The Walls family is probably unlike any other you’ve read about. Jeannette spends most of her childhood traveling around the country whenever the family gets in trouble, eating surplus food that they can find, playing games, and searching for a way to “make it big”. When they settle down, they are unhappier than they ever were before and in the end, each sibling must make their own way in life.
At first, I was amazed that anyone could ever live this way, more so that Jeannette seemed content with her adventurous life, although perhaps that’s just her memory speaking. It was clear to me that her parents, while completely crazy, loved her and her siblings. I think it’s moving that the book is titled The Glass Castle – the name of the house that her father always planned to build for the family, though he never manages it and becomes a simple drunk instead. Underneath this veneer of thrilling adventure, there is a strong sense of unhappiness, and as the book goes along, the unhappiness just gets stronger and stronger and I really started to feel the frustration of these children. It is certainly a tribute to them that at least three of them turned out to be successful adults, while the fourth is an unknown quantity.
This is a wonderful memoir, a triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It made me very angry at times, particularly given the incompetence of the Walls parents, but I think it was a worthy read. I can certainly see why its popularity endures.
Buy The Glass Castle
I’ve gone back and forth on whether I want to read this one, but I think I eventually will – thanks for the review!
I agree that her parents were crazy – the sad part is her father was really smart – he would buy the same college textbooks and read them. I think she was content as a child because she didn’t know any other life.
It looks very interesting. Thanks for the review!
Lezlie
I really loved this book. I’ve seen a bunch of reviews on it lately and may have to rebuy and reread it (I think I sent it off to an LT BMer).
I too have been on the fence about reading this one. Your review has made me more curious. Thanks.
This was a very moving memoir to read.
I loved this book. It was a great fast read.
This was such a moving book. I enjoyed reading your review.
I’ve read this book twice, for different book groups.
The first time was when the book first came out. I was angry at the parents, and angry at Jeannette’s denial, that she could talk about her parents in glowing terms after all they had put her through.
The second time was just last year, so a few years had past between readings. I was able to see the humor and love in her parents misguided attempts to raise their children.
It’s a powerful memoir, indeed.
I thought this was a powerful memoir.