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What Members Thought
A shocking and candid look at Jeannette's life growing up with two very unconventional parents. At times her life was one of survival, as her parents forced their kids to fend for themselves while they tended to more important things, like art, inventing, or drinking. Jeannette's first memory is of an accident that happened when she was 3 years old and fixing hot dogs for herself. Her clothes caught on fire and she was burned badly. Yet there is still love and tenderness in this family, such as
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I read this book in two days, in two big chunks. I thought it was compelling, interesting, and well-written, and I think I'll probably get my own copy so I can read it again and make notes and underline passages.
There were many things I could relate to from my own childhood, like lack of parental supervision, lots of time exploring outdoors, school as a lifeline, brushing with baking soda, and raggedy clothes. Like Walls, I had a father who was brilliant but eccentric. Lucky for me, he gave up d ...more
There were many things I could relate to from my own childhood, like lack of parental supervision, lots of time exploring outdoors, school as a lifeline, brushing with baking soda, and raggedy clothes. Like Walls, I had a father who was brilliant but eccentric. Lucky for me, he gave up d ...more
In starting this book, I was surprised at how the author had grown up, and in comparing it to how I grew up, the book started slow for me. It wasn't until the kids started growing up and realizing what was (or wasn't) going to happen, that the book started to pick up for me. I was very excited when Jeannette finally got away from that little town, and started doing better for herself. All the kids, except for perhaps one, made a successful future for themselves, and I was happy about that.
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Funny and dark
The author truly triumphs over adversity and doesn’t seem bitter or angry at the neglect her parents forced on her and her siblings. Very well written and inspiring.
The author truly triumphs over adversity and doesn’t seem bitter or angry at the neglect her parents forced on her and her siblings. Very well written and inspiring.
Mar 04, 2011
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