4.4/5
20 reviews
The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls Reviews
#683 in Books

Description

Publisher's Description:
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.


    Reviews and Ratings

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    5.0/5
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    Recommended? You Betcha!
    June 07, 2017

    This is my ALL TIME FAVOURITE book! It is a gripping and compelling memoir about growing up in a not so envious time and family. It will make you laugh, cry and feel like you are right in the story. I have re read this book seven times. It is also coming out as a movie later this year. Go buy it! You won`t regret it!

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    3.7/5
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    April 02, 2016

    This book was a fun read. I was quite upset in some parts by the way the author portrayed the dad in this book: as a sort of hero of hers when it was clearly obvious he ruining her chances of having a happy childhood. But overall, I would say that it's a great book to bring to the beach or read in the bus. An easy read, and a page turner as well.

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    4.7/5
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    Anonymous
    April 02, 2016

    Wow is all I can say! I don't often find true stories that are more amazing than fiction. The author is amazing. A great read that I have recommended to every reader that I know.

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    4.5/5
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    Anonymous
    October 25, 2014

    WOW - did this really happen? Hard not to react to this book. The parents need more parenting then their kids. It's hard to believe this is true and yet....these things can, and sadly do happen. Systems fail. Addicts remain addicted. This is the story of unforgettable suffering, unspeakable poverty and what it was like growing up with two Bohemian-type parents, the father an alcoholic, the mother....unbalanced. *I* think suffering from bipolar disorder. It's both horrifying and amazing. I get the sense that Jeannette feels both shame and pride. Shame at the way her parents chose to live their lives, and pride that they made her the strong person she is.

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    5.0/5
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    September 13, 2014

    What an amazing memoir - I honestly read this in one sitting! Absolutely great read!

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    4.3/5
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    Anonymous
    June 11, 2014

    I really enjoyed this book alot, I would recommend it to everyone, I thought it was amazing.

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    4.7/5
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    May 07, 2014

    Absolutely a new favorite of mine and I could hardly put it down, sadly a quick read that leaves you wanting more. 'Jeannette Walls' is an incredible writer - I look forward to reading more about her family's life when I get my hands on "Half Broke Horses". "The Glass Castle" sure made me grateful for what I 'DO' have!! Think I'll read it again. ;)

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    3.5/5
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    September 26, 2013

    I loved this book. Jeannette Walls can write a good story. This book made me want to read more from her and I have bought two more books by her and loved them too. She is such a good writer and story teller!

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    5.0/5
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    July 13, 2013

    I read this a long time ago, while I was still in high school. I absolutely loved the book and the story behind it. It's a must-read for all who enjoy biographies.

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    5.0/5
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    October 03, 2012

    Amazing book! In fact I love all of this author's books. I had read this book years ago, and although I don't usually reread books, I bought this book a SECOND time and read it again because it was a great read and not extremely long. This memoir is full of adventure and it's weird to think that all of those things actually happened...that people choose to live that way. I would highly recommend reading this book and then picking up Jeannette's other books too!

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