I bought Finding Stevie, Cathy Glass’ most recently published book, already shortly after it first came out in early March. However, I had a ton of books on my reading list, so I didn’t immediately start it. Then it took me a while to finish it, because I got distracted. Last Sunday I finally finished it, but didn’t feel like writing a review yet. I was having a bad cold and didn’t feel like writing much at all. Now my cold is gone, so I can write the review.
Synopsis
Finding Stevie is a dark and poignant true story that highlights the dangers lurking online.
When Stevie’s social worker tells Cathy, an experienced foster carer, that Stevie, 14, is gender fluid she isn’t sure what that term means and looks it up.
Stevie, together with his younger brother and sister, have been brought up by their grandparents as their mother is in prison. But the grandparents can no longer cope with Stevie’s behaviour so they place him in care.
Stevie is exploring his gender identity, and like many young people he spends time online. Cathy warns him about the dangers of talking to strangers online and advises him how to stay safe. When his younger siblings tell their grandmother that they have a secret they can’t tell, Cathy is worried. However, nothing could have prepared her for the truth when Stevie finally breaks down and confesses what he’s done.
My Review
I at first had some trouble getting through the first few chapters. I was curious what Stevie’s secret might be and didn’t find out till almost midway through the book. Then, I worried until nearly the end that the book might not end on a positive note. It seemed to drag on a bit, but eventually, I couldn’t help but love this book.
As the book carried on, I grew sympathetic towards every character. For example, Fred, Stevie’s grandfather, is very blunt and doesn’t accept Stevie’s gender identity at first. He reminded me of my own father, having very strong opinions that he wouldn’t let go of despite the evidence. However, in the end it is clear that Fred too loves his grandson.
Book Details
Title: Finding Stevie: A Dark Secret. A Child in Crisis.
Author: Cathy Glass
Publisher: HarperElement
Publication Date: February 21, 2019
A Multitude of Musings 
I’m glad you liked the book, the online lurking thing is scary in real life.
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Ah, Frum, very true!
And then you think about it from the point of view of the lurker and the lurked upon.
You never know who is out there on the information superhighway.
[and sometimes it’s the people you know – know well – or think you know – who put you in the greatest danger emotionally and psychologically].
And when you’re trailing new roads like Stevie is …
I happen to think that lurkers have a very important job online, and they are part of the Internet ecosystem, especially when it comes to parasociality [one of the ways we create relationships in mass media without regard to evidence or existence].
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I’ve seen this one at our local library, was wondering whether I’d like it or not. You’ve convinced me to go check it out 🙂
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Jean,
do read it.
It might be a good book for advocacy and personal and professional development.
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Went to order it at the library, looks like it’s out for the next three weeks. Bookstore it is!
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Obviously quite popular at the library. Do new books get less time to be borrowed?
Hope you find Stevie at your bookstore, Jean!
There is a new Torey Hayden book which is out in August/September – LOST GIRL – which is about Jessie.
And also thank you for taking up THE ORIGINAL GINNY MOON, Jean.
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Astrid,
Glad you’re feeling well enough to write book reviews!
Remembering how Biodiverse Resistance [English activist blogger who studied at Leeds] talked about being genderqueer and genderfluid. This was around 2007-08.
I love all the personalised genders people are talking about on Tumblr nowadays – there’s no need now to fit into one box.
Good to know that Cathy Glass seeks information about new concepts that the youth are sharing with her.
Yes – cybersafety and being a digital citizen take time to establish and embed in to your behaviour, practices and attitudes.
So good again to have that grandparently love and care come through.
The person representing Fred might remind me of one of my late uncles, who was really good to have an argument with when he was alive. I knew I had to keep my blades of persuasion sharp. This uncle was also responsible for my online life.
Another good book about teenagers in care and the Internet is Benjamin Ludwig’s THE ORIGINAL GINNY MOON. I discovered it two years ago.
Do you like your books to have a positive note near the end, or to feel good after having read them?
And the moments with the siblings …
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