An Evening with Jeannette Walls -- Point Loma Writer's Symposium By the Sea 2014

Jeannette Walls drew from her nomadic childhood with negligent but interesting parents for her memoir “The Glass Castle” and her colorful grandmother for “Half-Broke Horses: A True Life Novel.” Her latest, “The Silver Star,” continues to explore dysfunctional family love and loyalty. She talks here with veteran journalist Dean Nelson as part of the 19th annual Writer’s Symposium by the Sea at Point Loma Nazarene University. Recorded on 02/26/2014. [4/2014] [Show ID: 25517]

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[Koriander]

I am just reading "The glass castle" and watching interviews. I am so in awe of Jeannette...

[shannondowling]

It’s amazing she was never angered by her experiences described in The Glass Castle because I was furious and flabbergasted when reading her book.

[lynettemarshall]

I just read this compelling book and was so taken with her story. It's wonderful to hear her talk about her life. I think her ability to see her parents as providing her gifts even though they did not provide for her basic need for food is phenomenal. I love her perspective, and I think she is correct that her father had a mental illness that he was self medicating. I appreciate that she captures his heart and goodness along with his challenges. Jeannette herself is a fascinating person.

[HeyDee]

Great interview. Dean Nelson did his homework and asked some really interesting, thoughtful questions. Bravo!

[katherinebaker]

Could not put the book down. Read it cover to cover. Very similar story growing up (Beautiful Bi-polar, narcissist artsy Mother with a mysterious past & dry drunk father, bankruptcy, divorce & then shunned from high society at 13) & my childhood chaos followed me into my 30's, & unfortunately still lives with my Sister in her life today. Amazing strong, optimistic, practical and simple woman who tells the truth about life. Very good questions by the interviewer. Great positive answers. We should all be always thankful & appreciate the lovely niceties in life :)) Can't wait for the movie!!

[cinniemoran]

Dean Nelson interviewed Jeanette Walls superbly, and Jeanette hersel is an inspiration to live life to the full . Joy and true compassion shine out of her and makes her utterly beautiful. Thank you Jeanette for spreading the good news that a crappy childhood can be huge gift if we choose to look for and know the silver lining that is there. It's like a damaged pot can be stronger in the mended parts.Thank you Jeanette, and thanks too to Dean. Cynthia Moran.

[retpal]

The way she critically thinks about mainstream is amazing, we need more people like her today.

[lemmylaineyjames]

What an incredible interview!! It's refreshing to have a good interviewer, and as to Jeannette, I could listen to her all day long! She is an amazing woman, so much insights of life, so many valuable lessons, so much truth! I would love to sit and have conversations with her, very inspiring! I just re read her book for the second time, and it makes me want to read the perspectives of the other siblings! Wouldn't that be amazing? Thank you so much for this wonderful interview!

[gaviotadelmar]

I’m watching this interview because I just watched the movie, have not read the book, but wow! God bless this woman and her amazing way of accepting life and making the best of the life that chose her

[annthomas]

I just finished reading her book glass castle this evening. I'm so stunned by the courage of this women.

[leosrule]

I just finished watching this movie and I cannot tell you enough how wonderful it was. A true story that could have been told in a completely different light but instead was warm and loving; thank you for that.
And, yes, I cried.

[everydaynicole]

She’s fascinating and so well spoken. I want to keep watching but I haven’t finished the book yet.

[rudyxrudy]

SO WONDERFUL!~!~!~~~and THE GLASS CASTLE, her memoir is a

[donttrackmebro]

Excellent interview, excellent questions. I, too, noticed that the author doesn't describe her own pain, discomfort, or disappointment yet I think I felt them myself more powerfully than if she had. She lays out the scenes through the eyes of the child and you feel as though you are the child, right there. Absolutely fantastic book.

[HThomasGillis]

Listening to Jeannette Walls is fascinating. Her energy is full of optimism. It must be a quality inside her that helps her carry through and be such a persona. I do have a little trouble with the book as so much of her story in the Glass Castle depends on memories from her earliest years. But hey, who am I to comment or doubt - seven years on the NY Times Best Seller list - wow. 

[jackierave]

Love, love, loved your book Jeanette.. my sister-in-law had it and gave it to me to read when I was sick at their home.. I fell in love with it.. my life was chaotic and not near as difficult as yours of course, but we did move every year and sometimes twice a year.. the difference being my Dad always had a job to go to.. he worked on big construction projects.. Thank you for sharing and this book shows your resilience... Thanks again.

[CoolInOlympia]

Fascinating!!!  Thanks so much for this symposium!!!

[margottomasik]

Just finished listening to this incredible story "Glass Castle". She did a great story as a narrator. I am so inspired by her. I need to take a few days before I dive into another read.

[taraodonnell]

Jeannette Walls writes the book with the different stages of her life. What I loved, was that she wrote from a 3 year-old perspective, a seven year-old perspective and then from a teenager's perspective..That is why at a young age, she didn't write with judgment. SUch a great memoir!

[IngridBoloni]

She's amazing, The glass clastle is amazing and this interview was overwhelming <3