What readers think of The Glass Castle, plus links to write your own review.

I just finished reading Jeannette Walls book and I admit it was a hard read because of all the abuse she and her siblings experienced. But unlike some of the other reviews I have read on this site, I believe her account of her life to be true as she remembers it. As far as her remembering events from the age of three, I would think she had the benefit of her siblings memories as well to help her. Considering how they supported one another throughout their unfortunate childhood, I would think that this would be a given. And as a teacher, I have seen students who loved their parents no matter what abuse was heaped upon them. One issue that I haven't seen discussed in these reviews was the possibility that the mother was suffering from a mental illness (perhaps bipolar disorder). It would explain her addiction to an 'excitement' lifestyle and the ridiculous choices she made for her family. I would also be interested in a psychologist's or psychiatrist's take on this mother. Additionally, I believe that she could love her father, even considering the terrible things he did to her. He loved her in his own way and she accepted him for who he was, but as an adult she made sure she didn't marry a man like him. I was disappointed that the adult Jeannette didn't give more analysis of what she experienced, but maybe that would have been too painful for her. I commend her for having the courage to disclose the raw memories of her childhood. Kudos for this heart retching memoir!

I am a seventh grader with a love for reading. When my mom's book club read this book, she instantly recommended it to me. I loved the truth and passion that she put into it, and I recommend it to everyone who wants to be pulled in and captivated by the realistic qualities that this book has.

I thought this books was absolutely amazing. it shows you that you can achieve anything. Even if your parents choose the harder path, you get tougher from it. There was nothing I didn't like about this book except the father dying. That was sad. He loved those kids, even if he didn't show it as much as he should. I'm definitely going to buy it and read it again.
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From the beginning of the book, I was intrigued and could not put it down. I keep wondering though how she can remember all that went on in her childhood- especially with all of the trials and tribulations. I also had a very hard childhood and every single day, I try to remember events that happened but I only have a few select memories, no good ones at that. Its like all of the bad ones over rode everything in my childhood that made me happy at that time. I wish I knew how she could remember these events in such detail. I would love to remember my childhood.

I generally do not enjoy reading nonfiction - in fact I will read 2-3 chapters and then put it down. However, this book was very intriguing. It didn't read as nonfiction; I had to remind myself that this was truly someone's life.

If Ms. Wells were put down in any type of living situation, I think that she could find a way to survive, whether she was destitute or quite comfortable. She has a lot of "street smarts".

What can I say? I am a high school student and reading is not one of the things I consider fun. When I read this book for class, I just couldn't put it down. It is by far the best book I have ever read. The story drove me crazy and I wanted to read more about this VERY corrupt family. It was amazing!!!!

I felt I was reading my own story, Jeannette's humor and strength is amazing. To have the self esteem to pursue a future any way she could, she is a "mountain Goat" to push for a better life.

I recommend this book for those of us who have little to complain about. Compared to the little girl. The true love of family is amazing and how they all stuck together and ambled on.

I'm only halfway through this book and can hardly imagine finishing it. The parents are reprehensible. The readers who describe these people as "eccentric" are jumping on some sort of sick bandwagon to justify their own inept parenting. There is no other explanation for ANYONE saying one kind or supportive word about the Walls parents. I find them to be delusional, selfish, irresponsible, abusive pigs. Anyone drowning himself in alcohol and visiting the whorehouse while his children eat butter for dinner needs to be put in jail. But then, you have the mother throwing money away on "art supplies" when she could actually be working........all while believing her 3-year-olds third degree burns were attained while learning a valuable lesson of self sufficiency. Good one. I hate this book.