WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS
Memoirs are fascinating pieces of writing, but Jeanette Walls’ The Glass Castle manages to grab readers’ heart strings as she illustrates the captivating adventures of her childhood. Published in 2005, Walls walks, runs, and drives through the journey from her innocence, to resilience, to her initiative to “do the skedaddle” and set off on her own path.
Innocence
The Walls’ kids gained their independence at an early age: Jeanette was cooking hotdogs at three years old! Astonishingly, not only could they feed themselves, but her and her siblings, Lori, Brian, and Maureen, learned to clothe and protect each other as they navigated their dysfunctional, nomadic, but generally happy lives. Their peculiar parents, Rex and Rose Mary, guided them with stories, art, and science, and a promise that one day, when they found gold and struck it rich, they would begin building their Glass Castle. Until then they were constantly on the run-- pockets empty and their only only concrete possession being the star their father let them choose as their gift for Christmas. Every place and obstacle was bizarre and dangerous, yet this was their normal, and definitely raised some eyebrows. But Jeanette, wide-eyed and fearless, had faith that Rex Walls would pull through.
Realization
As she further gained her awareness, Jeanette’s bliss began to fade. The spot they dug out for the Glass Castle became a dumping ground, which was a brilliant snap to reality and a place for Jeanette to throw the tall tales, empty promises, and her innocence into. For her to finally see how awful her situation was only made it worsten. She lost all hope in the person she looked up to the most: her father. The roller coaster of emotions was wild, unpredictable-- as frustrating for the reader as it was for the Walls kids.
The Skedaddle
Just as they used to when they were little, the Walls kids decided to get out. Making money for themselves wasn’t easy, as there was one heart-wrenching scene where Jeannette came home to find all their saved money stolen by their father, but finally they made it to New York. Their path to success is quick, and light, but their past lingers as feelings of shame, frustration, until they all decide to forgive their parents. While it seems incomprehensible given the dangers of the journey, this act of coming to terms lays the story to rest very well as a closing.
Achievements & Purchasing Information
The Glass Castle has won several awards, including the number one Book Sense Reading Group pick, Christopher award, and was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than three years. It is fully deserving of these titles, as Jeannette Walls teaches those to embrace life fearlessly, to be resilient and carve your own path. The Glass Castle can be purchased on Amazon and in hard-copy bookstores.
Written by Ella Belfry
Comments