The Glass Castle

There is definitely not much to like about Jeannette’s parents. Her mother is selfish, always talking about how her kids are the reason she can never follow her dreams. Her father is an alcoholic who is rarely ever at home and manipulates his family to get what he wants. However, they each had they're own redeeming qualities.

Rose Mary Walls, Jeannette’s mother, is an “excitement addict” as she puts herself. She is always excited to do the “skedaddle.” She considered it to be an adventure. She is also very good at making the best of what she has. “Mom grew up in the desert. Most people had trouble surviving in the desert, but Mom thrived there. She knew how to get by on next to nothing.” (page 21) The family, with her help, did manage to survive with almost nothing. She also loved her family because of their togetherness, even though she usually put her needs before her children’s.

Rex Walls, her father, is very intelligent but a dreamer. He is always trying to build some contraption that will make his family rich, but he usually runs out of money to finish it. He’s also a drifter, leaving the house for days at a time, and always on the run. Even though he’s a drifter, he always makes sure his family is safe and together. “Time to do the skedaddle.’ ‘Is everything okay dad?’ I asked. ‘Is someone after us?’ ‘Don’t you worry. You leave that to me. Don’t I always take care of you?’” (page 17) Rex always made sure the kids weren't scared of what was happening, and he always wanted to make them happy.