Book Review: Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

First of all, how pretty is this cover? It's one of the reasons I picked the book. Also, there's just something about a story...




First of all, how pretty is this cover? It's one of the reasons I picked the book. Also, there's just something about a story of struggle that I always enjoy reading, and that wasn't much different with this book. I did rate it 3 stars on Goodreads, but let me explain why.

I liked the story. I did. And I didn't hate the character of Charlie, which is unusual for me because I always tend to hate most of the characters in a book. I just didn't understand the timeline throughout the story. I think it perhaps wasn't even a year in length, which made the story seem unrealistic to me. I don't see people turning their lives around in such a short time. I mean, really, how often does someone finally have the last straw and do a one-eighty and not mess up again? I don't know actually, but I am sure it isn't often.

Anyways, this novel is about seventeen year old Charlotte "Charlie" Davis. She starts off in a rehab center and this novel follows her on her journey (for about a year, I'm thinking) after she leaves rehab. It's 100% a very emotional, heartbreaking book. There were parts that reminded me a lot of A Million Little Pieces (which is one of my favorite books in the world), especially in the beginning, and I was worried the writer was trying to mimic that writing style, but it lifted, and I was glad it did. I found the first part of the book (there are three parts) to be very boring, but pretty short "chapters," and there were some sections I wish were written in more detail. It took me most of a week to get through the first half of the book, and then I read the second half in one sitting.

After it was over, I just felt kind of "hmph." That's truly to best way to describe it. I felt like it wrapped up kind of quickly, the ending didn't feel realistic, and I want to know what happens next. I want to know more about Riley and Julie, Linus and Tanner, and Ellis, but mostly I want to know more about Mikey. I feel like he started as such an integral part of the book and we weren't really given enough depth into him. I guess I kind of feel that way with most of the characters except Charlie - we weren't given enough about any of them.

When I marked this read on Goodreads and it asked for my rating, I sat with my finger above my phone for several minutes. I wanted to give it four stars, but there was just something missing for me and I really felt I had to give it only three stars.

I think this book could be hit or miss, depending on what you usually enjoy reading, but I wouldn't tell you not to read it.

I will say that I could tell this book took a lot of heart and soul from the author, Kathleen Glasgow, who in the acknowledgments admits to being a cutter, and that broke my heart for her. I think she is brave and beautiful for writing such a soul-bearing story. This book is a novel and not a memoir, but I know those feelings written within the pages took a lot of self-discovery and self-love and I 100% applaud Kathleen for her strength and graciousness.

What are some of your favorite books that talk about sensitive topics?













I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100% my own.

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6 comments

  1. I got this book from Blogging for Books and it's sitting on my table waiting for me to start reading. I'm intrigued by your review of it!

    I just read Under Rose Tainted Skies which was fiction but dealt with agoraphobia and OCD. It was really well written and I feel like those two subjects aren't written about often.

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    1. Yeah. I agree. It's nice to read about mental illness because there's such a stigma around it and I think reading about it (if it's accurate) helps others to understand it a little more.
      I think you'll enjoy the book. It was definitely worth the read.

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  2. I've seen this book around and like you said, I liked the cover of it. That tends to get me into trouble quite often! From your review it doesn't sound like the kind of book I'd like to read, and if I do it probably won't be in the near future.

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    1. Yeah. It's definitely something you've got to be into to really appreciate it! And the cover is what pulled me in, too!

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  3. I loved loved loved A Million Little Pieces also so I definitely will have to check this one out. I like the cover too :)

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    1. YES! If you love Pieces, you'll enjoy this. It's not the same (this is about a teenager), but it's in the same ballpark.

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