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The Glass Castle  By  cover art

The Glass Castle

By: Jeannette Walls
Narrated by: Jeannette Walls
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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)

Featured Article: The Best Memoirs to Make You Laugh, Cry, and Think


The memoir, as an art form, is one of the most difficult and complex to pull off. That’s why these titles are so impressive: not only are they excellent works in their own right, but they’ve achieved cultural acclaim, resonating with listeners of different ages, genders, races, religions, and identities. Often narrated by the authors themselves, these audiobooks allow listeners to be immersed in each story and feel all of the raw and unfiltered emotion that comes with them.

What listeners say about The Glass Castle

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    4 out of 5 stars

a disturbing story of childhood neglect

This is a troubling story including moments that will bring you to tears, and moments that will make you laugh. The author does a great job verbally telling the story.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sad yet triumphant.

Just when we think we know what is good for people or family we know and love, we must take a look at ourselves and ask "What is really needed?" In the end, I believe it is only love and acceptance.

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Good

Met expectations. It was a good balance of story and emotion. A lot of good catharsis and such. Did dish

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Loved this story!

An awesome read. Makes you smile, laugh, get a little upset and also count your own blessing and appreciate life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great book

I loved Jeanette's narration. She really brought the sturdy alive with her accent and inflections.

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Excellent book

I appreciated the author's honesty and willingness to share her story. It was heartbreaking and difficult to listen to at times. But it was a great testament to the power of the human spirit.

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    4 out of 5 stars

A Heartfelt Memoir About A Quirky Childhood.

Where does The Glass Castle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was definitely a crazy nonfiction. At some points I could not believe what was happening. I did enjoy it and loved hearing about the hardships of this quirky family that sometimes turned into adventures.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jeannette Walls?

I thought that since Jeannette Walls was the author that she would have a little more passion behind her voice while reading her own book, but I found her voice to be sometimes flat and un-enthusiastic.

Any additional comments?

This book sometimes had me giggling and then furious all in the same sentence. Although her parents showed rampant selfishness through alot of her childhood, it also seemed like the children were loved, if only in their own way. Her parent's did care about their kids and I could see that even though sometimes it was hard to view it that way. Overall a great read and an unbelievable story. She has had adventures worth several lifetimes in her one I will tell you that.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow! Couldn't believe it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! Although it took me a little bit to fully get into the story, once I did I couldn't wait to find out what happened!

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

Jeannette probably wouldn't be the best career narrator, but her delivery and accent reading her own memoir was pure authenticity, and once I realized that, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Any additional comments?

I just couldn't believe there were parents in this day and age that were so oblivious to their children's basic needs! I couldn't believe what these children endured until they were old enough to care for themselves. Amazing. Fascinating. An awesome listen!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

frustrating characters, but mesmerizing story

very well written, but I disliked the parental character so very much that it really put me in a bad mood every time I would sit down and read this. They were very frustrating and very selfish. But I loved how it ended so that's a good at least?

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Just incredible.

Unbelievable childhood memoir. Kept me engaged the whole time. Lots of laughter and tears. Would recommend over and over and over again.

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