Girl Under Glass weaves the themes of family alcoholism, family secrets, and the everyday struggles facing many teens with the mystery and intrigue of our relationship to the natural world. It builds on the science behind Finding the Mother Tree, What Plants Know, and The Hidden Life of Trees through the cutting-edge research being conducted into the ability of plants to warn other plants of invasions of predatory beetles and certain diseases, and to alter their chemistry from tasty to toxic when threatened. We follow Kelsey McCully’s journey from coping with loneliness and self-doubt through bad behavior, to finding—in the form of a cranky old man, a bowling-ball shaped cat, and a greenhouse full of plants—the support she needs to straighten out her life and influence her mother’s.
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Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby is the story of a thirteen-year-old girl living with her alcoholic mother and assuming adult responsibilities of caring for their home and managing the bills. From the get-go, the author depicts Kelsey as an outsider when she steals a flower for her mother, gets arrested, and the judge sentences her to community service instead of juvenile detention. The judge says that this is her last warning. When Kelsey meets the seemingly crazy old botanist, Hobby, whom the judge assigned her to help at his greenhouse for her community service, her life takes a turn. Kelsey is caught between Hobby's age-old wisdom about plants and the mumbling of a constantly drunken mother. Things can go either way for Kelsey, but she gets to choose.
Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby is an absorbing, heartwarming, inspirational, and beautifully written book. At every crossroad, I wondered what choice Kelsey would make because it could go either way. With everything counting against her, one almost expected her to make the wrong choice, but throughout this narrative, Kelsey surprised me. Kelsey’s character creates a lot of suspense throughout. Thoughtfully written and skillfully yet subtly delving into the deepest, rawest, and often conflicting emotions children have about their parents, Rorby developed a stunning narrative that captivated my attention. I could not wait to pick up where I left off. This book is undoubtedly one of the best I've read, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers’ Favorite
*****
Ginny Rorby’s Girl Under Glass is one of the most creative books I’ve read lately. Take one juvenile delinquent, add a grumpy botanist with unconventional ideas and mix well with the magic of Secret Life of Plants and you’ve got this delightful book. The characters are so real and nuanced, and Rorby’s skill as a writer so well honed, that I was willing to go along on their sometimes tough journey and was rooting for Kelsey right away. It’s a compelling mystery as well as a story of resilience and growth (not just for the plants, which play a central and fascinating role). I won’t be surprised if this is a best-seller and hope it becomes a movie! It’s cliché to say I couldn’t put it down, but I truly couldn’t. https://www.facebook.com/lynnrankinesquer/author
*****
In Girl Under Glass, when we meet Kelsey McCully at age 13, she’s shoplifting and about to get caught. We’re on Kelsey’s side as we follow her, burdened with the care of an alcoholic mother, through further misadventures, until she finds herself sentenced to community service with a retired botanist. The experiments this man runs on plant communication seem nuts to our heroine, but when he’s badly hurt in a botched burglary, the skills he’s taught her and the power of the plants help solve the crime. Another heart-grabbing and gripping read by this talented author.
--Norma Watkins, www.normawatkins.com
Links to other reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6415378293
REVIEW from The Feathered Quill
Interview with Ginny Rorby - author of Girl Under Glass
If plants could bear witness to crimes and expose the culprits, what shocking tales might they tell? Discover the enchanting story of Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby where plants play a central role.
Thirteen-year-old Kelsey McCully leads a life overshadowed by her alcoholic mother's neglect and the absence of her long-lost father. After Kelsey got arrested for shoplifting, she got assigned community service at the greenhouse of Dr. Jonathan "Hobby" Hobbes, an eccentric botanist. Here, Kelsey forms a bond with Hobby's cat, Gen, and is introduced to Hobby's unconventional experiments on plant communication and consciousness. When Hobby is brutally attacked and left in a coma, Kelsey makes a startling discovery – his beloved philodendron, Phil, may have witnessed the crime. Guided by the books on controversial theories of plant perception, Kelsey becomes convinced that Phil and the other plants in the greenhouse hold the key to identifying Hobby's attackers.
Kelsey's life takes an unexpected turn when her long-lost father, David, finds her after reading about the attack on Hobbes. Kelsey learns that her mother lied about her father abandoning them and his supposed death. Torn between her newfound father and her dysfunctional mother, Kelsey tries to motivate Lydia to quit drinking. Meanwhile, with the help of Detective Hannah Moran, Kelsey hatches a daring plan to catch the culprits – two troublemakers named Will and Ryan – by using the plants as secret witnesses in an elaborate sting operation.
Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby blends elements of mystery, family drama, and scientific exploration into a narrative suitable for readers of all ages. Despite exploring mature themes such as addiction, trauma, and abandonment, the writing style makes for an accessible and easy read.
Kelsey's transformation from a disillusioned delinquent to a compassionate, resilient young woman is a joy to witness. Hobby, with his endearing eccentricities and unwavering belief in Kelsey's potential, serves as a powerful father figure and mentor, guiding her on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Even the supporting characters, such as the steadfast Detective Moran and Kelsey's friend Josh, contribute depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
While the concept of plant consciousness may seem far-fetched, Rorby grounds her story in scientific theories, making the fantastical elements feel plausible. With an accessible writing style, the author's vivid descriptions of the greenhouse and its botanical inhabitants imbue the setting with a sense of magic and wonder, inviting readers to ponder the boundaries between the natural and the extraordinary. With its blend of genres, Girl Under Glass is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and the unexpected connections that can bloom in the most unlikely of places.
Quill says: Girl Under Glass is an enchanting and accessible story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the wonders of the natural world.
Trix Lee-Rainwater, www.featheredquill.com
Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby is a fascinating read. While it is a fantastic mystery story with a wholly unique plot, it is also a story of life, of the very real struggles that some children face as they grow up, especially those with less-than-ideal home lives. It deals with alcoholism and mental health issues sensitively but truthfully, highlighting the stark reality of living with illness, no matter what it is. This is a well-written story with a scientific element, and it will grip you from the first page. The characters are real people that most readers will relate to in one way or another, and the descriptive prose is easy to follow. The story has plenty of action, and you’ll be invested in the plot all the way through. This is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read, proving that no matter what your upbringing, there is always something that can put you back on the right track in life. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it to teens and adults. 5 stars Anne-Marie Reynold Readers’ Favorite
*****
Girl Under Glass is a captivating story: I devoured it from cover to cover in one night. The author uses a great plot, complex, fleshed-out characters, and a rich writing style to craft a young adult novel that resonates with readers of all ages. With a steady narrative, Ginny Rorby beautifully sets the pace for the action and robbery, while also providing insightful backstory for the characters. The plot features fantastic characters like the loving and accepting Lauren and the eccentric, Einstein-like botanist Hobbes, and some characters that evoke mixed emotions, such as Kelsey’s mother, conquered by her addiction and neglect of her daughter. I particularly appreciated the exploration of experiments and science, illustrating how all living beings are interconnected and capable of communicating with each other. Additionally, this book touches on important social issues such as addiction, mental health, and the criminal justice system, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections. I highly recommend Girl Under Glass to anyone who appreciates a compelling read. 5 stars Mimie Odigwe Readers’ Favorite