Bookworm

[#1]

This moving memoir was on the best seller’s list for nearly two years. First released in 2005, it’s worthy of your time if you missed it on the first go round. Author Jeannette Walls shares the intimate story of her and her three sibilngs shocking and tragic childhood. Rex Walls is their father, who when sober, is a charismatic inventive parent. 

Mom, Rose Mary Walls, is a self-proclaimed “excitement addict” who dismisses the trappings and responsibility of parenthood...after all, what a waste it is to cook a meal that’s immediately consumed, when a painting lasts forever. This mantra holds true for every aspect of her children’s sad, impoverished lives, even as they beg their mother to “function” and find food. The young Walls children learn quickly to fend for themselves by filling their rumbling bellies with anything they can find.

At first the family is prone to wandering, staying in ramshackle shacks before eventually settling down in a dismal West Virginia mining town. Among a townsfolk full of poor, the Walls family was the poorest. They lived in a three-room shack without running water, and with only sporadic electricity.

In the rare times Rose Mary has a job, Rex Walls invariably steals the little grocery money the family has and disappears in a drunken stupor for days. The book reveals one of her earliest memories, a scalding to her torso as she boils hot dogs on the stove. The negligence of her parents is obvious to the hospital staff, but before anyone can step in, Rex Walls grabs his daughter, skipping out on the bill and her treatment.

Rex draws out plans to build a solar-powered "glass castle", reassuring his children in the promise of a dream home. His vision leads to numerous schemes to raise money, all of which are washed away in frequent bouts of drinking.

This engulfing story not only shares a candid look at an unimaginable existence, but is a true testament to the human spirit. Jeannette Walls expresses genuine love for her family, even her appallingly neglectful parents. The perseverance and support she and her siblings share is truly astounding.

 

By the Bed

The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan

[#2]

I have to say this sounds pretty depressing but also fascinating. I think I would have to be in the right frame of mind to read it. It sounds amazing that she not only survived her childhood but is capable of writing about it. Thanks for the recommendation. I like reading things outside my comfort zone.

[#3]

I actually think it sounds inspiring.  For someone to endure what she did and be able to write about it is remarkable.  I will be adding this to my overflowing stack soon.

[#4]

Reading this book is what inspired me to join a local book club.  I was so conflicted about how I felt about the mother's actions, that I just had to talk about it!  Over a year later, I'm still wanting to talk about it! 

[#5]

Great book, although it is said to read that someone went through what she did. One of the most memorable I've read. My husband enjoyed it too.