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The Glass Castle: A Memoir Audiobook, by Jeannette Walls Play Audiobook Sample

The Glass Castle: A Memoir Audiobook

The Glass Castle: A Memoir Audiobook, by Jeannette Walls Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Jeannette Walls Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 7.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.25 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: September 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781442339712

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

8

Longest Chapter Length:

78:59 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

75:59 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

78:13 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

4

Other Audiobooks Written by Jeannette Walls: > View All...

Publisher Description

Now a major motion picture from Lionsgate starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts.

MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST

The perennially bestselling, extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, “nothing short of spectacular” (Entertainment Weekly) memoir from one of the world’s most gifted storytellers.

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette’s brilliant and charismatic father captured his children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn’t want the responsibility of raising a family.

The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The Glass Castle is truly astonishing—a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar but loyal family.

Download and start listening now!

"Just when I thought I was sick of memoir, a lovely and enchanting neighbor recommended this book to me. It was difficult to put down. I imagine some parts were embellished but the story was fantastic. The best part is that the author let her remarkable story tell itself - or perhaps I should say that she did a great job of staying out of the story's way. No digressions about how certain events made her feel, no ridiculous sidebars about what an event meant in the big picture or how it might fit a narrative she wanted to create. She just told what happened to her and that was enough to compel you to keep reading. The book also made me think about parenting and how resilient children really are, something that's important for me to keep in mind."

— Kevin (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Just read the first pages of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and I defy you not to go on. It’s funny, and sad, and quirky, and loving. I was incredibly touched by it.” 

    — Dominick Dunne, New York Times bestselling author
  • “A very good memoir. At one point, describing her early literary tastes, Walls mentions that ‘my favorite books all involved people dealing with hardships.’ And she has succeeded in doing what most writers set out to do—to write the kind of book they themselves most want to read.” 

    — New York Times
  • “Tragic and comic at the same time…an outrageous story, one that will break your heart.” 

    — Sunday Independent (London)
  • “Walls doesn’t pull her punches…in this excellent, unusual book…fantastic storytelling.” 

    — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Awards

  • A USA Today bestseller
  • An ALA Notable Book for Nonfiction
  • Winner of the 2006 YALSA Alex Award
  • Nominated for the 2008 Abraham Lincoln Award
  • A 2005 New York Times Book Review Notable Book
  • New York Times bestseller
  • Oprah Pick for Best Memoirs of a Generation
  • An iBooks bestseller in Biographies & Memoirs

The Glass Castle Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.469387755102041 out of 54.469387755102041 out of 54.469387755102041 out of 54.469387755102041 out of 54.469387755102041 out of 5 (4.47)
5 Stars: 30
4 Stars: 14
3 Stars: 4
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 4.555555555555555 out of 54.555555555555555 out of 54.555555555555555 out of 54.555555555555555 out of 54.555555555555555 out of 5 (4.56)
5 Stars: 7
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00)
5 Stars: 6
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 1
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — CPO61, 10/12/2023
  • Overall Performance: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    — Jackie, 7/27/2023
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Steven Brown, 7/18/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Elizabeth James, 7/19/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the best book ever. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I cant wait to see the movie. I highly recommend. "

    — Kristie, 1/26/2018
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved this book. Can't believe its a true story... can't believe these children survived. But it is definitely an inspiration that no matter where you come from, if you want something bad enough, you can get there. "

    — Sharon, 9/20/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " So, this is one of those books that you just love to love and hate to love! It is a memoir so I have to believe that it is fact, but I was really irritated with what went on in the book. The system and those that knew this family seriously failed these kids and despite, they persisted. The facts of the book aside, it is very well written and hearing it read by the author made it really poignant and heartfelt. I heard all of the hype, my daughter kept telling me to read it, so . . . I finally did and I am not sorry. Total recommend! Just be prepared to hate her parents! EEK! "

    — Tina, 8/28/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Great book and well read by the author. I hate her parents! LOL. I would recommend this book to anyone. Triumph in the end for the Walls kids! "

    — Tina K, 8/18/2017
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Deanna Fenwick, 10/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I finished The Glass Castle in just over two days of reading. By the time I got to the last line, I had to read it twice, it is THAT beautifully written. It is the jaw-dropping, raw, sincere story of a family of kids who survived devastating poverty and cripplingly prideful parentage. "

    — Tasha, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " April 2013 book club selection. "

    — Mary, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Some explanation of why people are homeless, it is a choice for some. "

    — Wendy, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I really had a hard time getting into this book. After I got past the hump it was great. I couldn't wait to get home to read. "

    — Krysti, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Riveting! Forces the reader to think about life, children, nature vs. nurture, etc. "

    — Melinda, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A beautiful story of hardship. "

    — Annie, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Eccentric parents, survivalist children. So glad they made it. "

    — Joyce, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was an excellent read. "

    — Anne, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is on my list of all time favorites. I read it years ago, but it truly is unforgettable. "

    — Karen, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is the best book I've ever read. "

    — Elle, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Super interesting story and even more so because it's true! Well written. Captures the audience. "

    — Caitlin, 12/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " At first I wasnt into it, and then I couldnt put it down. What a crazy story. "

    — Daniela, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I'm usually not a huge fan of memoirs, but this one was fascinating. It really makes you look at poverty in a whole new way. It's amazing how Mrs. Walls tells the story of her childhood with such nostalgia, because in reality it was a very abusive and neglectful situation. "

    — Sam, 9/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Found a family more dysfunctional than mine.. was that good? I think so! "

    — Julie, 9/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing book. Really moving and surprisingly wonderful. "

    — Karina, 7/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of my favourites. You couldn't help but feel like you were with Jeannette through her story. I felt every emotion reading this one. Never a dull moment and humorous most of all. I can't believe people have stories like these to tell! "

    — Naja, 7/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Story Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    — brandon robb, 4/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was an entertaining quick read. It really made me appreciate how lucky I am to have great parents! (even if they weren't always "cool"). Walls's tales of her childhood are shocking and unique. "

    — Hillary, 4/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is one of the best books I've ever read, definitely one I couldn't put down with lots of tears in joy and sadness. "

    — Siobhan, 3/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Enjoyed it immensely, although I wish it were written a little better. It's hard to write that which is so close to your heart, though. Really puts one's own life into perspective. Definitely worth reading. "

    — Barbara, 10/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Wow! Hard to believe this is a memoir. "

    — Carrie, 7/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing success story. Eye opening. I loved it. "

    — Frank, 2/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Refreshing and inspirational. Really enjoyed it!! "

    — Renée, 2/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A very raw book about the childhood of a girl who had dreams bigger than her family's. A good read but can be a bit too raw and descriptive for my liking. "

    — Taylor, 11/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This had many, many difficult passages. True story of what a family went through because of the parent's decisions and eccentricities. Very hard to read in places. BUT, what this girl overcame and how she survives is worth the story. No hope of God in this book........ "

    — Cyndee, 11/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Didn't even finish it. Very disappointed! "

    — Valerie, 10/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I had read Half Broke Horses first. I think it helped me to understand and sink into this book better. Loved it. "

    — Annpinn, 8/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I read this for a book club and really enjoyed it! The author is well written and you get emtionally pulled into the book. "

    — Cindy, 6/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Edward Aragon, 6/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Really draws you in to the crazy childhood these kids had. Also very inspiring how the character rose above her childhood. "

    — Carrie, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of my all time favorites! "

    — Marshellen, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A modern A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, beautifully written. "

    — Kellie, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Great book. Thanks, Laurie, I think for recommending it. Amazing that people are so resilient after enduring unimaginable hardships in their childhood. "

    — Carol, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " so inspirational. Walls endures so much, but her spirit triumphs through all her obstacles. "

    — Angelaswing, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another gem from the vacay condo. Seriously well written memoir. Walls has an engaging and no-nonsense/frills writing voice. Not often you find both. She tells the story as it is, but subtly invites you into the heart of her family. Enjoyed it immensely. "

    — Lisa, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing true life adventure of poverty in America, mixed with mental illness. And the message that there are survivor's that arise from the rubble. "

    — Donna, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Interesting memoir of pulling one's self up by their bootstraps. Personally, I hated those parents. "

    — Michelle, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I thought this was a great book. I couldn't read it fast enough. It was quite a heartbreaking family story. "

    — Mary, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved reading this book. I was sucked into her life and the despair she must have felt. I could almost relate, my life wasn't as crazy though. "

    — Michelle, 5/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Heart-breaking and triumphant. Such struggles for a young girl and her siblings, but such resilience! Couldn't put it down! "

    — Jessica, 5/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Dina, 11/18/2010

About Jeannette Walls

Jeannette Walls is the author of one nonfiction work, Dish, the New York Times bestselling memoir Glass Castle, and three works of fiction, including Half Broke Horses, which was named one of the ten best books of 2009 by the New York Times Book Review. She graduated from Barnard College and was a journalist in New York