Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Were their other comparable memoirs that came to mind? What distinguishes this book? Like Mary Karr's Liars' Club and Rick Bragg's All Over But the Shoutin', Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle tells the story of a wildly original (and wildly dysfunctional) family with humor and compassion. Were you able to be equally nonjudgmental?ġ4. For many reviewers and readers, the most extraordinary thing about The Glass Castle is that, despite everything, Jeannette Walls refuses to condemn her parents. What character traits - both good and bad - do you think that Jeannette inherited from her parents? And how do you think those traits shaped Jeannette's life?ġ3. Were you surprised to learn that, as adults, Jeannette and her siblings remained close to their parents? Why do you think this is?ġ2. What effect did such a big move have on the family - and on your reading of the story? How would you describe the shift in the book's tone?ġ1. The two major pieces of the memoir - one half set in the desert and one half in West Virginia - feel distinct. In college, Jeannette is singled out by a professor for not understanding the plight of homeless people instead of defending herself, she keeps quiet. Discuss the tone of the book, and how do you think that Walls achieved that effect?Ĩ Describe Jeannette's relationship to her siblings and discuss the role they played in one another's lives.ĩ.
Though it portrays an incredibly hardscrabble life, The Glass Castle is never sad or depressing. What did you think about her description of herself as an "excitement addict"? (p. What kind of man was Rex Walls? What were his strengths and weaknesses, his flaws and contradictions?Ħ. Jeannette's mother insists that, no matter what, "life with your father was never boring" (p. Rex Walls often asked his children, "Have I ever let you down?" Why was this question (and the required "No, Dad" response) so important for him - and for his kids? On what occasions did he actually come through for them?ĥ. Why do you think she opens with that story, and how does it set the stage for the rest of the memoir?Ĥ. The first story Walls tells of her childhood is that of her burning herself severely at age three, and her father dramatically takes her from the hospital: "You're safe now" (p. Why is it important that, just before leaving for New York, Jeannette tells her father that she doesn't believe he'll ever build it? (p. Discuss the metaphor of a glass castle and what it signifies to Jeannette and her father. Though The Glass Castle is brimming with unforgettable stories, which scenes were the most memorable for you? Which were the most shocking, the most inspiring, the funniest?Ģ. *Other Books by Same Author: “Half Broke Horses".ġ. I know I’m late in reading this one, it’s been on my list for ages I am so glad I finally got around to it. In summary a must read to those who enjoy a good memoir, but will also appeal to those who like character driven novels and a good story.
Then I realize, someone lived this life and survived an amazing story. My only criticism is at times it felt repetitive, the constant neglect, the father losing another job, picking up in the middle of the night to flee the bill collectors, the self absorbed mother. Of course as Jeannette matures, her perception of her parents change and it’s sad to witness. Her father is an alcoholic dreamer, her mother, irresponsible, their lifestyle is nomadic and poverty stricken, yet because I am seeing them through Jeannette’s eye, I did not feel intense hatred for them, instead I saw them as deeply flawed and human, but also possessing a certain amount of charm and appeal. She presents her life and extremely dysfunctional parents in an even non-committal insightful manner. Jeannette Wall’s clean straightforward writing style allows the reader to experience her life as if you are embroiled in the middle of it. PBR Book Review:This is a powerful read and not just because it’s an incredible rag to riches story.
0 kommentar(er)
