An empathetic sixteen-year-old blames herself for her brother’s violent death, and then watches helplessly as her mother disappears. But an unconventional rancher’s son shows her that the best things in life, like love and mercy, require uncommon courage.
The first line is such a haunting one.
It’s the perfect opening to this stunning novel, which I devoured within a day and a half. Laura Kurk’s lovely writing voice and the depth of Meg herself drew me in until I could not read the story fast enough.
Yet this is no light read. For a while now Meg’s life has been one tragedy after another. I think we can all relate to the feeling that not another thing can go wrong. Her brother has died. Her mother has fallen into depression. Her father has decided to move them to Wyoming in hopes of making a fresh start. Thus, Glass Girl has all the makings of a deep novel about surviving suffering sure to break your heart and mend it all over again.
I loved Meg. And I loved Henry, too.
And I especially loved the two of them together, how they were able to make each other better. This is a very sweet, clean romance that is going on my favorites list.
There is some mention of alcohol and partying, but other than that and I think maybe one swear word, this book is a beautiful portrayal of a hurting heart pursuing healing.
What I liked best about Glass Girl, though, wasn’t the deeply real, relatable characters, the authentic dialogue, the dazzling descriptions of Wyoming that made me want to visit, or even the romance.
It was the fact that the story doesn’t end.
I don’t just mean that I’m greatly looking forward to the sequel releasing the week of my birthday, either (although I very much am!).
Meg isn’t done growing yet. Henry has plans and dreams and ambitions to accomplish. Their story isn’t over at the end of Glass Girl and I. love. that. I love that I feel as if I made a new friend in Meg and I haven’t learned all she has to teach me.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love Young Adult fiction, characters who are so much more than words on a page, sweet romance…or just a beautiful glimpse into a true heart.
About the Author
Laura Anderson Kurk is one of those lucky souls who gets to live in a college town. In fact, it’s her college town—College Station, Texas, where she drove in under cover of darkness when she was way too young and proceeded to set the place on fire. Her debut novel Glass Girl is an unconventional and bittersweet love story, and its sequel Perfect Glass makes long-distance love look possible. She’s crazy about her husband and her two ginger-headed kids. Laura blogs at Writing for Young Adults. She’s a featured columnist at Choose Now Ministries, where she writes On Hollywood.
Find Laura on Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // GoodReads
Find Playlist YA Fiction on Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // GoodReads
The Sequel
Read my review of Perfect Glass.
Disclosure: Playlist YA Fiction sent me this book to review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Sierra, it is so worth it! Thanks for the comment! :)<br /><br />Laura, *thank you.* Truly.<br /><br />Laura (Smith), :) Gorgeous fits so well! Can't wait to wholeheartedly agree with you about Perfect Glass (even though I know already that you're right).
Rachelle, I've also used the word "stunning" to describe Laura Kurk's writing. Gorgeous, isn't it. And Perfect Glass is just as beautiful, if not more so.<br />
Rachelle, lovely, thoughtful review. Thanks so much for hanging in there with Meg and loving Henry. And for appreciating the nuanced growth that happens. I can't wait to put the next book in your hands! Thanks for being a valuable part of our street team. We are blessed!
Aughhhh. I want to read this book sooo badly! The covers are beautiful and I've been interested in the story for a long time. From when Ms.Stephanie would have the synopsis if the author was judging a contest. I need to check and see if my local bookstore has this book because it sounds so sweet and deep all at the same time! Thanks for the review :)