From the Bookshelf of Mineola Library's 2012 FALL Reading Challenge

The Glass Castle
by
Start date
March 1, 2011
Finish date
May 31, 2011
Why we're reading this
This book was selected as the Spring 2011 Group Read for "Biography/Autobiography/Memoir" …more

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Mitzi
Dec 06, 2009 rated it it was amazing
The Wall's family escapades were exciting, sad, funny and heart-wrenching. Though many of us grew up in much harder times than now, I never knew a family that endured such hard times. The 3 older children were older than their years in many ways. It is amazing how they were able to get away from their roots and make it in New York City. It's hard to understand why Jeannette's parents were happy to live their life on the streets when they could have had the comforts of a real home. I'll say that ...more
Mary
Oct 21, 2009 rated it really liked it
Wow. What a book.
It is amazing how resilient people can be. I cannot imagine living through any of those events. Yet, alone being sane afterwards.
I think the author may have been able to present this story, not just because of the support that she had, but because her parents never seemed to give up. Her mother was always looking for the good in every situation.
I may have to read her next book about her grandmother.
Suzanne Moore
The adventures of the Walls family were certainly exciting. I still don't know if I'd want to be an "excitement addict" like Jeannette's mom. Rex Walls was an inspiration to his children, despite his serious vices. I can understand why they hated him at times, although family ties kept them together. Even though there were lies, thefts, and loads of let-downs the love they shared was evident in Jeannette's reflections.

Jeannette proves that dreams can come true as long as you never give up. And
...more
Wanda Baldridge
Oct 03, 2009 rated it it was amazing
We made an excellent choice with this one. I think everyone enjoyed the discussion today; thanks Suzanne for all your hard work.
Mary Lou
May 07, 2010 rated it liked it
I was surprised at the things the author remember from a very early age. I think the father really wanted to love his children and was proud of them. Hard to believe the children (for the most part) came to live successful lives.
Holly Morey
May 31, 2009 rated it it was amazing
Sharon
Nov 06, 2009 rated it liked it
Kathy
Jun 25, 2011 rated it it was amazing
28967

Mineola Library's 2012 FALL Reading Challenge