Glory O'Briens History of the Future
Author: Jeannette Walls
Published: January 17th 2006 by Scribner
Date Read: Apr 22 2020 - Apr 24 2020
Pages: 288
Rating: 5/5
Published: January 17th 2006 by Scribner
Date Read: Apr 22 2020 - Apr 24 2020
Pages: 288
Rating: 5/5
Quotes I Like
“Things usually work out in the end."
"What if they don't?"
"That just means you haven't come to the end yet.”
“You should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You have to find the redeeming quality and love the person for that.”
“Life is a drama full of tragedy and comedy. You should learn to enjoy the comic episodes a little more.”
“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
“One thing about whoring: It put a chicken on the table.”
"What if they don't?"
"That just means you haven't come to the end yet.”
“You should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You have to find the redeeming quality and love the person for that.”
“Life is a drama full of tragedy and comedy. You should learn to enjoy the comic episodes a little more.”
“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
“One thing about whoring: It put a chicken on the table.”
Review
This was really great, and I was not expecting it to be. I dont know why but I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I found this profoundly sad and uplifting at the same time. This book was not the most amazing I have ever read, but it was definitely really readable and enjoyable. The writing style made it feel more like fiction than a memoir if i'm being honest, and I think that's part of the appeal for me. This was a super easy read in style maybe less so in content, as some parts were pretty heavy, but it was still really enjoyable.
I really still don't know how I feel about the parents, I hated them, felt bad for them, pitied them and enjoyed them. This book is a testament to how resilient people, especially children can be. I think how she writes about her past is very clearly through rose coloured glasses and I think this is how most people look at their past, but I felt it took away from the trauma and truly terrible parts of her past. I also think this is her story to tell and she can highlight it however she wants. I just feel conflicted about this, but again it's not my life or story to tell. I really enjoyed the parts of the book when the kids were older and begin to see their parents in a more realistic light, that it's not just a magical adventure that something is wrong with the life they're living. Maybe the problem for me is that I mostly felt a deep anger towards her parents, never understanding or love there is literally no reason for a 3 year old to be using the stove. This is neglect not love or teaching... neglect and from that point really I hated them.
Overall I really enjoyed this and think it was really well written and quick to read. It makes you realize we need to look at those around us, check in ensure they are ok. As well I think it showcased important a parent is in a children's life, the deep impact they have on them.
I really still don't know how I feel about the parents, I hated them, felt bad for them, pitied them and enjoyed them. This book is a testament to how resilient people, especially children can be. I think how she writes about her past is very clearly through rose coloured glasses and I think this is how most people look at their past, but I felt it took away from the trauma and truly terrible parts of her past. I also think this is her story to tell and she can highlight it however she wants. I just feel conflicted about this, but again it's not my life or story to tell. I really enjoyed the parts of the book when the kids were older and begin to see their parents in a more realistic light, that it's not just a magical adventure that something is wrong with the life they're living. Maybe the problem for me is that I mostly felt a deep anger towards her parents, never understanding or love there is literally no reason for a 3 year old to be using the stove. This is neglect not love or teaching... neglect and from that point really I hated them.
Overall I really enjoyed this and think it was really well written and quick to read. It makes you realize we need to look at those around us, check in ensure they are ok. As well I think it showcased important a parent is in a children's life, the deep impact they have on them.