By Jeannette Walls

Grew up poor, in a family of five; her mother and father, brother and two sisters. Family was nomadic travelling from state to state to avoid creditors & debts. Was very well educated, though severely neglected by her parents. Became very close to both siblings, as they often looked out for one another. The book is her memoir.

Las Vegas, Nevada San Francisco, CA Phoenix, Arizona Welch, West Virginia New York City Approximately between 1957 to 2005

Jeanette Walls: She is the narrator and main character of the story. She tells the events of her life living with neglectful and yet loving parents. Rex Walls: Jeannette’s alcoholic father who manipulates and uses his wife and his children for his own needs and yet never stops loving them and hoping they love him. Rose Mary Walls: The selfish mother of the family who brings her own baggage with her and passes it on to her children. She also loves her family but only after her own needs are met.

Lori Walls: She is the oldest child of the family, but isn’t the one who dominates. She is smart and loving, but without Jeannette, hasn’t the courage to escape the life she hates. Brian Walls: Jeanette’s brother, he learns very young how to protect his sisters. He grows up to be a protector as well when he becomes a police officer. Maureen Walls: Jeanette’s sister. She is the most fragile of the children and spends all her life looking for someone to take care of her.

Erma, Ted & Stanley Walls: Rex Walls’ mother, father and brother. They are racists and have bad attitudes about nearly everything. Stanley tries to rape Jeannette at one point. Dinitia Hewitt: The young black girl from Welch who first allows her gang to beat up Jeannette and then calls them off when she sees Jeannette in a different light. Jeanette Bivens: Jeannette’s favorite teacher who not only encouraged her dad to be a writer, but also supports and guides Jeannette. Grandma Smith: One of the individuals in Jeannette’s life who has a great influence on her. Ginnie Sue Pastor: A prostitute in Welch and teaches Jeannette a great deal in one visit to her home about the realities of life and what you are willing to do to put food on the table. John Taylor: Jeannette’s second husband who helps her find her real place in life and readily accepts her family with all their imperfections.

Forgiveness Unconditional Love Hunger The Element of Family