Her main goal was to get out of her house and move to New York to become an author.
Jeanette Wall's childhood is unimaginable, however the book allows readers to have a better understanding of what it is like for children whom are less fortunate. I believe the controlling idea is subjective depending on the type of reader. For instance, if they share a similar backstory to that of Jeanette, they could be inspired. She is living proof that hard work and dedication can get you anywhere. She grew up basically of off nothing, and she was still able to overcome her hardships and make it as an extremely successful author. She set goals, and dreams for herself and worked her way up to the top. You don't need money, or popularity, to achieve your goals, and Jeanette showed just that. So many people pity themselves for the life they live, and everything it lacks, but she was able to use that nothingness and make something from it. You have to use that anger and frustration or hope to motivate yourself and push yourself to be everything you want to be. Jeanette truly is an inspiration and by reading her memoir I believe that if you really want something that badly you have to work as hard as possible for it.
