You’ve heard the saying, “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”  Every person and every family has a glass house they would rather no one know about, but former MSNBC.com columnist Jeannette Walls has given an open invitation to view hers in The Glass Castle: A Memoir, a story about her life as a child.

The story of Walls’ life begins when she is only three-years-old and ends up in a hospital after being severely burned while cooking hot dogs in a frilly and not flame-resistant costume.   She doesn’t understand why the nurses are upset that she was cooking by herself, after all, it was normal in her house to prepare one’s own meals while mom was painting and dad was away.  After that, we meet her family.  Her father, Rex Walls, is a brilliant, but troubled man, burdened by impossible dreams and alcoholism.  Jeanette’s mother, Rose Mary is an eccentric, possibly mentally ill, struggling artist.  Together, Rex and Rose Mary raise their children on a steady diet of excitement, adventure, heartbreak and uncertainty.

Walls’ story, while filled with shocking and cringe-worthy moments, is not told from the perspective of a victim.  Rather, Walls’ account of her life’s adventures and neglect are told matter-of-factly, creating a compelling story in which you find yourself laughing one moment and somber the next.  Despite its subject matter, The Glass Castle is not a depressing read.  Walls and her brother and sisters learn to be independent and take care of one another so ultimately, it’s a story about unconditional love, acceptance, forgiveness and success despite challenges.

You can find The Glass Castle at Watermark Books (4701 E Douglas), Al’s Old and New Book Store (1710 W Douglas) or check any of the three Book-A-Holic locations around town.

(image credit)

Related posts:

1. daily [snap] – Riverside Castle
2. [read] Review: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
3. [read] Everything Matters
4. [read] Five Books to Read in 2010
5. [read] 12 Days of Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Bookworm