Customer Reviews

Cut

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is absolutely amazing. I wanted to finish it all at once. The devotion "Cathy" and "Jon" demonstrated to "Dawn" is inspiring. I am not sure when this actually took place however it is intersting to see how the foster care system has changed as well as how it contrats with that of England. As a student working toward an MSW with a background in counseling adolescents this book was very real on the pain teens are going through today. Parents have a high calling and this book demonstrates the need all the more as it draws our attention to NSSI/SIB more commonly known as "cutting". You most likely know a cutter!

Certainly a book that makes you pause and look at troubled teenagers through a different set of lenses. "Cut" is not only well written, it is completely engrossing. You will cry, laugh, and learn to love along with Cathy as she tries desperately to parent Dawn. A great read!

Having been a foster parent in the United States, I can relate to Cathy's portrayal of how social workers "dump" teens on unsuspecting caregivers without telling the whole story, and how they ignore the possible harm that can come to your own children. In addition, she details how frequently the demands of the teen is considered more important than the normal houserules of the foster parents.

Cut is a story of one teen who has extremely serious issues that is placed with Cathy, who has a newborn of her own. The social worker REFUSES to allow any disclosurwe of the true events that caused her to come into the system in the first place, and basically allows the teen to make up her own rules such as being allowed to be out for periods where she does not have to account for her whereabouts.

Although some of the problems have recently been resolved (dumping kids without proper background information}, the overworked social workers who have to find homes for unwanted children in a system that is already overloaded and understaffed still exists.

In "Cut," Cathy tells the story of one 13 year old who had a past that created such severe problems in her that the child could be considered unsafe in a "normal" home. The way Cathy and her husband stuck it out and worked with this child is amazing. Cathy does an amazing job of telling the story in such a way that the reader can feel the severe pressure of all involved - the family, the child, the social workers, etc.

All of Cathy's books should be read by anyone considering becoming a foster parent, because they allow readers to see the dedication that is required, how they may have to fight "the system," and finally, how those who can handle the stress can help a child turn their lives around.

Cut tells the story of Dawn, one of Cathy Glass' first children she fostered. Dawn seemed to be almost too good; indeed it turned out she was a truant, a drinker, carouser and cutter. She had a forgotten past in which she was abused and was involved in some horrifying escapades. Cathy and her then-spouse felt their way through the process of caring for this girl whilst protecting their infant son from her attentions. I enjoyed the book and was sad to hear Cathy and John had parted ways.

I was moved by Dawn's story! Cathy is an excellent writer and I felt as if I was right there with her as she cared for Dawn.

Cathy Glass is a talented writer which is reflected in her books. I wish she wrote even more!

I enjoyed this book. Dawn was a very interesting girl and I really felt for her. I did not enjoy it as much as damaged, but I think Cathy Glass is a great writer in general. She makes it very easy to understand what is going on, like you are there.

The author recalls her first experience as a foster parent, taking care of 13-year-old Dawn. At first impression a shy and lovely adolescent, Dawn quickly presents as deeply troubled. Cathy and her husband John are startled awake, night after night, as a sleepwalking Dawn comes into their bedroom after the baby. A habitual truant from school, Dawn prefers to spend long hours with unnamed older friends in unnamed places, often staying away from home for days at a time before casually strolling back.

Worst of all, Cathy learns that Dawn is a cutter, having countless scars in various stages of healing over her body.

Despite her best intentions, Cathy soon learns that caring about someone just plain isn't enough. The depth of Dawn's problems may be such that only a professional facility can make a qualified attempt at saving this young girl's future.

Glass' narrative style is both informative and intriguing, yet at no point is she overly sentimental or pitying. Readers will enjoy finding out how Glass' first foster charge came into her life, and how she turned out.

I think this is a amazing book. I had a hard time putting it down. I would recommend this book to all.