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

I would be too ashamed to put this childhood into print. It's not only sad, it's pathetic!

I am an avid book lover. I read anywhere from 3 to 10 books a week. The Glass Castle was by assigned summer reading by Bowling Green State University. This book is not my kind of book, it's what I call a real life book, and I am into fantasy/science fiction.

I do not enjoy reading books about abused children and almost rapes and things like that. That is just me. I am happy for Jeannette Walls and her siblings for successfully earning a living and managing to feed themselves in New York. They all have spirit, especially after what they had to go through. I only just wish that I didn't have to read this book. I appreciate its appeal to others but to me it disgusted me and made me want to hit the people in it.

Someone once said that a painter could paint a picture of a beautiful young girl, a good painter could see an old woman and paint a picture of the girl she once was and a great painter could paint the old woman so that the viewer could see the young girl she once was.

Jeannette Walls has done the latter for her parents. Instead of putting forth a bitter, nasty recounting of innumerable grievances that she and her siblings suffered at the hands of hopeless and thoughtless parents she has instead crafted a haunting work of art that reveals the many facets of people that most of us would simply write-off and hold in contempt.

Jeannette has created a remarkable work of art from parents and a childhood that on their surface seem devoid of redeeming qualities. In doing so she has fulfilled her father's legacy - creating a Glass Castle for all to see who can see the many truths that lie within and are reflected by it.

This book held my attention and my heartstrings. From the moment I started reading it I could not put it down. It really makes you appreciate the things that you are blessed with in your own life, including the little things like running water and indoor plumbing. I would recommend this book to be mandatory reading for our young teenagers today, as they get all wrapped up in their own lives and take for granted all the things that are bestowed upon them and forget they are not entitled to all things, some things they need to work for and most of all, appreciate the things they do have. It would be a good down to earth lesson for each & every child. After reading the book, I would pass on to family and friends.

OK, an interesting read. But, very frustrating to read the daughter just asking mom if she can do anything. Why in the world would you ask a marginally sane person for answers?
I suggest the author just go and volunteer once a week at a soup kitchen that her mother and dad would consider frequenting. That way, they can keep contact, and be fed nutritious, sanitary food. Heck, why stop there? She could organize a bunch of her Park Avenue neighbors to volunteer as well. Don't ask, just do it!

I read this book on a Saturday and I couldn't put it down until I finished it!It's one of the best books I've EVER EVER read!!!Kind of ,it made me think of my own childhood too.I really really loved it!!!1I'm gonna read it again soon.Thanks,Jeannette!!!

I had to read a autobiography on a person for a school project so I went to Indigo, and randomly picked out a book. I picked out The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, this is by far the most heart wrenching book I've ever read. I admire everything you have done with your life. When you wrote this book I'm sure you helped out a lot of people in different ways, it could have given them courage to be something. If you ever get this review I would really like to be pen pals or something.

I couldn't put this book down. One of the best I've read in a long time. A family's survival story. Making the best of the life you were born into. A wonderful story that is still on my mind days later. Great for anyone who has ever felt they were raising their parents.