The Glass Castle

A Memoir

By: Jeannette Walls

Narrated by: Jeannette Walls

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

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 15 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.

©2005 Jeannette Walls (P)2010 Simon and Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Jeannette Walls has carved a story with precision and grace out of one of the most chaotic, heartbreaking childhoods ever to be set down on the page. This deeply affecting memoir is a triumph in every possible way, and it does what all good books should: it affirms our faith in the human spirit." (Dani Shapiro, author of Family History)

" The Glass Castle is the saga of the restless, indomitable Walls family, led by a grand eccentric and his tempestuous artist wife. Jeannette Walls has survived poverty, fires, and near starvation to triumph. She has written this amazing tale with honesty and love." (Patricia Bosworth, author of Anything Your Little Heart Desires and Diane Arbus: A Biography)

"Just read the first pages of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and I defy you not to go on. It's funny and sad and quirky and loving. I was incredibly touched by it." (Dominick Dunne, author of The Way We Lived Then: Recollections of a Well-Known Name Dropper)

As Good As "Educated"

Liked this one, very much! Performance was good, and writing is solid. On the same lines as "Educated" and the story keeps you going. You're buckled in for the ride, so just sit back and let the author take you through her harrowing and wild life tale.

Enduring and overcoming Feral parenting

The author tells of her childhood wrought with neglect, abuse and highly intelligent but poorly adjusted, self destructive parents. She survives heartbreak, violence, starvation and raises her self and siblings against Unsafe and unsavory living conditions. Her mother resented having to parent and her dad despised having a job so that they perpetuated poverty when there were other options. Jeannette overcame the odds and rose from the mud and ashes to a life she loves!

Very well written

I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting read. I was hooked from beginning to end.

Enjoyed the memoir

Inspiring story. Gifted, talented even after all the hardship and struggles in life these children had to endure.

Great book amazing story

Loved this book hard to believe these kids managed such a hard life and never held on to that as anger towards their parents. What forgiving people very inspiring.

Reflections of the human spirit

Amazing the levels of humanity and the strength of these children to grow into compassionate, productive adults.

Touching and moving and effective.

Touching and moving and effective. I give it my full 5 star rating.
The Water Lily Project.

Amazing story.

Heartbreaking story and the resilience of children during the worst of circumstances. It will leave you with your head shaking where CPS was.

Heartbreaking and Heartwarming all at once.

Jeanette Walls opens the door to a little girls world, that over time is seen through her grownup mind. The Love for family is so strong, and the struggles are so real, you will never be the same after taking part of this journey. A powerful story, well told. There can be extraordinary within all of us!

interesting People

some similarities with my own childhood. I enjoyed the story of the kids and grew to despise the parents.