Summary
A memoir written about Walls’ childhood that shaped her as a person today. Walls writes about her parents’ beliefs that they did not need most of the aspects of modern society and often lived a nomadic lifestyle across most of the Southwest. Her family eventually landed in West Virginia where her father grew up. Walls and her three siblings found the tenacity to survive as her mother considered providing for her family less important than painting and reading, and her father often disappeared for days when he was drinking. Walls eventually found a way to leave her home and start a life for herself.
Review
If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, yes, I would definitely recommend this book!
This is one of the few nonfiction books I can actually read all the way through. I struggle with nonfiction, but this one is now one of my favorite books that I can recommend to just about anyone. I have also read two of Walls’ other books, The Silver Star and Half-Broke Horses, both of which were also great. But I would say The Glass Castle is the best book out of the three that I’ve read. I watched the movie, but honestly, it didn’t leave as big an impact on me as the book. But it’s always nice to watch a movie adaptation as a reward for finishing a book.
What’s so amazing about Walls’ recollection of her childhood is her attitude toward her parents. At first glance, her parents appear to be dysfunctional and irresponsible, which, in a lot of ways, they are. But Walls writes about them with love and understanding. I admire her attitude of forgiveness, as I may have found it difficult to still love after realizing childhood should not be spent trying to figure out how to take care of yourself.
Overall, I would recommend this book to a busy mom. If you’re looking for something different from the popular fiction book circulating around, check out this memoir that’s sure to leave you feeling grateful for all the positive things in your life. And a different outlook on life.
Rating
Five out of five stars
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If you enjoyed my review of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, you might also like All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood. Check out my review!
If you’re interested in purchasing The Glass Castle, here are some quick links to buy the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And, if you’re interested to see what others think, here’s the link to the book on Goodreads.
