Coming of Age

Charlie’s story is one of coming of age as Glasgow describes Charlie’s attempt to make a life for herself in an adult world that is both unfamiliar and frightening. Charlie says that she is in so many pieces that she is not even sure where all of the pieces are. At the same time that Charlie is trying to become a whole person, she also must handle basic issues of life, such as how to pay rent and buy food and necessities on a shoestring budget. Charlie must also have the strength to avoid triggers as well as people who encourage her to backslide on her healing. These life experiences would be almost insurmountable for an adult. Charlie is not quite 18 years of age.

Before being admitted to the psychiatric hospital, Charlie does what is necessary to survive. Charlie joins boys Evan...