my usual genres, but this book captivated me from start to finish.
The writing is fresh, thoughtful, and deeply moving. I cried many times while reading, completely swept up in the emotions and the raw, honest portrayal of recovery from addiction and healing from mental illness. The novel gives a realistic and compassionate look at therapy, recovery, and the complex, non-linear journey of self-discovery and growth.
This book is not only beautifully written, it’s important. It stays with you long after the last page, making you reflect on resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. I loved it immensely and can’t recommend it highly enough!💞💞💞💞
Wethersfield Road by Anna Binder Reardon is a profoundly touching and immersive contemporary novel that completely surprised me. As someone who normally reads Romantasy and Fantasy, I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love with a story outside my usual genres, but this book captivated me from start to finish.
The writing is fresh, thoughtful, and deeply moving. I cried many times while reading, completely swept up in the emotions and the raw, honest portrayal of recovery from addiction and healing from mental illness. The novel gives a realistic and compassionate look at therapy, recovery, and the complex, non-linear journey of self-discovery and growth.
This book is not only beautifully written, it’s important. It stays with you long after the last page, making you reflect on resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. I loved it immensely and can’t recommend it highly enough!💞💞💞💞
September 30, 2025
Wethersfield Road by Anna Binder Reardon is a riveting novel that I found myself painfully relating to throughout my reading experience. Anna has the unique ability to capture Amelia’s life with authenticity, weaving in just enough humor to keep the heaviness of the story balanced & engaging.
Although the book addresses serious themes, such as those tied to substance use and mental health of a “coming-of-age” protagonist such as Amelia, Anna’s talent for blending emotional rawness with moments of levity, creating a narrative that feels both relatable and "human".
I would absolutely recommend this novel to anyone who has experienced mental health or substance use, or just loves a coming of age story. Be prepared for a page turner that makes you chuckle. but also holds the depth for vulnerability, and finally resilience.
Although the book addresses serious themes, such as those tied to substance use and mental health of a “coming-of-age” protagonist such as Amelia, Anna’s talent for blending emotional rawness with moments of levity, creating a narrative that feels both relatable and "human".
I would absolutely recommend this novel to anyone who has experienced mental health or substance use, or just loves a coming of age story. Be prepared for a page turner that makes you chuckle. but also holds the depth for vulnerability, and finally resilience.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews