“Damaged” by Cathy Glass is a must-read for anyone interested in the resilience of the human being and the profound impact that compassion and love can have on a deeply wounded soul. It is a gripping memoir that tells the heartbreaking true story of a young girl who enters Glass’ life as a foster child. Written in first person narration, the book takes its reader through the highs and lows of Glass’ experience with the foster child, who is given the name “Jodie” in the book.

The nine-year-old girl has a shocking history of sexual abuse and neglection by her own parents, leaving physical and emotional scars that Glass portrays in the book, immediately captivating the reader’s attention and embarking on an emotional rollercoaster. The book unfolds the foster carer’s remarkable patience, compassion and dedication in helping Jodie heal from her traumas, while she faces a lot of obstacles such as Jodie’s aggressiveness, outbursts, self-harm, mistrust of everyone and refusal to open up, showcasing the deep damage in this child.

The book raises awareness about the importance of early intervention and the impact that a nurturing environment can have on a child’s recovery, even in the worst cases that may seem almost impossible to heal. Moreover, as the book progresses, Glass provides glimpses into her personal life and the challenges she faces in finding a balance between her responsibilities as a foster carer and a mother of her own flesh and blood.

This brings Glass closer to the readers, as it makes her more relatable to them. One of the book’s most remarkable aspects is its ability to elicit anger, sadness, frustration and hope, making it an unforgettable read. The book is a powerful memoir that gives voice to the voiceless and the most vulnerable category — abused children.

“Damaged” is a work of non-fiction based on the recollections of Cathy Glass. The names of people, places, dates and the detail of events have been changed to protect the privacy of others.