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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Glow by Emma Meyer, Mia lives in a cramped city apartment with her mother, who struggles financially and works multiple jobs. After a rent dispute with their landlord and the loss of one of her mother’s jobs, the family decides to move with Mia’s grandfather to Cosby, near the Great Smoky Mountains. The transition is difficult, involving a long journey and relocation to a dilapidated house. Mia feels out of place in the unfamiliar rural environment and is assigned a cold attic room. She meets various locals, including Rosemary, Jack, Chloe, and Creg, but still feels isolated. Encouraged by her grandfather, Mia begins to engage with her surroundings by learning survival skills. Despite her efforts to adapt, harsh weather and emotional strain lead her to express deep frustration with her new life.
Glow by Emma Meyer is a thoughtfully written book that is an absolute delight to read, even as a woman “of a certain age,” which I admit I am. My daughter loved it too, and we breezed through it in two sittings. If you knew my daughter, you'd know what a big deal that is. What stands out is how naturally Meyer lets the setting shape the characters, especially Mia, whose experiences are presented with care and honesty. The dialogue is age-appropriate and believable, and the interactions, especially between Mia and her grandfather, are really touching. Meyer avoids the usual city-kid vs country-kids clichés and instead builds a world that feels grounded and lived-in, with all the children acting and reacting in ways that are consistent and real. Overall, this is a book with excellent attention to detail and the ability to show how everyday actions and choices quietly shape where we feel at home. Very highly recommended.
