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Jan 17, 2010
Sunflower
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Anyone who thinks they got a bad deal with their parents should read this book. This book is a memoir of a childhood with parents who were neglectful, selfish, and even abusive at times, yet the author never portrays them as anything worse than eccentric. She puts a positive spin on them, and on their life as a family, during which they were so poor that the children were more often hungry than not, wore threadbare clothes and shoes, and lived in the worst of circumstances.
They are clearly inte ...more
They are clearly inte ...more
Fascinating & captivating read. At times it makes you cringe, and at other times you are happy & encouraged about the perspective this family has on life. The parents are--at various times--both laudable and self-centered and irresponsible. Very insightful seeing that there are people who grow up with this kind of parental neglect, hardship, and abuse, who in the endure and rise up above it all.
This is the unforgettable true story of Jeannette Walls experience growing up. Her family is unique and completely crazy and amazing at the same time. I wondered the whole time how each child managed to survive their childhood physically and mentally intact. I would label this book memorable, shocking, funny, inspiring, sad and extraordinary. To view my complete book review please visit my blog post at:
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What a thoroughly depressing and yet triumphant book. It is amazing the survival skills we as humans develop to keep our heads above water - not just physically but emotionally. Despite the despicable way these parents raised these children - it is amazing the ability one has to forgive one's parents. It does show that some can survive these circumstances and others don't. J. Walls is a great example of surviving and rising above.
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I think that if James Frey got busted for calling his book a "memoir" and then got in major trouble because he sprinkled it with some obvious untruths, then I suspect this woman would get in big trouble too if some whistle blower group did some fishing. It kind of got pretty far-fetched, especially when I got to the "zoo scene" in the middle of the book. This book was written and published around the same time as James Frey's A Million Little Pieces - before he got busted for stating his outland
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This is such a good book. It is amazing what the human spirit can endure. What I thought was interesting about this book was that occasionally some of Jeanette's parents attitude and parenting style were ok. Most of the time I could not believe how the parents could neglect their children they way they did, for example: how could any parent allow their child to go hungry, or think it's ok to allow someone else to abuse them.
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what a fabulous story! really heart wrenching and yet uplifting to know that no matter how bad someone has it, ones end does not have to reflect ones beginnings
One of the best books I've read. An astonishing and moving story of growing up poor in America. Everyone should read this book!
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