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12-25-2008, 07:11 PM
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The glass castle by Jeannette Walls
Has anyone here read this book? I just received it as a gift.... it looks like it will be an interesting read!
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12-25-2008, 09:22 PM
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i really enjoyed it...
i bought it as a gift for someone else one christmas... didn't read it then, as i read good reviews about it, but wasn't very interested in it myself (wasn't into memoir then).
then about a year later, she was in town to give a talk at a charity event. i didn't attend the event, but got curious about her book after i read an interview about her, and i wondered why i didn't read it sooner!
have you read running with scissors by augusten burroughs? it's kinda like that.. a memoir about a dysfunctional family.
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12-25-2008, 11:07 PM
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It was quite interesting. Easy, short read but makes you think.
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12-26-2008, 12:01 AM
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I haven't read "running with scissors" yet, but I have been interested in that one, also.
Dysfunctional families, LOL, who HASN'T had one of those  ...
glad to hear you both enjoyed the book, I will start it this week.
__________________
Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
Chief Seattle, 1854
forum rules, please read them
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12-26-2008, 09:01 AM
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RoaredTheirTerribleRoars
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ummm
have you read running with scissors by augusten burroughs? it's kinda like that.. a memoir about a dysfunctional family.
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Yes. I think I preferred Running With Scissors; I like Burroughs' style better.
I wouldn't say that I exactly *enjoyed* The Glass Castle.
It's just one horrid sequence (either memory or present day) after another.
The narrative does provoke some interesting thoughts about nature vs. nurture, though. |
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12-26-2008, 04:42 PM
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I guess I saw it differently than "one horrid sequence after another" but in all fairness, it's been awhile since I read it so my memory might not be great. Were the situations themselves horrifying - yes, absolutely. But I seem to remember times of closeness and fond memories -especially when the author was too young to understand exactly how abnormal the situations were. I found it inspiring that the author was able to pull herself up from this lifestyle despite the disadvantages placed in her path. I think Ms. Walls wrote this without animosity toward her parents but instead with sympathy and understanding that they were troubled individuals. It would have been easy to make this a "shocking expose" rather than a thought provoking memoir. I do agree however that "enjoyable" is probably pushing it....
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12-26-2008, 04:48 PM
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That's the only book I finished in last year.
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12-26-2008, 09:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hhe1982
That's the only book I finished in last year.
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And???? What did you think? |
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12-29-2008, 12:04 PM
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I loved this book. I too was inspired by how the author persevered and rose above her upbringing. It does make you wonder about the whole nature vs nurture thing.
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01-09-2009, 09:39 PM
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I read it & couldn't put it down. Kinda like a train wreck,you just can't help yourself! It still disturbs me to think of it!  |
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