Thick as Glue depicts the experiences the writer encountered through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The book explores the challenges in the writer's life, such as racism on the mission field, betrayal in love, abuse, and childhood poverty. She leans on a higher power in life, which is God.
Annette Gaston was born a twin in 1955 with her sister, Annie. They were viewed as "miracle babies" because their brother, Mancie, was born with a mental disability. After their father died when she was twelve years old, Annette experienced significant poverty. Despite this, she managed to graduate from high school and college. In college, she met her future husband, who entered the ministry at age twenty-one. An African-American professor convinced him to do missionary work in Africa, so he left for Africa.
Annette left the United States in 1979 to go to Sierra Leone, West Africa, where she got married. She faced several obstacles, including adapting to African culture and being exposed to witchcraft. Years later, when she returned to the United States, she felt the influence of witchcraft in her personal life. She also contracted malaria in the village, and her condition worsened, forcing her to leave Africa.
Thick as Glue also recounts her impressions of living in Portugal and Trinidad. She confronted racism in Portugal, and in Trinidad, her marital problems escalated. Due to the hardships on the mission field, Annette went through a divorce in 1988. She experienced depression and was admitted to the hospital. In 1988, she returned home to her twin sister for emotional, financial, and spiritual support. Annette held on to her faith in God and persevered, focusing on God's promises.