What readers think of The Glass Castle, plus links to write your own review.

Probably one of the most difficult memoirs to write is one in which the writer grows up with alcoholic/ abusive parents without sounding maudlin or lurid. Jeannette Wells has succeeded in writing a readable story of her childhood without doing either. Having been married to an abusive alcoholic for 18 years and trying to protect myself and my children from his rages, I "feel her pain." I only hope that she has been able to divest herself of the resentment and bitterness that results from this type of childhood. She certainly deserves a good life now!

Someone once said that a painter could paint a picture of a beautiful young girl, a good painter could see an old woman and paint a picture of the girl she once was and a great painter could paint the old woman so that the viewer could see the young girl she once was.

Jeannette Walls has done the latter for her parents. Instead of putting forth a bitter, nasty recounting of innumerable grievances that she and her siblings suffered at the hands of hopeless and thoughtless parents she has instead crafted a haunting work of art that reveals the many facets of people that most of us would simply write-off and hold in contempt.

Jeannette has created a remarkable work of art from parents and a childhood that on their surface seem devoid of redeeming qualities. In doing so she has fulfilled her father's legacy - creating a Glass Castle for all to see who can see the many truths that lie within and are reflected by it.

This book held my attention and my heartstrings. From the moment I started reading it I could not put it down. It really makes you appreciate the things that you are blessed with in your own life, including the little things like running water and indoor plumbing. I would recommend this book to be mandatory reading for our young teenagers today, as they get all wrapped up in their own lives and take for granted all the things that are bestowed upon them and forget they are not entitled to all things, some things they need to work for and most of all, appreciate the things they do have. It would be a good down to earth lesson for each & every child. After reading the book, I would pass on to family and friends.

I read this book on a Saturday and I couldn't put it down until I finished it!It's one of the best books I've EVER EVER read!!!Kind of ,it made me think of my own childhood too.I really really loved it!!!1I'm gonna read it again soon.Thanks,Jeannette!!!

I couldn't put this book down. One of the best I've read in a long time. A family's survival story. Making the best of the life you were born into. A wonderful story that is still on my mind days later. Great for anyone who has ever felt they were raising their parents.

This book was a page turner for me...I commend the author for just telling her story and not being judgmental about the things her family went through. The fact that most of her family went on to live successful lives demonstrates the strength of the human spirit. The book stayed with me long after I was finished reading it. Bravo!

I live in Florida now but I grew up in Welch, WV at the same time as Jeanette. Reading this book brought back such memories and insights. Although I was not actually friends with any of the Walls family members, I remember them well. I remember the day Brian brought his pet iguana to school at Welch Elementary and I saw him on the playground. I remember the Wednesday night when Jeanette's mother acted as substitute teacher for my catechism (church school) class at the Catholic Church in Welch. And I remember asking Jeanette about Algebra while in a study hall at Welch High School (she sat behind me that day). Everyone one at school and at church knew of the family and we wondered why they seemed different. I had no idea then what their life was really like.

This book captivated me, not only because of familiar names and places, but because it tugs at my heart. Although she would not remember me, I wish I could email Jeanette and tell her how much her book has affected me. She is an example of what can be overcome, and what can be accomplished through sheer determination. I would also like to tell her that I hope she can inspire others from the Welch area who also remain in seemingly hopeless poverty. Unfortunately, there are many.

Jeanette Walls captured a side of American poverty that most people don't know about or can't accept: chosen poverty. Rose and Rex chose to live the bohemian, gypsy lifestyle with their children. This did pose a lot of hard life problems, mostly dealing with the lack of shelter or food. However, their struggles produced the finest children with the highest morals and, well, morales!