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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 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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De press ing

Book was recommended to me so I didn’t know what I was getting into. Didn’t like the parents and now need treatment for my depression - you’ve been warned

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I agree

I only chose to read this memoir after reading previous titles from this author. I agree with other reviewers that the story will make you very angry with her parents and upbringing. It made me very more aware of the mental illness and imbalance in families. The author was indeed brave and forthcoming in telling her story. I am just all that more sad that this kind of existence is a reality.

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Best book I've read in a long time.

Easy listening. Would recommend it to a friend. Wished that it had more content to read.

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My Book Club Loved It!

What I liked about the book was it was full of highs and lows and had me laughing at the same time. This book is a good for book club discussions. Thumbs Up!

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Amazing story of unconditional family ties.

This was a comforting yet unbelieveable story giving hope to live and let live.

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love this book!!

one of my favorites! I could read/listen to this over and over again! I love this and Half Broke Horses!!

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wow I found this riveting

I love the story is very gripping can't believe that some people's lives we're so out there the narrator did very very good at keeping me held for suspense I would recommend this book to anyone any group of all ages very nice story line

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Brilliant

I loved this story, maybe because it hit way to close to home! But it was brilliant writing coming alive on the page, making me very anxious and extremely curious what will happen next.

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So intelligent...Choice or No Choice at All

Quagmires upon quagmires chosen and unchosen and family bonds through differences. Values reversed from parents to children.

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riveting, spellbounding, and captivating.

Walls is the perfect reader. The book weaves together the family of dysfunction & brilliance. A masterpiece! The characters of Rex & Rose Mary are free spirited, irresponsible and nonconformists, but who love their children the only way they know how. At times you want to shake sense into these parents & other times you want to wrap them in your arms. A juxtaposition of love and anger! Highly recommended!

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