Memorable Memoir

Although I tend to follow my own path in terms of which book to pick up next, I force myself to read at least a few titles from a bestseller, ‘best-of’, or other kind of list, just to be in touch with my fellow readers, and in case there’s a gem I’d have otherwise not discovered. Tonight’s book - The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - is one such title, and a fabulous memoir to boot.

Raised by eccentric parents in a nomadic and impoverished lifestyle, the author found solace in her siblings and eventually the (realized) dream of moving to New York. The story is about disillusionment on one hand, (in this case, with her alcoholic father), and tenacity on the other. Walls grew up too fast, and she is a survivor in a literal sense, once even eating margarine when there was nothing else in the house.

I really enjoyed this book, and for many reasons. The relationship she has with her brother and sisters is crucial. They really look out for one another in a way that siblings ideally should. If you have any, you know what I mean. I appreciated the author’s ability to step away from her upbringing and create her own life. She is highly likeable, too: tough, smart, protective, sensitive, and down-to-earth. The way she writes pulls the reader into her story, and you just want to keep going to see how she gets to be the author of the volume in your hands. This book is highly recommended.

Comments

[Super Crispy]

Hello Library Girl, I'm Just writing in to tell you how much I love your Blog and am very much enjoying the books you've suggested.

Keep up the good work!