The Glass Castle (edition 2005)

I know this story is true, but it is hard for me to believe that the author isn't completely disgusted with her parents. ( )

While reading this, I kept thinking to myself, "This can't be real. She's got to be making this up. How does anyone survive this kind of childhood?" I still can't decide of the author is telling the truth or stretching it a little (or a lot). It doesn't matter. This is still an excellent read. ( )

The author
Jeannette Walls is a writer and journalist. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona on the first of January 1960. She graduated with honors from Barnard College, the women's college affiliated with Columbia University. She published a bestselling memoir, The Glass Castle, in 2005. The book is being made into a film by Paramount.

The synopsis
Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn’t stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an “excitement addict.” Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.
Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town—and the family—Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents’ betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.
What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.
For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. A regular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor.

The review
I put this book on my to read list because some people read it for a biography challenge and it had a high rating. I usually do not read biographies but they all said it was entertaining en well written and worth a try. It came down from my to read list as a buddy read because it was the one book my buddy and I had in common. And I am not sorry.
What an interesting read this books make. The author has really vivid memories of her life and has been able to write them down so well it really starts to live. Though the story is harsh to read, realizing it really happened, it also gave me a feeling of love and hope. It was entertaining too specially the first years gave me the feeling I was reading a children s adventure book. The one you want to be a part of as a child cause these people do awesome things. I am happy the author found the courage to share her special live with us. ( )

Walls's childhood is quite frankly unbelievable . Hers is a story that will tug at your heart-strings and make you cheer for her every step of the way. The whole time I was reading it, I kept wondering if her life would have been different is she grew up now instead of when she did. ( )

Unbelievable, fascinating, sad memoir. ( )