books:

	The Glass Castle: A Memoir Jeannette Walls Scribner, 2006 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 1065 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

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.

TO INQUIRE ABOUT SCHEDULING JEANNETTE WALLS FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: Keppler Speakers
Dustin L. Jones
Associate, College & University Division
703.516.4000 (P)
703.516.4819 (F)

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You will never forget this book

This book and the author are unforgettable. As much as I hate to be the 1000th person to say they hate giving 5 star reviews, I do too but this one definitely deserved it. I actuallly read this book in two days, as a sub-read during my epic read of East of Eden, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What's weird about this book as that at the end of everything, she has no contempt for her parents. It's remarkable actually the resilience of these kids and the stark intelligence of each one of them.

What's interesting to me is that they were never given basic needs (i.e. food, clothes, shelter) but they were given other gifts instead that which children who have basic needs will never get from their parents. One scene when they were in the desert I will never forget. They had no money, no food, and it was Christmastime. The father (who I don't really applaud) brought them out to the desert stars and told them to pick one out, and that was their gift. He said that when other kids' plastic toys fall apart and grow old you'll always have a star, it will always be there.

The insane mother ALWAYS was urging them to read, bringing them to the library, reading great literature. And then they moved to West Virginia, and their lives completely turned to the worst. I sincerely applaud Jeannette and her siblings, they literally raised themselves with NO help from their parents. And what's better is that it is not written with a hint of self-pity, she is simply straight forward telling you her story.

A great read and leaves you with something to think about.

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Great book

Awesome book that I just couldn't put down. Jeanette has one of the most interesting stories I think I've read and it was said so tastefully. I believe if I had the same background as her, when I wrote my own story into a book I do not think I would be nearly as tasteful as she was about it. It was impressive what the family went through and how they continued to stick together. I never realized people could actually live like this and become someone who was so successful later on in life. Reading just the story as a story you would think that she would never amount to anything. Impressive, definitely recommend.

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A Rare Look Inside Homelessness in the US

This book is a fascinating account of a homeless family in the USA. Although there are many people who live in such circumstances, it is unusual that someone from this background has the education and ability to accurately describe it. Walls does so in a way that is neither judgmental nor maudlin, just profoundly enlightening.



Great Read

I bought this book per a friends recommendation for a good vacation read. It was an excellent memoir of a life that most of us never even imagine happens to many children out there. At the time time it is humorous and a very fast and enjoyable read.

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A Look Into A Dysfunctional Family

I cannot say I enjoyed or liked this book, but I did find it fascinating in the same way that one cannot look away from a train wreck. So many in our society today like to state they are in dysfunctional family relationships - well, this was/is a truly dysfunctional family relationship!

The actions of the parents did make me angry, yes. But so did the inaction of those around this family - other family members, neighbors, school teachers, health workers. So many individuals could have intervened and chose to sit back and do....nothing. Yes, this is a story of survival, and whether the child are better for their experience is something a reader will have to determine for themselves. However, for me, the larger testament is to society for ultimately failing at all levels.

This is obviously not a book to be enjoyed - at least I hope not! But there can be lessons learned from this experience. What happened to this family continues today. Will people choose to ignore what is under their noses and allow children to be raised as these were in this book? Or will they take a stand for the children?

This book and the story of this family gives much for us all to think about.

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