Em asked Kathleen Glasgow:

I absolutely loved Girl in Pieces, as I could certainly relate, but my mom, when I suggested she read the novel to better understand what I was facing, had quite a different view. She believes the novel may have influenced my illness. Do you have any suggestions as to allowing parents to understand the separation between influencing and providing something to relate to?

Kathleen Glasgow Hi E, Thank you for reading Girl in Pieces and thanks for asking such a thoughtful question. I'm glad you felt you could relate to the book. I'm also glad you have a mom who is looking out for your health and well-being and cares to know what you're reading. That's very important. Parents ultimately want to keep their children safe from illness and harm, which is a good thing. But some kids go through difficult times and reading books with certain themes can help them explore difficult emotions safely, within a fictional world. I would recommend not reading books with themes of SH, suicide, depression, or abuse if you find them triggering. One of the things I love best about Goodreads is that readers will post clear warnings about books (including page numbers where certain things happen) that contain triggering themes. If you are wondering whether a book is for you, I suggest reading some reviews. If you see topics that are a trigger for you? Don't read that book! There are many, many other books out there to read and love that don't contain topics that trigger you. I read a lot of them, myself! Are there other people who might like to read those books and learn more about those topics? Yes. Are there people who have depression or SH who might find solace by reading books about those things? Yes. Is it possible you and your mother might be able to read books about those things together and talk about what you're going through, using the fictional story as a safe way to explore your thoughts and feelings? Maybe. That's something you and your mom need to discuss with each other. Every family, and every reader, is different. I hope that helps! (Again: Goodreads is a an excellent place to figure out whether or not a book is the right read for you! Leave reviews for books! Read reviews and leave comments!)

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