Jeannette Walls

I thoroughly enjoyed the Glass Castle, however strange or disturbing it was at times.  It touched on many issues prevalent to society.  The biggest issue, that was carefully crafted through Walls' experiences, shows a family suffering the repercussions of an alcoholic.  She takes the reader on an incredible journey of three strong children.  It is through her story that one understands the power of perseverence, no matter how farfetched a goal may seem.

After watching the video of Jeannette Walls and her mother, I felt even closer to her story.  It was different than seeing an author of a novel for the first time.  It was seeing an author and a two characters for the first time, simultaneously.  As I watched her gestures, listened to her voice, I kept imagining young Jeannette.  Seeing the mother made the video even more powerful.  It was comforting to 
see that she was a talented artist, and I am glad that the paintings were included in the video.  
I worried throughout the story that maybe she was not talented at all.  This video reassured some details of the memoir.      
  
Walls spoke about the Glass Castle that her father wanted to build, giving the options of "another one of my father's drunk promises, or as hope for the future."  I like that she included that it was hope for the future.  Her optimistic attitude clearly shines through in this video.


Here is the link:
http://blog.turnhere.com/bookvideos/2007/06/jeannette_walls.html

Go watch it.  If you didn't read the book, I suggest doing so.  The comments of readers show how her mastery with words has influenced many. It is interesting to read the responses of people who feel that they have had similar life experiences. 
Regardless of a person's childhood, the reader should appreciate Jeannette's struggle and will to go on.