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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¡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.