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Nobody's Son
Nobody's son
Born in a prison and removed from his drug-dependent mother, rejection is all that 7-year-old Alex knows.
When Cathy is asked to foster little Alex, aged 7, her immediate reaction is: Why can’t he stay with his present carers for the last month? He’s already had many moves since coming into care as a toddler and he’ll only be with her a short while before he goes to live with his permanent adoptive family. But the present carers are expecting a baby and the foster mother isn’t coping, so Alex goes to live with Cathy.
He settles easily and is very much looking forward to having a forever family of his own. The introductions and move to his adoptive family go well. But Alex is only with them for a week when problems begin. What happens next is both shocking and upsetting, and calls into question the whole adoption process.
When Cathy is asked to foster little Alex, aged 7, her immediate reaction is: Why can’t he stay with his present carers for the last month? He’s already had many moves since coming into care as a toddler and he’ll only be with her a short while before he goes to live with his permanent adoptive family. But the present carers are expecting a baby and the foster mother isn’t coping, so Alex goes to live with Cathy.
He settles easily and is very much looking forward to having a forever family of his own. The introductions and move to his adoptive family go well. But Alex is only with them for a week when problems begin. What happens next is both shocking and upsetting, and calls into question the whole adoption process.
312 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2017
617 people are currently reading
2136 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Glass
179 books2,229 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 194 reviews
October 15, 2023
Every time I read Cathy Glass, it just makes me more determined to foster and/or adopt in the future. This is the story of Alex, who has been shunted from foster family to foster family, and who is finally adopted, only to have that adoption break down.
Naively, I thought adoption was kind of a happily ever after thing. I couldn't fathom the idea that someone would give a child back that they had worked so hard on adopting. I still can't fathom it, as the idea goes against ever fibre of my being. My heart broke for Alex, and I was very emotionally invested in his story.
As usual with Cathy Glass, it was well-written and clear. I'm sure some of the conversations and events are embellished, unless she writes conversations with everyone word for word in her log notes, but it's really the spirit of the story that matters here.
There's not much more to say about this one. True stories are often like that, as it's not like you can comment on the plot or the characters! I did like, however, that the story extended beyond Alex's time with Cathy this time, as it meant we got a good insight on Alex's life after Cathy and how things turned out. As Cathy doesn't normally have much access to the children after they leave her, I'm glad it was different with Alex.
I'm thankful that there are people like Cathy Glass in the world to look after children like Alex, and I will continue reading her books as long as she keeps putting them out.
Naively, I thought adoption was kind of a happily ever after thing. I couldn't fathom the idea that someone would give a child back that they had worked so hard on adopting. I still can't fathom it, as the idea goes against ever fibre of my being. My heart broke for Alex, and I was very emotionally invested in his story.
As usual with Cathy Glass, it was well-written and clear. I'm sure some of the conversations and events are embellished, unless she writes conversations with everyone word for word in her log notes, but it's really the spirit of the story that matters here.
There's not much more to say about this one. True stories are often like that, as it's not like you can comment on the plot or the characters! I did like, however, that the story extended beyond Alex's time with Cathy this time, as it meant we got a good insight on Alex's life after Cathy and how things turned out. As Cathy doesn't normally have much access to the children after they leave her, I'm glad it was different with Alex.
I'm thankful that there are people like Cathy Glass in the world to look after children like Alex, and I will continue reading her books as long as she keeps putting them out.
March 27, 2017
I have read one of Cathy Glass books before. I the one before heartbreaking and I found this one too heartbreaking.
Its such a sad issue that children for one reason or another have to be fostered out.
Cathy always writes her books in such a professional way. I have full admiration for Cathy fostering for twenty five years and being a carer to more than a hundred and fifty children.
For Cathy it was a new year, a new child. She had in fact took six months off from fostering after her husband had left her. Cathy asked her son Adrian, if he thought that they were ready to start fostering again, he replied 'yes'. They started to foster again.
A lot goes into fostering Cathy Glass had to keep a daily record of the child she was looking after, which includes appointments, their health and wellbeing, education, significant events and any disclosures the child made about their past.
Its such a sad issue that children for one reason or another have to be fostered out.
Cathy always writes her books in such a professional way. I have full admiration for Cathy fostering for twenty five years and being a carer to more than a hundred and fifty children.
For Cathy it was a new year, a new child. She had in fact took six months off from fostering after her husband had left her. Cathy asked her son Adrian, if he thought that they were ready to start fostering again, he replied 'yes'. They started to foster again.
A lot goes into fostering Cathy Glass had to keep a daily record of the child she was looking after, which includes appointments, their health and wellbeing, education, significant events and any disclosures the child made about their past.
January 20, 2018
A beautiful true story about a child told by his foster carer. I look with awe at Cathy's tactful and sensitive way of caring for kids, and the way she explains why she choose to do things one way or the other. Cathy truely takes the reader along her journey with Alex, which amazes me. The only downside I could find was that she repetitively mentions quite a few things we already know, and that she sometimes overdetails... But Cathy's gift to truely picture kids as they are, I have to give 5 stars.
June 5, 2018
Interesting case stories to think about. Quality of writing is quite low with lots of the same phrases repeated throughout her books e.g. "I threw him a reassuring smile".
October 11, 2018
First book I've managed to read in a year so started with an author I used to read alot and as always she didn't disappoint. An excellent read xx
July 28, 2018
This is the sixth book I have read from Cathy Glass. And again, I am very impressed and moved by the story. In this case, it involves a sweet little boy named Alex, who, like many of the subjects in Glass's memoirs, has been in foster care from practically birth. How unfortunate when that is the only life that a child knows. From the beginning, I expected the worst from the adoptive parents, especially the lady, whose name was Rosemary. I mean, immediately, I thought of Rosemary's Baby! However, they didn't turn out to be evil as I suspected. Just a bunch of yuppie jerks who had unrealistic expectations of adopting Alex. They wanted to mold him to be another golden child, like their son James. The father seems very controlling and a perfectionist. They have a sense of entitlement. The kind of people who probably look down on restaurant staff too. Thankfully, Alex finds good parents who eventually adopt him. However, he goes through a nasty teenaged/juvenile delinquent phase, which truly puts everyone involved to the test. In the end though, he finally comes to his senses. Good foster carers are saints!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2018
This was our book club choice and not normally something that I would pick up as I'd class it as Misery lit, which I'm not really into, but it was quite interesting. Cathy Glass has written loads of books about her extensive experience as a foster carer, and I imagine they are all a bit samey after a while. But it was a compelling story that I did rattle through in a day or so.
I found her narrative style a bit irritating (said she did something and then explained why she did it, even when it is blindingly obvious) but I reminded myself she's a foster carer not an accomplished writer, maybe she would benefit from a co-writer.
I found her narrative style a bit irritating (said she did something and then explained why she did it, even when it is blindingly obvious) but I reminded myself she's a foster carer not an accomplished writer, maybe she would benefit from a co-writer.
September 2, 2017
what a heartbreaking and sad story! I found myself crying several times. It's so unfair how adults decisions hurt and can change a child's life forever. even more heartbreaking is deciding to take a child in and adopt them and then give them back. It's not a shirt that doesn't fit or a toy that is broken! once you adopt, you made a commitment to love that child and to treat them as one of your own. I was extremely angry at Edward and rosemary reading this book. whay kind of heartless person does that to a little boy who loves you and just wants a family? it would be so hard to foster because I would want to adopt them all and keep them safe and loved and protected.
February 28, 2017
Goodreads win.
This is my first Cathy Glass book, and I'm glad I won. Normally I can't seem to read 'real-life' books, but with this one, I really could get into it and I loved every second. To find out how this foster child came to be in Foster Care, handling the child etc.
I will probably at some point purchase more books by Cathy, brilliant.
This is my first Cathy Glass book, and I'm glad I won. Normally I can't seem to read 'real-life' books, but with this one, I really could get into it and I loved every second. To find out how this foster child came to be in Foster Care, handling the child etc.
I will probably at some point purchase more books by Cathy, brilliant.
March 7, 2025
My Review | My Recommendation
Title | Nobody’s Son
Author | Cathy Glass
Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a very emotional read. Absolutely heartbreaking. “They didn’t want me in the end. No one does. I’m nobody’s brother or son” - this line absolutely broke my heart.
It definitely opened my eyes to the whole adoption process, but Alex’s story is just heartbreaking. Definitely a bitter sweet ending!
My first Cathy read and I am intending on reading more of her work.
Quotes |
“A new year, a new start”
“No two days are ever the same”
“The brain is like a pressure cooker and it can only take so much before it blows”
“We all need someone”
“Sometimes a hug can say far more than words”
“Tomorrow is a new day and a new start”
“Things happen for a reason”
“Everyone has a breaking point”
Title | Nobody’s Son
Author | Cathy Glass
Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a very emotional read. Absolutely heartbreaking. “They didn’t want me in the end. No one does. I’m nobody’s brother or son” - this line absolutely broke my heart.
It definitely opened my eyes to the whole adoption process, but Alex’s story is just heartbreaking. Definitely a bitter sweet ending!
My first Cathy read and I am intending on reading more of her work.
Quotes |
“A new year, a new start”
“No two days are ever the same”
“The brain is like a pressure cooker and it can only take so much before it blows”
“We all need someone”
“Sometimes a hug can say far more than words”
“Tomorrow is a new day and a new start”
“Things happen for a reason”
“Everyone has a breaking point”
June 18, 2017
Interesting look into the British foster and adoption network...although I think it translates well into the Canadian experience as well. Sad insight into the resilience of Alex and his carers. Edward and Rosemary pissed me off - arrogant twits. Glad I won this on Goodreads - will look for more of Glass books. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
March 13, 2017
I always enjoy reading Kathy glass box. She has indeed found her purpose in life.
Read
August 11, 2022LOVED IT!! i would read it again.
November 29, 2019
Another hugely insightful view into life as a foster carer by Cathy Glass. This woman is remarkable and in this book, where we met young Alex, she showed her incredibly parenting skills once more. I felt sorry for this young boy who no one seemed to want from birth - a touching read.
February 27, 2017
I have read quite of number of Cathy Glass' books so knew what to expect before I started on this one. This book tells the story of Alex and how he came to stay with Cathy for a few weeks before being placed with an adoptive family. Alex had a bad background, being born in prison and then being put into care where he lived with multiple foster families, all he really longed for was a forever family of his own. Sadly it wasn't to work out quite as planned. The book goes into the rejection suffered by Alex again and again, I was pleased to see that there was some hope at the end. I have a personal interest in adoption and fostering so found this an interesting read.
June 22, 2020
I found it a little monotonous, Cathy clearly writes from her foster care diaries (if these are true stories) but it wasn't bad to listen to, easily digested and the orator had a calming voice. There was a lot of build up for quite a short, but surprising ending. I was in two minds to listen to another of Cathy's books, but I have decided to try another one as she seems to be very popular with high ratings.
September 23, 2019
I honestly didn’t think I could finish this book because it enraged me so. Alex was a sweet seven year old caught in the British foster care system. His foster mom couldn��t keep him any longer because she had a difficult pregnancy so he was moved to Cathy Glass’s house temporarily while his adoption was finalized. He was only to be there a couple of weeks. He was so joyful to be going to a forever home. He slid right into the routine at Cathy’s house and played well with her two small children.
His adoptive family came, made the visits, and took him home to their large house in the country. There he had a slightly bigger brother and lots of opportunities for lessons in music.
Two weeks later the family returned him. The adoption failed. His flaws were that he couldn’t ride his bike fast enough to keep up, he was affectionate to his new mommy, and his new brother got jealous. He was bewildered, defeated, and very depressed. If this wasn’t enough to hurt this child, the “system” wouldn’t let him stay with Cathy because she had a child his same age. So once again this was a temporary placement. And the second failure of the system was that they had no mental health support for a child so badly damaged by their rules. That made me the most furious. The innocent child was hurt by the rules of the system. Alex does find his forever family, but suffers classic symptoms of reactive attachment disorder before he finally makes peace within himself. This is an excellent case study for attachment disorder but not a cheerful read. However, Alex does have a happy ending.
His adoptive family came, made the visits, and took him home to their large house in the country. There he had a slightly bigger brother and lots of opportunities for lessons in music.
Two weeks later the family returned him. The adoption failed. His flaws were that he couldn’t ride his bike fast enough to keep up, he was affectionate to his new mommy, and his new brother got jealous. He was bewildered, defeated, and very depressed. If this wasn’t enough to hurt this child, the “system” wouldn’t let him stay with Cathy because she had a child his same age. So once again this was a temporary placement. And the second failure of the system was that they had no mental health support for a child so badly damaged by their rules. That made me the most furious. The innocent child was hurt by the rules of the system. Alex does find his forever family, but suffers classic symptoms of reactive attachment disorder before he finally makes peace within himself. This is an excellent case study for attachment disorder but not a cheerful read. However, Alex does have a happy ending.
February 2, 2018
Sadly, the plight of children who have to leave their birth family is all too common. I am aware that this requires community awareness. I felt that this writing reflected the linking of case-notes/journals that are required of a carer, and I have some concerns regarding the ethics of this - even when names are changed.
Even as a memoir, I felt the writing style was more closely linked to a diary with sometimes loose cohesive links and some less important detail included. There were opportunities to explore in more depth aspects that may have further engaged me, as a reader.
Having experienced aspects of this story, I don't feel I need more.
Even as a memoir, I felt the writing style was more closely linked to a diary with sometimes loose cohesive links and some less important detail included. There were opportunities to explore in more depth aspects that may have further engaged me, as a reader.
Having experienced aspects of this story, I don't feel I need more.
November 5, 2017
I thought this book was going to be a novel and as I read it I thought it seemed more like a memoir. Silly me. After I realized it was a true story by a foster mother I enjoyed it much more. I certainly have great respect for foster parents, but the ones that are doing it for the money without concern for the child scare me. I hate the though of children going into their care.
June 19, 2023
This book made me so angry. Rosemary and a Edward should not have been able to ‘give Alex back’ so easily after just some petty bickering between siblings?!? The impact that had on Alex was irreversible and more should’ve been done to keep him there. I love Cathy Glass books and how they bring awareness to the care system.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
Sad but repetitive. It read like: I got up, brushed my teeth, went to the bathroom, showered, got ready, had breakfast, got my keys, opened the door to leave the house. If I had to read, AT PRESENT, one more time, I would have given up. 3.5 stars
January 21, 2020
3.5 - a bit repetitive.
July 24, 2021
Absolutely love Cathy's writing style. Her books give a very realistic, beautiful and heartbreaking insight in adoption/ foster care.
This story was about Alex. He was in foster care and is going to his forever home in a month. However his current foster parents are expecting so he has to stay with Cathy for 1 month until he can go to Rosemary and Edward. During the time at Cathy's Alex is a wonderful child, gets along with everybody very well and is looking forward massively to moving to his own family. The introduction seems to go very well and everybody is ready for the move. 2 days after Alex moves in, Rosemary calls Cathy saying they're having trouble cause James (their son) and Alex aren't getting along anymore. Cathy tells her this is normal, as James is not used to having to share anything, and everything will get better soon. However, after 2 weeks, Cathy receives a phone call from her social worker saying Rosemary and Edward put Alex back in foster care cause he "isn't fitting in the family as they thought he would...". They just had very unrealistic expectations and could not handle the new, not "perfect" member + spoiled James. Cathy takes Alex back and the social workers begin to look for a new 'long term foster family', since adopting didn't go well. At home, first Alex is very quite, doesn't say anything and has no live in him. After a while the trauma start to unravel and he begins to have aggressive outburst and running away. He blames himself massively for what happened with Edward and Rosemary. After a month or so, things are starting to get better and Alex behavior is improving again. That's when they receive a phonecall saying that they have found a long term foster family for Alex. At first Cathy is very 'suspicious' (?) but once she met Gwen and Garret, who have been foster carers for over 20 years, she knows this is the right family for Alex. Alex himself however is still very withdrawn, which is understandable after the trauma. After 2,5 weeks he moves in with his new family, who have 3 children (16M, 14M & 19F). Everything seems to work out perfectly and they are one big happy family.
After 6 years however, when Alex is 13 and entering puberty, things start to unravel. Alex meets the wrong friends, starts stealing, smoking, drinking, ... . When his mom and dad don't really know what to do with him anymore, Cathy suggest she takes Alex in a few days, so they can rest. Alex interpreted this the wrong way, and smashes Cathy's window at night. = breaking point. The turning point comes when his parents find him a special school for people who have been out of the education system for some time. This seems to be doing a lot of good for Alex, especially when he meets Lucy ;).
With the love of his parents, Cathy, Lucy, his siblings, ... Alex turns his life upside down, and becomes the best uncle, sun, brother, and 'hero' for future foster siblings.
This story was about Alex. He was in foster care and is going to his forever home in a month. However his current foster parents are expecting so he has to stay with Cathy for 1 month until he can go to Rosemary and Edward. During the time at Cathy's Alex is a wonderful child, gets along with everybody very well and is looking forward massively to moving to his own family. The introduction seems to go very well and everybody is ready for the move. 2 days after Alex moves in, Rosemary calls Cathy saying they're having trouble cause James (their son) and Alex aren't getting along anymore. Cathy tells her this is normal, as James is not used to having to share anything, and everything will get better soon. However, after 2 weeks, Cathy receives a phone call from her social worker saying Rosemary and Edward put Alex back in foster care cause he "isn't fitting in the family as they thought he would...". They just had very unrealistic expectations and could not handle the new, not "perfect" member + spoiled James. Cathy takes Alex back and the social workers begin to look for a new 'long term foster family', since adopting didn't go well. At home, first Alex is very quite, doesn't say anything and has no live in him. After a while the trauma start to unravel and he begins to have aggressive outburst and running away. He blames himself massively for what happened with Edward and Rosemary. After a month or so, things are starting to get better and Alex behavior is improving again. That's when they receive a phonecall saying that they have found a long term foster family for Alex. At first Cathy is very 'suspicious' (?) but once she met Gwen and Garret, who have been foster carers for over 20 years, she knows this is the right family for Alex. Alex himself however is still very withdrawn, which is understandable after the trauma. After 2,5 weeks he moves in with his new family, who have 3 children (16M, 14M & 19F). Everything seems to work out perfectly and they are one big happy family.
After 6 years however, when Alex is 13 and entering puberty, things start to unravel. Alex meets the wrong friends, starts stealing, smoking, drinking, ... . When his mom and dad don't really know what to do with him anymore, Cathy suggest she takes Alex in a few days, so they can rest. Alex interpreted this the wrong way, and smashes Cathy's window at night. = breaking point. The turning point comes when his parents find him a special school for people who have been out of the education system for some time. This seems to be doing a lot of good for Alex, especially when he meets Lucy ;).
With the love of his parents, Cathy, Lucy, his siblings, ... Alex turns his life upside down, and becomes the best uncle, sun, brother, and 'hero' for future foster siblings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
As always with Cathy's books, I can't put them down and end up reading it all in one day and then can't wait for the next book to be released.
Wow, a story I wasn't expecting and a little different from others I have read by foster carers.
Please don't read my review if you don't want to read spoilers.
This story focuses on a young boy who Cathy Fostered in her earlier years of fostering, directly after her husband left and before she adopted Lucy. The boy she fostered is waiting to go to his adoptive family, which has already been arranged and he is only meant to be temporarily fostered by Cathy until that time. I knew whilst reading this book that obviously the big lead up to Alex going to his adoptive parents was all 'too good to be true' and that something was bound to go wrong. I think Cathy wrote this very well, giving hints to how the adoptive family weren't perhaps adopting Alex with the right ways of thinking and almost letting you know that this family weren't going to be right for Alex. I was surprised when Alex went to live with his new family and the story proceeds into who Cathy is going to foster next, although before that happens, Cathy is phoned to be told that the adoptive placement has boke down and that they are giving Alex back to social services after just two weeks!!!
I don't think I have ever felt so angry reading a story about fostering. OF course when I read of what some individuals do to children it is terrible, unbelievable and heart breaking but this time I felt real anger on behalf of this little boy who just wanted someone to love him and even was so afraid that his adoptive family may not want him or would reject him after a period of time but was reassured prior to going to live with them that, that wouldn't happen.....only for it to HAPPEN! They gave up on that little boy only 2 weeks after having him because their biological son didn't like having to share his parents attention. As I was reading I felt lik shouting at the adoptive parents saying "WHAT DID YOU EXPECT!!!!" Of course that was likely to happen but it doesn't mean you give up! It was as if they only adopted Alex in order to have a 'buddy' for their own son but when they realised Alex wouldn't just slip into their family unit and be exactly how they wanted him to be (which was basically a carbon copy of their own son) they were disappointed and didn't want him any longer. It should be criminal to do that to a child - adopt them and then just give them up for no major reason. My heart broke for this little boy, who just wanted a family of his own, something so many children take for granted. I won't go on to reveal how the story works out but unsurprisingly this rejection did impact on this boy's life.
Wow, a story I wasn't expecting and a little different from others I have read by foster carers.
Please don't read my review if you don't want to read spoilers.
This story focuses on a young boy who Cathy Fostered in her earlier years of fostering, directly after her husband left and before she adopted Lucy. The boy she fostered is waiting to go to his adoptive family, which has already been arranged and he is only meant to be temporarily fostered by Cathy until that time. I knew whilst reading this book that obviously the big lead up to Alex going to his adoptive parents was all 'too good to be true' and that something was bound to go wrong. I think Cathy wrote this very well, giving hints to how the adoptive family weren't perhaps adopting Alex with the right ways of thinking and almost letting you know that this family weren't going to be right for Alex. I was surprised when Alex went to live with his new family and the story proceeds into who Cathy is going to foster next, although before that happens, Cathy is phoned to be told that the adoptive placement has boke down and that they are giving Alex back to social services after just two weeks!!!
I don't think I have ever felt so angry reading a story about fostering. OF course when I read of what some individuals do to children it is terrible, unbelievable and heart breaking but this time I felt real anger on behalf of this little boy who just wanted someone to love him and even was so afraid that his adoptive family may not want him or would reject him after a period of time but was reassured prior to going to live with them that, that wouldn't happen.....only for it to HAPPEN! They gave up on that little boy only 2 weeks after having him because their biological son didn't like having to share his parents attention. As I was reading I felt lik shouting at the adoptive parents saying "WHAT DID YOU EXPECT!!!!" Of course that was likely to happen but it doesn't mean you give up! It was as if they only adopted Alex in order to have a 'buddy' for their own son but when they realised Alex wouldn't just slip into their family unit and be exactly how they wanted him to be (which was basically a carbon copy of their own son) they were disappointed and didn't want him any longer. It should be criminal to do that to a child - adopt them and then just give them up for no major reason. My heart broke for this little boy, who just wanted a family of his own, something so many children take for granted. I won't go on to reveal how the story works out but unsurprisingly this rejection did impact on this boy's life.
July 9, 2017
My first Cathy glass book and it certainly won't be my last! This had me in tears a few times! I am 38 have never wanted kids and in the back of my mind always had a little twinge about could I foster?! Yet I am not a kiddie person, they always seem to take a shine to me (including the four next door that drive me up the wall lol!)
This book made me want to take this child and adopt him myself and just shower him with love he craved! I thought what the adults did for him in the unconditional love manner was fantastic! I am an ex prison officer (also briefly worked in a kids home and did 4.5 years in the police) in the prison in particular it always interested me how the Majority of prisoners had grown up in care. I always wondered what was it that got that end result of prison for so many of them. It always saddened me and even though I worked predominantly with murderers I was always quietly compassionate to the fact there was more to those men than just the one crime they had committed, all be it one of the worst crimes of course.
Cathy glass must be an exceptional person based only on this one book. To have carried on fostering following her husband leaving is in itself something she should be incredibly proud of herself for! It's his loss, for those fostered by her clearly bring so much joy and wonder into their lives her husband is simply missing out on things money can't buy and affairs won't compensate for!
Well done Cathy you are truly inspirational! And well done Alex for finding the strength that I'm sure was always there to accept help and get back on the path to a wonderful future. You too sound like a lovely person who should also be incredibly proud of yourself :)
This book made me want to take this child and adopt him myself and just shower him with love he craved! I thought what the adults did for him in the unconditional love manner was fantastic! I am an ex prison officer (also briefly worked in a kids home and did 4.5 years in the police) in the prison in particular it always interested me how the Majority of prisoners had grown up in care. I always wondered what was it that got that end result of prison for so many of them. It always saddened me and even though I worked predominantly with murderers I was always quietly compassionate to the fact there was more to those men than just the one crime they had committed, all be it one of the worst crimes of course.
Cathy glass must be an exceptional person based only on this one book. To have carried on fostering following her husband leaving is in itself something she should be incredibly proud of herself for! It's his loss, for those fostered by her clearly bring so much joy and wonder into their lives her husband is simply missing out on things money can't buy and affairs won't compensate for!
Well done Cathy you are truly inspirational! And well done Alex for finding the strength that I'm sure was always there to accept help and get back on the path to a wonderful future. You too sound like a lovely person who should also be incredibly proud of yourself :)
August 6, 2017
An excellent read.
This was an excellent read which kept me totally engrossed. I don’t usually go for books with this type of cover, not liking to ‘go there’ if a memoir is telling of children suffering, however, I recently read a book by Rosie Lewis (another lady who writes books about her experiences as a foster carer), and that changed my view. It was an eye opener to say the least and made me interested to read more of these stories. This is my first Cathy Glass book and I’ll definitely be reading more of her writing.
I really liked how this was written, it’s just like Cathy is chatting to you over coffee and telling you all that happened. It’s written simply with just the right amount of detail-certainly no waffling and waiting around to get to the point. I was straight into it right from the first page. Besides the various children Cathy fosters, she also has two of her own children, and, at the start of this book, her husband has recently left her. She picks herself up and carries on with her work, her new charge is seven-year-old Alex. Alex will only be staying with Cathy only for a short time as he will shortly be moving in with his forever family who will be adopting him.
There were so many positive things in the story-it’s certainly not harrowing or sad all the time. But there are so many unexpected twists and about-turns to this case. Cathy Glass is so skilled in putting her story across and leaving you feel uplifted with the outcome-I’m sure she must find her job extremely rewarding. I look forward to reading more of her fostering experiences.
This was an excellent read which kept me totally engrossed. I don’t usually go for books with this type of cover, not liking to ‘go there’ if a memoir is telling of children suffering, however, I recently read a book by Rosie Lewis (another lady who writes books about her experiences as a foster carer), and that changed my view. It was an eye opener to say the least and made me interested to read more of these stories. This is my first Cathy Glass book and I’ll definitely be reading more of her writing.
I really liked how this was written, it’s just like Cathy is chatting to you over coffee and telling you all that happened. It’s written simply with just the right amount of detail-certainly no waffling and waiting around to get to the point. I was straight into it right from the first page. Besides the various children Cathy fosters, she also has two of her own children, and, at the start of this book, her husband has recently left her. She picks herself up and carries on with her work, her new charge is seven-year-old Alex. Alex will only be staying with Cathy only for a short time as he will shortly be moving in with his forever family who will be adopting him.
There were so many positive things in the story-it’s certainly not harrowing or sad all the time. But there are so many unexpected twists and about-turns to this case. Cathy Glass is so skilled in putting her story across and leaving you feel uplifted with the outcome-I’m sure she must find her job extremely rewarding. I look forward to reading more of her fostering experiences.
January 10, 2020
This is the story of Alex, a young boy who comes into Cathy Glass's care initially on a short term basis, while he is being introduced to his adoptive family. He is at that time a well-behaved boy who is doing well at school and seems to be a good match with his prospective adoptive family. The introductions go well and Cathy waves him off as he goes to join the family. Job done and surely Alex will live happily ever after. Well... no. The adoption breaks down within weeks, and Alex finds himself back with Cathy while social services look for a permanent foster home for Alex. One is found eventually - Cathy would have happily taken Alex in permanently, but would not be considered because Alex is close in age to Cathy's son Adrian, and at least part of the reason Alex's relationship with his adoptive family broke down was the jealousy of the family's son, who was close in age to Alex. Alex joins the new foster family, who eventually adopted him. So, happily ever after this time, surely! Well, er, wrong again. Alex develops severe behavioural problems once he hits adolescence and relationships with this new adoptive family suffer greatly. Fortunately things do improve somewhat over time, but it's a close-run thing.
I found this book particularly interesting because it describes a situation where an adoption breaks down, which is not the usual story this sort of book tells. It is all too usual a story in real life, though - apparently at least a third of adoptions do break down, a fact of which I had been completely unaware.
I found this book particularly interesting because it describes a situation where an adoption breaks down, which is not the usual story this sort of book tells. It is all too usual a story in real life, though - apparently at least a third of adoptions do break down, a fact of which I had been completely unaware.
November 19, 2017
Alex was a kind, polite child, without presenting any challenging behavior. He is in the fostering plan as his native mother couldn't look after him. Cathy was one of the several foster carers that Alex has moved to live with in his life. He moved to her house at the age of 9 for a temporary period of several weeks, the time he moves to live with an adoptive family.
When Alex moved to live with his adoptive family ( Rosemary and Edward), they sent him back after few weeks and rejected the adoption for their own reasons ( their child John could not accept the idea of having a second brother). This was a shook for alex. He was so disappointed.
Few months after, a permanent foster family offered to adopt him. Everything went well until he reached the puberty age, where his behavior has changed. He tried to go beyond the boundaries by consuming alcohol, drugs, and dismissing school...
That period was so challenging for his new family ( Gareth and Twin). But they kept being patient, committed and loving during all this period. That's why we saw alex recovering back, apologizing for all the ones he hurts.
This is one of the few books that made me cry.
When Alex moved to live with his adoptive family ( Rosemary and Edward), they sent him back after few weeks and rejected the adoption for their own reasons ( their child John could not accept the idea of having a second brother). This was a shook for alex. He was so disappointed.
Few months after, a permanent foster family offered to adopt him. Everything went well until he reached the puberty age, where his behavior has changed. He tried to go beyond the boundaries by consuming alcohol, drugs, and dismissing school...
That period was so challenging for his new family ( Gareth and Twin). But they kept being patient, committed and loving during all this period. That's why we saw alex recovering back, apologizing for all the ones he hurts.
This is one of the few books that made me cry.
August 21, 2017
I love Cathy Glass and I've read all her books. This one doesn't disappoint either.
This book is about a 7 year old boy called Alex. Alex is in foster care awaiting to be adopted. His previous foster carers can't care for him any more as the mum is heavily pregnant with her third child so Alex ends up going to Cathy's to spend a few weeks before being adopted. Unfortunately after only spending 2 weeks at his adoptive parents house, they decide their son is much happier as an only child. Alex feels utterly rejected and goes back to Cathy's where he understandably changes from the loving, happy boy to a quiet, withdrawn boy who couldn't care less about anything except being rejected by the family who were supposed to be his forever family.
Although there are very sad parts of this book, it's good to see that with a lot of love, understanding and perseverance Alex can turn his life around.
This book is about a 7 year old boy called Alex. Alex is in foster care awaiting to be adopted. His previous foster carers can't care for him any more as the mum is heavily pregnant with her third child so Alex ends up going to Cathy's to spend a few weeks before being adopted. Unfortunately after only spending 2 weeks at his adoptive parents house, they decide their son is much happier as an only child. Alex feels utterly rejected and goes back to Cathy's where he understandably changes from the loving, happy boy to a quiet, withdrawn boy who couldn't care less about anything except being rejected by the family who were supposed to be his forever family.
Although there are very sad parts of this book, it's good to see that with a lot of love, understanding and perseverance Alex can turn his life around.
March 24, 2018
I realize why Cathy didn’t write this book earlier, even though it happened a long time ago. She had to wait for a happy ending. Sweet little Alex is so excited for a family of his own. He comes to stay with Cathy for a short while before transitioning to his forever family. The family has one son a little older than Alex and are upper class.
Possible spoiler: The adoption fails in 2 weeks and it’s not Alex’s fault. His new family has completely unrealistic expectations. Poor Alex comes back to Cathy while his worker looks for a new home. This time, he is no longer sweet Alex. He is angry and hurt Alex.
I feel so sorry for Alex in this story and the people who have let him down. This is a book anyone who wants to adopt should read so that they avoid breaking a child’s heart. I also felt so horrible about the position Cathy was put in.
Another great book from Cathy Glass with lots of updates on the child.
Possible spoiler: The adoption fails in 2 weeks and it’s not Alex’s fault. His new family has completely unrealistic expectations. Poor Alex comes back to Cathy while his worker looks for a new home. This time, he is no longer sweet Alex. He is angry and hurt Alex.
I feel so sorry for Alex in this story and the people who have let him down. This is a book anyone who wants to adopt should read so that they avoid breaking a child’s heart. I also felt so horrible about the position Cathy was put in.
Another great book from Cathy Glass with lots of updates on the child.
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