77 pages • 2 hours read
The Glass Castle
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various US Locations • 1960s-1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
1010L
Super Short Summary
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a nonfiction memoir that recounts Walls and her siblings' tumultuous upbringing under the care of their brilliant but erratic father and artistic but neglectful mother. The family's constant upheaval leads them through extreme poverty and instability, culminating in the siblings' eventual escape to New York City, where they strive to create better lives for themselves. The book includes depictions of sexual assault, addiction, and domestic violence.
Challenging
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
1,299,146 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle is widely praised for its compelling and honest memoir of an unconventional childhood. Vivid storytelling and resilience themes resonate with readers. However, some reviews criticize it for its sometimes harrowing depictions of neglect and poverty. Overall, it's a gripping, thought-provoking read that challenges conventional perceptions of family and survival.
Who Should Read The Glass Castle?
Readers who appreciate deeply personal memoirs like Educated by Tara Westover or Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt will find The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls compelling. It appeals to those interested in stories of resilience, unconventional childhoods, and overcoming adversity through grit and humor.
1,299,146 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dad (Rex Walls)
Dad (Rex Walls)
Rex Walls is the charismatic yet deeply flawed patriarch of the Walls family in *The Glass Castle*. Despite his intelligence and charm, his severe alcoholism undermines his attempts to provide for the family and fulfill his dream of building a sustainable "Glass Castle."
Mom (Rose Mary Walls)
Mom (Rose Mary Walls)
Rose Mary Walls, referred to as Mom, is a painter and teacher who has a complicated relationship with her children. In *The Glass Castle*, she often enables Rex's destructive behavior and struggles to provide stable support for the family.
Lori Walls
Lori Walls
The eldest Walls child in *The Glass Castle*, Lori is artistic and shares a close bond with her mother. She supports Jeannette's move to New York and becomes an illustrator of comic books.
Brian Walls
Brian Walls
Brian, Jeannette's younger brother in *The Glass Castle*, is practical and protective, often teaming up with Jeannette as they confront their family's difficulties. He eventually becomes a police officer.
Maureen Walls
Maureen Walls
The youngest of the Walls siblings in *The Glass Castle*, Maureen faces challenges in forming bonds with her siblings and struggles with her mental health as she transitions to adulthood.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various US Locations • 1960s-1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
1010L
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