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I give this book a 5/5!
Description.
(Tiger's life changed with a simple phone call. Her mother has died. That's when darkness descended on her otherwise average life.
Tiger's mother never talked about her father, and with no grandparents or aunts or uncles, her world is packed into a suitcase and moved to a foster home. And another. And another. Until hope surfaces in the shape of . . . a sister?
Sometimes family comes in forms you don't recognize. But can Tiger learn to make friends with the darkness before it swallows her whole?)📚
You know that one book that just clicks with you, the one that truly pulls you into the world of reading? For me, 'How to Make Friends With the Dark' by Kathleen Glasgow was that book. I remember picking it up, drawn in by the evocative cover featuring a girl, and from the first page, I was hooked. It truly earned its 5-star rating in my heart, becoming the book that got me into reading more deeply. Let's dive deeper into why this novel is so powerful. The story centers on Tiger Tolliver, whose life is irrevocably altered by a sudden phone call – her mother has passed away. Immediately, Tiger is thrust into a confusing and often harsh world of foster care. Her mother had always been secretive about Tiger's father, leaving Tiger feeling utterly alone with no known family besides her mom. We follow Tiger as she moves from one temporary home to another, facing uncertainty and the raw pain of loss. This isn't just a story about grief; it's about navigating the labyrinthine foster system and the profound isolation that can come with it. The narrative beautifully captures Tiger's internal struggle, her attempts to process her mother's death, and her gradual realization that she needs to find a way to coexist with her 'darkness' – her pain and sorrow – rather than letting it consume her. The glimmer of hope arrives in the form of a sister she never knew existed, opening up possibilities for connection and a different kind of family. A question many readers ask is, 'Is How to Make Friends With the Dark a true story?' While Kathleen Glasgow's writing feels incredibly authentic and deeply personal, capturing the raw emotions of her characters with such precision, the story of Tiger Tolliver is a work of fiction. However, like many skilled authors, Glasgow often draws inspiration from real-world issues, experiences, and observations of the human condition. Her ability to craft such a believable and poignant narrative about grief, mental health, and the foster care system makes it resonate as deeply as if it were a memoir. The struggles Tiger faces, the isolation, and the process of learning to cope with overwhelming emotions are sadly very real for many young people, making the book a powerful and empathetic exploration of these themes. What makes this book truly stand out are its themes. It's a profound exploration of grief not as a linear process, but as a complex, often messy, and ever-present companion. It delves into mental health, the importance of support, and the idea that sometimes, finding 'family' means looking beyond traditional bonds. Tiger's journey to 'make friends with the dark' is a metaphor for accepting and understanding her difficult emotions, rather than fighting them. This message is incredibly empowering and provides a unique perspective on resilience. Kathleen Glasgow has a remarkable talent for writing characters who feel utterly real, flawed yet strong, and her prose is both poetic and unflinchingly honest. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel deeply, challenge your perceptions, and ultimately leave you with a sense of hope, then this is definitely one to pick up.