Cathy Glass

Advantages: Realising the problems foster carers endure.
Disadvantages: The sickening reality of abuse.

...Damaged by Cathy Glass had me gripped from the moment i started reading it. The book is about an 8yr old foster child named Jodie who is extremely disturbed. The extent of her problem does not surface until she is put in the care of Cathy Glass (author of the book), a foster carer with over 20yrs experience. Cathy's was the 5th / 6th placement for Jodie in the space of 4 months. After gaining the trust of Jodie, Cathy discovers the truth of the childs unexceptional behaviour. Through listening and watching, the abuse this child suffered at the hands of her parents and many others comes to light. What i found horrifying is how the previous foster carers and social services hadn't noticed any signs of the abuse. Most disturbing still is that the book is based on a true story.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Well written, you felt you knew them all a little better when finished
Disadvantages: None

...From the moment I picked this book up I just couldn't put it down. The true account of this one foster carers experience (Cathy Glass) with an extremely damaged young girl that came into her care was truly harrowing. I was in tears after the first few chapters as the story unfolded, the mental damage that had been done to this young child was portrayed perfectly through the excellent writing of this book. Life is really put into perspective when you read about the awful things that this young girl had been subjected to from a young age. Cathy and her family had some horrendous things to deal with but through perseverence she managed to do what Social Services had failed to do. Cathy Glass is truly one of lifes amazing people. I was humbled!!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Truly remarkable and utter love and compassion from this author
Disadvantages: Shocking and upsetting - utterly heartrending

...A friend leant me this book and I must admit I wasn't sure whether it would be that good. I have read a lot of childhood memoirs starting off with A Boy callede It and found that a lot of them are very alike, a bit "woe is me". Yes I know they have all had a bad childhood, but I stopped reading them after a a while because they were all very similar. I must admit I was amazed by this book. The book is written by Cathy Glass who is a Foster Carer. When Jodie is only eight years old, she is violent, aggressive, and has already been through numerous foster families when her last hope is Cathy Glass. Cathy is "pushed" into taking on Jodie as a last resort after she has been rehomed many times. If Cathy wouldn't take her on then she would be forced into a Children's Home. Cathy decides to give Jodie a chance, and what a time she has... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful