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A review by hello_ned
How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book broke me. Even though I was constantly crying, I couldn't stop reading this book.
Glasgow intimately describes the heart-break of grief and recovery. You're aimless, angry, sad, sick, embarassed, ashamed, anxious, and every other emotion under the sky. A lot of the emotions are "repetitive" but grief is repetitive. A lot of it is tears and pain and time moving so fast yet so slowly. I would say the pace of this book is very good and enjoyable, but quite fast in retrospect. Tiger goes through a LOT in about 2 months. Each time I wanted to stop, something big happened and I HAD to keep reading.
It was important to Glasgow to show how common pain is for children. Many children suffered through abusive families, drug abuse, disability, homelessness, discrimination... and they all carry that pain deep inside. Sometimes it comes out in "inappropriate" ways-- but really, how can grief be inappropriate? How can you get over it? What do you even do now?
All of the characters are so fleshed out, real, and imperfect. Each character is distinct and has their own voice and importance. Remembering characters is a really difficult thing for me, and that wasn't a problem here.
Ironically, for such a sad book, I have never audibly laughed and cheered so much when reading a book. I yelled out at work when Tiger slapped the tooth out of Ellen and shoved Kai. I cheered even more when her sister came down to defend Tiger, turning the tables with the principle-- highlighting how little school systems actually take bullying seriously. Why is it always the kids fault when they act out against the relentless bullying and torment? And why do the bullies never get punished?
The main character isn't perfect, but life is shit enough already- let alone for a poor teenager who just lost her mum (and much more I cant spoil.) Tiger's down-to-earth humour and ability to laugh at herself and the situation she comes to call "the big suck" is endearing and warm. I just want to give her a big hug.
I have never (knock on wood) lost anyone close to me, but I was really enthralled in this life. I can imagine it was only a fraction of the pain people in her position feel.
This is one of those important books- a book that everyone needs to read and feel, and reread at different stages of their lives. It's something I'll be keeping on my shelf and carrying inside me throughout my life.
Glasgow intimately describes the heart-break of grief and recovery. You're aimless, angry, sad, sick, embarassed, ashamed, anxious, and every other emotion under the sky. A lot of the emotions are "repetitive" but grief is repetitive. A lot of it is tears and pain and time moving so fast yet so slowly. I would say the pace of this book is very good and enjoyable, but quite fast in retrospect. Tiger goes through a LOT in about 2 months. Each time I wanted to stop, something big happened and I HAD to keep reading.
It was important to Glasgow to show how common pain is for children. Many children suffered through abusive families, drug abuse, disability, homelessness, discrimination... and they all carry that pain deep inside. Sometimes it comes out in "inappropriate" ways-- but really, how can grief be inappropriate? How can you get over it? What do you even do now?
All of the characters are so fleshed out, real, and imperfect. Each character is distinct and has their own voice and importance. Remembering characters is a really difficult thing for me, and that wasn't a problem here.
Ironically, for such a sad book, I have never audibly laughed and cheered so much when reading a book. I yelled out at work when
The main character isn't perfect, but life is shit enough already- let alone for a poor teenager who just lost her mum (and much more I cant spoil.) Tiger's down-to-earth humour and ability to laugh at herself and the situation she comes to call "the big suck" is endearing and warm. I just want to give her a big hug.
I have never (knock on wood) lost anyone close to me, but I was really enthralled in this life. I can imagine it was only a fraction of the pain people in her position feel.
This is one of those important books- a book that everyone needs to read and feel, and reread at different stages of their lives. It's something I'll be keeping on my shelf and carrying inside me throughout my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
Minor: Abortion