Currently being only half way done with The Glass Castle leaves me with many unanswered questions, but one specific question has resided in my mind: How much more will the children take?

As I flip through the pages, I find myself analyzing every detail: the way the parents treat the children, how the children react to the unrecognizable abuse, and the attitude each character acquires through different situations. I am constantly wondering how the children are able to tolerate the corruption of the lives they live.

After being driven out of their old “home,” they find peace in a new town known as Battle Mountain. For the first time in a long time they were safe; they had money and a house. This house was not some raggedy house they were used to living in; it was huge and decorated with luxurious decor. The children believed that this was it for them; a chance for a new life, a better life, but sadly that was not the case. Just like every other time they go back to their old ways. Shortly after they established Battle Mountain as their home, the ample amounts of money they once had quickly turned into a few pennies. Their mother introduced them into the idea of stealing and dishonest acts to get money and items they needed. With Rex back to his drinking habits, and no more money flowing in; mother began to introduce the idea of moving east to Rex’s mothers home. They moved in with Grandma Erma, thinking this would solve their problems, and in some sense it did, but their lives were still on a constant downward spiral. Through all the alcoholism, abuse, distrust, and pain the children still remained loyal to their parents. I am confident that their personal well-being will soon come to trump family devotion.