The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (2005, Hardcover)

Jeanette Walls needs to be applauded for this wonderful expose on her life, and the life of her family. Her writing is flawless, her descriptions vivid.
Jeanette and her siblings raised by two very eccentric individuals, her mother, an artist who should thought about childrearing, her father a brilliant thinker, but his downside was his alcoholism. What is so amazing about this memoir, is how positively its written regardless of the hardships, how this author was able to show both the wretchedness of her surroundings and what she learned and loved about her father. This book reminds me in part of the beautiful novel "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", who this author alludes to in her memoir as being one of her favorite books as a child, but with the big difference being that it is a life really and trully lived. It also speaks of forgiveness, family, love, abuse, and learning. Wonderfully written and a treasure. Highly recommended reading.

Loved the book. Wonderful writing style with humor and wit woven in among the darker episodes in the author's life. Loved her amazing spirit and enthusiasm for life and her ability to triumph over the many setbacks of her childhood. I first read a borrowed copy (read it two times the first week!) for bookclub, and then purchased a book for a friend, borrowed it from her to read it again, and finally bought it for myself. I have now read it five times and have enjoyed it every time.

Really a great read,,,,great for any book collector....Would recommend it for anyone, bought same as a gift for daughter who also loves to read

I could not put this book down. How these children survived this disfunctional couple is a miracle! The only bright spot in the parenting of these children was the education they were given and the belief that they could do anything they wanted to do and they sure proved that. It is proof that even the poorest can make something of themselves but you have to work for it and overcome some pretty big hurdles. Great read!

The book was okay. I guess I'm tired of biography because I've read so many. Some interesting things happened to the main character that made you go over it again.

The book came in great condition. IN addition it was shipped in a timely manner. Not to mention great book! thank you!!

I originally got this book from the library, and I loved it so much that I decided I had to have my own copy. I just finished reading it for the second time, and couldn't put it down( again!)

This book is a beautiful TRUE story of the writers adversity in growing up under difficult circumstances. The family literally existed on the streets;
sometimes with nothing but a cardboard box for a roof; very little, if any food but they kept their dignity at all times. The parents pushed the children to obtain an education.
The father was a gambler but he gave the gift of a dream to his daughter of one day having "A Glass Castle". The mother was mentally challenged but she was an artist of sorts and taught her children to always look inward and be "free" and express yourself.
The writer was going to a fancy party one night and she looked out the car window at a red light and there was her mother going through trash cans and pushing her cart with her meager belongings. She was so embarrassed that her mother would see her and call to her, and her friends would know, that she slid down and drove away. Later she offered her mother a beautiful place to live and all the conveniences and an easy life, but the mother chose to live on the streets because to her this kind of life would be as a prison and she would not be free.
I bought this book because I think it is a beautiful story, it breaks your heart, but helps you to understand that material wealth is not always what people need in their life to be content. Even being mentally challenged, the mother was forever trying to give her family the gift of freedom. It was not really a story against the structure of establishment and everyday rules..........but a way of life to live free and still have a big dream.
I thought at first the mother and father were so selfish to make their children live the way they had to live.....but in reading the whole story you see the special gifts the parents were giving to the children.
It is an awesome story. It makes you look around at your surroundings and appreciate what you have but also to look inward and see if you haven't missed something along the way. There is something to be said for being spontaneous and the choices we make in life. Do we give up one freedom to have another?

Book arrived in exact condition described. Received in a timely fashion. Great buying experience! Would definitely buy from this seller again.

This was one of the best books that I've ever read. I could not believe what these children went through and survived and still loved their parents.
Every young person today should read this and realize what some children must go through just to get through each day.

The book was in excellent condition. The seller was prompt in sending the book. I am very pleased.

Bought this autobiography because it was my book club's selection for the month. An interesting read. Hard to believe parents could be so horrid! Like most books however, the last couple of chapters seemed to "fall off" as if the author was tired of writing.

I could not put it down. I was fortunate to be able to see Jeannette Walls speak before reading the book. I felt a connection with this author and her life, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an emotional ride. Thank you for sharing your life!

Ariend of mine told me about the book "The Glass Castle" by Jeannett Walls. I found it on E-Bay at a wonderful price and it arrived in EXCELLENT condition. I live near Welch, WV where much of the book takes place, which added to my interest. It is a remarkable book of Jeanetts life. Many thanks.

I never want to put this book down. The story of the author's life is both amazing and unbelievable. You don't know weather you want to put her parents in jail for the way they parent or take some of there free - style parenting ino your of life. I can't wait to finish the book! I recommond this to evevryone!

I saw Jeannette Walls on the "Today" show. She told about her autobiography, "The Glass Castle" and I just knew I had to get that it! What a wonderful book! It's unbelievable the childhood Jeannette and her siblings endured. Couldn't put the book down.

I read this book for my bookclub. It was a great book! I read it in a few days. I felt as though I really knew the characters & felt bad for them at times. The first paragraph really catches your attention. The main character is in a cab & sees her mom rifling through a dumpster. It is hard to believe the ending after all they went through! Great book!