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What Members Thought

Julianne
Feb 26, 2008 rated it did not like it
Shelves: never-finished
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).
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Sri
Nov 02, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: biography-memoir
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
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Jennifer
Mar 02, 2009 rated it it was amazing
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. ...more
Kristi
Feb 15, 2008 rated it it was amazing
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
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Stephanie
Mar 28, 2008 rated it really liked it
Shelves: bios, non-fiction
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 ...more
Jana
Mar 12, 2008 rated it really liked it
This was indeed a page-turner. I was appaled at these parents. It is one thing to choose to live like they did as adults but it is totally different to bring your kids up starving in a garbage heap. Thank God for self-determination and intelligence- the only way 3 of the 4 made it out.
Michelle P
Jan 08, 2008 rated it did not like it  ·  review of another edition
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Joanie
Aug 17, 2007 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: memoir
A great memoir about a girl growing up in a totally whacked out, dysfunctional family who are basically squatters. The fact that the author has been able to become so sucessful after the way she grew up is amazing.
MJ
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.
Kelly Lamb
Apr 02, 2008 rated it really liked it
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. ...more
Chriss
Sep 25, 2007 rated it it was amazing
This is a must-read for anyone that comes from a dysfunctional family or loves someone who does.
Lianna
Aug 19, 2008 marked it as to-read
meh memoirs
Omni
Apr 14, 2007 marked it as to-read
Shelves: nonfiction
Jamie
Jul 31, 2007 rated it liked it
Summer
Aug 01, 2007 rated it it was amazing
em.
Aug 02, 2007 rated it really liked it
Christy
Sep 23, 2007 rated it really liked it
Shary
May 17, 2018 rated it really liked it
Marty
Jan 23, 2008 rated it really liked it
Sandra
Feb 04, 2008 rated it really liked it
Lynn
Feb 05, 2008 rated it really liked it
Maria
Feb 26, 2008 rated it really liked it
Amy
Apr 28, 2008 marked it as books-i-own-to-read
Shelves: memoir
Christa
May 09, 2008 rated it really liked it
Shelves: borrowed
Sarah
Jun 21, 2008 marked it as to-read
Katie
Aug 19, 2008 marked it as to-read
Darleen
Sep 16, 2008 rated it liked it
Anna
Mar 09, 2009 marked it as to-read
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