The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (2005, Hardcover)

I bought this book on a hunch and I am glad I did. Jeannette Walls relates her story with clarity and beauty. Although her childhood was fascinating and kept me interested through the entire book, what's truly astounding isn't so much that Jeannette and her family were poor, it's that she and her siblings overcame so many obstacles (really big obstacles that most of us don't even realize are still obstacles for people today) and learned-- by necessity-- to be so much more self-sufficient than many adults. It's really stunning that she and two of her siblings were able to persevere and make better lives for themselves considering how difficult they had it growing up.

Walls' story is truly inspiring and motivating. It's also a perfect example of the American dream, right here, right now. Thoroughly recommended.