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Glass Castle

Jeannette Walls at Allegheny County Library

A few discussion questions for when we have finished reading.

1. Though The Glass Castle is brimming with unforgettable stories; which scenes were the most memorable for you? Which were the most shocking, the most inspiring, the funniest?
2. The first story Walls tells of her childhood is that of her burning herself severely at age three, and her father dramatically takes her from the hospital: “You’re safe now (p.14)."
3. Why do you think she opens with that story, and how does it set the stage for the rest of the memoir? What is the “glass castle” and what does it signify to Jeannette and her father? Rex Walls often asked his children, “Have I ever let you down?”
4. Why was this question (and the required “No, Dad” response) so important for him--and for his kids? On what occasions did he actually come through for them?
5. What kind of man was Rex Walls? What were his strengths and weaknesses, his flaws and contradictions?
6. What kind of woman was Rose Mary Walls? What did you think about her description of herself as an “excitement addict? (p. 93)"
7. In college, Jeannette is singled out by a professor for not understanding the plight of homeless people; instead of defending herself, she keeps quiet. Why do you think she does this? Is homelessness a choice?
8. The two major pieces of the memoir -- one half set in the desert and one half in West Virginia -- feel distinct. What effect did such a big move have on the family --and on your reading of the story? How would you describe the shift in the book’s tone?
9. What was Jeannette’s relationship to her siblings? Were you surprised to learn that, as adults, Jeannette and her siblings remained close to their parents? Why do you think this is?
10. What do parents owe children and what do children owe parents?
11. Though it portrays an incredibly hard scrabble life, The Glass Castle is never sad or depressing. How do you think that the author achieved that effect?
12. The most extraordinary thing about The Glass Castle is that despite everything, Jeannette Walls refuses to condemn her parents. Were you able to be equally nonjudgmental?