Jeannette Walls Currently
The Glass Castle is a memoir written by Jeannette Walls. She begins her story in New York, when Jeannette was no longer a child. An unexpected sighting of her mother leads into the book, and begins the tale of her childhood. Being brought up by Rex and Rose Mary was a difficult task but Jeannette along with her siblings Lori, Brian, and Maureen, were all able to do so. Page after page you become aware of the situation Jeannette was put in, and the struggles she was faced with, along with her family. Her parents weren't like most, their priorities and expectations were slightly shifted. Money was put towards alcohol and supplies for attempting to fulfill her parents goals. There was constant question where the next home would be and when the next meal would come. Rex and Rose Mary lived off of excitement, preferring to be on the run rather than settling down and having a stable life. Because their parents had no stability, the burden of running a home was given to the children. It was also from an unstable home that the Walls children found difficulty finding friends. However, despite their parents being unfit, they were not stupid. Rex and Rose Mary were actually very intelligent when it came to the books, which contributed to their children all being well educated. Even though her parents would often put themselves first, and neglect the children, they provided loads of wisdom. This wisdom led the children to understand that the only way they would be able to achieve their dreams, would be to leave their parents behind. It was when they lived in Welch (one of the longer residencies) that Lori and Jeannette began to save for New York. After a little while it was one child after the other flocking to the "Big City". Rex and Rose Mary also relocated and found new dumpsters to call home in New York. After multiple attempts to take their parents under their wing, the children gave up. Jeanette also later finds out that her family was never really short on money, but instead held millions in assets. Although Rose Mary could sell her family land she decided she would never, and actually preferred to be homeless. While they were living on their own Rex Walls becomes sick with tuberculosis, and shortly after dies from a heart attack. After the passing of her father Jeannette divorces her newly wed Eric, and moves away. A little while later Jeannette remarries to a man named John, and the family holds a reunion, updating everyones current situation.
