Book Review: You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow
There are books that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, and You’d Be Home Now is undoubtedly one of those. Kathleen Glasgow, the acclaimed author of Girl in Pieces, delves deep into the raw and often painful realities of family, addiction, and self-discovery. I stumbled upon this novel while browsing for something that could resonate with the complexities of life, and I can say it left me both heartbroken and hopeful.
At the heart of the story is Emmy, a girl drowning beneath the weight of expectations and the aftermath of a tragic car accident that claimed the life of a friend. The chaotic blend of emotions she navigates reveals not just her struggles, but the suffocating grip of addiction that plagues her brother, Joey. This isn’t just a tale of family ties; it’s a poignant examination of how society pigeonholes individuals, how labels can be suffocating, and the fight to reclaim one’s identity amidst chaos.
Glasgow’s writing is beautifully evocative. She has an uncanny ability to pull you into the emotional core of her characters. From the vivid imagery of the Mill Haven landscapes to the intimate struggles Emmy faces with her brother’s rehabilitation, every word felt deliberate, every emotion raw. The pacing briskly matched the urgency of Emmy’s journey, keeping me on my toes while simultaneously inviting moments of reflection.
One of the standout themes for me was the notion of ghosts—ghosts of the past, expectations, and even the literal “ghosties” who are mentioned throughout. These elements serve as a powerful metaphor for addiction’s persistence in a community, haunting both individuals and families. I found myself reflecting on the weight of these "ghosts" in my own life, and how often we are haunted by our past decisions.
One quote that truly struck me was, “Mill Haven wants everyone to live one story.” This succinctly captures the struggle we face—how society gravitates toward simplicity, often at the cost of real, complex narratives. It’s in this rebellion against singular narratives that Emmy finds her voice, which is, perhaps, the most compelling part of her arc.
You’d Be Home Now isn’t just for young adults grappling with similar issues; I believe it resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pressure to fit within societal molds or struggled to understand a loved one’s journey with addiction. It’s an open-hearted dialogue about love, resilience, and the messy, beautiful journey of understanding oneself and others.
Ultimately, this novel reminded me of the importance of compassion, both towards ourselves and those around us. Glasgow has crafted a story that doesn’t shy away from the difficult, but illuminates the path toward understanding and acceptance. If you’re looking for a book that resonates deep, challenges perceptions, and ultimately offers a glimpse of hope, I can’t recommend You’d Be Home Now enough. It’s a painful, yet profoundly uplifting read that will stay with you long after you finish.