Ashton Hittle
Lantern Staff
It is always interesting to learn the story behind what is written in a book. Author Jeannette Walls will be at the Hubbard Welcome center to talk about her book “The Glass Castle.” This event is a part of the Harold Smith Cultural Series. She has spoken at a few other colleges and has given a powerful message, according to those who have attended her events, about not letting your past define you, to fight your battles and create a new future for yourself.
“I think it is very sad to think that there are children in this day in age who are raised in such poverty,” Mary Moon, executive director of Community Advancement, said. “I think it is also uplifting that she overcame these circumstances of her youth and is living the lifestyle of a successful person.”
Walls has written a memoir about her life growing up called “The Glass Castle.” It is not necessary that one should read this book before attending the event, but it would help the listener understand what she is talking about. The book has been turned into a movie in 2017, and many suggest watching that movie as well as reading the book.
The book came out in 2005 and has printed over 2.7 million copies, according to Goodreads. “The Glass Castle” shows how important unconditional love towards family can be. Walls also tells the reader that even when your life is not going the way you want it to as you have the opportunity to change it and create something better.
In order to write a memoir about one’s life they have to have guts, especially when they are honest and tell the truth about their life growing up. Walls wrote about her childhood; how eccentric her parents were and the events that led her to where she is today. When she was little, they lived almost like nomads, moving one town to another. Once money ran out, they ended up moving to an old mining town in Virginia. Her father Rex was creative and was able to capture the children’s attention when he was sober. When they finally took root in Virginia, he took to drinking as a second nature. Walls’ mother, Mary, felt that she could not stand the responsibility of providing for her family but would rather paint something that could last forever.
During the event she will talk about facing and overcoming her fears and along with her childhood growing up. This event will be held on Monday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Welcome Center at the El Dorado campus. There will be 200 or 300 people will be expected, and it is open to the public.
