The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is one of the most unorthodox books you’ll ever
read. Written as an autobiography, it details her life growing up with a dysfunctional family. Her
parents were creative thinkers who preferred to live their lives differently from society. They
constantly moved their kids to new places, and relied on their children’s self-sustenance to keep
the family afloat. Jeannette and her three siblings, Lori, Brian, and Maureen, depended on each
other for moral support and to make it through their toxic family. Living below the poverty line
and constantly having to adapt to their surroundings formed the kids into who they were, and
their horrible childhood makes readers feel grateful for what they have.
In all honesty, this was a bit of a crazy book. It’s hard to believe that it's nonfiction,
because the events that take place are so outlandish and appalling. Jeaennette’s parents, Rex and
Rose Mary, were neglectful and toxic, and both preferred to dream about what their lives could
be than taking responsibility for the lives they do have. Reading this book was heartbreaking
because Jeannette’s writing is so descriptive you feel like you’re there with the characters,
experiencing their hardships and downfalls. After reading the whole novel, you actually feel as if
you’ve lived your whole life with the Walls family. This book makes you both cry and laugh,
especially after one of its many shocking anecdotes. I’d definitely recommend this book to
readers, and give a warning that it has heavy subject material and a few disturbing scenes.