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This Is What Happens When Women Read
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Expected 13 Oct 26An empowering journey to self-actualization by a former Evangelical Christian pop star whose life was transformed when she began reading books that had been forbidden to her.
Julianna Glasse was an influential Christian pop star and author who sang at President Trump’s first national prayer breakfast, as well as an exemplary Christian wife. But when, out of curiosity, she began reading Plato’s Republic, something inside her shifted. She began asking questions and hungered to read more, hiding the forbidden books under her bed, in her linen closet, wherever they wouldn’t be found—books by Emerson, Dickinson, Rumi, de Beauvoir. When her husband discovered a pile of her books, he chastised her for her “This is what happens when women read,” he told her, a phrase that liberated She left her marriage, the church, and her married name behind, and set off on a process of educating herself and working to reach other women trapped without agency within religious communities.
In this powerful, riveting memoir, Julianna writes of her very public and painful split from both the church and her marriage—the self-hatred, depression, and suicidal impulses that almost destroyed her; the books she read that inspired her to reclaim her life as an autonomous, independent woman and earn an advanced degree at Oxford University; and, finally, her path to self-discovery and purpose. With a suggested reading list at the back of the book, This Is What Happens When Women Read is at once a dramatic personal story, a conversation starter about women’s emancipation, and an inspiring paean to the power of books.
Julianna Glasse was an influential Christian pop star and author who sang at President Trump’s first national prayer breakfast, as well as an exemplary Christian wife. But when, out of curiosity, she began reading Plato’s Republic, something inside her shifted. She began asking questions and hungered to read more, hiding the forbidden books under her bed, in her linen closet, wherever they wouldn’t be found—books by Emerson, Dickinson, Rumi, de Beauvoir. When her husband discovered a pile of her books, he chastised her for her “This is what happens when women read,” he told her, a phrase that liberated She left her marriage, the church, and her married name behind, and set off on a process of educating herself and working to reach other women trapped without agency within religious communities.
In this powerful, riveting memoir, Julianna writes of her very public and painful split from both the church and her marriage—the self-hatred, depression, and suicidal impulses that almost destroyed her; the books she read that inspired her to reclaim her life as an autonomous, independent woman and earn an advanced degree at Oxford University; and, finally, her path to self-discovery and purpose. With a suggested reading list at the back of the book, This Is What Happens When Women Read is at once a dramatic personal story, a conversation starter about women’s emancipation, and an inspiring paean to the power of books.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Julianna Glasse
2 books44 followersJulianna Glasse is the founder and CEO of This Is What Happens When Women Read, a global movement advancing women’s intellectual autonomy through education, scholarship, and community.
Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than four million people across nearly sixty-seven countries, building a world-
wide audience around liberation through literature.
An alumna of the University of Oxford and a member of the Saïd Business School Dean’s Circle, Glasse leads a growing global scholarship initiative in partnership with Oxford that provides women access to one of the world’s leading graduate business programs. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, literature, and education, and she has spoken at global forums including the United Nations, the Skoll World Forum, and the Clinton Global Initiative on women’s leadership and the role of intellectual agency in social transformation.
Before founding her organization, Glasse built a large public platform as a recording artist and author within faith-based communities, an experience that shaped her enduring critique of ideology, authority, and belief systems. Today her work focuses on creating pathways for women to think independently, question inherited narratives, and reclaim autonomy over their own lives.
Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than four million people across nearly sixty-seven countries, building a world-
wide audience around liberation through literature.
An alumna of the University of Oxford and a member of the Saïd Business School Dean’s Circle, Glasse leads a growing global scholarship initiative in partnership with Oxford that provides women access to one of the world’s leading graduate business programs. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, literature, and education, and she has spoken at global forums including the United Nations, the Skoll World Forum, and the Clinton Global Initiative on women’s leadership and the role of intellectual agency in social transformation.
Before founding her organization, Glasse built a large public platform as a recording artist and author within faith-based communities, an experience that shaped her enduring critique of ideology, authority, and belief systems. Today her work focuses on creating pathways for women to think independently, question inherited narratives, and reclaim autonomy over their own lives.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I got this book free from Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
I glanced through the book before I read it. My first impression was that it was a book that takes itself way to seriously. There is a bookplate in the front to put your name in the book. It also asks what book changed your life. There is a fairly large notes section in the back.
When I started reading my second first impression was anger. Glasse is processing her anger through writing the book, she did not process it and then write the book. This gives a lack of insight. If she had healed more before she wrote the book it would be more balanced and more compelling.
I understand part of this anger. We have all been in places where we have felt ourself being supressed. We can imagine the damage it does to be there for an extended time and to define yourself through the abuse. However, when a memoir drips with anger, it becomes first off putting than somewhat parodied.
The first line that triggered me is "There is no "therapy" in Christian marital therapy." I don't want to question her lived experience. That said, Christian therapy is a big field. To imply that no woman in all of history had a solid, supportive experience with Christian marital therapy is at least biased.
One of the big issues I had with this book, and in fact deconstruction books in general, is there is no awareness that her group was one small and somewhat extreme arm of a big and wide reaching ideaology. She universalizes everything that happened to her as happening to all Christians. It just isn't intellectually honest or even realistic. Common sense would dictate that the experience of an Amish woman in Nowhere, Ohio will be much different than the experience of a female bishop in New York who does gay weddings. Which is living real Christianity? Maybe both. Maybe neither? Possibly either or? Nope. Julianna's ex husband was a jerk. All Christian men are jerks.
Another issue I have found in every deconstruction book that I read, is that none of them go to the source. This is particularly egrigious here because the book is about the importance of reading critically. If I am in a staff meeting and I think my manager is ignoring the rules, I go to the handbook. If I am right, I take the handbook to him (after I have heads uped the union). If I see my church behaving in a way that is against what I heard of Jesus in Sunday School, I go to the Bible. Is this abuse because of a clear inconsistency inherit in Christianity or because our leaders have let power go to their heads? or because we have onboarded malicious jerks? All deconstruction writers say they lived by the Bible, yet none of them read the Bible to find answers to their questions. It just doesn't make sense.
As a Christian and a reader, I would very much like to advise Christian parents that it is very important that your kid knows if it isn't in the Bible, it is just Mom's rule, Dad's rule, the Teacher's rule or the Pastor's rule. You have to obey earthly rules, but they are not scripture. Also when your pastor or church's board or governing body makes rules they are not God's rules unless they come directly from scripture. They are human rules. They can (and should) be questioned. This is even true if they can support them with two or three scriptures without context. Supporting scripture should be relevant and in context. If every Christian knew this a lot of spiritual abuse could not happen.
Ms. Glasse's husband was terrible (in her telling. I know he has an opposite story.), but she wasn't really fair to him either. She says that she prayed "Please make me the godly woman I was, the woman who loved having a husband that could keep her accountable. . ." To me it seems that she married him partly because she thought he would be a strong leader. Eventually she grew to the point that she wanted a husband and not a father. This isn't a bad thing, but she changed and he didn't. He was doing what she had wanted him to do from the beginning, what she had probably complimented him for and praised when she compared notes with other wives. Then suddenly. Boom. She doesn't want it. It doesn't sound like she even told him. This poor sap is going along doing what has always worked, what made her happy then she is angry and sad. It is no wonder he became a little obnoxious.
The adult response would be to renegotiate. I know when we married that__________, but now I am discovering that I need __________________ so I was hoping we could start _________________. Instead, Glasse feels hurt and unseen, acting it out, angry and finally writing this book while her husband is probably also hurt and confused.
Another thing that struck me with this book is that Glasse went from one extreme to another. Like most people who do that she had to eviscerate her old belief system. There is no balance, nothing to show why she thought it was good until she thought it was bad. There is no deep analysis.
This book is a resource for people who are in the bitter phase of deconstructing. It doesn't have the context to be anything else.
I glanced through the book before I read it. My first impression was that it was a book that takes itself way to seriously. There is a bookplate in the front to put your name in the book. It also asks what book changed your life. There is a fairly large notes section in the back.
When I started reading my second first impression was anger. Glasse is processing her anger through writing the book, she did not process it and then write the book. This gives a lack of insight. If she had healed more before she wrote the book it would be more balanced and more compelling.
I understand part of this anger. We have all been in places where we have felt ourself being supressed. We can imagine the damage it does to be there for an extended time and to define yourself through the abuse. However, when a memoir drips with anger, it becomes first off putting than somewhat parodied.
The first line that triggered me is "There is no "therapy" in Christian marital therapy." I don't want to question her lived experience. That said, Christian therapy is a big field. To imply that no woman in all of history had a solid, supportive experience with Christian marital therapy is at least biased.
One of the big issues I had with this book, and in fact deconstruction books in general, is there is no awareness that her group was one small and somewhat extreme arm of a big and wide reaching ideaology. She universalizes everything that happened to her as happening to all Christians. It just isn't intellectually honest or even realistic. Common sense would dictate that the experience of an Amish woman in Nowhere, Ohio will be much different than the experience of a female bishop in New York who does gay weddings. Which is living real Christianity? Maybe both. Maybe neither? Possibly either or? Nope. Julianna's ex husband was a jerk. All Christian men are jerks.
Another issue I have found in every deconstruction book that I read, is that none of them go to the source. This is particularly egrigious here because the book is about the importance of reading critically. If I am in a staff meeting and I think my manager is ignoring the rules, I go to the handbook. If I am right, I take the handbook to him (after I have heads uped the union). If I see my church behaving in a way that is against what I heard of Jesus in Sunday School, I go to the Bible. Is this abuse because of a clear inconsistency inherit in Christianity or because our leaders have let power go to their heads? or because we have onboarded malicious jerks? All deconstruction writers say they lived by the Bible, yet none of them read the Bible to find answers to their questions. It just doesn't make sense.
As a Christian and a reader, I would very much like to advise Christian parents that it is very important that your kid knows if it isn't in the Bible, it is just Mom's rule, Dad's rule, the Teacher's rule or the Pastor's rule. You have to obey earthly rules, but they are not scripture. Also when your pastor or church's board or governing body makes rules they are not God's rules unless they come directly from scripture. They are human rules. They can (and should) be questioned. This is even true if they can support them with two or three scriptures without context. Supporting scripture should be relevant and in context. If every Christian knew this a lot of spiritual abuse could not happen.
Ms. Glasse's husband was terrible (in her telling. I know he has an opposite story.), but she wasn't really fair to him either. She says that she prayed "Please make me the godly woman I was, the woman who loved having a husband that could keep her accountable. . ." To me it seems that she married him partly because she thought he would be a strong leader. Eventually she grew to the point that she wanted a husband and not a father. This isn't a bad thing, but she changed and he didn't. He was doing what she had wanted him to do from the beginning, what she had probably complimented him for and praised when she compared notes with other wives. Then suddenly. Boom. She doesn't want it. It doesn't sound like she even told him. This poor sap is going along doing what has always worked, what made her happy then she is angry and sad. It is no wonder he became a little obnoxious.
The adult response would be to renegotiate. I know when we married that__________, but now I am discovering that I need __________________ so I was hoping we could start _________________. Instead, Glasse feels hurt and unseen, acting it out, angry and finally writing this book while her husband is probably also hurt and confused.
Another thing that struck me with this book is that Glasse went from one extreme to another. Like most people who do that she had to eviscerate her old belief system. There is no balance, nothing to show why she thought it was good until she thought it was bad. There is no deep analysis.
This book is a resource for people who are in the bitter phase of deconstructing. It doesn't have the context to be anything else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
This book came to me exactly when I needed it. Honestly, reading about someone so deep in the evangelical trenches having such a vast change of heart is deeply hopeful and inspiring to me. Julianna cuts no corners revealing the inner thoughts of conservatives and evangelicals, and how that lifestyle indoctrinates and oppresses its women. This is a book I would honestly love to gift to my mother, because the words inside are powerful and eye opening in a way many people need. An amazing, hopecore book, especially for one going through a similar upheaval, able to see how someone else came through on the other side of it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mixed feelings on this one. (I don’t read many memoirs, so that could be a factor.) Glasse writes about her early years growing up in a pastor’s home, then her tumultuous marriage to baseball star Ben Zobrist, which ended after she began reading extensively and questioning her faith; her marriage broke apart, she had an affair, and the divorce was very public and ugly. She continued to explore and examine new ideas, feeling freed from what she calls the shackles of religion, eventually attending Oxford, changing her name, and starting a foundation devoted to liberating women everywhere.
Glasse describes an upbringing that initially sounded familiar to me, but I realized there were marked differences. She portrays how she was taught to do her part in the family “business” from an early age, singing and speaking publicly, saying that she “was saving souls.” I don’t know if young Julianna was confused or if others made the mistake, because the Bible teaches that God—not us—is who saves souls. That was a lot of pressure to carry! Later on, as she is captivated by Plato and other thoughtful literary works, she realizes that her faith isn’t as steadfast as it once was. She has many questions and states that “it is a sin to doubt” God’s word, yet the Bible has many accounts of people who also struggled with doubt; it is a normal human feeling. I believe the larger issue is how we respond to doubt. Glasse asserts that there are millions of evangelical wives who do not have autonomy in the voting booth. Despite being part of that demographic, I have never in over 35 years of marriage felt obligated to match my husband’s choices in an election. We discuss issues and often agree, but when we don’t, I know I can vote my conscience.
Glasses recounts her traumatic experience at a Bible camp when she was twelve and was sexually assaulted, an event with repercussions throughout her life. When her counselor spoke to her after the attack, she asked if she wanted to press charges or forgive. I completely agree with her outrage at this response to the unimaginable. The Church has not handled the mistreatment of women at all well throughout its history. It’s inexplicable and harmful. When the news about Glasse’s divorce was released, she was inundated with death threats and hate-filled messages, many sent by people who were ostensibly Christians. I cannot understand how people who claim to follow Christ’s teachings can willfully behave in a manner that is so clearly un-Christlike. I am sad that she had these experiences.
Lastly, I was surprised and disappointed that the annotated list of books included did not include the Bible. I had hoped that Glasse (a voracious reader) would have read it again for herself, not viewed through the lens other people’s opinions. I think she would learn new insights about the God she thought she once knew.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
Glasse describes an upbringing that initially sounded familiar to me, but I realized there were marked differences. She portrays how she was taught to do her part in the family “business” from an early age, singing and speaking publicly, saying that she “was saving souls.” I don’t know if young Julianna was confused or if others made the mistake, because the Bible teaches that God—not us—is who saves souls. That was a lot of pressure to carry! Later on, as she is captivated by Plato and other thoughtful literary works, she realizes that her faith isn’t as steadfast as it once was. She has many questions and states that “it is a sin to doubt” God’s word, yet the Bible has many accounts of people who also struggled with doubt; it is a normal human feeling. I believe the larger issue is how we respond to doubt. Glasse asserts that there are millions of evangelical wives who do not have autonomy in the voting booth. Despite being part of that demographic, I have never in over 35 years of marriage felt obligated to match my husband’s choices in an election. We discuss issues and often agree, but when we don’t, I know I can vote my conscience.
Glasses recounts her traumatic experience at a Bible camp when she was twelve and was sexually assaulted, an event with repercussions throughout her life. When her counselor spoke to her after the attack, she asked if she wanted to press charges or forgive. I completely agree with her outrage at this response to the unimaginable. The Church has not handled the mistreatment of women at all well throughout its history. It’s inexplicable and harmful. When the news about Glasse’s divorce was released, she was inundated with death threats and hate-filled messages, many sent by people who were ostensibly Christians. I cannot understand how people who claim to follow Christ’s teachings can willfully behave in a manner that is so clearly un-Christlike. I am sad that she had these experiences.
Lastly, I was surprised and disappointed that the annotated list of books included did not include the Bible. I had hoped that Glasse (a voracious reader) would have read it again for herself, not viewed through the lens other people’s opinions. I think she would learn new insights about the God she thought she once knew.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
This Is What Happens When Women Read is Julianna Glasse’s journey from fundamentalist Christian wife to an independent woman. It is a compelling read, especially if you’re familiar with the world in which she was raised. A world in which women are supposed to fit a particular role. One that grants all power to a husband, while absolving him of much responsibility. His accusation one night “this is what happens when you read” says much about the fundamentalist world both were living in.
She wasn’t supposed to read, wasn’t supposed to have a mind of her own. But reading sets loose what she can no longer contain—an independent mind and the desire to be her own person.
Glasse isn’t afraid to tackle hard topics head on. Books force her to think critically about the beliefs she holds, and the consequences of those beliefs. But sometimes her search leads her to make choices with devastating consequences to not only herself, but to those around her. Sometimes, she gives a little too much personal detail about her actions, but always, she’s honest in what she says. She’s also determined to take what she’s learned and share it with others, allowing them to think for themselves. Throughout the book, Glasse discusses specific books that influenced her. At the end of the book is a more comprehensive list of books that had an impact on her journey.
While I don’t agree with all the conclusions she comes to or some of the lifestyle choices she makes, I respect her for her honesty, her courage, her willingness to ask the tough questions and wrestle with the answers. 3/5 stars.
This Is What Happens When Women Read is Julianna Glasse’s journey from fundamentalist Christian wife to an independent woman. It is a compelling read, especially if you’re familiar with the world in which she was raised. A world in which women are supposed to fit a particular role. One that grants all power to a husband, while absolving him of much responsibility. His accusation one night “this is what happens when you read” says much about the fundamentalist world both were living in.
She wasn’t supposed to read, wasn’t supposed to have a mind of her own. But reading sets loose what she can no longer contain—an independent mind and the desire to be her own person.
Glasse isn’t afraid to tackle hard topics head on. Books force her to think critically about the beliefs she holds, and the consequences of those beliefs. But sometimes her search leads her to make choices with devastating consequences to not only herself, but to those around her. Sometimes, she gives a little too much personal detail about her actions, but always, she’s honest in what she says. She’s also determined to take what she’s learned and share it with others, allowing them to think for themselves. Throughout the book, Glasse discusses specific books that influenced her. At the end of the book is a more comprehensive list of books that had an impact on her journey.
While I don’t agree with all the conclusions she comes to or some of the lifestyle choices she makes, I respect her for her honesty, her courage, her willingness to ask the tough questions and wrestle with the answers. 3/5 stars.
July 30, 2026
I’m not religious, and I’ve spent a lot of time not understanding why so many Christians can’t sit comfortably with anyone who believes differently. This book gave me a way in.
The title is what grabbed my attention, and it delivers on the premise: reading is the dangerous act here, the thing that turns the soul and, eventually, the body with it. Glasse had to hide her books, and they’re what started the loose thread of doubt — what unravels her whole belief structure as she pulls at it. Books are what show her that it’s okay to get things wrong; questioning, reconsidering, and adjusting are progress.
It’s a deconversion memoir, medium-paced but hard to put down. My honest wish is that we’d reached the deconversion sooner, though by the end I understood why she took her time getting there.
What stayed with me is how precisely she names the machinery. Not God, not faith, but shame, fear, isolation, and psychological manipulation. She describes contorting herself to stay aligned with its expectations, and I kept wondering how many women are still inside that shape, promoting an agenda that leaves them quietly out of alignment.
Her reframing of God as a placeholder — a name for what we haven’t made sense of yet — is a perspective I could get behind. She’s generous with that idea rather than smug about it.
I’m glad I read it. I won’t recommend it to everyone, but I suspect I’ll be telling people about it. This is a book the church will want to ban — I hope it reaches every hand it’s kept from instead.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The title is what grabbed my attention, and it delivers on the premise: reading is the dangerous act here, the thing that turns the soul and, eventually, the body with it. Glasse had to hide her books, and they’re what started the loose thread of doubt — what unravels her whole belief structure as she pulls at it. Books are what show her that it’s okay to get things wrong; questioning, reconsidering, and adjusting are progress.
It’s a deconversion memoir, medium-paced but hard to put down. My honest wish is that we’d reached the deconversion sooner, though by the end I understood why she took her time getting there.
What stayed with me is how precisely she names the machinery. Not God, not faith, but shame, fear, isolation, and psychological manipulation. She describes contorting herself to stay aligned with its expectations, and I kept wondering how many women are still inside that shape, promoting an agenda that leaves them quietly out of alignment.
Her reframing of God as a placeholder — a name for what we haven’t made sense of yet — is a perspective I could get behind. She’s generous with that idea rather than smug about it.
I’m glad I read it. I won’t recommend it to everyone, but I suspect I’ll be telling people about it. This is a book the church will want to ban — I hope it reaches every hand it’s kept from instead.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ll be honest: I wanted to read this solely based on the title. It’s a total gut-punch in the best possible way.
I went into this expecting a memoir about how reading led to her leaving religion, but Julianna Glasse gave us something so much deeper. It’s an incredibly raw, honest look at what happens when you stop asking for permission to think for yourself and start actually doing it. There is something so raw and relatable about a story that shifts while it’s being written. You really feel like you’re right there on that messy, beautiful journey with her.
It’s not just a deconstruction of faith; it’s a masterclass in empowerment and self-actualization. It made me want to go out and learn more, do more, and challenge my own boundaries.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.
That quote from Maria Popova she uses says it all: "Nothing changes the history of the world more profoundly than changing the landscape of permission and possibility for people." That is exactly what this book does—it changes the landscape.
Honestly, my only complaint is that I can’t force all my friends to read it right this second. This is an absolute must-read for every woman, regardless of your religious background. And fair warning: your "to-be-read" pile is going to explode because her suggested reading list at the end is pure gold. I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy when it comes out. I can’t wait to reread it and recommend it to everyone I know.
I went into this expecting a memoir about how reading led to her leaving religion, but Julianna Glasse gave us something so much deeper. It’s an incredibly raw, honest look at what happens when you stop asking for permission to think for yourself and start actually doing it. There is something so raw and relatable about a story that shifts while it’s being written. You really feel like you’re right there on that messy, beautiful journey with her.
It’s not just a deconstruction of faith; it’s a masterclass in empowerment and self-actualization. It made me want to go out and learn more, do more, and challenge my own boundaries.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.
That quote from Maria Popova she uses says it all: "Nothing changes the history of the world more profoundly than changing the landscape of permission and possibility for people." That is exactly what this book does—it changes the landscape.
Honestly, my only complaint is that I can’t force all my friends to read it right this second. This is an absolute must-read for every woman, regardless of your religious background. And fair warning: your "to-be-read" pile is going to explode because her suggested reading list at the end is pure gold. I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy when it comes out. I can’t wait to reread it and recommend it to everyone I know.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an interesting book as the author chronicles her upbringing in an evangelical Christian family and her subsequent marriage in college. She became a Christian pop singer and her husband a Chicago Cubs world Series winner. Her husband questions her reading choices as contrary to their Christian beliefs and she lives the title of her story. This is not a Christian memoir or a book about baseball. This is seemingly a somewhat addictive personality's look at finding herself on her own terms and exposure to philosophers and poets. There is some seemingly odd placed sexual adventure that is pretty detailed that offsets the rhythm of the story as well as some holes where I'm pretty sure there may be more to both sides. That said, its a pretty quick read with some thoughtful moments and one side of a failed relationship with fundamental religion.
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Oddly enough, I began reading this book while on a family visit in Nashville, TN. Less than a mile from Belmont where Julianna Glasse earned her music degree.
This book details her personal struggles with the religion of her youth and young adulthood. How she came to leave her faith and why.
As a former Catholic, now atheist, I appreciate the journey out of her faith and what lead her to leave everything she knew behind. This is a journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and rebirth as she challenged the social norms she knew and had formerly loved.
This is what happens when women read. They become born again- not in Christ, but in the best self-directed person. This is what happens when women read. They become fully autonomous people, open to exploring everything that life has to offer. No shame, no guilt. Fully embrace life and appreciate it by experiencing life. This is what happens when women read.
This book details her personal struggles with the religion of her youth and young adulthood. How she came to leave her faith and why.
As a former Catholic, now atheist, I appreciate the journey out of her faith and what lead her to leave everything she knew behind. This is a journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and rebirth as she challenged the social norms she knew and had formerly loved.
This is what happens when women read. They become born again- not in Christ, but in the best self-directed person. This is what happens when women read. They become fully autonomous people, open to exploring everything that life has to offer. No shame, no guilt. Fully embrace life and appreciate it by experiencing life. This is what happens when women read.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This Is What Happens When Women Read by Julianna Glasse is a thoughtful exploration of the power of books and the ways reading can shape identity, perspective, and personal growth. Through reflective writing and engaging storytelling, Glasse examines how literature can inspire self-discovery, strengthen empathy, and encourage readers to question the world around them. The book celebrates the unique connections many women develop with the stories they read while emphasizing the lasting impact of literature on everyday life. Glasse’s approachable writing style makes the book both insightful and enjoyable to read. Overall, This Is What Happens When Women Read is an inspiring and reflective work that will resonate with readers who appreciate books about the transformative influence of reading.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received this book as part of a giveaway on Goodreads in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was very impressed by this book. What could have been a nasty story of divorce and blame, was a open and honest self-reflection. I think the author did a very good job of balancing what happened to her with hope and forward progress of self-journey. There were some great lines and insights that I found myself reading aloud. It gave me a lot of deeper insight into inner thought processes of the other side of the political spectrum. And most importantly, it reaffirmed to me that literature and education are the most important thing to be exposed to, for all. Variability and exposure to stories that are not similar to your own lead to being more empathetic, strong, intelligent, and secure in self.
I was very impressed by this book. What could have been a nasty story of divorce and blame, was a open and honest self-reflection. I think the author did a very good job of balancing what happened to her with hope and forward progress of self-journey. There were some great lines and insights that I found myself reading aloud. It gave me a lot of deeper insight into inner thought processes of the other side of the political spectrum. And most importantly, it reaffirmed to me that literature and education are the most important thing to be exposed to, for all. Variability and exposure to stories that are not similar to your own lead to being more empathetic, strong, intelligent, and secure in self.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley and publisher for the advanced reader copy. This memoir masterfully blends her personal experiences with the philosophy and intellectualism she gathered along her journey of enlightenment. I appreciated the fact that this was not just another memoir about what went wrong in a marriage or the escape from a high control religion, but her deeper journey toward liberation...and the power and role of books in that journey.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A read for every woman. Questioning brings knowledge, enlightenment and a richer life. The author has opened herself to encourage others to look inside themselves to discover their true selves. A very, very good read and inspiration for women of any age.
July 24, 2026
It’s hard to put a star rating on something that’s clearly so personal to the author.
I appreciated Julianna’s openness and honesty, and I can see this being an important read for others who find themselves in a similar situation. The life she’s created for herself is inspiring.
I appreciated Julianna’s openness and honesty, and I can see this being an important read for others who find themselves in a similar situation. The life she’s created for herself is inspiring.
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