Damaged Goods: A woman who became her own hero

by Glenna McCarthy, Rajiv Bee (Editor)

Introduction After you’re done reading Glenna’s story, you cannot help but admit she’s led a hard life. She’s gone through more than her fair share of trouble, in different ways. Some of it she invited; some she did not. To say that she had a troubled childhood would be an understatement. Cutting a long story short, she spent a considerable time working as a prostitute. She was a drug addict. Somewhere along the way, she caught AIDS and Hepatitis C. She successfully battled the latter, which she considers a battle won. A turnaround in such scenarios is rare. Glenna, though, felt it was imminent. Along the way, she met some good people. She managed to get the better of her paranoia and anxiety, successfully completing her bachelor’s degree in sociology. Now, she’s happy how things have shaped up. She knows the journey is nowhere near the end, and understands she’ll have to deal with new kinds of challenges, but they’re ones she looks forward to, unlike before.  

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2017

About the author

Every day is a new challenge. I am happy to say that my struggles are mainly positive these days. I used to dream of having a home of my own and a safe place to go, writing a book and now that has become a reality. I might be (half a Century) 50 yrs old but my life has just begun.

Reviews

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you Good Reads for this copy of Damaged Goods by Glenna McCarthy.

A story out of New York about a woman with a turbulent childhood, abuse, rape, drugs, Aids and hep C. Just reading about Glenna's turbulent childhood, her mom's MS and anger issues and then turning to drugs. Having one night stands then contracting Aids from boyfriend of 2 years, she learns that he is gay when she follows him to a gay bar. He then tells her she should get checked for Aids. She finds she has Aids and Hep C. Glenna turns to prostitution and sleeps with anyone to fuel her drug addiction. We read about her time in jail on an assault that she barely remembers. After jail, we learn about her getting sober and on to grad school to get a bachelor's degree in sociology. This is an amazing story , that had to have been so difficult to get it together but she did. I find Glenna intelligent, smart and strong. Thanks for sharing your story with readers.

Cherie'

[Glenna McCarthy]

It is hard to read your own work and not be critical and or subjective and impartial at times. I am happy with the work due to the fact that it touches issues that are not usually addressed by a white woman. Orange is the new black might be entertaining to some but my book is my reality and it is all about stepping out of yourself and taking a bird's eye view of the destruction of self and others. Learning to live again and actually live, breath and have hope for tomorrows. I still feel this world is overwhelming to my nervous system but I accept that and heal on a daily basis. Being clean and sober has been a culture shock for me but I am up to the challenge and don't even have the desire to use drugs anymore which is welcomed miracle.

[Linda Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Damaged Goods: A woman who became her own hero" McCarthy takes the reader through the highs and lows of her life. It is shown how one can triumph over the evils of addiction and perils of prostitution to become the accomplished and polished woman she is today. McCarthy changes her destructive ways and is deserving of a 5 star rating for being open, honest, raw, and most importantly vulnerable.

[Huong]

Thanks for the stories.

It was unfair to Glena. I’m glad that she had a good turn-around and be happy, healthy and I thank her for telling her stories.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was incredible. Hooker, junkie turns her life around. Gets a degree, and is able to help others, & start her life again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really inspiring

Wow what a fantastic lady you are so happy that you found happiness was within
And to overcome addiction is truly remarkable

[Maria Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful story on how one can overcome the most damaging circumstances and find peace within.

[Amileigh Gordon]

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