Book & Author

The Book: “I was sitting in a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster.”  Jeannette Walls goes from living with parents who think that dumpster diving is an acceptable way to feed the family to becoming a successful journalist in New York City.  Read it and find out why this remarkable story won the Christopher Award for helping to “affirm the highest values of the human spirit”

The Author: Jeannette Walls lives in rural Virginia with her husband, the writer John Taylor.

Quote: 

“Things usually work out in the end.”
“What if they don’t?”
“That just means you haven’t come to the end yet.”

–Jeannette speaking with her Mother in The Glass Castle

Discuss

  • The first story Walls tells of her childhood is that of her burning herself severely at age three.  Group members will want to share their reactions to this and the other unforgettable stories Walls relates.
  • What does the title refer to anyway?  After reading the book you will find out, and the group can discuss its significance.
  • Topics of discussion that will arise from reading the book include alcoholism and its effect on families, parenting styles, and how we treat the mentally ill and homeless people.
For more discussion questions get the Reading Group Guide from readinggroupguides.com

Enhance

  • Honor Jeannette’s love of rocks by bringing some books about rocks picture of a geodeand minerals to your meeting.  Be sure to look at pictures of her favorite type of rock: geodes.  Discuss the significance of this type of rock, which is dull on the outside but beautiful on the inside.
  • The book’s theme of triumph over a meager beginning may prompt your group to do something to help another child triumph.  Consider volunteering or collecting items for a local rescue mission, Habitat for Humanity, shoesthatfit.org, or another organization or family of your choice.

Interact

Like Jeannette Walls on facebook

There are rumors that The Glass Castle may be made into a movie;Jennifer Lawrence could be the star.  Do you think The Glass Castle will make a good movie?  Who should star in it?  Or if this has already happened, what did you think of the movie?  Share your thoughts in the comments below


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