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Most Helpful Favorable Review
22 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
what a great book
The Glass Castle is a inspiring novel that really deals with problems that many face, neglection. The mother doesn't care enough to be a true mom, and the father is too busy getting drunk to care in a fatherly way. Which leaves the children with a lot to be desired. In ...Read More
The Glass Castle is a inspiring novel that really deals with problems that many face, neglection. The mother doesn't care enough to be a true mom, and the father is too busy getting drunk to care in a fatherly way. Which leaves the children with a lot to be desired. In a quest for independence and to find a way through life the children separate and it shows many different paths life can lead you down..It is truly an inspirational book, that shows you don't need someone always and to never give up. I really recommend this book.Show Less
posted by devin10 on May 28, 2009
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Captivating True Life Story!
I wasn't sure if I would like this book going in knowing it was a memoir of some girl's childhood and upbringing. However, after getting into the book I realized the life of Jeannette Walls was anything but a typical childhood story. I myself could not relate to even on...Read More
I wasn't sure if I would like this book going in knowing it was a memoir of some girl's childhood and upbringing. However, after getting into the book I realized the life of Jeannette Walls was anything but a typical childhood story. I myself could not relate to even one aspect of her crazy life, but that made the book so much more interesting. The stories of this American family are outrageous, sometime they left me feeling heartbroken and at other times I fell in love with every member of the Walls family, even Rex and Rosemary. Jeannette and Her siblings are amazing and heroic, overcoming all odds to come out on top. A great story with all happy endings! Glad I gave this book a chancee :)Show Less
posted by Hot4Books on June 29, 2010
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devin10
Posted May 28, 2009
what a great book
The Glass Castle is a inspiring novel that really deals with problems that many face, neglection. The mother doesn't care enough to be a true mom, and the father is too busy getting drunk to care in a fatherly way. Which leaves the children with a lot to be desired. In a quest for independence and to find a way through life the children separate and it shows many different paths life can lead you down..It is truly an inspirational book, that shows you don't need someone always and to never give up. I really recommend this book.
22 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
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The Traveling Troupe of Tears and Fears
To put the 'func' in 'dysfunctional' is probably a light understatement when reading about the lives of Jeannette Walls and her family. As each page turned, a different scenario was unfolding, with each seeming more and more unreal than the last. At times, I was fooled in believing that each chapter would contain some element of joy, elation, happiness, anything that could allow the characters to rise up from their hard situations. And then I remember the cover says memoir, and these characters are actual people that had to endure such a life. Writing a memoir is hard enough, but to actually be able to write of such a life as Jeannette Walls must definitely take willpower the size of the Incredible Hulk. But what helps the novel even more was its writing style. Walls is careful to not force any judgements upon the reader, leaving it up to us to like/dislike whomever we choose. I couldn't put the book down because I kept wanting to know how the children, being forced to live in such conditions were able to rise above their situations but still retain some of the values taught by their nomadic parents. Even though I admit I didn't really care for the parents because of their actions (not that I'm judging against them, it's just my opinion of them), I was saddened with Rex's death. I think the way he lived his life, there should have at least been a bungee jump that was leading him to find his hoard of gold underneath the glass castle he would have built using the prospector. The great part of this novel is that it shows a true family bond that doesn't break despite all circumstances. The resilience of each person was admirable because even in the harshest, toughest situation they stuck to each other fast; they really did embrace the "One for All, All for One" motto. Like most novels I hoped that tiny ray of sunshine was able to filter through and illuminate the characters, allowing them to find hope and their way in the world, and lucky for us it did for Jeannette Walls.
11 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted October 20, 2008
I Also Recommend:
OUTSTANDING
THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING, WELL WRITTEN BOOK. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wall is the type of book that makes you want to give your parents a hug and thank them for being such wonderful parents, no matter how bad they were. Wall was raised by free spirits who want their children to become toughened by life and believe firmly in survival of the fittest. Her mother wants to be an artist and not to be bothered by the inconvenience of feeding and caring for her children. Her father is brilliantly smart but also a vicious drunk. Every time I thought that her childhood couldn't get any worse, I would turn the page. Which is worse? The Christmas he lit the entire Christmas tree on fire (on purpose) destroying their presents or the time he chased his pregnant wife with the car through the desert at night until he pinned her against a rock wall. Wall's story of perserverance through adversity is inspiring and amazing. You can't help but admire the courage it took to survive what she did and accomplish everything she has since. I finished it last night, and today I realized I was a bit sad that I didn't have any more of their crazy life stories to read about!
10 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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marianne68
Posted August 12, 2011
I Also Recommend:
Very good
What a book. I really enjoyed this one and recommended this to my friends.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Xroce_Rossa
Posted October 28, 2010
Must read... no time for "skedaddle" on this book.
Nowadays, everyone grunts about how hard their life in recession is and they point fingers at Wall St., White House, Mid-East, and national debts. However, they should understand that those aren't quite like what we call hardships, but laments. Jeannette Walls's Glass Castle shows truly unimaginable hardship on a tight rope and her brave escape from her family's seemingly never-ending impoverished fate.
It is truly inspiring book! When I first grabbed this book for my high school English Class, I thought it would one of those stories of a penniless country kid in shanty farm going to the big cities and be a millionaire. However, Jeannette's life didn't end up as a millionaire--she's a journalist now and it seems that she has a natural talent of journalism. Her story swings the readers in excitement and horror with her powerful narration; her tragicomic memoirs are full of adventures, conflicts, and passion that we simply cannot put down. Through her memoirs, we actually can feel the exuberance, pain, fear and hope.4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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lstreader
Posted September 18, 2010
a must read...
and pass it on...this is one of those books that is a must read and then it should be shared with everyone you know...this is a book that stays with you and not only touches your heart be leaves a mark. Jeannette Walls takes you on her incredible journey of life. She reminds you that life can take you anywhere and what remains is an amazing story. It offers a true sense of the human spirit.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Danester
Posted August 29, 2010
Amazing story! The power of the human's ability to survive and thrive.
Wow, this book is an amazing tale of alcoholism, mental illness, despair, tragedy, strength, love, family, loyalty and survival.
This book is impossible to put down. True page turner. I could not believe what I was reading. The author's family is fascinating. A powerful story of the human beings ability to survive and become successful in spite of great deprivation. I think this kind of story shows that children are much stronger than any of us give them credit for. Sometimes I think the more a child has to develop its resourcefulness the more successful she is as an adult. Granted, lots of therapy may be needed.3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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andre66
Posted August 11, 2010
very good
this book is very enlightening, the girl is very strong yet i still feel that she should give a bit more about maureen. i would like to know more about her life and what she is doing.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Great Read!
The story of this family takes you right along with them on their journey from the first page. You feel cold, hot, sad and redeemed right along with them. What a gift to make the horrors of mental illness, poverty and tough luck into a compelling hopeful story.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Missy_D
Posted August 11, 2010
Simply Great!
Thank you Jeannette Walls for sharing your story with the rest of us! It is so touching! This is the story of a dysfunctional family: Dad is an alcoholic, Mom thinks she is an artist, a fixed home is elusive, kids are hungry, etc. Despite all the woes that highlight Jeannette's childhood, she tells the story in such a relaxed and at times, funny tone. It is very easy to read and will definitely spark some good conversation, i.e. parenting, alcoholism, etc.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Great read
I loved this book. Jeannette Walls took me into her childhood and her family. My childhood was also traumatic and I took great comfort while reading this book, that someone else went through similar things that I did. It was easy to read, very compelling, I didn't want to put it down! I even felt compelled to email her when I was done to let her know how much I enjoyed the book.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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I couldn't put the book down
I found this book off a friend, who mentioned the book without explaining the book. As soon as the story started I was hooked, two days later and a lot of neglected chores, I finished the book. This lady had a very interesting and sad life. It was sad becuase you feel really bad for her and the things she had to go through, but you relaize how resilient children can be in tough times. It proved that children do not need to be given everything to succed and love life, but really, her parents could have given her more than what they did. It was in my opinion a good read.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 28, 2010
I Also Recommend:
an awesome book for almost all ages starting at 11 0r 12
This book first of all was a true life story, This book was meaningful but also inspiring showing how she went from a little poor girl from welch, West Virginia to a big reporter in new york cit. this book showed how having a hard childhood can make u an even better person overall. all in all this book was amazing, inspiring, and overall just a good read. you will find yourself deep in thought wondering what is going to happen next. You should definatly pick this book up at your local barnes and Noble.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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My favorite book of all time!
Walls is an amazing writer with an even more thrilling and amazing story. This book is uplifting and inspiring. The reader really feels a part of the story and there are times where you will want to reach into the book and save these children. You will be shocked, warmed, dumbfounded, and enraptured by this book. I tell everyone that I meet: YOU MUST READ IT!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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NordicSun
Posted February 9, 2012
Winning Best Memoir Prize in my class.
I've had the pleasure to teach a college class on memoir since 2002, but must admit I've never had watched a memoir garner such reaction, praise, attachment, and fervor in the class before this one. Readers in my course, both young and middle aged, are held by the divided souls in this book, by its perils, defenses for neglect, overcoming, awful truths, painful secrets, shame, sarcasm, love always love, wit, and pluck. Its style holds us, and its saga of overcoming moves all. You will put the book down upon finishing, but you will never be able to quit the Walls' family.
Jeannette Walls has one amazing heart. I am honored that she has shared it with us.1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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schipper09
Posted September 22, 2010
Inspiring Read
The Glass Castle is the story of a young girl's struggle growing up. She is forced to take care of herself due to her dad's alcoholism and her mom's free personality. The book is truly inspiring and shows the strength of the Wall's kids. The story is told in an intriguing way that makes you want to keep reading. The book is constantly surprising you with the horrible living conditions of this family. The story makes you reconsider the things in your life that you aren't happy with. Many people complain over the smallest things, but the Wall's kids embrace these challenges. The book teaches a great lesson of how lucky we truly are. Most people don't know what its like to have parents who don't care about you, or to be taking care of yourself by the age of three. It is shocking to read about how strong and self sufficient these kids are. It is also inspiring to see how these kids reached their dream. The two oldest sisters planed on moving out to New York to make a better life for themselves, however, everything seemed to be against them. Even after having all their saved money stolen by their father, they never gave up. They overcame the hardest obstacles to achieve their dream, which is a life lesson everyone should learn. The one thing that I disliked about the book was the ending. I thought that there should have been some more information about the lives of the family now. I especially wanted to know more about Maureen since she was left out of most of the story. Overall I loved the book and I would recommend it to anyone. It has great life lessons and it proves that even under the worst conditions, you can still be successful.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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gfoster
Posted September 16, 2010
I love this book!
I just want to say I love you Jeannette Walls! You inspire me!! This book inspires me!!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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BarbaraRKY
Posted July 19, 2010
I Also Recommend:
The Glass Castle is one of my top five favorite books
Jeannette wrote an exceptional book. Her writing style keeps you wanting to turn the pages. Although there isn't any true normal childhood, Jeannette proves you can still survive no matter what obstacles you have to overcome. Many parents are often dreamers but they stifle their visions to raise a family. Jeannette's parents took their children with them on a life time adventure. They truly lived paycheck to paycheck and many times with even less.
Special Note:
One of the County School Systems where I live added Jeannette's book as a required summer read. I believe high school students would enjoy this book and it would keep them interested.1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Hot4Books
Posted June 29, 2010
Captivating True Life Story!
I wasn't sure if I would like this book going in knowing it was a memoir of some girl's childhood and upbringing. However, after getting into the book I realized the life of Jeannette Walls was anything but a typical childhood story. I myself could not relate to even one aspect of her crazy life, but that made the book so much more interesting. The stories of this American family are outrageous, sometime they left me feeling heartbroken and at other times I fell in love with every member of the Walls family, even Rex and Rosemary. Jeannette and Her siblings are amazing and heroic, overcoming all odds to come out on top. A great story with all happy endings! Glad I gave this book a chancee :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 30, 2010
I Also Recommend:
a must-read for all.
This book was recommended to me by a friend, and once I started reading it I could not put it down. The raw emotion and straight-forward writing style Walls conducts her life story in is both emotionally powerful and bittersweet. With all of the problems she and her family encounter throughout her journey she still writes in a positive style that urges an underlying "I can do anything" message to her readers. After reading this book I'd have to say that this truly is an American story; providing insight to the American Dream, and all that one faces--both good and bad--to get there. This will be a book that I carry its message and contents with me for a long time to come. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a powerful and inspirational read.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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