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The Glass Castle

Written by: Jeannette Walls
Narrated by: Jeannette Walls
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Publisher's Summary

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 15 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.

©2005 Jeannette Walls (P)2010 Simon and Schuster Audio

What the critics say

"Jeannette Walls has carved a story with precision and grace out of one of the most chaotic, heartbreaking childhoods ever to be set down on the page. This deeply affecting memoir is a triumph in every possible way, and it does what all good books should: it affirms our faith in the human spirit." (Dani Shapiro, author of Family History)
" The Glass Castle is the saga of the restless, indomitable Walls family, led by a grand eccentric and his tempestuous artist wife. Jeannette Walls has survived poverty, fires, and near starvation to triumph. She has written this amazing tale with honesty and love." (Patricia Bosworth, author of Anything Your Little Heart Desires and Diane Arbus: A Biography)
"Just read the first pages of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and I defy you not to go on. It's funny and sad and quirky and loving. I was incredibly touched by it." (Dominick Dunne, author of The Way We Lived Then: Recollections of a Well-Known Name Dropper)

Editorial Review

In this heart-wrenching nonfiction memoir, Jeannette Walls relives her deeply troubled childhood. Her father was severely alcoholic and her mother, wildly irresponsible. Living in devastating poverty with her three siblings, Jeannette beautifully recounts her dysfunctional family’s limitless hardships and love.

Jeannette’s memoirs chronicle important points of her childhood as the daughter of a father who drinks away the grocery money yet dotes on his children, and a mother who would sooner create an artwork than provide for her family. Her shocking account of the events that marked her for life only makes it more impressive that Walls was able to overcome these traumas to become the accomplished writer and journalist she is today. Her vivid and emotional recollection of how the four siblings developed the self-preservation to survive and escape the harrowing realities of their childhood has become a must-listen story for nonfiction fans everywhere.

By narrating her own audiobook, Jeannette Walls truly bares her soul to tell the story of her dark past as her unwavering voice highlights the kindness in the darkest moments, and the crushing disappointments of the parents who let her down time and time again.

The Glass Castle has sold over 2.7 million copies, has been translated into over 20 languages and has received numerous awards. It also appeared on several bestseller lists, including 260 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.

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What listeners say about The Glass Castle

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Can't believe it's a Memoir

Such a fantastic book! I can't believe this is someone's real life! It made me want to yell and hold her tight! Shows you what parts of our world are like. Amazing that she did all the did and ended up the way she is! Amazing #Audible1

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Hard to push pause...

Having listened to the prequel to this (Half Broke Horses), I was interested in this also. Very well done! poignant true story.

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Easy Read

Interesting read. The story was often frustrating & made me angry. But overall was a good ending. I suppose it's all about survival.

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Glass Castle

Excellent!
I really liked this book when I originally read it myself.
The Reader was marvelous, and I loved having the book read to me.
Thank You.♥️

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great story!

Very enthralling, life story. I really enjoyed it. A bit long but not boring at all.

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Wonderfully exciting . I enjoyed the times I listened as I deove

I enjoyed the readings . The music with the setting brought me in the story as if I was an active participant

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Couldn’t stop listening!

I decided to listen to this book after seeing it on a list for people to read if they enjoyed I’m glad my mom died by Jennette McCurdy. I couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook! Jeanette’s story is at times heart warming and many times heart wrenching. I enjoyed every minute!

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Resilience

This book is the definition of resilience and strength. Thank you Jeannette for sharing the journey!

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A truly captivating memoir

I couldn't stop listening to this story! Jannette Walls' passionate reading of her story was captivating.

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A Heartwarming Story

This is an amazing story that pulls you in right from the beginning. It truly is an eye opening story.

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