The Glass Castle

93 Little Hobart Street, Welch, West Virginia

I really have to appreciate the optimism and positivity of the Walls mother. No matter what situation they are in she can always find the silver lining. When they moved to Welch to live with their crazy relatives in a shambled town where the sewage runs into the town river, she remarks that there aren't any other artists in town so her career could take of here where there isn't any competition. When her daughter says she hates Grandma Erma she even tells her that you have to love everyone; you just have to find their redeeming quality. When challenged as to what Hitler's redeeming quality was, she responded without hesitation that he loved dogs. It is hard to believe that despite living in the shambled conditions they did, she was always joyful and inspired her kids to look on the bright side. At one point when the family moved into Ninety-three Little Hobart Street, Lori made a sarcastic comment about how great it would be to own the little run-down shack with no plumbing that they were purchasing. Her mother told her she must count her blessings because people in Ethiopia would kill to have a place like it. She then proceeded to point out some of the "attractive" features, such as the "antique" coal stove. The unwavering optimism of Mrs. Walls, even in the toughest of times, amazes me. She is teaching her children how to be grateful and happy no matter what. This brings a whole new light to the old adage, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

The Glass Castle

        I am currently absorbed in The Glass Castle. I think it is a truly inspiring memoir. Although the family leads a harsh, difficult life living on close to nothing, they always find creative ways to get by. We can see the contrast between the Walls family and others living in poverty because they see things differently and are rather well educated. When the family lived in Battle Mountain Jeanette meet Billy Deel. At one point Billy told Jeanette not to pretend she's better than him and that her dad is nothing but a drunk like his. Jeanette thought of all the things that makes her father different like how he understands binary numbers, has a plan to secure funding to build a project he calls the Glass Castle, and gave her Venus for Christmas when they couldn't afford gifts. But she knew he couldn't understand how her family was different from his even though they lived in the same conditions.
        Although the parents are neglecting their children by not always being able to provide completely for them with full nourishment or safe shelter, it can be clearly seen that the parents do truly love their kids and want the best for them. The father educates his children in mathematics and science while the mother teaches them English and reading and a slew of other life skills. By the time Jeannette (the author and narrator) was in second grade, she knew how to use the binary numbering system. Even though it's not the traditional way of learning, or an ideal way of living, it seemed to work for the Walls family.

The Book Thief

The Book Thief is a phenomenal novel about the Holocaust narrated by Death who tells the story from the perspective of a little girl living in Nazi Germany who loves to read. Her adventurous story will capture you heart from the beginning. From Rudy, to Max, to Rosa and Hans Huberman, you will definitely become attached to the characters. This heart-warming and heart-wrencing story will stir a symphony of emotions including  joy, excitement, sympathy, sorrow, greif, and somehow, and odd sense of peace. Although it will undoubtedly leave you teary-eyed, The Book Thief is definietly a timeless classic that I will continue to read and reread until the day I can read no more.
RATE: ☺☺☺☺☺

Interview with Author Markus Zusak

Loren's View

I have created this blog due to my love for literature and stories. Because it can sometimes be hard to find honest reviews on books, I will be providing my own. From classics, to contemporary, I will be blogging my thoughts about  books I have read, and sharing my feelings about any material I am reading. Happy reading!