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Glennis's world is turned upside down when she realizes her teen son is addicted to crystal meth and her marriage is on the fritz. A shocking and well written story that tells the tale of a mother learning to love, trust, and let go and let God, I definitely recommend this book. ( )

I truly did not care for this book and found it pretty hard to even finish. It's not believable and in some parts completely cheesy. It's not at all an accurate glimpse into the life and hardships of someone with a family member struggling with addiction or even a genuine description of an addict. Carlson has clearly never seen or even been close to the issues she attempts to create with this book and as a result fails with this one completely. What "Crystal Lies" does offer is a story of faith and how that lifelong faith can be tried and tested, but the inaccuracy of this lttle tale and it's soap-opera like dialoge ruin that overall goal. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone and would definately say it's not worth reading. ( )

This book is the story of a woman, Glennis, whose son is addicted to crystal meth. It is also heavy on Christianity. I found that while reading, some of the scenes between Glennis and her friends/family were emotional - it felt a little soft on what someone would really go through in these circumstances. I also found parts to be a little preachy, but they were few. Overall, it was a good story, but I think there are other books out about drug addiction that are more realistic on what drugs do to the whole family and not just the addict. ( )

Glennis' life is falling apart. Her son Jacob has been drug into the world of a Crystal Meth addict, and she is doing everything she can to pull him out of it. Unfortunately, her husband does not agree with her efforts to help and wants to sweep the whole thing under the rug. Glennis is in so much pain that she just has to leave one day and moves into an apartment across town. Jacob comes to crash at her place, but through the efforts of some friends and counseling Glennis realizes that she cannot be an enabler to his habit. So she has to kick him out, all while her husband is divorcing her for another woman.






Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
Strong first person narration helps the reader grasp the reality of dealing with an addict along with Glennis. Told with a bit of a flash back, the story sucks the reader in as they want to see if Jacob and Glennis will ever be able to climb out of the pit they are in. Pretty good secondary characters, though the characterization is a bit shallow for them. Good information though from the counselor character and the recovering alcoholic character. And Glennis' faith journey shows the hope that come come in the midst of sorrow. I especially like the scene where after a failed thanksgiving dinner where her son is a now show she goes and invites all the neighbors.

How Good is it?

This is a book to read when you are in the mood for something serious that will help you learn about what it is like to be in the pit of despair yet still find some hope. And also to understand more about the issue of drug addiction. ( )