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

I found this book to be incredibly well-written, but very difficult to get through. I had to take breaks between every chapter--the tales of neglect were so powerful that I found myself crying and at times just nauseous from the descriptions.
I found myself just aching and sad. I really did not find this book inspirational as many others have. It is sad but lucky I guess that children are so resilient and so in need of love and attention from their parents that they keep persevering.
If this book were not required for my book group that I belong to I would've put it down after the second chapter--it was that sad.

This is a book you will not be able to put down and will bring out strong emotions in you. Jeannette Walls writes with real clarity and compassion about her family. It is rare to read such honesty. I love the author for writing this book and wish her the best in life.

If you thought your family was dysfunctional or that you had a tough childhood, this book will make you think twice. The author presents her amazing childhood full of homelessness, neglect, near sexual abuse and disappointments in a way that allows the reader to make their own judgments about the adults in her life. I must say I disagree with a previous reviewer who said that she doesn't accurately represent the despair of a child of an alcoholic. She does. Every chapter in the book makes you cringe or cry or sigh for the Walls children. However, what makes this book great is her obvious love and admiration for her parents despite their terrible, destructive shortcomings. At times you hate her parents, and then suddenly you are in awe of their quirkiness and unique take on life. So, this book is indeed truthful in that the ones who hurt us the most are often those who we love the most.

The Glass Castle, is a book, based on the overall look on the world. If Jeanette Walls, is allowed to write about the secret and personal lives of everyone around her as a journalist, then why not her own life, which I believe sends out a good message.
Acceptance.

As a child of alcoholics in her 60's, I kept waiting for introspection from the adult Jeannette. Yeah, she got out and is rich and successful and so are 2 of her siblings. The memoir would have been much more valuable if we had at least learned what damage they are still repairing. The big trap that children of alcoholics fall into is thinking "I'm okay because I look good, go to work", etc. What about their relationships. None of us is perfect, particularly COA's.

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I recommend it to people constantly. What an amazing story of resilience and survival. Puts a lot of things into perspective!

I enjoyed this book so much I am having my students read it. I think it is a fascinating perspective on the homeless, and an inspiring story for those who blame their lack of success on bad luck.

This harrowing tale of a dysfunctional family is told in an almost dispassionate voice by Jeannette, yet we are often horrified by her living situation and her frequently neglectful parents. Through the entire awfulness of this existence there is a love for her parents that shines through on every page. It is abundantly clear that as negligent as her parents were Jeannette has somehow moved past her anger and has forgiven them both. I could not put this book down, and have great respect for Ms. Walls courage in telling her story in such a non-condemning way, although there were so many times I hated her parents it is obvious she does not. Unforgettable!