Cosentino, Joe. Digital Image. Google+. Google+. Web. 30 June 2016

Favorite quote: “Mom frowned at me. ‘You'd be destroying what makes it special,’ she said. ‘It's the Joshua tree's struggle that give it it's beauty.’”

The Glass Castle was an emotional roller coaster; I became frustrated, saddened, shocked, proud, etc. Jeannette is all grown up and has found her calling in writing, Lori has found hers in art, Brian is not too far behind, and Maureen is slowly getting there. They’ve decided to leave Welch and they did. After the children moved to New York, their life started booming. They had an income that could pay their bills and education, a home with working appliances, and dreams they want to achieve.

It was amazing reading about the Walls’ life and continuous struggles, how they came through, and reading about how they grew up. The children, especially, have come such a long way. They found their own way in life and with how they grew up, they were forced to rely on each other. Reading about how they made sacrifices for one another was truly inspiring; Jeannette getting Lori to New York and soon after Brian and Maurice joining them. They found or are finding a place they could call home.  

I guess O’l Rex just grows on you. You’d expect after learning he’s the alcoholic father you’d hate him, but he has this charm that makes you forgive him. Yes, he has his flaws, but when he’s sober he cares about his family, he feels ashamed for what he’s done drunk, and he will mostly come through; especially for Jeannette. She was about to drop out of school due to her funds, but her father gave her the money he earned through gambling. He cares so much for his little girl. For Jeannette and her siblings, to grow up in those circumstances would be difficult, but he made it as an adventure.

At first, I couldn’t understand why Jeannette kept forgiving her father and ignoring the problems he caused, but after comparing their parents. I found myself siding with him more. I found their mother to be more selfish, and that’s odd. Their father would steal their money for more alcohol and cigarettes, he even stole the money Jeannette, Lori, and Brian saved. Most of this only happen when he’s drunk. Their mother is always sober; I admire her for chasing after her dreams and continuing to follow her values under such conditions, but they clearly needed all the money and help they could get. Even before she only thought of herself; keeping the ring Brian and Jeannette found, quitting her paying job after renewing her certificate, feeling it was unfair for her two daughters to go to New York, and even persuading her husband to go back to the streets with her when he was fine, employed, and sober. After learning that the land she owned could’ve been worth one million dollars, even more, my perception of her were confirmed. I am beyond furious, beyond!

What goes up must come down. Nothing lasts long for the Walls family, and that includes peace. Once they moved to Phoenix, it seems like their situation will finally change. That maybe they'll start to live comfortably. They have a house, a father who has a job, and sufficient amount of inheritance money. Unfortunately, it didn't last long; addiction is hard to kill. Their father never stopped drinking; he'd destroy the house, go into an angry fit of rage, and he'd get violent.

With the failed attempt of their adventure living in the Grand Canyon, they have no choice but to move in with their father’s parents. He was hesitant at first, but complied for his children. I now understand his behavior and hesitance. I have no words to describe my emotion; Brian was molested by their grandmother, highly implied that the same thing happened to their father. It saddens me to know this happens, not just to their family, but to many others. Even after leaving their house, their situation kept going downhill. Their mother got a job, but the children barely ate and their parents refused aid. I understand why they would make that decision, but saying aid would get them “scarred for life.” ….This is their best and fastest solution, honestly their children have been in more scarring situations.

The child represents Jeannette's

innocence. She's pulling away

from her innocence.  
 

Jeannette’s innocence is fading away, she's starting to realize what's happening around her, as well as its consequences. It's showcased on her 10th birthday; when she asked her father, very hesitantly, to stop drinking. This was such an important moment; not only did it show Jeannette’s growth, but also her father's love for her. He was willing to end his addiction; locking himself in his room, tying himself, and refusing to see any of them. He may have his flaws, but he's a good a father and you can tell he genuinely cares and loves his children. Unfortunately it's not enough, it's never enough. Addiction can easily be triggered. With their situation continually going downhill fast, their father picks up his habits again. Their situation is dire, the children understand they need to take drastic measures and soon. She knows if they leave their father it would solve most of their problems. She's losing her faith in him, fast and it's affecting me more than it should. On one hand, I feel that it is the best decision. On the other, her father would be crushed to know his Mountain Goat can no longer count on him.

It seems like things are starting to look up for the Walls family. After living on the run for quite a while, they'll finally settle in a house. Jeannette’s mother inherited the house from the death of her mother. This came as news for Jeannette and it angered her that her parents kept this news from them. It baffled me; I understood her mother did not have a good relationship with their grandmother, but how could she not see the point in telling her grandchildren? They had the right to know.

Their family had gone through so much and it's starting to tear their family dynamics apart. Mostly the relationship between the father and the two eldest. Once again, Jeannette’s age is reflected through her naivety and oblivion towards the situation around her. Lori and Brian, her older siblings, have expressed a distrust, as well as disappointment towards their father. Jeannette on the other hand, is too young to recognize father's flaws; she idolizes him. To the point that it becomes frustrating for the reader, yet admirable. Despite her situation, she continued to keep her childness in tact. And despite what her father has done or has lacked to do, she continues to believe in him. It saddens me to realize: one day her father's flaws will be revealed and he loses her too. That might possibly break him.

     I have started reading a new book this summer; The Glass Castle. I've only read up to page 25, but I can tell it's going to be promising. I like how in the beginning, stories from her childhood were told in a way that portrays a child's innocence. She encountered scarring situations, yet it was told in a way that makes it seem she was calm. It shows perfectly just how as a child we are so oblivious to the situation around us even if it's that dark.

*Side note: I'm only at page 25 and I already found the meaning behind the title of the book.