Brings together the stories of two doctors battling the opioid epidemic half a century apart to reveal the origins of today’s public health crisis
Hardcover | $28.95
Published by Beacon Press
Jul 22, 2025 | 256 Pages | 6 x 9 | ISBN 9780807017760
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly: “Physician Glenn melds memoir, history, and ‘speculative nonfiction’ in this artful debut on addiction treatment…The result is an equal parts informative and empathetic study of a pressing issue.”’
Kirkus: “An absorbing blend of memoir, history, and fiction that explores the story of addiction treatment for a kinder path ahead.”
New Pages: “Mother of Methadone advocates a range of ways that the medical and social justice worlds can work together to … prevent needless death. What’s more, the book offers a sensitive and progressive vision of medical care and presents a cogent argument against the continued criminalization of drug use.”
Booklist: “This thought-provoking tale of two women and a big problem should promote debate.”
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Other Selected Publications
#It’sOurShot — feminem, 2021
Spilt Milk in the ER — Mutha Magazine, 2020
Naloxone, Syringes and Pipes — River Teeth (nominated for a Pushcart Prize), 2024
History Exposes a Crucial Flaw in RFK Jr.’s Vision for Treating Drug Addiction — TIME, 2025
I’m an Addiction Doctor, and I Can’t Get Lifesaving Meds for Many of My Patients — Arizona Republic, 2025
Evidence Shows that OPCs are a Key Tool to Reduce Overdose Deaths. Arizona Lawmakers Shouldn’t Ban Them. — Arizona Capitol Times, 2025
Trump’s border war won’t stop overdoses. In fact, it might make things worse - Salon, 2025
Becoming a Mom Made it Impossible for Me to Lead an Emergency Room - TIME, 2025
On the Importance of Holistic Thinking in Combating Addiction - Literary Hub, 2025
Q & A with Tucson Essay Club, 2025
A Doctor’s First Taste of the Methadone Clinic - Filter, 2025
Woman Interrupted: The Hidden History of a Doctor Silenced by Stigma and Sexism - Mutha Magazine, 2025
Talking Points: Melody Glenn - Points History, 2025
¡Book Tour!
Phoenix: Feb 27
Changing Hands Bookstore: 300 W Camelback Rd
In Conjunction with The UA College of Medicine Phoenix Narrative Medicine Program, moderated by Dr. Jennifer Hartmark Hill
Tucson Festival of Books: March 14 & 15
March 14: Bias and Inequity in Medicine
Location: Student Union Santa Rita
Time:Saturday, 4:00 pm to 4:55 pm
Panelists:Jonathan Gleason, Melody Glenn, Rachel Kolb
Moderator:Evan Davies
Genre:Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Through a rich mix of personal narrative and professional insight, authors Rachel Kolb, Jonathan Gleason and Dr. Melody Glenn will untangle the assumptions modern medicine makes about people with disabilities and illnesses. How can we see and deal with these challenges?
March 15: Scientific Trailblazers
Location:Science City - Main Stage
Time:Sunday, 4:00 pm to 4:55 pm
Panelists:Olivia Campbell, Melody Glenn
Moderator:L.M. Boyd
Genre:Science / Medicine / Technology
Join authors Olivia Campbell and Melody Glenn as they discuss the perseverance and courage to create change demonstrated by exceptional women in physics who defied the Nazis, and an extraordinary, practicing physician treating addiction.