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Girl Alone
Girl Alone
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never gotten over it.
This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father’s dead body. He has committed suicide. Then her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
Cathy takes Joss under her wing but will she ever be able to get through to the warm-hearted girl she sees glimpses of underneath the vehement outbreaks of anger that dominate the house, and will Cathy be able to build up Joss’s trust so she can learn the full truth of the terrible situation?
This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father’s dead body. He has committed suicide. Then her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
Cathy takes Joss under her wing but will she ever be able to get through to the warm-hearted girl she sees glimpses of underneath the vehement outbreaks of anger that dominate the house, and will Cathy be able to build up Joss’s trust so she can learn the full truth of the terrible situation?
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
460 people are currently reading
1563 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Glass
179 books2,234 followersCathy Glass is a bestselling British author, freelance writer and foster carer.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
September 18, 2015
I have read Cathy Glass books since, well, it seems, forever. And each time she writes a heart touching story you get an insight to not only the little person she is talking about but she reveals more about herself.
Cathy is known by Social Services as an Experienced foster carer. You can see why in each book, but with each book she writes more and more I take away with my about the person behind these successful stories.
Patience.
Tenderness.
Frustration.
Yes I feel the frustration that Cathy must feel sometimes with the 'red tape' and how things may have worked better if they had........
and I must say, Cathy has utter self control and acts professional at all times. Although we get little glimpses of her frustration, her expertise and hands on not always being listened to. Most times yes, sometimes not and I feel that sometimes Cathy is holding back when speaking to the Foster caring team. And of course she must.
This little girl that came to her comes with a lot of anger and she is totally out of control for a thirteen year old. Knows too much [or thinks she does] out most nights, and found to have an older boyfriend who is very very wrong for her and she is known to drink, get drunk and use drugs.
Its not an easy ride for either of them, for this child in Foster care, for Cathy and for her own children.
How Cathy handles different things is a learning curve and a thoughtful one, sometimes a thankless one.
The Mother of this child married again after her husband had committed suicide. The father was found and this poor little lass saw her father hanging there.
But this thirteen year old does not get along with her step father. She runs.
Her Mother is beyond breaking point.
In comes Cathy.
Can Cathy help? can she alter anything, can she change the route of self destruction this child is on?
Another great read from Cathy.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction via net galley for my copy to read and review.
February 3, 2016
I’m pretty much going to say about this book what I say about every Cathy Glass book I’ve read this far: I’m so glad I discovered Cathy’s books. Honestly, not only do her books take me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, it also makes me grateful that I am the type of parent who is the opposite of most of the parents of the children Cathy fosters. Reading these stories of abused children or children who have suffered trauma at the hands of their parents or others they trusted, gives me chills. I would NEVER do such things to my children or refuse to believe them if ever they should confide in me that someone hurt them in any way – even if it was my partner.
Through Cathy’s books I’ve also come to appreciate that there are people in this world who open their homes and hearts to the plights of abused / abandoned children and those in desperate need of a stable, loving home and family. Reading Joss’s story I couldn’t help but marvel at the endless patience and wisdom Cathy and her family showed towards Joss and her disturbingly naive mother. In certain chapters I could feel my patience with Joss wearing thin, but Cathy soldiers on. What an amazing woman!
I always find the parents’ negative reactions puzzling to a welfare system that takes over their role when they as parents have failed to protect or take proper care of their children. It just strengthens my belief that it doesn’t mean because you can have children that you should have children. I don’t blame Joss’s mother for not seeing what Eric was doing, but I do hold it against her that she didn’t know Joss well enough to understand that her behavior was changing for a reason. It was worse that she took her husband’s word over her daughter’s.
Sadly, I see this happening so often where a woman would rather side with her new husband than with her child(ren). Not once did I blame Cathy for not realizing why Joss was really acting out. At least I can say that Cathy did a lot more for Joss than Linda did. Instead of standing up to help sort out the problems she created, Linda instead ran away and collapsed into a blubbering, depressed mess. Ugh. I know that sounds mean, but I’m all for people taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions, and I have no sympathy for those who don’t.
I have to mention that I was so happy to see Toscha (the cat) being mentioned so often. I absolutely love cats and Toscha is as much a part of the Glass household as the family living there and every foster child who finds a safe haven in this home. I know beforehand when I pick up the next Cathy Glass book that I’m stepping into a home where the rules and daily routine is familiar to me and where I, as reader, also feel welcome. I also enjoy how Cathy goes into detail about their outings, the meetings with her foster agency, the contact with parents, and many such little intricate minutiae that sets the tone of the foster child’s daily surroundings.
If you’re a parent who loves her children dearly, do yourself a favor and read this book, or any of Cathy Glass’s previous books. It’s heartbreaking to witness the suffering or the neglected state of a child who comes into care, but also healing to see, in the end, how Cathy, with infinite compassion, understanding, and dedication, make a difference in the life of every child she fosters.
Through Cathy’s books I’ve also come to appreciate that there are people in this world who open their homes and hearts to the plights of abused / abandoned children and those in desperate need of a stable, loving home and family. Reading Joss’s story I couldn’t help but marvel at the endless patience and wisdom Cathy and her family showed towards Joss and her disturbingly naive mother. In certain chapters I could feel my patience with Joss wearing thin, but Cathy soldiers on. What an amazing woman!
I always find the parents’ negative reactions puzzling to a welfare system that takes over their role when they as parents have failed to protect or take proper care of their children. It just strengthens my belief that it doesn’t mean because you can have children that you should have children. I don’t blame Joss’s mother for not seeing what Eric was doing, but I do hold it against her that she didn’t know Joss well enough to understand that her behavior was changing for a reason. It was worse that she took her husband’s word over her daughter’s.
Sadly, I see this happening so often where a woman would rather side with her new husband than with her child(ren). Not once did I blame Cathy for not realizing why Joss was really acting out. At least I can say that Cathy did a lot more for Joss than Linda did. Instead of standing up to help sort out the problems she created, Linda instead ran away and collapsed into a blubbering, depressed mess. Ugh. I know that sounds mean, but I’m all for people taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions, and I have no sympathy for those who don’t.
I have to mention that I was so happy to see Toscha (the cat) being mentioned so often. I absolutely love cats and Toscha is as much a part of the Glass household as the family living there and every foster child who finds a safe haven in this home. I know beforehand when I pick up the next Cathy Glass book that I’m stepping into a home where the rules and daily routine is familiar to me and where I, as reader, also feel welcome. I also enjoy how Cathy goes into detail about their outings, the meetings with her foster agency, the contact with parents, and many such little intricate minutiae that sets the tone of the foster child’s daily surroundings.
If you’re a parent who loves her children dearly, do yourself a favor and read this book, or any of Cathy Glass’s previous books. It’s heartbreaking to witness the suffering or the neglected state of a child who comes into care, but also healing to see, in the end, how Cathy, with infinite compassion, understanding, and dedication, make a difference in the life of every child she fosters.
September 24, 2015
Another fantastic book from Cathy Glass.
December 3, 2016
I'm glad i discovered Cathy's books. Cathy Glass has been a foster carer for 25 years, during which she has looked after more than 150 children, as well as raising three children of her own. She is truly one remarable woman!
This is the very first book i've read of hers. I enjoyed reading it and was emotionally touched by it.
Looking forward to reading more of her books!
This is the very first book i've read of hers. I enjoyed reading it and was emotionally touched by it.
Looking forward to reading more of her books!
May 18, 2024
Very good and very emotional
May 6, 2019
This is one of my favourite Cathy Glass books though the story is so sad and eye opening. Nobody who reads these books stay innocent about the world we live in :( But don't let that put you off, the books are so gripping to read and I can't put one down once I've started it!
September 17, 2015
This is the most recently released novel by Cathy Glass (released 10 September 2015).
It's the story of Joss who went to Cathy as a frightened 13 year old. The story, as usual, is well-told by Cathy, and Joss, her mum Linda and little brother, Kevin, have endured what no family should have to: the loss of their father and Linda's first husband through his suicide. Joss appears to resent the fact that her mum has remarried a man called Eric, but she has good reason to. When Joss arrives at Cathy's, she's broken and distraught and has nightmares and gets in with a bad crowd. She's hostile towards Cathy and her family and the social services get involved. As Joss reveals her worries over what happened, a caring thoughtful side to her emerges and she gets on much better with Cathy and her family. She stops seeing the bad crowd and she does much better at school.
There's conflict between Joss and her mum at times although Joss loves her, and she really misses her brother Kevin who lives with Linda and Eric while Joss is in care and living at Cathy's. They all want to be together as a family. In this book, we see the meaning of family, and the lengths some families have to go to to rebuild their lives. As always with Cathy's books, the story is very touching but also has details of abuse, and I'd advise keeping tissues nearby. The language is very emotive too. The detail involved is spot- on as always with Cathy Glass's books and we get an insight into how the social services work with Joss and her family, as they do with the other families in Cathy's books. I was pleased with the ending and the book left me satisfied. Denica Fairman's narration really compliments the story well. The difference with this story and the ones I've listened to so far that I own, is that Cathy shows the involvement of Joss's grandparents (Linda's parents) aside from her parents, Kevin and her so-called "friends" (who are the ones who ultimately form the "bad crowd,") and it's apparent how close the whole family is to the grandparents. This is a nice touch.
After I'd read the update for this book on, I was very pleased to see that Cathy has a new novel out in February called A Dark and Lonely Place. That will be on my To Read list for sure! I'm so glad I read Girl Alone, and pre-ordering it by a week was so worth it to definitely have the audiobook on my iPad the day of its release. There are still audiobooks of Cathy's I haven't listened to which I'll use my Audible membership to download while I wait for next year's new release!
You can also find this review on my blog, The Glitter Notebook at Review: Girl Alone by Cathy Glass (Audible Unabridged Audiobook) 5 Stars | The Glitter Notebook
https://theglitternotebook.wordpress....
Verdict: 5 Stars.
It's the story of Joss who went to Cathy as a frightened 13 year old. The story, as usual, is well-told by Cathy, and Joss, her mum Linda and little brother, Kevin, have endured what no family should have to: the loss of their father and Linda's first husband through his suicide. Joss appears to resent the fact that her mum has remarried a man called Eric, but she has good reason to. When Joss arrives at Cathy's, she's broken and distraught and has nightmares and gets in with a bad crowd. She's hostile towards Cathy and her family and the social services get involved. As Joss reveals her worries over what happened, a caring thoughtful side to her emerges and she gets on much better with Cathy and her family. She stops seeing the bad crowd and she does much better at school.
There's conflict between Joss and her mum at times although Joss loves her, and she really misses her brother Kevin who lives with Linda and Eric while Joss is in care and living at Cathy's. They all want to be together as a family. In this book, we see the meaning of family, and the lengths some families have to go to to rebuild their lives. As always with Cathy's books, the story is very touching but also has details of abuse, and I'd advise keeping tissues nearby. The language is very emotive too. The detail involved is spot- on as always with Cathy Glass's books and we get an insight into how the social services work with Joss and her family, as they do with the other families in Cathy's books. I was pleased with the ending and the book left me satisfied. Denica Fairman's narration really compliments the story well. The difference with this story and the ones I've listened to so far that I own, is that Cathy shows the involvement of Joss's grandparents (Linda's parents) aside from her parents, Kevin and her so-called "friends" (who are the ones who ultimately form the "bad crowd,") and it's apparent how close the whole family is to the grandparents. This is a nice touch.
After I'd read the update for this book on, I was very pleased to see that Cathy has a new novel out in February called A Dark and Lonely Place. That will be on my To Read list for sure! I'm so glad I read Girl Alone, and pre-ordering it by a week was so worth it to definitely have the audiobook on my iPad the day of its release. There are still audiobooks of Cathy's I haven't listened to which I'll use my Audible membership to download while I wait for next year's new release!
You can also find this review on my blog, The Glitter Notebook at Review: Girl Alone by Cathy Glass (Audible Unabridged Audiobook) 5 Stars | The Glitter Notebook
https://theglitternotebook.wordpress....
Verdict: 5 Stars.
September 11, 2015
I received this ebook from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to be approved to read this book. I love Cathy Glass, she is a wonderful author and just an inspirational human being for doing all the fostering work throughout the years.
I have to admit this book was hard for me to read. Joss, the young lady in the book, found her father after he committed suicide and followed her life for a brief time while she was in care. My father past away less than 2 years ago, although not from suicide, and it was hard to read about a young girl who went through this tragedy at such a young age. Although this book had a happier ending, in my opinion, than others I have read by Cathy Glass, at least Joss was able to go back to some form of her family in the end. Many of the other books do not have such endings.
I always recommend Cathy Glass books to people who are looking to read something that will restore your faith in humanity, if nothing else because of how she treats the poor souls who end up in her care.
I was so excited to be approved to read this book. I love Cathy Glass, she is a wonderful author and just an inspirational human being for doing all the fostering work throughout the years.
I have to admit this book was hard for me to read. Joss, the young lady in the book, found her father after he committed suicide and followed her life for a brief time while she was in care. My father past away less than 2 years ago, although not from suicide, and it was hard to read about a young girl who went through this tragedy at such a young age. Although this book had a happier ending, in my opinion, than others I have read by Cathy Glass, at least Joss was able to go back to some form of her family in the end. Many of the other books do not have such endings.
I always recommend Cathy Glass books to people who are looking to read something that will restore your faith in humanity, if nothing else because of how she treats the poor souls who end up in her care.
October 1, 2015
What an emotional book this is.
Joss is a nine year old girl, who finds her father hanging in the garage, and four years later, this along with the fact that her mother has remarried, is enough to send the now thirteen year old, unhappy,angry and out of control.
Moving from the family home, to stay with relations,and then two foster homes, Joss is ready to fight anyone she can, Hating her mother for siding with Eric her stepfather and feeling sad because she is no longer near her brother Kevin, Joss is hurting, herself and those trying to help her, Enter Cathy Glass, and her wonderful family. Joss is strong willed but so is Cathy, and she is determined to help Joss, no matter what,,
Loved reading and reviewing this for Lovereading
Joss is a nine year old girl, who finds her father hanging in the garage, and four years later, this along with the fact that her mother has remarried, is enough to send the now thirteen year old, unhappy,angry and out of control.
Moving from the family home, to stay with relations,and then two foster homes, Joss is ready to fight anyone she can, Hating her mother for siding with Eric her stepfather and feeling sad because she is no longer near her brother Kevin, Joss is hurting, herself and those trying to help her, Enter Cathy Glass, and her wonderful family. Joss is strong willed but so is Cathy, and she is determined to help Joss, no matter what,,
Loved reading and reviewing this for Lovereading
October 10, 2016
Girl Alone By Cathy glass is a biography and memoirs and non fiction read.
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never gotten over it.
I loved this book. Poor joss. Really felt for her. What she went through.everyone was just trying to help her. Very teary at times. A very emotional read with brilliant characters. I loved the ending too. highly recommended. 5* . Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never gotten over it.
I loved this book. Poor joss. Really felt for her. What she went through.everyone was just trying to help her. Very teary at times. A very emotional read with brilliant characters. I loved the ending too. highly recommended. 5* . Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
September 15, 2015
havent had time to read lately but eventually finished another great story by cathy glass. glad joss had a happy ending after everythink she went threw. cant wait for the next cathy book
September 14, 2015
another amazing read by cathy glass, once i pick her books up i can never put them down until that last page has been read. i am never dissapointed.
July 6, 2024
4.5/5:
Such a heartwarming book from Cathy Class. I just got this book in the bookstore while looking for another book about foster. I was curious from the cover of the book and really want to know how Joss heal from that trauma. As a going-to-turn-14-in-a-few-days teenager, I find myself related to most of Joss's feelings. I know why she is angry and easily misled by bad people. But I do hate some of Joss behaviors from the beginning, none of it were good but understandable if you discover the story behind it. I think that it was because i was kind of her age so I noticed there was something wrong with her stepfather. As a child, I rarely or I can say never dislike someone for no reason. About the writing in the book, I think Cathy is a really good writer. English is not my first language but I can read it easily (I do read english book before but not something like this). I love how she sets the boundaries for her foster children and how she decides to slowly approach Joss, and steps into this little girl's world. I truly understand the wall that Joss build up between the people she close with. It is kinda unbreakable but Cathy did it, so I'm pleased. This book helps you understand the little child world and their thoughts. I love it!!!
Such a heartwarming book from Cathy Class. I just got this book in the bookstore while looking for another book about foster. I was curious from the cover of the book and really want to know how Joss heal from that trauma. As a going-to-turn-14-in-a-few-days teenager, I find myself related to most of Joss's feelings. I know why she is angry and easily misled by bad people. But I do hate some of Joss behaviors from the beginning, none of it were good but understandable if you discover the story behind it. I think that it was because i was kind of her age so I noticed there was something wrong with her stepfather. As a child, I rarely or I can say never dislike someone for no reason. About the writing in the book, I think Cathy is a really good writer. English is not my first language but I can read it easily (I do read english book before but not something like this). I love how she sets the boundaries for her foster children and how she decides to slowly approach Joss, and steps into this little girl's world. I truly understand the wall that Joss build up between the people she close with. It is kinda unbreakable but Cathy did it, so I'm pleased. This book helps you understand the little child world and their thoughts. I love it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2018
Joss was an angry and disruptive teenager when she came to live with foster carer Cathy Glass. She and her mother had arrived home 4 years earlier to find Joss's father had committed suicide by hanging in their garage - her mother had managed to keep her much younger son Kevin from seeing this, but Joss was with her mother at the moment of discovery. Joss had been close to her Dad, and could not accept the man her mother married 3 years later as a stepfather. Her behaviour deteriorated to the point where first her mother, then her aunt, failed to manage to control it safely, and Joss was surrendered voluntarily to the care system by her mother, who was at her wits' end. Even then, Cathy, an experienced foster carer, was Joss's third placement. But why was Joss so angry and disruptive? Is it because she feels her mother has betrayed her father, or are there other reasons? Will anybody hear what Joss isn't saying in words? This book tells Joss's story.
January 31, 2025
A powerful account from Cathy Glass around the horrific circumstances some children in care have been through and experienced. Joss sounds like such a troublemaker at first, but when she starts to trust Cathy - a different child emerged who had been through some awful things. Such a sad set of circumstances, but sounds like the ending was as good as could have been for her.
July 3, 2020
These books are just so incredibly hard to put down; both heartbreaking and uplifting, I’ve just ordered more on Amazon.
April 2, 2025
I'm a fan of Cathy Glass. She's a great foster carer and as a teacher, I really understand the sort of children she is trying to make a difference with.
February 16, 2018
My 1st Cathy Glass book and I can’t believe I waited so long to actually read it! (I bought is 8 or so months ago) I can’t wait to read more of her books !!
April 18, 2017
I really liked this book!!
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never gotten over it.
This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father’s dead body. He has committed suicide. Then her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
Cathy takes Joss under her wing but will she ever be able to get through to the warm-hearted girl she sees glimpses of underneath the vehement outbreaks of anger that dominate the house, and will Cathy be able to build up Joss’s trust so she can learn the full truth of the terrible situation?
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never gotten over it.
This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father’s dead body. He has committed suicide. Then her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
Cathy takes Joss under her wing but will she ever be able to get through to the warm-hearted girl she sees glimpses of underneath the vehement outbreaks of anger that dominate the house, and will Cathy be able to build up Joss’s trust so she can learn the full truth of the terrible situation?
March 31, 2017
fantastic book.
March 27, 2017
Another tragic yet great book from Cathy Glass. I had an inkling halfway through that there had to be more to the story for a thirteen year old to be acting out that bad. Parts of this book brought me to tears.
August 5, 2019
Honestly, I like the cat best. Maybe that's just me. But when I read a Cathy Glass book back to back with a Maggie Hartley book, as I've just done & just mentioned in the review of the other one, there are too many similarities in style and situations that crop up too frequently. I know there are only so many plots in the world and only so many reasons for kids to wind up in foster care, but really.
That said, Joss did stand out more than some of the other kids who feature in Cathy's books, and I felt sorry for her, but it frankly shocked me that she forgave her mother for not only repeatedly accusing her of lying about serious stuff, but totally failing to stand up for or to her in any circumstance displayed. No wonder the poor lass acted out the way she did, she must have felt so adrift. That's not decent parenting, and while grief has a lot to answer for, it can't make up for everything. I suspect her relationship with her mum may grow rockier as she gets older and able to see their situation more objectively, and I can't really say I'd blame her.
Anyway, that doesn't really count as a review given the type of book this is. The one thing I have yet to mention that really annoys me about Cathy Glass' books is this: she appears to have an incompetent editor, if she has one at all, and there are so many proofing errors it drives me up the wall (being a qualified freelance proof-reader!). This woman wrote a book to tell *other* people how to write?!?
That said, Joss did stand out more than some of the other kids who feature in Cathy's books, and I felt sorry for her, but it frankly shocked me that she forgave her mother for not only repeatedly accusing her of lying about serious stuff, but totally failing to stand up for or to her in any circumstance displayed. No wonder the poor lass acted out the way she did, she must have felt so adrift. That's not decent parenting, and while grief has a lot to answer for, it can't make up for everything. I suspect her relationship with her mum may grow rockier as she gets older and able to see their situation more objectively, and I can't really say I'd blame her.
Anyway, that doesn't really count as a review given the type of book this is. The one thing I have yet to mention that really annoys me about Cathy Glass' books is this: she appears to have an incompetent editor, if she has one at all, and there are so many proofing errors it drives me up the wall (being a qualified freelance proof-reader!). This woman wrote a book to tell *other* people how to write?!?
October 24, 2015
This is a non fiction account of what it is like to be a foster carer . The child specifically mentioned in this book is called Joss ( not her real name), her father commited suicide and her mother is now in a different relationship and this young girl is struggling with life in every way.
Cathy talks about what it is like to foster while having other kids of her own to look after and protect their wellbeing . As each child she looks after is different there is no set guidebook to helping a child but some guidelines and common sense as well as love and empathy are very useful life skills to have. I have heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child , but if that child is going through some rough home life problems the village can become the foster care system with foster homes , social workers and a team of people looking after each child's specific needs . Heartbreaking and eye opening it can vividly make you see what goes on behind closed doors and the good people out there fighting against it.
I would definitely read another book by Cathy after reading this.
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
Cathy talks about what it is like to foster while having other kids of her own to look after and protect their wellbeing . As each child she looks after is different there is no set guidebook to helping a child but some guidelines and common sense as well as love and empathy are very useful life skills to have. I have heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child , but if that child is going through some rough home life problems the village can become the foster care system with foster homes , social workers and a team of people looking after each child's specific needs . Heartbreaking and eye opening it can vividly make you see what goes on behind closed doors and the good people out there fighting against it.
I would definitely read another book by Cathy after reading this.
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
November 8, 2015
Quite simply – I could not put this book down! It held me in its grasp until I turned the very last page – resulting in a very late bedtime for me!
I must confess I have always felt uncomfortable reading published true life stories of first person trauma, feeling somehow voyeuristic about reading them for my so-called ‘entertainment’. I was however much more comfortable with this, told not by the victim Joss, but from the point of view of her very caring foster mum, Cathy.
Troubled teen Joss, has chosen to leave her birth mum to go and live with her allocated foster family; so begins Cathy’s story of living with Joss through the storm of lying, disrespect, drinking, drug taking and police reports. Cathy and her own three children weather it all with compassion and understanding, until finally, under the most traumatic of circumstances, Cathy has a breakthrough with Joss, her history is revealed and the foster mum is finally able to help Joss deal with her demons.
I give this book a resounding 5 stars – and I will most certainly be reaching for more Cathy Glass novels in the future.
I must confess I have always felt uncomfortable reading published true life stories of first person trauma, feeling somehow voyeuristic about reading them for my so-called ‘entertainment’. I was however much more comfortable with this, told not by the victim Joss, but from the point of view of her very caring foster mum, Cathy.
Troubled teen Joss, has chosen to leave her birth mum to go and live with her allocated foster family; so begins Cathy’s story of living with Joss through the storm of lying, disrespect, drinking, drug taking and police reports. Cathy and her own three children weather it all with compassion and understanding, until finally, under the most traumatic of circumstances, Cathy has a breakthrough with Joss, her history is revealed and the foster mum is finally able to help Joss deal with her demons.
I give this book a resounding 5 stars – and I will most certainly be reaching for more Cathy Glass novels in the future.
September 28, 2016
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never gotten over it.
This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father’s dead body. He has committed suicide. Then her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
Cathy takes Joss under her wing but will she ever be able to get through to the warm-hearted girl she sees glimpses of underneath the vehement outbreaks of anger that dominate the house, and will Cathy be able to build up Joss’s trust so she can learn the full truth of the terrible situation?
Children act out according to their inner turmoil. . When one slows down and takes the time to recognize the that the defiance or deviance is not about oneself but stems from a hurt greatly within the one can begin to unravel the layers of hurt and help. Cathy is inspirational and influential in helping children begin to realize their inner greatness and overcome instead of succumbing to their inner turmoil.
This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father’s dead body. He has committed suicide. Then her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
Cathy takes Joss under her wing but will she ever be able to get through to the warm-hearted girl she sees glimpses of underneath the vehement outbreaks of anger that dominate the house, and will Cathy be able to build up Joss’s trust so she can learn the full truth of the terrible situation?
Children act out according to their inner turmoil. . When one slows down and takes the time to recognize the that the defiance or deviance is not about oneself but stems from a hurt greatly within the one can begin to unravel the layers of hurt and help. Cathy is inspirational and influential in helping children begin to realize their inner greatness and overcome instead of succumbing to their inner turmoil.
April 28, 2017
It's a few years since I read a book by Cathy Glass, and when I saw this one, I really wanted to give it a read. I enjoy books like this occasionally in between all the crime books I read.
I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this book. And I couldn't wait to start it.
I enjoy the writing style of Cathy Glass, and the way the books are told. Honest and down to the point.
This is by no doubt another fantastic book. I think the blurb about the book gives enough of what it is about and I don't want to go into the story for fear of giving anything away about how it goes. But it is really interesting how a family copes with such big changes. It was good hearing some more on Cathy's other children. I felt like I was visiting a family I hadn't seen for a while.
It really is a good read, if you have read and enjoyed any of Cathy's previous books. Then you will really enjoy this one.
I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this book. And I couldn't wait to start it.
I enjoy the writing style of Cathy Glass, and the way the books are told. Honest and down to the point.
This is by no doubt another fantastic book. I think the blurb about the book gives enough of what it is about and I don't want to go into the story for fear of giving anything away about how it goes. But it is really interesting how a family copes with such big changes. It was good hearing some more on Cathy's other children. I felt like I was visiting a family I hadn't seen for a while.
It really is a good read, if you have read and enjoyed any of Cathy's previous books. Then you will really enjoy this one.
October 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and although I had read some Cathy Glass books it was a long time ago. I had forgotten what an extraordinary woman she is and the calmness that seems to prevail in her household.
Joss came to stay with Cathy as a last resort after she had been the one to find her dad when he had comitted suicide and her mother had remarried. She had been to several foster homes but there was talk of a secure unit and Cathy just didn't think that would help Joss. The problem was that Joss was out of control and thought it was ok to do as she pleased and smoking and drinking was acceptable to her. Could Cathy get through the bravado and find the little girl underneath? It was a eye opener that just kept giving and Joss although angry was after all just a girl.
Joss came to stay with Cathy as a last resort after she had been the one to find her dad when he had comitted suicide and her mother had remarried. She had been to several foster homes but there was talk of a secure unit and Cathy just didn't think that would help Joss. The problem was that Joss was out of control and thought it was ok to do as she pleased and smoking and drinking was acceptable to her. Could Cathy get through the bravado and find the little girl underneath? It was a eye opener that just kept giving and Joss although angry was after all just a girl.
January 28, 2016
this is my first book of 2016, i am still a fun of Cathy's books. This is the story of Joss, a teenager who witnessed the suicide of her father. She got angry, and had dramatic changes in her behavior, lifestyle and her relationship with her mother. She was then taken into foster care, she came into Cathy's house, she was out of control during those days until when she revealed to Cathy that she suffered abuse from her stepfather who married her mother after her dad's suicide. Cathy took to rights steps by informing the police and social services. Actions were taken. this is when the behavior and lifestyle of Joss has improved. At the end of the story, the stepfather was taken into custody, Joss returned back to live with her grandparents.
September 30, 2015
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book and I would like to say thank you to lovereading for sending it to me. This is the second book I have read of Cathy Glass's and I can't believe some of the stories I have read so far. The poor children that have to go through these awful things at such a young age. It makes me feel sick. These books are so heart touching that I really do admire Cathy and the work that she does, She makes the child feel safe, and that they have a sense of belonging. These books also give you a good insight about what it is like to be a foster carer. Another fantastic read.
January 8, 2016
As always I look forward to Cathy Glass's latest reads and this book was no exception. Her Books are amazing and the stories are so gripping and truthful that it takes me no time at all to get through her books.
Girl Alone is a about a girl called Jess who comes home from school one day to find her father has committed suicide. A few years later her mother moves on with her step-father who mentally abuses Jess. This book is about Jess learning to open up and deal with her grief for her fathers passing and the deep anger towards her mother and step-father.
This book was as always of Cathy is amazing and a must read!
Girl Alone is a about a girl called Jess who comes home from school one day to find her father has committed suicide. A few years later her mother moves on with her step-father who mentally abuses Jess. This book is about Jess learning to open up and deal with her grief for her fathers passing and the deep anger towards her mother and step-father.
This book was as always of Cathy is amazing and a must read!
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