The Glass Castle

A Memoir

By: Jeannette Walls

Narrated by: Jeannette Walls

THE BELOVED #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER—FROM THE AUTHOR OF HANG THE MOON

The extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, “nothing short of spectacular” (Entertainment Weekly) memoir from one of the world’s most gifted storytellers.

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette’s brilliant and charismatic father captured his children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn’t want the responsibility of raising a family.

The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The Glass Castle is truly astonishing—a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar but loyal family.

The memoir was also made into a major motion picture from Lionsgate in 2017 starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts.

Everything you want in a memoir

What did you love best about The Glass Castle?

The Glass Castle made me cringe, cry, and laugh out loud --- sometimes all in the same chapter! It is exactly what you want from a memoir. Real people, real experiences.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jeannette was my favorite character. Her story is complicated, but the beauty of her life shines through. She never pities herself. The anger comes through sometimes, but mostly it's just acceptance and the desire and determination to make her life better.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when Jeannette finally met the prostitute of Welch. Everything she had expected to feel about this woman went right out the window and the encounter delivered my favorite line of the book, "One thing about whoring, it put a chicken on the table."

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If life circumstances had allowed, I would have listened to this book without ever turning it off until I had finished listening to every single chapter. I wanted to devour it.

Any additional comments?

I grew up in southern West Virginia. After living in a big city for over 16 years, I moved back to the state in 2009. I can say that Jeannette captured life in certain parts of WV very accurately. I wish her time in WV had been better for her and for her family. It's a fantastic state filled with wonderful people, but Jeannette's description of her life in Welch rings very true to me.

Jeannette's reading of her own work made this audiobook even more of a pleasure. Listening to the author describe events in her life made them come alive in a way that would be hard to capture by just reading words on a page. I feel like I made a friend in Jeannette. I will truly miss the sound of her voice.

Absolutely wonderful.

My roommate recommended this book for my 6 hour long road trip, I didnt finish it right away but thr next day I found myself sitting in the car after work, parked in front of my house and I could not for the life of me stop it. It brought tears to my eyes several times, I found myself recalling old memories of my uprising, and my relationship with my dad. wonderfully written and read. Bravo!

Glad I Finally Read This!

I have avoided reading this book for years. I was aware of its great reviews and accolades, but I hesitated -- neglected and hungry children is not a topic I in which I am interested.

Now that I have read & listened, I am glad I finally explore this memoir.

The author's ability to relate the tale of her childhood without bitterness is remarkable.

I recommend this to everyone.

You'll walk away grateful.

What did you love best about The Glass Castle?

It moved me. It twisted my face. I found myself worrying about the characters when I wasn't listening. Only a great book can do that!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Glass Castle?

The dramatic ups and downs that left my mouth open and my heart pulling for this family.

What does Jeannette Walls bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing her story from her mouth certainly lends something to the story, although she doesn't seem to over do it when adding emotion to the story. This somehow intrigued me more when listening.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I'm sure they'll come up with something better than I ever could, but I sure hope it has the word "skeedattle" in it!

Any additional comments?

This book left me feeling so grateful for my life. I live in Alaska and over 3,000 miles from my parents, but I felt a strong urge to hop a jet a hug my parents tight for the childhood they afforded me! Thank you, Jeannette, for being brave enough to share and embrace where you came from! Good for you!

Well worth the read!

This is an amazing autobiography!
It seems hard to believe the kind of lifestyle portrayed and that the author and most of her siblings were able to rise up from the depths of despair.