I have recently happened upon a string of good books (see list at right). But the latest treasure, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, surpassed all my expectations and instantly replaced Eat Pray Love as my Book of the Year (Yes, it is only February, but I think this also would have happened had it been December). This memoir was on my to-read list ever since the author appeared on Larry King Live during the James Frey debacle. I'm into memoirs. They are real yet surreal, --hence the controversy over A Million Little Pieces--more hyped-up versions of the truth, with sprinklings of color where boring and monotonous details muted reality. That's just my own take.
So what made The Glass Castle a book worth reading? The author's lyrical and colorful style of storytelling brought me, the reader, to a place I have never known--poverty--and actually romanticized it. She never criticized (in so many words) the shortcomings of her parents' alternative "vagabond" lifestyle, but instead brought its quirks to life so matter-of-factly. Her choice of words and clarity of recalled conversations (this part I question: how does a 5-year-old remember word-for-word a conversation had in the backseat of her parents' car?, etc.) take the reader directly to the situation in a way few authors do. I painted a vivid picture of her family in my mind, and I felt I really knew them by the end. I wanted to read on.
I don't want to give the actual story away, so I'm being vague. But you're missing out if you don't pick this one up at the library! Here's a Blockbuster-esque tip for you:
If you enjoyed Running with Scissors or A Million Little Pieces, you'll love The Glass Castle.
Currently in progress: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
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4 comments:
I agree completely with your review. I thought I'd dislike the book because of the subject matter (awful poverty) but I appreciated how she overcame her circumstances and how it gave her this incredible ambition and drive.
i'm waiting for the library notice for me to pick it up one of these days. finished "the pillars of the earth" and reading "suite francaise" now. "water for elephants" was good, sweet and entertaining. keep these reviews coming. :)
totally agree that it was a great book! i am going to read one of your recommended books. :) mk
I read this too and absolutely loved it. I think she had to have made some of those vivid four year old stories up. There is no way you could remember conversation like that at such a young age. Although, she is super smart, maybe she has a super memory. If you liked this style of writing another amazing memoir is Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. He has the same style of talking about hardships with such a light-hearted, matter-of-fact kind of way.
I'm finally reading Mayflower, which you recommended to me a long time ago. I still haven't read Eat Pray Love, but a friend of mine lent it to me.
Miss you!
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