Damaged - Cathy Glass > Reviews > Damaged

Author's product rating:   

Degree of Information	Very high
How easy was it to read / get information from	Very easy
How interesting was the book?	Compelling
How useful was it?	Indispensable
Would you read it again?	Absolutely
Value for money	Excellent

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

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

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. The patience shown by Cathy in the face of such adversity is truly aspiring.

Jodie frequently soils herself, and then Jodie meets Cathy's teenage children, she swiftly gives them a kick on the knees.

When Jodie starts to trust Cathy more, they form a bond and her behaviour improves.

In time to come it is revealed that Jodie suffered abuse at the hands of her parents and was involved in a incredible paedophile ring.

Without giving too much away, the story evolves with honesty and heart warming efforts by Cathy to ensure Jodie has a safe and happy environment.

In time the paedophiles are brought to justice, but Jodie's fututre is still uncertain.

I won't go into more detail, please buy this book, it truly is an amzing read and is great to read a book from someone other than the victim, giving a completely different perspective.

I loved this book and have since book her second book "Hidden".

If you enjoyed this book, another author i would recommend is Torey Hayden, she is a special needs teacher, writing in a similar vein. I will endeavour to write reviews on her books also.