Tolog Review: The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle
by Jeannette Walls
reviewed by Megan Alle

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, is an unflinching memoir filled with unlimited love and forgiveness. Walls starts off the book telling the reader about her childhood. Growing up, we learn that she takes care of herself and her siblings mostly on her own. She grew up with parents that could barely get by and learned how to keep a budget for the family. The day finally comes when she is ready to leave home and explore the amazing (Big Apple) New York City. After being away from her parents with her siblings living their individual lives in the city, her parents somehow sneak back into their lives. Life in the city brings the forgiveness and love she has for her parents. Further on in the story, we learn that the parents are too dependent on the kids for survival. 

This book was a great read because Jeannette Walls always gave a realistic sense of imagery. “And then we reached the crest of the ridge, and there, across a wide river, was a huge island jammed tip to tip with skyscrapers, their glass glowing like fire in the setting sun.” (Walls 245) I enjoyed how Walls used an optimistic tone. She tends to think that in her life it might seem bad at the time, but it will work out and get better in the end. I have learned from this book that no matter where life takes you, just push through and good things will happen to you and try to have a positive outlook on life. Over all, I thought this narrative was pleasurable. I would highly recommend this memoir for those who enjoy non-fiction and an adventurous tale.