Readers’
Advisory Matrix
The
Glass Castle
By
Jeannette
Walls
1.
Where is the book on the narrative
continuum?
Highly narrative (reads like
fiction)
2.
What
is the subject of the book?
It’s about a dysfunctional
family which remained resilient through the years. The siblings took care of one another and found
it in their hearts to forgive their parents when they were older.
3.
What
type of book is it?
It’s a memoir of the author,
Jeannette Wall’s, childhood.
4.
Articulate
appeal
Ø What is the pacing of the book?
It’s fast paced at points
where the father is getting the family in trouble and has to pack up and move
quickly, but at other times it has a contemplating air about it.
Ø Describe the characters of the book.
It’s a narration by the
author, Jeannette Walls, about growing up with her alcoholic father, her
artistic mother, and her three siblings.
Ø How does the story feel?
Poignant, resilient, and
eventually triumphant.
Ø What is the intent of the author?
To share her story of resilience
and redemption.
Ø What is the focus of the story?
Jeannette Wall’s
dysfunctional childhood, and how she as well as her siblings broke free from
poverty to become successful adults who could forgive their parents.
Ø Does the language matter?
Yes.
Ø Is the setting important and
well-described?
Yes. Each place that the family had to live is
well described in order to emphasize the family’s destitution.
Ø Are there details and, if so, of what?
Yes. There are many details of what the family
owned or the lack there of. So detailed
information of what the family had available for food and clothing, and how
they handled gift giving on holidays such as Christmas.
Ø Are there sufficient charts and oter
graphic materials? Are they useful and
clear?
None.
Ø Does the book stress moments of
learning, understanding, or experience?
Yes. Jeanette and her siblings understand that the
only way they will get out of the impoverished environment they are in with
their parents is to work, save money, and one by one pull each other out of the
family home to start lives of their own and working their way up the ladder at
successful jobs.
I have read this book a long time ago. I don't remember it being exactly what I thought it would be like. I remember the children working together and the father being a bad guy. I may have to try to read this again sometime. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteJennie
I have read this book a long time ago. I don't remember it being exactly what I thought it would be like. I remember the children working together and the father being a bad guy. I may have to try to read this again sometime. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteJennie
I have heard about this book from a good friend, she indicated that the book was really good! I like how you wrote the focus of the story adding that they were able to forgive their parents after their shortcomings. This could have helped empower them to become successful..
ReplyDeleteTenisha M.