Kathleen Glasgow's You'd Be Home Now receives praise for its honest portrayal of addiction and its impact on families. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally heavy-handed. Overall, it is celebrated for its raw and touching exploration of sensitive issues.

A reader who would enjoy You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow likely appreciates emotionally charged contemporary young adult fiction. Fans of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher will find this book compelling due to its deep exploration of mental health, addiction, and family dynamics.

Inspired by author Kathleen Glasgow’s own experiences, You’d Be Home Now tells the story of Emory Ward whose brother is addicted to opioids. After a tragic car accident that leaves one person dead and another in jail, Emory, healing from her wounds, must manage her brother’s recovery while navigating high school life. The book contains discussion of substance abuse, overdose, self-harm, and suicide.

Emotional / Challenging / Heartwarming / Melancholic / Hopeful

**Emory Ward**  
A 16-year-old girl from the wealthy town of Mill Haven, who navigates family and personal challenges, including peer pressure, substance abuse, and searching for her identity.

**Joey Ward**  
Emory’s 17-year-old brother, who struggles with heroin addiction and the pressures of family expectations, highlighting issues of teenage opioid addiction.

**Gage Galt**  
Emory’s neighbor and a high school sports star, whose secretive relationship with Emory mirrors temptations of short-term gratification.

**Abigail Ward**  
Emory and Joey’s mother, focused on maintaining the family's reputation and often neglects her children’s emotional needs due to her career priorities.

**Liza Hernandez**  
Emory's former best friend who, upon reconciliation, supports Emory at school and advocates for speaking up against patriarchal structures.

Kathleen Glasgow

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Overview

Glasgow’s novel explores themes of identity, recovery, and healing from trauma. Learn more with this summary of You’d Be Home Now.

You'd Be Home Now Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 9

You'd Be Home Now Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-24

You'd Be Home Now Part 1, Chapters 10-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 25-33

You'd Be Home Now Part 2, Chapters 25-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 34-47

You'd Be Home Now Part 2, Chapters 34-47 Summary & Analysis

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You'd Be Home Now Character Analysis

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You'd Be Home Now

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