60 pages • 2 hours read
How to Make Friends with the Dark
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Book Brief
421
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2019
YA
14-18 years
HL690L
Super Short Summary
In How to Make Friends with the Dark, 16-year-old Grace "Tiger" Tolliver struggles to navigate life and grief after the sudden death of her mother, June, and is thrust into the foster care system. The book details her journey through various foster homes, discovering her father's identity, forming a bond with her half-sister Shayna, and finding support in a school grief group, as Tiger learns to cope and heal amidst challenging circumstances. Themes include grief, parental loss, trauma, self-harm, suicide, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, addiction, and domestic violence.
Melancholic
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
34,669 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow are generally positive. Critics praise its raw and realistic portrayal of grief and loss, highlighting the powerful, emotive writing and well-developed characters. However, some find it overly intense and emotionally draining. Nonetheless, the novel is lauded for its authenticity and depth, making it a compelling read.
Who Should Read How to Make Friends with the Dark?
Readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven narratives about grief, resilience, and the journey to healing will find How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow compelling. Fans of All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green will resonate with its heartfelt and poignant exploration of loss.
34,669 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
June Tolliver
June Tolliver
Tiger’s loving but overprotective mother whose death sets off a chain of events that forces Tiger to confront her fears and limitations.
Katerina "Cake" Rishworth
Katerina "Cake" Rishworth
Tiger’s loyal and caring best friend, who tries her best to support Tiger after the loss of her mother.
Shayna Lee Franklin
Shayna Lee Franklin
Tiger’s 20-year-old half-sister, who steps in to support Tiger as she deals with their shared family complications.
Thaddeus Roach
Thaddeus Roach
A friend Tiger makes in foster care, who has had a difficult upbringing yet offers Tiger understanding and support.
Mae-Lynn Carpenter
Mae-Lynn Carpenter
A quiet and empathetic girl from Tiger’s school, who bonds with Tiger through shared experiences of grief.
421
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2019
YA
14-18 years
HL690L
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