Showing posts with label Jeannette Walls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeannette Walls. Show all posts

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Book Review The Glass Castle



Hey Peeps! 
Just thought  would share a book review with you. 
Hope you enjoy. 



The Glass Castle

by
Jeannette Walls





Back of the Book:


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 fifteen 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.


My thoughts: 
This was a great read! I would recommend it for anyone high school or older. There is some language and some adult situations, but the value of the story is so enormous and none of it is gratuitous.  Ms. Walls' story sheds so much light on the plight of children of the homeless. While the story is pitiful and sad, she uses humor and forgiveness in generous portions that make her story survivable.  She is living proof that we do not have to be victims of our child hood or up bringing.

Most of the ladies in book club liked it and would recommend it.




Thanks for dropping by! 

I'll be joining Ricki Jill for Literary Friday.