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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 top 100 memoirs of all time


All genres considered, the memoir is among the most difficult and complex for a writer to pull off. After all, giving voice to your own lived experience and recounting deeply painful or uncomfortable memories in a way that still engages and entertains is a remarkable feat. These autobiographies, often narrated by the authors themselves, shine with raw, unfiltered emotion sure to resonate with any listener. But don't just take our word for it—queue up any one of these listens, and you'll hear exactly what we mean.

What listeners say about The Glass Castle

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Intriguing and interesting story

I couldn’t endure what this woman did but hearing her read it was riveting. Great audio book!

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Interesting

Though heart breaking. The USA is full of very weird people. Allowed to raise their children in neglect and hungry. Unbelievable!
Very well written and delivered. Thank you.

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Did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did

this book was a surprise. it was recommended to me by a fellow teacher to have a better insight and understanding of some of my students. What a great first hand look at someone living in poverty. To know what Jeannette was thinking and experiencing on a daily basis was truly interesting and insightful. Mrs. Walls narration is among the best I've ever heard. great book all around

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Enjoyed listening to the voice that wrote the book

What made the experience of listening to The Glass Castle the most enjoyable?

The speed and voice were perfect

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

The horrible situations they lived in and the predators that surrounded them.

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

The fact that she is the person that lived it.

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

Yes

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the story is real and touching

I watched this movie and immediately ordered the book. This audible book is fantastic too.

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Beutiful story

This book will lead you on an emotional and
beutiful story of the woman’s life. It shows that even if you come from little you can grow big

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It is read amazingly.

Great book! I love the way it is read!
I would recommend it to anyone.

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Just wow!

I have listernes to 500+ Audio boks, and this is my first review. I usually don’t go for memoirs, preferring fiction, but boy, am I glad I picked this one! A riveting story, told with such feeling and compassion for the parents who did so much harm, but gave so much love. Do yourself a favour, and buy this book!!! I promise you won’t regret it.

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great

amazing, she really transports you to her childhood. I would highly recommend the brilliant, complex yet understandable work.

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Very engaging!

Recommend this one - a great story!! I loved the writers style and narration. I will certainly buy other books by this author.

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