The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls is a really well-written book about the author's unbelievable childhood. Her parents were a couple of daredevils who didn't believe in closing their front door at night because it blocks the air. They also taught their preschool children to use firearms. In their quest for excitement, the author's parents dragged their children all over the country in a series of cars. The incredible stuff they did and got away with makes the book a gripping read.
Jeannette Walls can really write. You seldom see a book this well-written. Every word is well-placed. She plays her incredible upbringing for all it's worth, doling out shocking, fascinating, or affecting moments in the most suspenseful way. She is aware of how badly she was neglected, but at the same time she sees the humanity in her parents and their larger than life spirits.
You're not going to see a book this well written for years, neither will you encounter a life like this one. Read it!
Article comments
1 - DrPat
Is it Jeannette Walls' childhood, or is the woman she writes about a fictional character?
2 - Cerulean
It's her childhood, it's a true story. It's more vivid than anything anyone could make up, too.
You can see all the customer reviews on Amazon, all raves.
3 - DrPat
If I may suggest, then, the addition of one word to your first sentence: The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls is a really well-written book about this woman's own unbelievable childhood.
Another possibility: The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls is a really well-written book about the author's unbelievable childhood.
4 - Lee
WOW!! Jeannette Walls childhood could have been my own. I too drove down the road in the back of a uhaul, sleeping under the stars, never having any stability, no money, my alcoholic stepfather coming home after quitting yet another job, telling us kids to throw our clothes in a green garbage bag and heading down the road again. He also found jobs in the mines between California, Nevada and even Virginia and Kentucky.
Your story is an inspiration to me, I thought I was the only one that had a childhood like that. I don't tell anyone about stories of my childhood, not even my own sons. I'm still embarrassed by choices that had nothing to do with me, I would just rather forget it. You're very brave.
I do believe my parents loved us, but it was not right! I used to believe their thinking was screwed up when I was young too and now that I am 42 years old, I know it was. When I was old enough to "get out" of the situation I did, and I chose to break that mold.
Great book, it hit too close to home, it brought back all of those memories I keep to myself.
5 - Cerulean
Very well-written Lee, and you are to be congratulated on breaking the cycle too. The Glass Castle is just the most amazing book, isn't it? Really astonishing. It's all the more amazing that all the time they lived like that . . . oh, I can't spoil it, but you know if you have read it. My life has had some things in common with hers, an alcoholic parent, neglect, and spectacular financial "problems" that are looking more and more like bullshit each year that I live. My parents weren't wild though, they were sedentary.
You are the first person to respond to the CONTENT of my article and it's been a while. Maybe my anti-grammarian screed is influencing the working of the universe to send you to me. Well, feel free to respond to more of my articles if you feel like it. God bless.
6 - Christina
I just finished reading "The Glass Castle" and it is one of the best books I have ever read. I felt such a connection with the author, Jeannette Walls. I grew up in Pennsylvania, my father being a coal miner, (beer and cigarettes were his favorite thing), and although my childhood wasn't as extreme, I can relate to those thoughts and feelings that she so magnificently put in writing. It was an extraordinary book and I plan on giving a copy to family/friends. I thank you for writing this absolutely beautiful memoir.