Part One

Ok, so I read part one of The Glass Castle, and it was super inviting and suspenseful. :)

--but first--HI, and welcome to my first book related post--
3 things.

1. This book is a memoir--Jeanette Walls is the narrator and author.
2. This post includes a summary and my opinion.
3. I'm already sucked into this book. :P

So the first part was set in present day, and it was basically saying about who the narrator felt about her family. (Her mom and her dad are...from what I get...homeless.) Jeannette is pretty well set, money wise, lives in a nice apartment, has a nice husband, has a home filled with Persian rugs and antiques. This first chapter just illustrates Jeanette's adult self interacting with her mom.


At first I thought, Oh my gawd how selfish of her. How could she have everything she wants and just let her parents sit on the streets going through garbage. Then as the chapter went on, Jeanette described lunch with her mother. I had completely different feelings after that. The parents didn't want any help from her. I respected both parties now. During this chapter, she describes a converstation she had with her mother. I found it really bitter-sweet. Its attached below. Let me know if you find it as bittersweet/hearbreaking&heartwarming as me.

""I'm worried about you," I said. "Tell me what I can do to help."
Her smile faded. "What makes you think I need your help?"
"I'm not rich," I said. "But I have some money. Tell me what it is you need."
She thought for a moment. "I could use an electrolysis treatment."
"Be serious."
"I am serious. If a woman looks good, she feels good."
"Come on, Mom." I felt my shoulders tightening up, the way they invariably did during these
conversations. "I'm talking about something that could help you change your life, make it better."
"You want to help me change my life?" Mom asked. "I'm fine. You're the one who needs help. Your
values are all confused."
"Mom, I saw you picking through trash in the East Village a few days ago."
"Well, people in this country are too wasteful. It's my way of recycling." She took a bite of her Seafood
Delight. "Why didn't you say hello?"
"I was too ashamed, Mom. I hid."
Mom pointed her chopsticks at me. "You see?" she said. "Right there. That's exactly what I'm saying.
You're way too easily embarrassed. Your father and I are who we are. Accept it."
"And what am I supposed to tell people about my parents?"
"Just tell the truth," Mom said. "That's simple enough.""

I love Jeanette as a person already and I feel sorry for her. I feel sorrow about her attitude towards her family. BUT this doesn't make me like her any less...you know why? SHE WAS HONEST. She literally told her mom, "I was ashamed, Mom. I hid." That just makes me have faith in her as a person and what the future holds for her. <3

Keep reading,
Emi