THE GLASS CASTLE

by Jeannette Walls

If you loved Half Broke Horses, you're going to love The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls’ memoir about growing up all over the American Southwest. Walls captures with humor and a sense of adventure what could have been quite a traumatic childhood, and allows the reader to see the events through her childhood eyes and not judge.

Walls grew up as the youngest child of a family with parents who saw themselves as anti-establishment and who convinced their children that their constant moves from one unstable living situation to another were epic adventures. From stealing food to hiding from law enforcement, Walls’ father always included the children in his “us vs. them” mentality, which created his own band of scrappy outlaws.

As the siblings got older, they began to see that the fun adventures with their parents might not be the only way to live. One by one, they managed to get themselves out. The tenacity and courage each one showed were impressive, including Walls herself who also broke free.

The love and understanding Walls clearly feels towards her parents are what make this memoir so extraordinary. Despite a very difficult life, Glass Castle is a story of hope and familial love. (Lily)