An Autobiography I Can Relate Too Much To

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I just finished reading our last months book club pick "The Glass Castle". Afterwards it made me feel like I drank two Mountain Dew's it stressed me out so much. It took about 5 hours and a period movie to calm down my overly stimulated memory and emotions. Seriously, I was a little embarrassed afterwards because I was talking so fast to a couple of my friends while discussing the book.

Why was I so shaken? Because I could relate and had experienced some of the poverty and trials she had. I have been blessed with a terrible memory and therefore I have forgotten and pushed out the rest of the bad times. I feel like that's how I'm able to stay positive. I was telling my sister Lisa about the book and she kept bringing up stories of our own that were similar. Eeek!

I wouldn't necessarily recommend the book because it's so gritty, but it's very well written and engaging. The author has overcome atrocities no child should have to endure. She has also found her way to happiness and success and I applaud her for making the very best out of her life.



I finished the book at 2:45 right before I picked the kids up from school. So, to prove what a fun and engaged mom I am, I picked up my kids and drove straight to Chuck E. Cheese. ;) I spent the rediculous amount of money on pizza and tokens just to validate myself. I know it sounds silly but I needed to prove to myself that I'm nothing like the mom in the book and that one does have control over their own situation no matter how they started out in life.

Leave it to my oldest to go through 42 tokens in 20 minutes! That's got to be some kind of record. ;) I played with Drake, we ate, picked out toys, and I just felt so grateful I was born here in the USA at this time in history. God Bless America!

Comments

Laura said…
I have been wanting to read this... it sounds intense! I think we have all had it rough in one way or another- growing up! Good thing we have the power to be whoever we chose to be!
October 13, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Janice said…
Wow, having only met you through blogging, I am amazed to hear that you had similarities to that book. I LOVED the book and what amazed me was how everyone with the exception of the youngest sister really managed to pull themselves out of what was a very hard upbringing--helping each other along the way. Again, I am sitting here amazed that you, who I think about your amazing homemaking skills and insightful comments on your blog on a daily basis have much to relate to that book.
October 13, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Nikki said…
The book club I belong to read read this a few months ago. It is definitely on my list of all time favorites. I was so impressed by the tone the book is written in.

~~Nik
October 13, 2007 at 5:29 PM
Paige said…
Laurie, I'm freaking out that you can relate to that book AT ALL. The parenting was so horrid and it was amazing how well the kids turned out OK. Clearly they were so mentally ill and it's amazing those kids survived. The details were so graphic that I amazed she could remember all that.

YOU should write a book! Or at least Lisa, because she's the one who remembers!
October 13, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Paige said…
(more) I have to say you are ONLY person I've ever heard who could relate to this book in any way. I'm going to need more details about your upbringing.
October 13, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Jeralee said…
Thanks for your insights on this book. I haven't read it, but it definitely sounds like one that I would be interested in.

Is it a long the same lines as "A Child Called "It"," by David Pelzer?

My mother had one of those childhoods. Lots of poverty, lots of abuse. One of her sisters ( my aunt) is pretty messed up from the whole experience and has the mentality of about a 12 year old.
October 14, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Anonymous said…
Paige - you really crack me up. I probably shouldn't have even posted anything about it. I was just surprised at how it effected me. I wasn't abused and my parents were very strict not detached. We were very poor and my parents "borrowed" money from us all the time. My mom is a very creative individual and doesn't know how to handle money. Lisa would make an excellent writer! I totally think she should write a book we'd be belly laughing all the way through.
October 14, 2007 at 6:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Jeralee - I haven't read that book so I'm not sure.

Paige - I'd love to give you details but I don't think this is the place. ;) My experience wasn't as grim, we always had indoor plumming. {{smile}}
October 14, 2007 at 7:12 PM
Lisa said…
You guys are too nice. I don't think I could write a book about our childhood because some things are better left forgotten! I think Laurie and I have dealt with it and moved on and the past should stay the past. I don't even want to read the book for fear of more memories coming to the surface. For me it was just knowing that if I wanted it I had to do it myself and knowing that if I or someone else had to get my parents involved there would be hell to pay. Anything from making my lunches in elementary to going to college, which my Mom took most of my savings right before I went. But look at us now...we're normal, for the most part!
October 17, 2007 at 11:24 AM
jenhatch said…
sounds like an intense good read... can I borrow it? I need something like that after the Ella/Edward drama! A complete opposite read would be good for me!
October 17, 2007 at 8:50 PM
kara jayne said…
I am so behind on my blog reading, so I'm just now getting caught up. I just finished this book a few days before you. I was fascinated by it...on so many levels. Fortunatley my childhood could not have been more different. I can't believe you can relate. What's even more impressive is that you are a more put together, creative, engaging, warm, open person than most people are who had great childhoods like me. Good for you and your sister. Now, don't dwell on it and I say good for you for taking your kids to chuck e cheese!! I hate that place!
October 18, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Heather said…
That is such an amazing book, isn't it? I could not put it down!
December 12, 2007 at 1:11 PM
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