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)

This Book Stays with You

Just read it. It is so well written. I wish I could write like the author. Enjoy.

exceptional story

Excellent read, amazing story. The author pulls you in from the very start and keeps you to the very end wishing for just a little more.

Wonderful

This is a captivating story of a difficult but colorful life. I was moved by the way the author shares her story with love and compassion despite the circumstances. The author's performance as reader was wonderful. I believe it added texture to this compelling memoir.

Truth truly is stranger than fiction

It's refreshing to find a book that contains no underlying political message. It takes a lot of courage to write such a book.

Written well, but very stressful

This life story is enlightening, but a stressful read. The children are in a life that didn't need to be the way it was. A look into the choices some parents make, and the effects on the children, and also on how these children responded. A family member of mine, who also read the book, was raised in much the same way... and couldn't sleep for 3 nights while reading this for a book club. We aren't going to the meeting. Read 'A Framework for Understanding Poverty', by Ruby Payne, to gather insights into the parents' choices.

Great story

Didn’t think I was gonna like this book, but really enjoyed reading it. I’ve also read the second book which is really good. Also maybe better than the first

Hits Home

Like you Elizabeth, I left at age 16. I worked hard to get a good education and better my life. I’m proud of you to have been so strong. Listening to your story brought back many a memory. Thanks for sharing and showing people- it doesn’t matter if you are poor - you can still build a good life, if you want it.

an important view to how some live

It was an interesting view to how children survived and how families bond in even trying situations. worth listening.

I love peoples stories!

I couldn’t stop listening. I finished it in just a few days. Right after I listened to her other book…
Half Broke Horse.

Outstanding

A book I took my time with because I didn’t want it to end. A tear jerker!