The Glass Castle: A Memoir

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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 362.82092 EAN: 9780743247542 ISBN: 074324754X Label: Scribner Manufacturer: Scribner Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 288 Publication Date: 2006-01-09 Publisher: Scribner Studio: Scribner
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Editorial Reviews: Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever. Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home. What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms. For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. A regular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Deeply Disappointing Comment: After reading so many positive reviews for this book, I was deeply disappointed by the content and writing style. The four-word sentences and atrocious punctuation were torture for me. The author may have wanted the memoir to be from a child's perspective but the childish writing style was simply too much to bear. And this from a professional writer? Easily eighty percent of the commas could have been deleted from this book with only beneficial results. Also I found the book to be completely incredible. Walls describes in detail lighting herself on fire by cooking hotdogs as a three year-old. She describes the skin grafts and dressing changes, and even getting her first taste of chewing gum while in the hospital. She describes a look on a nurse's face. Yet never once does she mention pain. If this event could stand out in her memory in such detail the first thing she would remember is that it was extremely painful, as burns and skin grafts undoubtedly are. Not a word about it. Her lack of insight into her past is astounding. There is no depth to her writing, no self-awareness, nothing learned from having lived such a difficult life. There is no point to this book. It was merely a series of mishaps--almost like an outline for a memoir that never got fleshed out. I wanted to provide another positive review for this book; to talk about how moved I was by this courageous author's path to success. Maybe add something about how inspired I am to overcome my own adversities. Instead I'm left wondering how I could have been duped into paying ten dollars for this callow memoir. Customer Rating: Summary: One of the best books I've read in 2008 Comment: Walls writes with a keen eye and a warm heart, I could not put this book down. Easily on my top 10 list, I plan to give this book to those readers on my Christmas list. Highly recommended!! Customer Rating: Summary: an amazing story of courage and perserverance. Comment: This tear jerking tale was one that brought tears to my eyes.The fact that the tale is true is just as amazing as Janette Walls herself.Many people go through times in their lives where they need courage, and if they are lucky they find it. Janette Walls had a childhood and adult life that have both called for an abundance of courage. Infact it seams that was the one constant in her life, she is a person of amazing strength in both living her life and telling this humbeling story. I will keep this book forever and read it many times!!! Customer Rating: Summary: Cant put it down!!!! Comment: Cant stop reading it and I am totally carried away by the value of Wall's family. The story is so touching and full of energy. Thumbs up!!! Customer Rating: Summary: Best Book all year Comment: The Glass Castle is the best book by far I have read all year. I couldn't put it down one of those I can't believe she survived books! It is a wonderful story, tear-jerker, a must read and a great book club book, you will definitely come away with your own sense of thankfulness for your own well-being. More Reviews