75 pages • 2 hours read
Jeannette WallsThe Glass Castle
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a nonfiction memoir that recounts Walls and her siblings' tumultuous upbringing under the care of their brilliant but erratic father and artistic but neglectful mother. The family's constant upheaval leads them through extreme poverty and instability, culminating in the siblings' eventual escape to New York City, where they strive to create better lives for themselves. The book includes depictions of sexual assault, addiction, and domestic violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle is widely praised for its compelling and honest memoir of an unconventional childhood. Vivid storytelling and resilience themes resonate with readers. However, some reviews criticize it for its sometimes harrowing depictions of neglect and poverty. Overall, it's a gripping, thought-provoking read that challenges conventional perceptions of family and survival.
Who Should Read The Glass Castle?
Readers who appreciate deeply personal memoirs like Educated by Tara Westover or Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt will find The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls compelling. It appeals to those interested in stories of resilience, unconventional childhoods, and overcoming adversity through grit and humor.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1010LBook Details
Relationships: Family
Life/Time: Childhood & Youth
Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos
American Literature
Education
Biography
Education