77 pages • 2 hours read
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various US Locations • 1960s-1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
1010L
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
1,299,146 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various US Locations • 1960s-1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
1010L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.