You'd Be Home Now

Loosely inspired by Thornton Wilder’s classic play Our Town, Kathleen Glasgow’s You'd Be Home Now delivers a raw, deeply empathetic examination of the opioid crisis and the ripple effects of addiction across families and tight-knit communities. Set in the small town of Mill Haven, the novel focuses on Emory (Emmy) Ward, who has always played the role of "the good child"—the quiet, compliant sister overshadowed by her popular older sister and her troubled older brother, Joey. Everything shatters following a tragic car accident that leaves a local girl dead and exposes the severity of Joey's drug dependency. When Joey returns from rehab, Emmy's parents task her with being his constant caretaker and guardian. Glasgow brilliantly captures the often-overlooked collateral damage suffered by siblings of individuals with addiction, tracing Emmy's emotional exhaustion, guilt, and ultimate journey toward self-discovery, personal boundaries, and healing.

It offers an honest, deeply moving narrative about family dynamics, mental health, and substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and finding your own voice amidst family turmoil.

Ideal for readers of contemporary realistic fiction, young adult (YA) literature, mental health advocates, and fans of character-driven stories exploring family dynamics, addiction, and emotional resilience.