Week twelve prompt

"The glass castle" by Jeannette Walls                                          


1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

    This book is highly narrative and reads very much like fiction.

2. What is the subject of this book?
 
    The subject is biographical and deals with addiction in parents, poverty and        mental illness.

3. What type of book is it?

     This book is non-fiction and a memoir.

4. Articulate appeal

    Pacing: This book is a very fast read as it reads like fiction and has short chapters.

    Intent of the author: This is a biographical tale of a now successful adult overcoming adversity.

    Focus of the story: The focus is on the Walls family and their upbringing in a poverty stricken             household as children of a father with alcoholism and a narcissistic mother and how they cling to       their dreams and never give up hope.

    Does the language matter? Yes. It helps to paint the picture of the family members.

    Is the setting important and well described? Yes. It is the setting is important and the description of     the environment. However, this type of story could take place anywhere.

    Are there details and, if so, of what? There are details about incidents that helped form Jeanette's         strongest memories and shaped her future.

    Are there charts and other graphic materials? No.

    Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding or experience? Yes. This book                     provides the reader with insight into a life of four children and parents who love them, but not             enough to put them first. This is hard to read at times as there are incidents of child neglect and           substance abuse.

5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
1.  Interesting story and well-written   2. Tone of the book is positive about overcoming difficulties in life   3. Non-fiction that reads like fiction