The Glass Castle

'The Glass Castle' is a memoir by Jeannette Walls. She colorfully describes her childhood with her alcoholic father and her eccentric artist mother, two sisters, and one brother. The Walls family is often moving from place to place, and is often homeless, sleeping in the dessert. The parents label their trials as "adventures" and the children must play the game of acting as if they are having a grand time and on a wild adventure, instead of what they really are: cold, dirty, and hungry. Often times it is the children taking care of the parents, each other, and themselves. There are moments of happiness and childlike wonder of course, but for the most part, they have to grow up rather quickly. This story is heart-breakingly beautiful. Walls is a true storyteller and takes you on quite the narrative. I had a hard time putting this one down and found myself reading late into the night, just praying for a happy ending. 

“One time I saw a tiny Joshua tree sapling growing not too far from the old tree. I wanted to dig it up and replant it near our house. I told Mom that I would protect it from the wind and water it every day so that it could grow nice and tall and straight. Mom frowned at me. "You'd be destroying what makes it special," she said. "It's the Joshua tree's struggle that gives it its beauty.” 

A Heart Revealed

'A Heart Revealed" By Josi S. Kilpack was another book chosen by my book club. This is the story of Amber Marie Sterlington, who is  snooty, uppity, and vain. She is the rage of the season in London and can have any man she chooses, and of course she is going to marry for money, love has nothing to do with it in this game. But when her social standing is threatened, her life is drastically changed, forcing her to reevaluate what she really wants out of life, and a partner.

I personally loved this book. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. I was pleasantly surprised with how drawn into the story I became, and there is one particular scene towards the end of the book, that I had to reread because the cheesy romantic in me was melting ooey-gooey goodness (I may have even sighed out loud). This is a wonderful book for people who love the Regency era, a good clean romance, and a good life lesson thrown into the mix.

It did leave me with a few unanswered questions however (not vital to the story but I am just curious about) and if I ever do have the chance to meet Kilpack in real life I am definitely asking her haha.