The Glass Castle

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did your view of the parents evolve as you read the book? Which scenes impacted your view of them the most?
• What does The Glass Castle title represent, and how does it reflect significant themes in the memoir? 
• Have you read any other memoirs that remind you of this one? How do they compare?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• What is the power of a retrospective view of childhood? If you were to write about your childhood now, how would your view differ from when you were young?
• What do you think of Rose Mary's claim that she values freedom above all? Is this an admirable trait for a mother?
• Why do you think Walls wrote about her family so honestly and transparently? What are the risks of exposing oneself this way? Would you ever do so/
• Reflect on the novel’s conclusion and Walls making peace with her past. What is the value of reconciling with our pasts in dealing with trauma?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Discuss the book’s portrayal of unconventional parenting techniques. Is there any value in Walls’s parents’ desire to defy the notion of a traditional American family? What commentary does Walls offer on those traditional family dynamics?
• How does the book portray the effects of poverty on identity and self-worth? 
• How does the book explore the cultural tension between personal freedom and societal expectations? What are some places where you see that tension playing out in contemporary society?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does the family’s constant movement impact the children’s emotional security and Walls’s relationship with her siblings? How does Walls convey this experience?
• What role does storytelling play in the Walls family? How do Rex’s stories affect his children’s perception of reality?
• How would you describe Walls’s relationship with her mother? Are there moments where she empathizes with her mother’s choices? What is the significance of those moments?
• What does the Joshua tree symbolize to Rose Mary? How does it become a symbol for more significant themes in the book?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you could imagine a conversation between Jeannette and her younger self, what would they say to one another? How might adult Jeannette comfort the child?
• View the 2017 film adaptation of the book. What did you think of the casting? How does the screenplay differ from the memoir? What are the unique challenges of bringing a memoir to life on screen?