Reviews

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

annagracek's review against another edition

4.0

I had a hard time finishing this, mostly because it hit a still-raw nerve. I grew up in a different but equally crazy family and reading accounts like this can bring up memories that are so raw I can't imagine writing them down, let alone re-living. I am in awe, once again, at what it is possible for a child to survive.

kalejandra's review against another edition

4.0

Jeannette’s story was wild. And even though her parents were awful at providing for their kids, they were awfully smart when it came to book knowledge. And they even had an odd yet interesting perspective on life’s lessons. I found myself underlining a couple if things that her parents would say to her for advice because I’m retrospect they were true. The author is strong and courageous for sharing her life with us. I really enjoyed this!

bmadd's review against another edition

5.0

⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
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This is such an incredible book. I found myself audibly gasping at least 20 times. Do yourself a solid and read this immediately.

connie_rea's review against another edition

4.0

I'm not really sure where to begin with this book. I suppose I just have a hard time wrapping my head around the whole thing. I've worked with abused children a few years. I've even been abused myself for a few years. Nothing like this book of course...but still, I am not ignorant of abuse...however, sometimes with this novel, I was just kind of left shell shocked from parts of Walls' story. The conditions these kids were in....the fact that the parents were able to outrun the authorities and social services all those years....the indifference of the school teachers and adults that must have known....the fact that a 3 year old can be in a hospital for weeks and then whisked away into the night without anyone protecting them....I sure hope that society has changed now....yes....all of that is what smacked me in the face and sickened me....but what really left me shell shocked was Walls' seemingly acceptance of this all. Don't misunderstand me, I know anger will get you nowhere...anger and pity of what you go through only gives the person that put you through it power...to regain power for your own self, you must learn to let go and move ahead...it's just that in the telling, I somehow feel like Walls is okay with how she was raised. I understand she loved her parents. I understand that she realizes they had addiction issues....I'm just not sure she has accepted the fact that none of her parents actions were acceptable....yes, as a child she had few choices, but as an adult, she seemed to place more guilt in herself than on her parents. I understand there is a lot of psychological stuff going on here....I understand I've never walked in her shoes....I understand that anger and disappointment won't change anything....I just also happen to think that it would be okay for Walls to place the blame on her parents....to still love them and yet, still blame them for being selfish, addicted, neglectful parents. Maybe I misread her anger (or lack of)....maybe parts of my own person can't forgive the parents for some of their actions...but the book left me feeling bad for (not sorry for) Walls....I just finished the book and although Walls has done well for herself, has became a productive member of society, and should be extremely proud...well, I finished feeling like she almost is ashamed of her overcoming her childhood, that she feels guilty of her success, and that is what makes me the saddest.....

merryburnsreads_24's review against another edition

2.0

This book was SO hard for me to read. I could not get past what horrible parents they were and each scenario the kids got into was worse and worse and worse. We read this for book club and in my club, most people loved the book and raved about how resilient kids are and how we can persevere at the end. I just didn't read it that way and felt like I was stuck watching a train wreck in extra slow motion and it just got worse and worse.

indigodragonfly's review against another edition

5.0

Compellingly written, this memoir of a middle child growing up in a dysfunctional marriage and surviving poverty in myriad forms hits. It hits hard. I'm left shaken, bowing in gratitude and recognition.

gaffgirl626's review against another edition

4.0

I really wanted to give this book five stars. The author's childhood was fascinating and her attention to detail really made you taste and feel all the locations. Where I felt let down was in the beginning where she jumped into the memoir without really setting up who she is now, and also at the end where there wasn't enough emotional connection to how it all affected her. I have to assume that the guarded way she began and ended the memoir reflects some sense of self that she has yet to realize. But nonetheless, definitely a great read!

madisonhaack's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

regimoo's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5

aliciachelbeck's review against another edition

5.0

read this as a kid, but enjoyed it so much more as an adult