The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
On one of the last days of school this year, a teacher in my department who was retiring, went in search of me to give me some books. She knew I was a reader, and thought I'd appreciate them. This is one of the books she gave me.
In many ways, this book reminded me of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, except that this was real. Because this is a true story, I liked it better.
Jeannette is the second of four children. Her parents, at best, are eccentric. Her mother has a teaching degree, but seldom uses it because she fancies herself an artist and writer. Her father is an electrician, but also a drunk, so he doesn't keep a job long. Until she is eight or nine, Jeannette's family moves fairly frequently, mostly due to the fact that they can't pay their bills. They lived out west-Arizona, Nevada, California-during this time, but then move to Welch, West Virginia, where Jeanette's father is from. It doesn't matter where they live, they almost never have enough to eat, have no electricity, indoor plumbing, or other basic necessities. Neither of Jeannette's parents make much effort to work, and when they do have money, it is blown on booze and unnecessary things.
Finally, Jeannette and her siblings are able to get away to New York. After the last one leaves, Jeannette's parents decide to follow their children. In New York, Jeannette's parents choose to be homeless, rather than conform to societal norms.
The good news? All four of those children made it despite the craziness they grew up in.
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