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The Glass Castle

288 pages, 2006

biographies & memoirs

biographies & memoirs

997 books
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Description

‍The perennially bestselling, extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, “nothing short of spectacular” (Entertainment Weekly) memoir from one of the world’s most gifted storytellers. ‍The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. 

When sober, Jeannette’s brilliant and charismatic father captured his children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn’t want the responsibility of raising a family. 

The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered. ‍The Glass Castle is truly astonishing—a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar but loyal family.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a testament to human resilience. Despite growing up in a dysfunctional family, Walls and her siblings never gave up. They faced their challenges head-on and used them as stepping stones to better their lives. This book will inspire you to see the silver lining in every situation.

The Power of Education

Walls emphasizes the importance of education in breaking free from the cycle of poverty. She and her siblings found solace in books and learning, which eventually led them to successful careers. If you're looking for a book that highlights the transformative power of education, The Glass Castle is a must-read.

Unconventional Parenting

The Glass Castle gives us a glimpse into Walls' unconventional upbringing. Her parents, though flawed, taught her valuable life lessons. They instilled in her a sense of independence and a love for adventure. This book will make you rethink the norms of parenting and appreciate the uniqueness of every family.

The Complexity of Family Relationships

In The Glass Castle, Walls explores the complexity of her relationship with her parents. Despite their shortcomings, she finds it in her heart to forgive them. This book will encourage you to look into your own family dynamics and understand that love and forgiveness are key to healing.

The Pursuit of Dreams

The title 'The Glass Castle' refers to her father's unfulfilled dream of building a glass castle for their family. While he never achieves this, Walls uses this metaphor to chase her own dreams. This book will motivate you to pursue your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.

Quotes 5

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant.

Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey - TV host, philanthropist

The Glass Castle is the saga of the restless, indomitable Walls family, led by a grand eccentric and his tempestuous artist wife. Jeannette Walls has survived poverty, fires, and near starvation to triumph.

Stephen KingStephen King - Horror fiction author

The Glass Castle is a fascinating, incredible memoir that presents the realities of a dysfunctional family and poverty in a stark, unforgettable way.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft co-founder

The Glass Castle is a poignant and beautifully written memoir about the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

J.K. RowlingJ.K. Rowling - Harry Potter author

The Glass Castle is a powerful, moving memoir that offers a glimpse into the complexities of poverty and the strength of the human spirit to overcome it.

Barack ObamaBarack Obama - 44th U.S. President
Oprah WinfreyStephen KingBill GatesJ.K. RowlingBarack Obama

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