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Well, I listened to the first CD of this one and took it right back to the library. I was so disgusted by her parents after they "sprung" her out of the hospital that I couldn't stand to finish a book about them. I have no problem not finishing this one.
P.S.-this is the second memoir on my never finished list. I think I'll steer clear of them for a while (it might be a trend for me). ...more
P.S.-this is the second memoir on my never finished list. I think I'll steer clear of them for a while (it might be a trend for me). ...more

I read The Book Thief two weeks ago and the book haunted me. I kept thinking about Rudy Steiner *Heil Rudy!*. Oh how I loved him :). I tried to read other books to make it go away but it didn't. That's why I only gave four stars to The Graveyard Book. Because it couldn't make me forget The Book Thief.
And now that I give this book five stars, you should know what it means :).
**** probably spoilers ****
Rex Walls was definitely an interesting person. Big dreamer, very smart, adventurous, affection ...more
And now that I give this book five stars, you should know what it means :).
**** probably spoilers ****
Rex Walls was definitely an interesting person. Big dreamer, very smart, adventurous, affection ...more

This is easily on the Top 10 list for books I read in 2008. Jeanette's experiences growing up with such damaged and selfish parents is heartbreaking and infuriating. And somehow, at the end, you get that the author did not write this book to be the victim or complain or even chastise her parents. It was more about rising above it all. Skillfully done. Inspiring. And a great read as well.
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Parental dysfunction as its finest. Jeanette Walls tells the story of her family - totally chaotic, many times scary, yet loving and creative. An incredibly emotional read - you hate the parents and just want to shake them, and at other times, you cheer for them. Roller coaster of feelings abound in the reader, to say the least. The author is superb. I was amazed at the tenacity, love and intelligence between siblings.
And most of all, I was touched by how she was able to tell the story, as a mai ...more
And most of all, I was touched by how she was able to tell the story, as a mai ...more

I've never been one for memoirs and biographies, but this book was amazing. Not necessarily the writing so much as the story. The writing was nice, but I loved the storyline the most. I was sucked into the crazy life of the Walls. At first, I wanted to live a life like that; crazy, unpredicatable, always traveling and on the move. But of course they had their troubles, and after they moved to Welch, I realized how hard it was for them. The book was really good, and the ending was a great way for
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An amazing book about a family that ends up being homeless. An incrediable look at the human capacity to endure hardship and triumph in the end.

Incredible memoir. I couldn't believe the strength and persistence of Jeannette and her siblings! Sad and frustrating at times, but overall an amazing story.
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Aug 19, 2008
Lianna
marked it as to-read
meh memoirs


Jun 21, 2008
Sarah
marked it as to-read

Aug 19, 2008
Katie
marked it as to-read


Mar 09, 2009
Anna
marked it as to-read