Review Of Jeannette Walls 'Memoir The Glass Castle'

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Ernie Vasquez Prof. Bernhard PSYC3364 - Poverty & Neurodevelopment May 10, 2024 The Glass Castle: A Memoir Part I: Jeannette Walls' memoir, "The Glass Castle," provides a profound exploration of the upbringing of the Walls family, shedding light on the various themes and repercussions of poverty. Through the narrative, readers witness the challenges and adversities faced by Walls and her siblings while under the care of their parents, Rex and Rose Mary Walls. What impresses me the most in this story is Walls' unwavering commitment to authenticity. Despite the multitude of hardships endured, Walls refrains from casting blame or resentment towards her parents, deciding instead to recount her experiences with a simple honesty that resonates deeply …show more content…

Jeannette found comfort and security in having her basic needs met, something that she couldn’t find back at home. Her desire to remain in such an environment is supported by a systematic review led by Jackson et al. al (2023) which explores the various interventions to support children’s recovery from neglect. Interventions like Attachment Biobehavioral Catchup (ABC) parenting and Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP) foster care demonstrated overall improvements in a child’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional abilities. Given that many people admitted to a hospital have the desire to leave as soon as possible, these reported improvements make it easier to understand why Jeannette wanted to stay in that setting forever. Overall, Jeannette Walls' memoir, "The Glass Castle," demonstrates the long-term effects of poverty and neglect on children. Her blunt tone in the memoir exposes the hard reality of her upbringing, demonstrating great resilience and intelligence on her part. The painful "swimming lesson" with her father and the careless setting at Grandma Erma's house serve as vivid examples of the difficulties they