One Book, One Community - About the Book

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is her memoir of growing up in a dysfunctional - yet uniquely colorful - family. Her story is one of survival despite the family's life of poverty and her parents' frequent detachment from their children. Walls' father, who has aspirations that never materialize, is an alcoholic. Her mother, an artist and sometimes school teacher, prefers to spend her time painting instead of minding her responsibilities.

Despite the family's poverty and eccentric lifestyle, a path willingly chosen by the parents, the children not only survive but ultimately thrive after they leave home. You will cheer the children's courage and resilience as they overcome their meager existence and offbeat upbringing.

Published in 2005, The Glass castle was on the New York Times best-seller list for more than a year and won several literary awards. It is a book that will astonish you, and at times may anger you, but in the end it will warm your heart.

The Mayor's Literacy Commission has planned an extensive schedule of events that touch on a variety of social issues raised by The Glass Castle. A calendar of these events is available HERE.