The Glass Castle A Memoir by Jeannette Walls | Best Book Review 2023 – Ridoy Hasan Alif

“The Glass Castle” is a memoir written by Jeannette Walls, first published in 2005. The book recounts Walls’ upbringing in poverty and her relationship with her unconventional parents. The memoir is a powerful and moving story of resilience, strength, and determination. The Glass Castle A Memoir by Jeannette Walls

The book starts with Walls’ early childhood living in a poor household with her parents and siblings. Her parents were eccentric, to say the least. Her father was an alcoholic who could not hold a steady job, while her mother was an artist who often neglected her children’s basic needs.

Despite their poverty, Walls and her siblings found ways to entertain themselves and make the best of their situation. They would often dream of building a glass castle, a metaphor for their parents’ grand but unattainable promises.

Walls’ story takes the reader on a journey through her life, from her childhood to her teenage years and eventually to her adult life. She describes the difficulties she faced growing up, including hunger, homelessness, and neglect. Walls’ resilience and determination to succeed are evident throughout the book, as she defies the odds and becomes a successful journalist in New York City.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the complex relationship between Walls and her parents. Despite their numerous flaws, Walls’ love for her parents is palpable. She struggles with the conflict between her love for them and the anger and disappointment she feels toward them for not being able to provide a stable home environment. Walls’ depiction of her parents is not black and white, and she skillfully portrays the complexities of their personalities.

“The Glass Castle” is a poignant and honest portrayal of a life filled with challenges and adversity. Walls’ writing is engaging and heartfelt, and her story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced hardship in their lives. The book’s themes of perseverance and determination make it a timeless read, and its message of hope and resilience is one that resonates with readers of all ages.

It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and one that you will want to recommend to others. Overall, “The Glass Castle” is a remarkable memoir that is well worth the read.

“The Glass Castle” is not just a story about Walls’ own life, but also a reflection of the social issues that plague America. Walls’ family was just one of the many families that struggled to make ends meet during the 1960s and 1970s. The book sheds light on the realities of poverty, neglect, and abuse, which are all too common in many parts of America.

Throughout the book, Walls’ vivid descriptions of her surroundings paint a picture of the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots. Her family’s poverty is juxtaposed against the wealth and luxury of the people in the cities they visit. Walls’ descriptions of the desolate landscapes and her family’s meager living conditions are heart-wrenching, and they give readers a sense of the stark realities of poverty.

Walls’ writing style is raw, honest, and unflinching. She does not shy away from describing the abuse and neglect she endured at the hands of her parents. However, Walls’ ability to tell her story with empathy and compassion for her parents is remarkable. She portrays her parents not as villains, but as flawed human beings who did the best they could with the limited resources they had.

“The Glass Castle” is a book that challenges readers to examine their own beliefs about poverty, family, and

the American Dream. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that for many people in America, the American Dream is just that – a dream that is unattainable for them. Walls’ story is a reminder that we need to do more to address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality in our society.

In conclusion, “The Glass Castle” is a must-read for anyone who is interested in memoirs, social justice, and the human condition. Walls’ story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to action to address the societal issues that prevent people from realizing their full potential. It is a book that will inspire, challenge, and stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

If you’re looking for a captivating memoir that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Glass Castle” is the perfect book for you. With its engaging narrative and powerful message, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves memoirs or is interested in social justice issues.

In addition to its literary merits, “The Glass Castle” is also an excellent choice for anyone looking to support a cause. Jeannette Walls is a well-known advocate for the homeless and is involved with various organizations that work to combat poverty and inequality. By purchasing this book, you can support Walls’ efforts to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to make ends meet.

“The Glass Castle” is also a great choice for book clubs or discussion groups. Its themes of poverty, family, and resilience make it an excellent topic for discussion, and its complex characters and intricate plot make for a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Overall, “The Glass Castle” is a book that should not be missed. Its powerful message and engaging narrative make it a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of memoirs or simply looking for a good book to read, “The Glass Castle” is sure to exceed your expectations.

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Book Descriptions:

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner; Reprint edition (January 17, 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages

FAQ

Q: How long did it take to write The Glass Castle and what was the process like?
A: Writing about myself, about a deeply personal and potentially embarrassing experience, was unlike anything I’d done before. Over the past 25 years I have written several versions of this memoir, sometimes pouring out 220 pages over a weekend. But I always threw pages away. At one point I tried to come up with this, but that didn’t work either. When I was finally ready, I wrote it all over the weekend. I went to my desk at 7:30 or 8:00 and continued until 18:00 or 19:00.

I wrote the first draft in about 6 weeks, but it took me 3-4 years to rewrite it. My husband, John Taylor, who is also a writer, observed all of this positively and quoted John Fowles as saying that a book should be like a child. Q: Why did you decide to follow Glass Castle with Half Broke Horses? A: It was entirely a reader suggestion. Too many people kept saying that the next book should be about mothers. Readers understood his father’s recklessness because they understood his alcoholism, but his mother was a mystery to them. Why would anyone with the resources to live a normal life choose an existence like hers? I will tell them a little about her mother’s childhood.

Not only did she know that she could survive without her indoor plumbing, but this was the perfect time in her life and one she was trying to reinvent in her life. For memoir readers, this isn’t a freak show, I guess. They just want to understand people and get into a life that doesn’t belong to them. Let’s try it, I thought I’d ask my mom. And she was all for it. However, she continued to insist that the book really be about her mother. At first, I resisted because my grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, died over 40 years ago when I was eight. But I have very vivid memories of this tough, leathery woman. She sang, danced, shot, and played the honky tonk piano. I’ve always been fascinated by her.

Lily told a very interesting story. I was overwhelmed by the number of anecdotes and the fact that my mother knew so many details about them. Half Broke Horses is a collection of family stories bridged the gaps and stitched together. This is a story that almost everyone has heard from their parents and grandparents. I realized that by telling Lily’s story, I could also explain her mother’s story.

Q: Why did you decide to write “BrokenHorses” in first person and how fictionalis this “realnovel”?
A: I tried to write a biography of Lily, but sometimes abook takes a life of its own. I said it in the first person because I wanted to conveyLily’s voice. Iam very much like hergrandmother so it waseasy for me. I planned to go back and change from first person to third person and addmodifiers to keep the book historically accurate, but when I showed it to my agent and publisher, they both toldme to leave it as is. In doing so, I crossed the line from non-fictionto fiction.

But I call it fiction not because I made it up and embellish it, but becauseI wanted to make it more readable, fluid and immediate. I tried to get as close to the truth as possible.

Q: How do you hope your readers will benefit from reading your book?
A: Since I wrote The Glass Castle, a lot of people have said to me, “Oh, you’re too strong and resilient to do what you did.” Very flattering, but nonsense. Of course they are as strong as me. I was lucky enough to get tested. Looking at our ancestors, we all come from strong roots.

And one way to discover our resilience and resilience is to look back and see where we came from. I hope those who have read The Glass Castle and Broken Horses understand this. “God, I was born into a wealthy family. Maybe I’m stronger than I thought.”