The Glass Castle ~ Opening Thoughts
- Scott
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The Glass Castle ~ Opening Thoughts
This thread is for discussing the first sixth of the book. If you have read more, feel free to post here, but don't post anything past the first sixth of the book.
What did you think of the first sixth of the book?
Are there any passages or quotes you want to post? If so, please do.
Also, please post questions about the first sixth of the book for the other readers.
Thanks,
Scott
"Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco." Virgil, The Aeneid
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- CollegeReader
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I read this book twice about a year ago, but I am going to try to join in on the convos. If I remember correctly, Mary Charlene died of SIDS, but perhaps that was never confirmed? The book is a memoir, so many of the facts are merely memories the author has as a child.pinsandneedles wrote:Did Mary Charlene die of crib death-or neglect?
I do remember being shocked that Jeanette was cooking hotdogs unsupervised at 3 years old! That sort of lays the foundation for the dynamics of the Wells family, huh?
"Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures"
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I am not suggesting that her feelings are imaginative, but are those emotions intensified now that she has more experience (seeing how alternatively a child can be raised) and can articulate more eloquently?
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However, if it is 100% factual, kudos to her for her sharp memory. But, most writers embellish (the truth is boring). Ask James Frey.
But, back to the story...I still wonder if the baby died of crib death or if mom thought she was old enough to be feeding herself! Come back at me, someone!!!!
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As for the baby that died, I think it was SIDs also taking the info from Jeannette's memory but like someone else said she was very young.
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Yes, her parents were odd, however, it seems the author loved them, especially her dad- and I think she inherited their adventuous spirits. I may be the only one feeling this, but I think the author is at times bragging about her experiences.
I think it's BECAUSE of her childhood that the author is a success today, not in spite of it. I think she learned a great deal from her parents and their grand escapades! Keep in mind...I'm only midway through the book and don't know the outcome yet. I almost hate to finish it. I'm enjoying it immensely, and this book will go down as one of my top 10 favorites. I, too, have built my fair share of glass castles in my lifetime! Haven't we all?
Keep reading!
p.s. Fact or fiction-it matters not to me. I just love the book!
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The book is great but I'd love less whining and more insight. I think a sequel would be fun-written by MOM, describing her life with dad!!!!
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According to the general social standard though, having a 3- or 4- year old make hotdogs seem a little young. But then, my question becomes at what point are kids allow to do what things by themselves? How do we know that’s an ‘appropriate’ age?
- slpeters2009
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-- 05 Jan 2012, 15:34 --
ok...I also read "Half Broke Horses"---this is a book to read after the GC...it is the author's account of her grandmother---and mother...interesting and almost a must to fully understand the author and the parenting skills within the "Glass Castle". HBH can stir your emotions and almost make you feel sorry for the mother in GC...well at least I eased up on my negativity towards her and the father.
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