Glass Castle Book Review

Must-Read: Will Change Your Life *not clickbait*

Winter break was filled with many adventures, whether it was outside braving the cold or buried deep in a book by the fire. My book of choice was The Glass Castle. When I first picked it up, I expected another fun, lighthearted read, but what I ended up with was quite the opposite. I had chosen a book that was not only beautifully written, but also occupied my thoughts for days after I finally put it down. Narrator Jeannette Walls is a fiery, determined girl growing up with a family that is anything but stable. Moving from town to town with an alcoholic father, immature mother, and three siblings results in many fascinating stories. I was transported back to a time full of energy and spirit where the imagination ran wild. And yet this situation was so unfamiliar to me. It took me longer than it should have to realize that this book was actually a memoir, and that these “stories” were actually memories. After I realized the narratives were rooted in reality, my fascination deepened.

By the conclusion of the book, I was truly invested in Jeanette’s life and worried greatly of her fate. But the end had to be my favorite part. There was one line in particular that stood out to me. Jeanette’s mother comments on Jeannette’s success as an adult, observing that “No one expected you to amount to much. . . . Lori was the smart one, Maureen the pretty one, and Brian the brave one. You never had much going for you except that you always worked hard.” This quote still rings in my ears and inspires me, as does the rest of this book. The Glass Castle sheds light on Americans who often go unnoticed; it’s a story of love and resilience that will move readers everywhere.

- Abigail Shepherd '19