Picture a British storyteller who turned the hidden world of foster care into gripping, heartfelt memoirs—meet Cathy Glass! Writing under a pseudonym, this foster carer of over 25 years has crafted bestselling books that shine a light on the resilience of abused children and the power of compassion. With over 40 books and 9.9 million copies sold worldwide, Glass’s stories are both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Her unflinching accounts of fostering some of the UK’s most traumatized children have topped bestseller lists and inspired readers globally. From her debut, Damaged, to her latest memoirs, Glass’s work is a beacon of understanding, showing how love can heal even the deepest wounds. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Cathy Glass
Cathy Glass, a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone, began her journey in the civil service before leaving to start a family. After struggling to conceive, she and her husband saw an advert for foster carers and took the leap. Over 25 years, Glass fostered more than 150 children, many with harrowing histories of abuse. Her degree in education and psychology, earned as a mature student, deepened her understanding of their needs.
Writing was always a passion—poems in school magazines, short stories, and articles for outlets like The Guardian. But it was fostering that sparked her career. Rising at 4:30 a.m. to write while her family slept, Glass blended her two worlds, creating memoirs that broke new ground by exposing the secretive foster care system.
Cathy Glass’s Unforgettable Stories
Glass’s memoirs are raw, compassionate, and impossible to put down. Her debut, Damaged (2007), chronicles her year with Jodie, an eight-year-old girl scarred by sexual abuse and a pedophile ring. A number-one Sunday Times bestseller, it set the tone for Glass’s honest storytelling. Cut (2009) follows Dawn, a troubled teen whose sleepwalking and self-harm reveal a traumatic past, showcasing Glass’s ability to unravel complex emotions.
Will You Love Me? (2013) is deeply personal, telling the story of Lucy, Glass’s adopted daughter, who overcame a neglectful childhood. Beyond memoirs, Glass has penned novels like The Girl in the Mirror, based on true stories, and self-help guides such as Happy Kids, offering parenting wisdom. Her style is direct yet warm, weaving hope into tales of despair, making her books both educational and emotionally gripping.
With 40 books, including 33 memoirs, Glass’s work resonates with readers for its authenticity. She changes names to protect identities, but the stories are real, drawn from her experiences with children aged 0–16. Her ability to balance stark realities with threads of hope has made her a standout in the true-life and inspirational memoir genres.
Why Cathy Glass Matters
Cathy Glass’s impact goes beyond bestseller lists. Her memoirs have opened a window into the foster care system, highlighting its flaws and the urgent need for reform. Readers worldwide have sent thousands of emails, sharing how her stories moved them or inspired them to foster. Survivors of abuse have found solace in her words, with some crediting her books for helping them seek therapy.
Glass’s work is used by childcare professionals and trainers, amplifying her influence. By fostering over 150 children and adopting one, she’s lived the challenges she writes about, making her advocacy for vulnerable children authentic and powerful. Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and hope, proving that love can transform lives.
- Key Works: Damaged, Cut, Will You Love Me?, The Girl in the Mirror
- Career Span: Over 30 years as a writer, 25+ years fostering
- Sales: Over 9.9 million books sold globally
Snag Damaged or Cut and dive into Cathy Glass’s world of resilience and heart! Her stories will leave you inspired and ready to cheer for the kids she’s helped save.