By Kelly Waldron, Opinions Editor
Over the years, Kathleen Glasgow has been one of my favorite writers because of her ability to cover mental health truthfully and respectfully. From the lonely struggle of Girl in Pieces to the highs and lows of having hope in How to Make Friends with the Dark, Glasgow has written about self-harm, addiction, death, grief, and various mental illnesses throughout the years.
The Glass Girl, Glasgow’s latest solo release, is no lighter. Fifteen-year-old Bella is admitted to a rehab facility after a long struggle with alcohol abuse left her unconscious on her mother’s front porch. Despite her friends, family, and the hospital’s attempts to convince her she has a problem, Bella refuses to accept that she’s an addict.
Throughout her time in rehab, she makes friends and enemies alike and faces setbacks in varying forms. With the novel being told from Bella’s perspective, we follow her internal battle and see how her outlook on addiction changes.
Glasgow doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles in her novels. One character might be great one moment but then set back to square one the next. Her stories aren’t necessarily about being optimistic; rather, they focus on being tenacious.
Bella doesn’t start rehab and then instantly become better. Recovery isn’t a straight path in this novel because it isn’t that simple in real life. She must overcome difficulties at home and balance the struggles of her parents’ divorce, end relationships that inhibit her progress, and have the strength to restart her sobriety when things fall through.
The Glass Girl wasn’t the darkest novel I’ve read by Glasgow, but it certainly wasn’t the lightest to digest either. I implore potential readers to mind the trigger warnings and do their research before committing to this novel.
It is also important to understand that although DNFing (did not finish) a book is often frowned upon in today’s book culture, there shouldn’t be shame with not finishing a book for mental health reasons. Glasgow’s books can be dark, so don’t feel as though you need to drag yourself into the darkness too.
If you are ok with the content, then prepare for a tough journey. This novel will mean different things to different people, but it will make you reassess your support system and maybe even take a more meaningful look at the people around you.
While you read, consider this question: Does Bella, the girl of glass, ever shatter?
*Content Warning*– This novel contains intense alcohol abuse, drug abuse, mentions of self-harm, mentions of overdose, death, generational trauma, various mental health issues, sexual content and bullying.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or self-harm, please utilize the resources below found on campus:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (570)-372-4751 (option 1 during service hours or option 2 on evenings and weekends)
- Campus Safety: (570)-372-4444
- Health Center: (570)-372-4385