The other day I finished the novel, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I received this book for Christmas so most of you reading this (my family) have already read it. It’s the story of a young girl growing up in extreme poverty as her family moved around the country. The book was well written and entertaining and definitely worth the read.
*Possible Spoilers*
I did think it was funny/weird that while the rest of the children realized what the father’s alcoholism etc. was doing to the family Jeannette never really seemed to get it. As she mentions several times in the book, she was her dad’s last supporter. You’d think she would have given up on him after he had stolen all of her going away money!
Their ability to just keep “disappearing” without social services looking for them or teachers reporting them missing was also amazing. I didn’t really think it was possible to do that. All in all it was an amazing story and I’m glad it had a happy ending.
Kathy said,
February 5, 2008 at 12:11 am
You don’t ever give up on your dad, unless he is beating you.
I’m not sure what years the book covers, but I don’t think social services got involved (particularly in the 70’s and 80’s) unless someone complained.
I liked the story too. It was a fast, heart-warming read. I think like a chick-flick. Rich wouldn’t like it.
Richard Kline said,
May 3, 2008 at 12:07 am
This is NOT a novel. It is the author’s true story of her upbringing. An amazing book.