The Glass Castle

Title: The Glass Castle

Author: Jeanette Walls

Summary: To describe Jeanette Walls' parents as laissez-faire, would be putting it mildly! In this memoir, Jeannette Walls holds back little in describing her family life, beginning with early childhood and ending with her "escape" to NYC as a young adult. While many of her parents actions are hard for the reader to believe - are there really parents out there who are this permissive?!? - Walls resists the urge to judge or condemn them for their actions and her writing is surprisingly free of bitterness or resentment. It is her story of growing up in an extremely dysfunctional family and how it made her the person
she is today.

Recommendation: Yes! In addition to being a quick and easy read, this book was inspiring. Walls vividly describes each member of her family and attempts to give an overall picture of each individual. Although many of the parents actions are shocking, from time to time, I found myself sympathizing with them and their decisions.

Hearts: 5