The day before I went into labor with Avery, I spent a couple hours walking around Barnes n' Noble looking for my next great read. (Not sure why I seemed to think I was about to have a lot of time on my hands??)
I love spending time in a book store. There is something about it that makes it hard for me to leave. I guess it's the same reason I can't appreciate a Kindle. I want to feel the turn of each page; feel invested in the story.
Finally, I found a book that spoke to me. The Glass Castle. And seven months later, I have finally finished it.
It took me 6 months and 3 weeks to read the first 50 pages and 1 week to read the other 230. In other words, the moment I made the effort to read the book consistently, I couldn't put it down.
I must have checked 5 times to really believe this book was non-fiction. The story was fascinating as it followed the childhood of four siblings raised by dysfunctional, passionate parents, with personal demons too prominent to hide.
More than anything though, it was sad.
And although the author went on to live a successful and abundant life, her past is so dark that you are still left with an ache for these children.
It's true that "bad beginnings" are sometimes the exact thing that shape your future. They paint a line in the sand for your expectations. The reason you can confidently proclaim, my life will be different.
And to overcome adversity is far more impressive than repeating history. And it takes a brave soul to believe you can. The difference between pity parties and determination.
The author's determination, if only derived from her harsh reality, was inspiring.
I am definitely going to pick up this book! I always see it, and although sad stories dont seem appealing to everyone, I like the philosophy and self reflection that comes from these types of novels. You really sometimes can relate and and simultaneously appreciate what you do have.
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