A Long Way from Home

I'd been struggling to concentrate on reading so decided to come back to something safe for a while and hopefully get my "mojo" back. Starting this book is a comfort with Cathy's straight forward approach, This book is different from her usual stories though as half of the book describes this child's story before she gets to her foster home. These parents have been very honest about their experience and the reader is able to understand why Anna is so damaged by her early years. It feels uncomfortably voyeuristic to be looking at the orphanage and there is no avoiding thinking about the children left behind - where are they now? Cathy's involvement with this child covers many of the problems she frequently deals with around bad behaviour and lack of routine. Although with this child there are other issues that make life much harder. The big difference with this story is the parents who are trying to make their daughter a priority but are simply unable to cope. Slow progress is made once Cathy gets involved but there is a long way to go. Yet again this is a straight forward story communicated really clearly and is an easy read. Cathy's books always stay in my head and this one is no exception.

As with all of Cathy’s books, this one was brilliant. Thank you Cathy for sharing your stories of fostering with us and helping as many children as you do.

I love all of CG books, she writes in detail and information about her foster care and what it involves etc. I have read most of her books and have learnt lots too. This book is very good and a must read.

When you see a list of all Cathy Glass books and you know you've read them, that tells you how much I enjoy her books. This one is the same only a slight difference as Part 1 deals with the international adoption of Anna (Anastasia) and Part 2 takes over from when Anna arrives at Cathy's. Let your imagination take over when Elaine and Ian are in the orphanage. Anna is adopted by Elaine and Ian who are at their wits end even though they want to love Anna, and arrange to put her in care. It turns out that Anna has Attachment Disorder and would start therapy. The last chapter is titled "A long way from home" and is a lovely end to the book. Read Anna's update on Cathy's website but don't cheat like I did an read it before the end.

Interesting insight into adoption. Cleverly written

Compelling story. Cathy shows how some adoptions (from abroad) can take an unintended path, and it’s not just pure love that is the solution. Sometimes love really does need to be tough and the parents strong enough to deal it out! Written in a slightly different layout, the story in this book is in two parts, going into more depth in the early years in Part 1 with Part 2 giving her usual foster carer story. Sometimes we object to change from an author’s usual style, but Cathy’s writing and her real life stories are compelling, so you have to trust her instinct in writing the way she does. A glimpse into yet another child’s experiences in foster care and a chance to understand how other agencies have to be involved to try to resolve things and how difficult it can be and how many decisions need to be taken to try to help even one child! I now understand why involving birth parents, no matter how good the intentions may be, is not always a good idea. Thank you for sharing your experiences. As a parent Carer we sometimes assume that foster Carers get everything they need and have an easy life, but this shows that is not always the case and that often it is a learning process finding out what agencies get involved, that communication can sometimes be lacking , or the need to get on with the job in hand without accusing anyone. Thank you!

I have just finished reading this book and every chance I got was reading a bit more.It was very sad in places but gave you an insight to international adoption process then.Would definitely recommend this book.

A few people have commented they felt the book wasn't written as well as Cathy,s other books, but we have to understand these are not books of fiction and are people's actual lives so saying the book isn't gripping enough I find quite sad. Yes the beginning of the book is very descriptive but this is written by the parents and I feel this added to their story and their journey knowing what they went through as they cannot name the actual place 'Anna' was adopted from. I felt Cathy's part was written well and as usual she played a significant part of Anna's life, someone even commented it wasn't that long,without spoiling the story it didn't have to be long and everything we needed to know was written in the book. I purchased this book for 0..99p and I would most definitely recommend even at full price.

I was so caught by the story that I read the book within two days. The life story of little Anna, the efforts her parents did and yet failed since the start were very sad to read about. Cathy is such an amazing lady, caring about all those children she is fostering, teaching them love with boundaries and this makes her books such a great read. Trying to cure sadness and rebellion with love and devotion. I love to read her stories as within all the tearfullness there is always hope for those children not to be lost to the world and life's expectations. Hope that they become adults able to receive and give love, affection and kindness. Absolutely great reads and a lot of psychology about how to treat children or react to those who misbehave. Through Cathy's books you learn to understand.

Love this author!

It book it so good. I’m not a big reader, but I can sit and read books written by Cathy Glass in a day or two. I would recommend you try one of her books.

I enjoyed it very, love true stories. Some people are amazing. What some children go through in cruel, very brave girl.

Another awesome story written by Cathy. It certainly reached each of my emotions. I am so glad everything worked out for Anna. Looking forward to the next one.