Dec. 18, 2025
By Camila Bernal
Staff Writer
The young adult novel “Girl in Pieces” by Kathleen Glasgow melds despair, hope and healing to depict the struggles of alcoholism and mental illness.
When the book begins, 17-year-old Charlie Davis is a patient at Creeley Center, a rehabilitation hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. After living on the streets and nearly dying, her friends checked her in to get the professional help she needed.
Unfortunately, Charlie stays in the hospital for only a week before her insurance runs out. From there, she moves into her friend Mikey’s house while he is on tour with his band. For a while, Charlie shows improvement, but eventually, she spirals. This series of events reflects the difficulty of overcoming alcohol addiction and making progress without a steady support system.
Charlie’s conflicts trace back to her childhood, as she never had a connection with her mother. Their relationship became even more problematic after her father died just after she turned 17.
Her mother’s distance led to frequent disagreements, and after Charlie physically attacked her mother, her mother responded by kicking her out of the house.
At the Creeley Center, Charlie meets a doctor she nicknames Casper because of her pale skin. Charlie trusts her, but those interactions are short-lived, as they eventually break off contact for legal reasons after Charlie is no longer her patient.
Charlie’s chaotic life can be tough for readers to grasp, and some parts of the book can be confusing because they reflect Charlie’s own fractured state of mind. Nonetheless, this novel stands out for its captivating plot and insights into addiction.
For a while, Charlie shows improvement, but eventually, she spirals.
While “Girl in Pieces” addresses mature and intense topics, it is worth exploring. Additionally, those struggling with issues similar to Charlie’s should approach the book with care, as certain scenes may be triggering or overwhelming.
For those who can handle its subject matter, “Girl in Pieces” is worth reading. Through its honest portrayal of pain and recovery, the novel conveys the message that it is okay to feel vulnerable and that the deep human connections we form, which can be hard to come by, are invaluable.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
