This is the first book in a very long time that intrigued me right at the first page and that I did not want to end.

J. Wall fully describes her dysfunctional family as they skedaddle across the US. They are extremely poor but the parents are well read and challenge their children to be outstanding readers. Each child adapts in their own unique way and weirdly enough they love their parents and each other.

This was a very interesting memoir with stories so wild it's hard to belive they are true. It is a fine example of how the poverty chain can be broken through the compromises of ones selfishness and the power of knowledge.

Jeannette Walls' book brings lively discussion about struggle, acceptance, character and inner strength. It presents a challenge to try to uncover the pieces that were left out of its pages and offers the mind-bending exercise of sorting through your innermost feelings regarding this family's choices.

Our club read this book and all of us were charmed by it. Jeanette Walls recounts her life's story of growing up hard scrabble with her thoroughly uncoventional itinerant parents. She tells the tale without a scrap of self pity but manages to make us all qestion how the children could survive the tumultuous years of life on the edge.

It is truly a story of triumph and proves that one's childhood does not always set the stage for success or failure in this life.

I really enjoyed this book. I read most of it in one sitting. The misadventures of the Walls family were riveting, appalling and somehow inspiring at the same time. The relationship of the siblings to one another was beautiful. I loved the way they became one another's protectors.

I do wonder, however, if some of the things may have been given poetic license. It's a little hard to give credibility to some of her memories, especially the very early ones of when she was only three years old. The conversations and vocabulary seemed a little too sophisticated for a very young child to recall or even understand. Never-the-less, it made for a wonderful story.

The writer identified with the girl in "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," and I could see many parallels in the two stories, especially in the girls' love for their flawed fathers. I think in spite of all his shortcomings, Rex did really love his children. The mother, on the other hand was very narcisistic and childlike. Everything was about her. She was very hard to like. It's hard to understand how a mother could let her children starve when she had the resources to feed them.

I'm glad the story ended on a positive note. To me the message of this story is that we can choose to overcome our past, or we can choose the walow in self pity and let the past destroy us. The writer choose to love her parents and accept that they were who they were. She didn't deny the bad things they did, nor did she choose to hate them for it. She simply choose to accept and love them. It's a good lesson.

Just when you think you have it bad, read this book!!

We had a hearty and lengthy discussion covering all aspects as to how these two parents chose their path in life and how each constantly enabled their partner along every step of the way. We discussed the many chances they had along their lives to improve conditions for their children and how they looked the other way and chose the other way countless times over and over again justifying their actions with elaborate schemes and stories.
We all connected in some way with the story, be it an experience of our own, of a friend or a relative.
A frustrating read of not wanting to put it down and yet wanting to throw it down.
A story of intelligent people whose eccentric personalities just take over and where common sense is nowhere to be found.
An amazing survival story of the children and how they pulled themselves up and out of their poor, nomadic life.
This story shows how just one person can change the lives of many, like the one person Lori wants to be like that visited the school. Lori worked, saved, lost, and struggled to get to New York City. She finally did it because of that one person who visited the school and Lori herself was that one person to her siblings who followed her path into a level of life that brought food, comfort, hard work, and rewards.

This story could have almost been unbelievable if not for the similarities to a college friend's family. Although much of the story was frustrating to read, I couldn't put the book down.

In summary, we all enjoyed the memoir! We were quite intrigued by the outrageous stories, complexitiy of the characters, their insane uprrearing or better said complete lack of & their instinctive survival skills at such young, formidable ages.

We were amazed by the outcome of their adult lives from growing up in such a dysfunctional environment & the loyalty that seemed to prevail despite all the hardships, faults, mistakes & downright obsurdity the Walls' children faced. We agreed their love for each other was hard to understand yet at the same time it was understandable. We defintiely recommend this book!

I loved this book. What a fascinating family. Makes you look at the power and danger of family dynamics and how it shapes you.

The entire group enjoyed this memoir, and discussions centered around the human spirit and it's ways of coping with adversity.

Of all the books I read for the book club, this one has stayed with me the most. It is a fascinating story of an unbelieveable family and the hardships the children had to endure. The fact that they survived is incredible in itself, but what makes the story is how Jeannette Walls tells it. She immediately catches your interest and keeps it. Instead of being angry with her parents for their negligence, she tries to understand and relate their story as best she can. Interwoven with humor and sadness, there is an inner charm to her story that is captivating.

I was hesitant to read another memoir, but this was excellent.

It's easy to have a negative reaction to the parents in this book but the fact that their own kids avoided that provides fodder for a lot of discussion. Your childhood in general because it shaped so much of who you have become is a hot topic for discussion.

I loved this book but and would reccomend it to everyone. As far as a discussion book it brought up some interesting topics but not that much to specifically discuss except to say -- How crazy!

We all loved reading it. Shocking stories. Fast read. It provoked socio-economic discussions about American society. Though we did not find as many topics about the book itself to discuss, simply because the stories are so crazy.

This book was a great discussion book, we had a list of questions, but we didn't really need them.

This book was writen to remind us that not everyone has had a solid upbringing and that maybe life isn't so bad after all. It also taught us that greatness and strenght can win in the end.

I really really enjoyed this book and it led to a great discussion. Soooooo many things happened and all along the way, I felt like I was right there. I loved how it was written and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I thought 'snot locker' was hysterical and it was the first time in a while that I laughed out loud at a book! Everyone should read this book.

There is no excuse to rise above adversity, three of the four children rose above the obstacles and made great lives for themselves.

When people use their childhood and economic status as an excuse, they shoudl read this book, and comeup with another excuse.

You have to remind yourself that this is a true story and not fiction. Many emotionals surface during the reading of this book. You feel guilty laughing at some parts, and can't help crying in others. Walls does a wonderful job showing the whole picture of her life. You keep cheering her on in the book and hope for the best. Great for book club discussions.

This book was very difficult to read and was not interesting at all. It did not hold my interest. It also did not spark any deeper thoughts or cause you to consider any deeper issues.

A great read. The pages fly by as you keep hope alive for this family's tragic life to make a turn for the better. Excellent for discussions with close knit book clubs.

This was a great book.

As Jeannette Walls recounts her life, you wonder not only how she survived but how became such a strong and successful woman. She lived through many shocking and truly horrible things basically inflicted upon her by her parents, but she tells of them with more affection than bitterness or judgement. This book made me examine my prejudices, sense of entitlement, responsibility to my children, and loyalty to my family.

Tough topics, easy discussion... we wish one of her siblings would write a book as well!

This book kept my interest from cover to cover. Some of the things that happened to her made my jaw drop! It is a story of survival. Her parent’s lack of motivation made her determined to be successful. It made me realize how great I had it growing up! It is a very well written and intriguing book. I was rooting for her throughout the entire story.

The Class Castle is a book about a family of six, whose parents have an interesting perspective about life and a unique way with their children which is in many situations dangerous and neglectful and in other ways they enabled their children to become independent, strong and successful. The book is written from the point of view of one of the children as a personal memoir. She tells her story with out self pity and is very good at describing how she was brought up and how her life evolved without passing judgment, while at the same time showing her dissaproval and telling the reader that she did not always buy into her parents' dilutions.

This story really brought to mind how resillient children really can be and equally so, how some parents really can be selfish in many ways.

Really enjoyed reading this book, though I must say I had my doubts on the validity of some aspects. That's likely just because of the recent drama there's been regarding other certain "memoirs" out there.

It was a great read, I love it.

I found the novel very eye-opening on how the homeless live their daily life. The charaters were well developed and it was hard for me to put the book down because there was always the question of what was going to be their next adenture.

This was a fantastic book. As tragic as some parts can seem, it is Jeannette's life and she isn't telling this to get sympathy, she's just telling it like it was. Wonderful discussion book.

In a year where our book club chose to read almost exclusively memoirs, at the end of that year most of us found that this was the book that both haunted and buoyed us the most. Jeannette Walls has it all -- a tale that transfixes you, true writing skill and an opening paragraph that is one of the best you'll find. On the one hand, many of us found ourselves remembering childhoods filled with the same things hers lacked and the same expectations of our own independence. On the other hand is the indescribable ability of humans to bother inflict and endure emotional pain. Particularly recommended for readers 35 and up (Walls' era). Almost certain to provoke some of the most passionate and thought-provoking discussions your club has experienced.

I just loved this book so much, I asked the book club if they would mind making it our selection because I NEEDED to talk to someone about it.
We had SO much to say about the book. This was our best discussion yet.
There were just so many different situations in the book we were all engaged in the conversation.
Loved, loved, loved it!

never boring, leads to many ?'s... wow. some people can't believe it's true but i do, i've met families this crazy.

The Glass Castle provides a story of two parents with monumental problems; then add four children into the mix and the story moves into the grim reality of children rearing themselves, essentially. No doubt the parents loved the children, but their own mental problems kept them from being good parents except on rare occasions when everything clicked for the parents. I found the story heartbreaking.

This book seemed to me to be a litany of abuses written with an overly accepting attitude- for example "my father took me to a bar and prostituted me but that's okay, that's how he is." There was no sense of the author's own recovery- perhaps there was no recovery- and no sense of affect from the author toward the horrible things her parents did. This book was devoid of what makes us all human- emotion and a human reaction to abuse. Our book club highly disagrees with the "professional" reviews extolling the virtues and courage of this book. We do not recommend this book for discussion.

Our bookclub loved the discussion this situation and characters provided. We did go to the web and found a little interview with the mother and daughter - very poignant and meaningful having read the book. The discussion roamed from mental illness, to neglect, to ourselves as mothers, to good coming out of crazy people in our lives and more. We were impressed with the literary style of the author as she moved in her storytelling from a little girl to an adult. A must read!!!

the children in this book had great resilience. a great story that postive things can still happen. it made you sad,but there was laughter in it.

This is a great book that looks at how no matter what we all have our families. This helps to appreciate what each of us has in our own families and laugh/cry at what happens in Jeannette's family.

Great story about the author's hardships of growing up. This child went through more hardships than any one person should ever have to endure during an entire lifetime. Amazingly, the author is unskathed from it all and chooses to share these stories in this amazing read you will find hard to put down.

My book club discussed whether or not the author, herself, was sexually abused by her father and chose to keep that silent because she idolized him so much.

Also, we got into a heated discussion about whether or not she should have remained on speaking terms with her parents.

This was a very well written book. I highly recommend it.

We really enjoyed this!!!

Great book. Reads well. Told well from a child's perspective. At times, unbelievable--how can a partially schooled child get into an Ivy League school? Remarkale tale of the resiliance of the human spirit.

Interesting memoir that makes you appreciate your own family. Could have been half as long as it is unless she added more detail on her teen years.

The characters in this books and the many situations and environments really lent themselves to wonderful discussion. We spend about 90 minutes of our get-together talking about the parents, the children, and how their lives led the children to be able to survive well in the world today. We did use the "guide" by selecting 7 of the 14 questions and dividing them among us.

This was the kick-off book for our small book club. The memoir was riveting and each of our members saw the story from a different perspective. We only have four members, but, sure enough, we had four wonderfully considered perspectives.

This is a powerful narrative that generated much discussion at our book club.  I was amazed at the authors ability to forgive her parents and even appreciate the intellectual curiosity they fostered in their children, while grossly neglecting their children's physical and social health. 

What a great book for discussion. It's a miracle Jeannette Walls and her siblings actually survived their childhood and apparently with no ill effects. If they had not been so intelligent, would they have survived, or would they have turned out like their parents? We had lively discussions as to which parent was more culpable, the alcoholic father or the mentally unstable mother? Did either parent have any redeeming qualities? This also led to some heated give and take. Two thumbs up!

This is a very suitable book for a book club, given you have participants from many walks of life. The realization that some people growing up didn't have everything, but didn't even miss it, is quite an eye opener for some. This book is written well and occasionally gives us something to "chew" on with just a sentence. Very good book.

The book is a story that draws you in, as much as you would like to believe that this is not normal - this lifestyle IS normal to many families in the United States.

Our group is very fortunate that we have a social work professor in our book club. She uses this book as one of her textbooks on poverty. This book teaches more in the story than any textbook ever could.

The only problem was that we did not have enough time to fully discuss the book because we only meet over our lunch hour (ok we go over an hour :-). We were just really getting into the meat of the book and how we related to the various situations described on a personal level. Our discussion was lively and reflective. Our book club will be getting together again to discuss the book in more detail before the author comes to town in September.

Our book club HIGHLY recomends this book.

Nurture v. nature. Jeannette Walls seems to be a successful, hard-working, ethical person guided by a strong moral compass. However, her upbringing lacked stability, security, and guidance, and was riddled with negligence and varying degrees of abuse. How does a deprived child develop into a functional, successful adult?

This was a great book in that I was unable to put it down. Some of Jeannettes records were a little "hard to believe" however it lead for a very entertaining and quick read.

Really enjoyed living vicariously through the Walles crazy adventures.

I was left wanting more in this story. The struggles this kid went through and how they all in their own way over came them is an amazing tribute to the author. It is astonishing how much kids can bear and the lengths they will go to over come them. I have recommend this to several people and will continue to do so. Written so well and with out the warranted pity party. Excellent read!

I loved the story but I wanted more information.

This book is so well written. The author tells the story of her dysfunctional childhood and yet manages to never once sound as though she feels sorry for herself. Riveting characters. Amazing story. Everything that happens is fascinating. This is one of the best books I've read in the last year. I would definitely recommend this to other clubs.

Insightful, witty and outright hilarious at times; Jeannette Walls captures the reality of her family without making you feel sad for her.

I listened to this book on CD and most times I wanted to jump out of my seat because the trials and tribulations the Walls family endured were gut wrenching. This book is not what you think.

The one thing I took away from this book is determination. With enough determination, one is capable of anything, even rising from Americas most poverty stricken environment.

This is a good read!!!

Jeannette wrote this memoir with such implicit honor to her parents. Although, her parents were not perfect she accepted their sometimes severe imperfections. I think attaching factor with her family was emotional security. Her family was truly unstable and adventurous.

We enjoyed reading this book and it was even funnier for those that listened to it. It was enjoyable and debatable. It was the best memoir we have read so far this year.

This book draws all club members into the discussion since most people have strong opinions about raising children, caring for adult parents, and nature vs. nurture.

Walls does a great job of leaving some stones unturned to let the reader draw their own conclusions.

The fact that these events all happened to one family astonishes me.

I will never look at a U-Haul truck the same again. That goes the same for numerous daily things I take for granted. The children were in harms way their entire childhood. While I would never knowingly put my children (uh - that baby) in perilous situations, I gained a vivid perspective to why I should not judge others.

Jeannette Walls wrote in a way that keeps the reader focused on the events of her life without embellishment. Clearly this was the life she had to work with and she didn't sentimentalize or sugarcoat by any means. Also, there weren't flourishing paragraphs of daydreams and heartfelt wishes. Jeannette Walls, even as a child, was focused. She was an industrious taskmaster with goals and inspirations.

I am curious to know how others think. If instead, Jeannette Walls was raised to become uneducated and ignorant, aside from never having her memoir, would we think her life was any less tragic? Or, because she 'rose above' her station in life, became a productive member of society, that somehow the sins of the parents deserve absolution? Should she be grateful for this life of deprivation because it's made her the person she is today?

Really enjoyed this book. Sometimes I questioned the reality of all that happened to Jeanette, but in a post-Frey memoir publishing world, I feel this memoir would have been researched thoroughly. Reading what she and her siblings went through certainly makes me appreciate my life and the life that my mother gave me. The "traumatic" childhood I thought I experienced seems a lot less traumatic in light of some of Jeanette's experiences!! I find inspiration in Jeanette that she could rise from that upbringing to be successful and could find the path in her life that led her to an acceptance of the life her parents chose for themselves and their children

I couldn't put this book down. The group all loved it!

Easy read of an unbelievable life story. I am inspired to be the best mother I can be so my kids don't have to deal with such challenges. As an educator, I am saddened how they fell in the crack - I pray that I have my eyes wide open so that I'm aware of any hungry child.

This book caused quite a discussion for our book club, I highly recommend it to other clubs.

It was easy to read, an important quality for our book club. With a social worker and a prosecutor in the group, the opinion of Jeanette Wall's mothering ability was discussed at length.

It was well written. I think anyone could relate to one of the themes in the book, familial love, devotion, alcoholism, neglect, poverty, overcoming challenges, dreams shattered.

Nearly everyone in the book club couldn't put this book down! Jeannette has a wonderful writing style and such an interesting story to tell. Our discussion of it was also interesting, finding out about others' lives growing up and sharing thoughts about how people can succeed despite dire circumstances.

This book is a quick read and leads to great discussions about homelessness, alcoholism, narcissism, dysfunctional families, and the strength and resilience of the author.

Some of the honest portrals in the book can leave a lasting impression on the reader (some very disturbing). If you are easily freaked out by accounts of child neglect, not for you. However, I appreciated the authors attempts to put a real and human face on poverty, homelessness, and the choices some people make in the name of "bucking authority".

This was a very engaging book; once I stared reading I just wanted to keep going!

An excellent book that is hard to put down! The memoir flows and captures your interest from the start to the finish. The book discussion was lively!

While we all enjoyed this book to some extent, there didn't seem to be much to discuss. One quibble we had that contributed to the lack of discussion is that the author didn't include anything about how her terrible growing up affected her as an adult, how she grew, changed or became the successful reporter she is. The book is basically just telling a story, and does so well, but without anything to really sink your teeth into, discussion-wise.

Hard to believe some of this. I didn't love the writing and had trouble with relating to some of the characters///especially the Mom. I guess I was pretty neutral about this book overall. Wanted everyone to just grow up and take care of their messed up lives!

This book is one of those great books that triumphs what happened in the past to be not so bad!!!

The story is compelling, but there's no change or growth. We're not really into discussing how awful a childhood is in our group, unless there is some lesson learned or we can see the change in the author. She didn't write about any of that.

This story can give hope to those that are down and out. I have been reading this with my pre-GED learners, who at times struggle with the vocabulary, but they refuse to give up or put it down! They are constantly trying to recruit new members to our club, as they want to share the book with everyone!

This book was outstanding! Our book club talked non-stop for 90 minutes about this book.

This book grabbed me in the first chapter. I could not put it down. The family is so dysfunctional and yet the Children turned out if not OK, above average. Their were parts of their childhood I loved (their father giving them there own stars as a Christmas present, who would think of that) but they truly did not have the basics, food and shelter. This is a book you either love or hate, our book club was half and half.

I am glad we read this book, and found it fascinating -- I think I read it in about 5 days, I kept reading beyond my "page goal" out of horrified fascination. While there's tons of discussion fodder in it, including Jeannette's triumph over her childhood circumstances, for me the most evocative scene was when she was at a friend's house and dismantling the chicken. I have noticed as I make friends as an adult that how thoroughly one cleans one's animal bones at a meal is usually a reflection of class / finances in one's youth.

This is a poignant and compelling memoir of a childhood of deprivation and neglect. The author and her siblings are the offspring of intelligent and talented parents who are also selfish and self-absorbed and are, by any definition, unfit parents. The children frequently go hungry and wear clothing that belongs in the ragbag. No dance lessons or Little League for these children . . . their rec center is the desert floor among the cacti and sun bleached bones of desert animals. Life is even harsher when the family leaves the southwest and moves to the father's hometown, a coal mining community in West Virginia. The father's alcoholism and self-delusion, combined with the mother's casual attitude toward child rearing and indeed life in general, provide humiliation and disappointment at every turn. Despite this heartbreaking childhood of bleakness and danger, the author's love for her parents is obvious. God help them and others like them!

I really liked reading this book and found myself wanting to know more about the author and her family. I loved her voice in this book. I think it was well written and it really makes you think.

Great Book! Entire bookclub liked it. Makes you grateful for what you have!

Our book club read this book several months ago. I had to keep reminding myself that it was non-fiction because it was diffucult to believe that a real family could have lived such a disturbing life.

This book offers a glimpse into a unique family dynamic which can be disturbing. Most people would have a hard time imagining such a life. It was a good book for discussion about parenting styles and responsibilities.

This book was amazingly written and was suspenseful. I found that I couldn't put it down and was inspired by the author's tenacity and strong character to be able to get herself out of that horrendous living environment.

It was somewhat frustrating to read about so many hardships brought on by parents that were obviously mentally ill. But, it was also interesting to realize that not everyone follows social rules and to some extent these parents were giving their children a wonderful education and a freedom to think and feel indepently.

Everyone in our group loved this book. I think the best word to describe it is fascinating. Even though there are terrible times and bad things that happen, the children's perseverance is amazing. A great book to read and discuss!

This book was great. Can't wait to read her other one.

My book club read this based on a recommendation from a member. We purchased the book and all enjoyed it. One member is set to read it. We were all amazed the author never unleashed on her parents. What a life!

I enjoyed this book for the most part. The end felt rushed. Unbelievable the level of poverty and life challenges.

Hard to believe some children have to raise themselves - situations that could have been prevented, zany goings on, mental illness and ahlcohl abuse for a disfunctional family make - and yet 3 out of the 4 children were able to escape their circumstances and "succeed" as adults.

A book worth reading! It will give you a glimpse into another way of living...

I became completely wrapped up in Jeannette's struggle just to survive. At each turn of the page I was hoping for better times, and at the same time, fearing something horrible would happen.

A shocking, sad, and at times heart-warming memoir that I thoroughly enjoyed. A fantastic tale of the human spirit

This book took me through a wide range of emotions. In the beginning, the carefree, defiant spirit of Jeannette's parents' was intriguing. Who hasn't dreamed of 'doing the skedaddle'? Later in the story, anger starts to build; the children are more and more neglected, even abused, as their parents slip further into alcoholism and depression. In the end, triumph; and finally sorrow, for lives so inextricably shaped by both genius and mania.

None of us could put it down once we had started it. Even moved our meeting up a week to be able to begin discussion earler

This was a great read. Very interesting and well written

Our book club enjoyed this selection. Although it's difficult to read about the struggles of these children throughout their childhoods, Jeannette Walls writes it with little judgement or condemnation of her parents, allowing the reader to experience the story without completely despising them and even finding humor in some of the bizarre events that take place. You find yourself wrapped up in the series of poor decisions and outright refusal to follow societal norms that puts this family into one struggle after another. You spend much of your time marveling at the resourcefulness and survival skills of these young children. The book prompted some great discussion among our members.

The children rise above the dysfunctional family beginning

This book generated an excellent, lively discussion at our book club. It describes the life of a truly dysfunctional family. It made us look at the roles of parents and children through new lenses.

Enjoyed the book but had to stick with it at the beginning because its such a sad story. The saddest part is this is a true story. Jennette Walls is a gifted writer and a remarkable survivor!

You don't know how good you have it in life until you've read this book. I couldn't believe some of these things could actually happen in real life....and to children no less. It will make you a more compassionate person guaranteed.

Reading it will make you so mad but you can't put it down.

Wonderfully written and at times you can't believe it's a true story. Inspired by Jeannette and her siblings but angry at her selfish parents for their ability to provide better for their children - however, amazing life lessons the children ultimately receive and their strength and resolve for survival.

This is a story of perserverance. It may not be a good choice for those who can't tolerate reading about child abuse and neglect, but the outcome of the children in the story is so heartwarming. It truly shows that with the right attitude and goals, children can break the cycle of poverty and neglect.

We probably talked more about this book than we have ever talked about a book in our meetings. We all liked it and many of us found a way to relate it to our own lives (especially me). It helps to know that no matter how crazy your life has been, someone has had it as harder if not harder.

I highly recommend this book. Great read! Sad but inspiring!

Excellent book for bookclub. Everyone had a lot to say about this book.

Did not love the book when I read it 2 years ago. But I continually recall parts of it. It definately sticks with you.

Everyone in our book club enjoyed this book. It was well written and kept you wondering what heart breaking thing would come next.

This memoir makes many of our parents look pretty darn normal and our own parenting skills a-one. I wonder if there are some secrets the author did not reveal.

I really enjoyed this book and hope my book club reads it someday. I am moving on to her second book "Half Broke Horses". It is the story of her grandmother and having read Jeannette Wall's story I think I will be able to appreciate her grandmohter's story a bit more.

No matter how bad you think your life is, always remember someone else has it worse and is doing her best with her situation

Being raised by unconventional, irresponsible parents is not an entirely horrible thing. The parents loved their children, but just couldn't get past their own dreams and addictions. Did the children suffer for this? YES. Did the children gain insight and understanding they could take with them into adulthood? YES, again.

As unfortunate as their childhood may have been, there was also fun, silliness and freedom that some people never get to experience.

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls

“The Glass Castle” is a memoir unlike any other I’ve read. Once you open this book you will find yourself so completely enthralled, you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve read the last word. The author writes about her upbringing as an adventure. Not only were her parents non-conventional and non-conforming, they were also extremely motivated by ‘whims’. They had a knack for making their hardships feel like adventures. Even when they lived in squalor and experienced hunger on a daily basis, there was always humor and hope, magic and love.

Even though her parents were a bit ‘eccentric’, they did expose their children to music and art, principles and values, freedom and pride, and self worth. The children never felt like victims until they were teenagers, when they developed a plan to ‘escape’ life as they knew it. This memoir is written with love and respect for her parents and is a true testament to the courage and determination of the author and her siblings to ‘make it on their own’. I loved this book; it held me ‘spellbound’. According to the author, the books title, “The Glass Castle”, could mean ‘hope for the future’ or ‘drunken promises’, and she let’s you decide what, exactly, the title means for you.
Get it! Read it! You won’t be sorry!
from my book bagg blog @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

This book provided our book club one of the best discussions we've ever had. We are all parents and some even grandparents now so it was so interesting to discuss this family's lives. How did this family's ideals and values differ from ours? It was quite a moving memoir and one we won't forget any time soon.

So many people in the USA have gone through abuse and neglect. This story from Jeanette gives a personal account of her struggles through childhood and how she has overcome. This story is up close and personal. You will be asking yourself "could this really happen to someone"? By the end of the book you will undoubtedly answer "yes". Great read. You won't want to put this book down, till you've uncovered the last page.

One of the best well written books I have read. Very witty. You can actually picture the scene.

3 children reared almost by themselves....their struggles for basic survival, parents with their own agendas, constant moving.....and how they managed. Will tug at your heart, especially if you're a parent.

This book is a memoir of a girls life and it is filled with examples of why some people shouldn't become parents!

Wonderfully written about a difficult life. Walls' matter of fact view of her own life is eye opening!

Great read! Great discussion!

Our group enjoyed the book and the discussion. The parents proved such complex people and it was easy to pass judgment on their parenting skills. However, the children turned out so well and successful for the most part. The author really provided a vivid and heart-wrenching look at family life.

to think this stuff really happened...

This book did in fact remind me of "angela's ashes" and "a tree grows in brooklyn", I loved it very much, very touching and inspiring. It was crazy at times, and sad. When finishing the book I felt like I could reach out and touch every character, this being a memoir was just amazing. Such strong children to grow up and be so successful in their own lives.

This was the first non-fiction book that my book club read and we all loved it. I'm not a person that gravitates to non-fiction but this was truly a beautiful & inspiring story.

When this book was suggested I thought "I really don't want to read about poor, abused children with crazy parents!" But, I read the book and was hooked from the beginning. The book is not a depressing story of abuse but an interesting look into people who live on the fringe and like it that way. It also shows how a person can grow up a certain way but live their life differently than their parents and people can persevere.

If you think you had it bad growing up, read this nugget of a book. It's a quick read that speaks of both the love and heartache of family.

excellent!!

This book was an eye opener to just how bad some of the poverity is in our Country and what children have to endure at the hands of their loving and well-meaning, yet lazy and crazy thinking parents. It was brilliantly written in such a way that kept you coming back to find out what happened next and how long it would take for the children to be free of their parents and the impoverished life they were forced to live. Ms. Wall is a fantastic story teller who was able to give an accounting of her early life without taking on the role of victim or "poor me". I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Our book club completed this book for our January meeting. It was a unanimous vote of "liked it". When one grows up in a somewhat normal life it is hard to fathom that there are families that grow up like the one in this book. It was humbling.

How did Jeanette Walls make it through childhood? Stories like this affirm my belief in resiliency of our children -- thank goodness! A similar story about a child who makes it through childhood (albeit a bit more scarred) is Augusten Burroughs memoir, Running with Scissors.

This inspired so many emotions within all our club members. It made for an entire hour of discussion as well.

We loved it and got to meet the author at a book signing.

so much to talk about with this dysfunctional family

Great book, quick read, you wont want to put it down.

Well written; fascinating in a strange way.
Was alot of discussion--there is something for everyone, to provoke discussion,

This book made me feel all kinds of emotions...sad, mad, happy, jealousy.....great read!

Interesting though sad memoir of this young woman's childhood. So sad that her parents were not helped with their mental health issues, but am grateful that the author survived/thrived in her adulthood. Saddest part of the book, was when they landed in the Appalachian mountains and lived in such harsh conditions...

Several members of our club were quite distrubed by this book, as it came very close to their own hearts. While I found it tragic for the children I admired so much how the three oldest pulled themselves together and supported each other and came out on the otherside as very strong individuals.

This was a wonderful, heartfelt book!

As a parent, this book is hard to read at times, but intriguing nonetheless. It is a story of overcoming adversity and thriving against the odds. I especially loved how the author described her sometimes horrible life circumstances in a matter-of-fact way. She didn't whine or express regret, but simply told her story in a compelling way. I would definitely recommend this book!

This book evokes a really strong reaction and led to some really great conversations with my book club!

Excellent! A favorite of our club members.

The story of a poor girl and disappointing parents. She made something of herself and remembered some amusing stories along the way!

I know this book comes highly recommended but I just did not feel it. It really had no good story for me and I did not connect with it in any way. I kept waiting for the good part.

A very quick page turner......I only wish there was more info on the adult lives of the children and how their upbringing affected their lives.

You just have to read this find out the unbelievable story of this family.

It's sad to think this story is true and even sadder to know it's one of thousands and certainly not the worst it could be (shamefully). I did enjoy the book though and found it inspiring and heartfelt. So many people never even try to overcome the obstacles in life that they face, nor do they find themselves capable of accepting others for who they are and loving them anyway.

Wonderful, eye opening book. Amazing what some families go through.

Wow! What this family goes through is insane.
If you think your kids are spoiled, please have them read this.
They will truely appreciate you.

Would highly recommend this book to anyone. It was hard to put down.

I had a hard time putting this book down. Even though the content is quite disturbing, its almost like watching a train wreck, you just can't look away. I found this to be a good book club book.

Our book club members really liked this book. We all could not believe that the children from this family turned out as well as they did. We discussed the stories that were in the book, and were a bit incredulous that Jeannette stayed so loyal to her father and professed her love for him so strongly, despite all that had happened.

This is a beautiful story that reveals a character who is resiliant and determine to overcome her situation. I love that the story shows how even in the worst circumstances we can find humor and love to overcome. It shows how humans minimize cirucumstances in their mind in order to overcome and then we look back in awe. Wonderful story. It is my absolute favorite read.

This book reads like fiction. An amazing glimpse into a unbelievable story of family and survival.

I disliked and loved so many things about the Walls story....

worth reading, especially for educators, if for nothing more than to get a glimpse of the 'other side'...

Very interesting story. Kept my attention.

It was a very easy read and I could not put the book down. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen. The book had me emotionally invested in the characters.

Loved this book for our book club read of the month!

I chose optimistic because of the author. She was very optimistic on getting out of the cycle of poverty that she encountered growing up. I chose insightful because it gave me more view of a child of poverty and what they need to encounter. Inspiring: because she and her siblings got out and prospered. Great read and very entertaining!

I loved this book. It is such a tribute to the power of forgiveness and the ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Although I became increasingly annoyed with parents, especially the mother, I found the description of Jeanette Wall's upbringing interesting. I kept thinking of the hippies dropping out of society in the 1960;s. I was also impresssed by the fact that underneath it all, her parents loved her and her siblings.

What a read! I realize the author probably wasn't trying to get the audience to laugh, but I just couldn't help myself. Would love to have coffee with Jeannette Walls and ask her some big questions. Brilliant!

This was a page turner for me. Ms. Walls is a brilliant writer. She had me from the first sentence. Her discriptions were vivid and alive. It also didn't hurt that I totally related with her life story. It's a sad one, but very inspiring.

Quick read about escaping poverty; at times I wish the author had been less factual and more emotional about how she felt like when she ran into her mother at the end of the book; felt unfinished to me

Loved the book

A must read!

We all thought the book was inspiring, full of humour, without any bitterness despite a very hectic childhood. It prompted an interesting discussion about parenthood and important values in bringing up children. We would highly recommend you read the book.

Awesome read!

Just didn't get into it! Found it somewhat depressing.

In this autobiography, the author takes us through her adventurous life in poverty. Through both the good and bad times. And then being able to rise above it.

Just when you think the mom can't get any worse... she does! Very sad that people like this exist. Makes you look for ways you can help children in these situations. Even on your worst day as a mom, take comfort that you are never this bad.

This story has so many improbable things going on that is difficult to read.
The author is in lala land.

This book shows you that with the right attitude and determination, life is good.

THE GLASS CASTLE is not a read for the weak-at-heart. Ms. Walls provides an unapologetic view of her life in abject poverty in Arizona, Nevada, California and West Virginia. Her parents were negligent, her mother possibly mentally ill, and her father an alcoholic and a genius. It was difficult to read about some of the instances of sexual abuse described in the book, but fortunately the author and her siblings survived.

Well worth reading--an amazing story!

Thoroughly enjoyed the book-thought provoking

Jeanette wove her childhood tale so well that at times I forgot that this book was a memoir and not a novel.

Well written story of a woman over-coming how she was raised. While probably true to her life, I didn't like the profanity in the bool. The story as a whole was a yawner for me.

This is a tough read. But I could not put it down. The fact that the children come out so strong and at the end is a testament to their strength. It is a hard read, but I would recommend it.

I didn't like it but I didn't dislike it either. I think this would be a better audiobook to try than a reading book. Reading it seemed to lack the personal interaction especially the stories that are harder to believe.

one of my all-time favorite books !!

Hard to put down.

This book is a true story based on the author's childhood. It is well written and easy to read. The book starts out when the author is riding in New York City in a limo and sees her mother, homeless and digging through a trash can. This is a tale of an incredible childhood and astounding parental behavior.
The book isn't depressing but a true tale of survival.

Heartbreaking! But a well-written survival story of children whose parents did not understand their role in caring for their children. Most of our members hail from WV (although we live in NC) so we discussed the very familiar context in which it was written-and the reinforcement of stereotypical Appalachian lifestyles.

It is sad to think that there are children in this country who live this type of life still today. The Resilience of the first three siblings is very inspiring.

Jeanette Walls opens up her heart and soul with this book. I highly suggest this book and her sequel Half Broke Horses for any book club. As a Mom you'll be hugging your kids!

This book really makes you think about how other people live all across the country and the vastly different childhoods that exist. It gets a little slow halfway through but picks up again. A lot of great discussion material!

It's a hard book to put down because you want to know what's going to happen next.

This is definitely a conversation starter, and a hot-button book for sure. Recommended for discussion purposes, even though the book itself is very difficult to read.

The Glass Castle remains one of my all time favorites! I have often wondered at the “inside” lives of the desperate and poverty stricken homeless we sometimes cross. This book takes you there and holds back nothing. Great read!

An amazing memoir about being raised by parents that march to the beat of a different drummer. Ms. Walls' parents are not only not in the mainstream, they are a stream of their own. It's the chaos theory of child rearing. Judging by the success of the author, maybe there was some inexplicable order to her parents apparently random behavior after all.

Great

This is a story of a very hard and confusing young life. The way her parents lead their life is a puzzle to me when they could have done much better as you will find out at the end of the book.

I liked the insight I received from viewing how a dysfunctional family operates and how each person within plays a part.

I enjoyed so much