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)

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!

Makes you think...

This memoir truly makes you ponder life and appreciate all that you have. Amazed by this family's adventures.

The Very Best.

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

This is an incredible memoir in which the reader will laugh and cry.

What did you like best about this story?

Such an amazing reading by Jeanette Walls, she recounts her life's story with great detail. Fabulous writing.

Amazing!!

I really enjoyed the storyline! This book had many ups and downs!!! ❤️ This was a very touching story!

Excellent

What did you like best about this story?

This is a fantastic story. I loved the way the story was told and how the author overcame her early life experiences. Also the author's voice was perfect for the audio version.

Jacqueline Erwin

Excellent story! Funny full of warmth and hopeful thoughts and unconditional love. Not your typical family? Maybe but I understood them. "Let's scadaddle"

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.

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!

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.