03593cam a2200433 i 4500 91633636 TxAuBib 20090429120000.0 090429s2009||||||||||||||||||||||||eng|u 2009015816 9781602855571 library binding : alk. paper 1602855579 library binding : alk. paper (OCoLC)319868189 TxAuBib rda Walls, Jeannette. The glass castle [Print] : a memoir / Jeannette Walls. Large Print Hardback. Thorndike, Me. : Center Point Pub., 2009. 446 pages ; 1.36" H x 8.62" L x 5.84" W (1.41 lbs.) txt rdacontent n rdamedia nc rdacarrier Originally published: New York : Scribner, c2005. New York City, New York (United States), West Virginia (United States.) A tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that, despite its profound flaws, gave the author the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms. Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever. Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home. What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms. For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. 20090429. ALA Alex Award (2006), Lincoln Award Nominee (2008.) Walls, Jeannette. Children of alcoholics United States Biography. Children of alcoholics West Virginia Welch Biography. Problem families United States Case studies. Problem families West Virginia Welch Case studies. Poor West Virginia Welch Biography. Homeless persons Family relationships New York (State) New York. Large print type books. Biography & Autobiography / Memoirs. BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women. TXTLL