Velshi Banned Book Club: ‘The Glass Castle’ with Jeannette Walls

[@jltsheppard5057]

Of course small minds would want to ban a true story about how real love overcomes the darkness of shame. Thank you so much, Jeanette Walls, for becoming a writer and telling your story, and thank you, Velshi, for doing this Banned Book Club.

[@shelleydwyer-murphy2281]

I so appreciate Mr. Velshi doing this Banned Book Club. And this was a great interview with a very brave woman.

[@jasonito23]

This was actually required reading in my middle school. One of the books that I really appreciated in school. At my school, when parents complained about a book our school just said, you can choose to have your student sit in another class while we discuss these books. Every time the parents conceded- most of the time because their child wanted to be part of class.

[@johnstiver4564]

I've got to get this book! I can relate! My father wasn't an alcoholic but he was a religious fanatic - just as bad if not worse. He wasted the last 45 years of his life looking forward to a non-existent afterlife. He might have been better off if he had an occasional drink.

[@rafaelalamo7665]

This is a wonderful book. Absolutely raw and beautifully written. ❤

[@Chichi-ld1eo]

I would have loved this book when I was younger. I love it now at 70.

[@c.lyttle3017]

This book is amazing and deeply memorable. The ability of J. Walls to survive and thrive from such a difficult childhood is an inspiring story. Don't ban books.

[@marycunningham8466]

I am not American but this is horrifying. As a child born during the 2nd world war book banning has echoes that l did not expect to see in 21st century in the west. I

I’m in total shock. How is it possible that this book could be banned? I read it as soon as the paper back came out. It opens one’s eyes it was truly educational.

[@zs4673]

This is an outstanding book for high schoolers.

[@starkillerclub3755]

I can not express how much I love this book, and how it explores the humanity, the good and ugly, that encompass a life of nonconformity and living outside the mainstream.

[@alexandrawallner8814]

THE GLASS CASTLE is a wonderful, readable book and a story that was begging to be told. Banning it? I don't think so. Small minds want to ban it. Geez! -- Thanks for a great book, Jeanette Walls!

[@WarrenHolly]

What are they upset about the book for?

[@patricial.6758]

I read this book. I was an adult at the time. Where is the book banned? High schools? Where semi-adult kids are becoming old enough to deal with disfunctional family issues? Serious life altering decisions about their own lives, who they become involved with, have relationships with? And also observing relationships of others around them. The book was a little depressing in parts, but still made me think.

[@MR-fn1gx]

I read this book after my daughter “ read “ it in HS & I could relate to it on SO many levels. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[@loriwhite8501]

That's crazy. It's an amazing book.

[@andreac-iheartcrossstitch]

This is one of the best books I've ever read. How ridiculous that it has been banned!!

[@elizabethwinters5361]

One of my favorite books ever. I read it for the first time when someone loaned it to me, and bought my own copy to read it again. I treasure this book!

[@Socrates-b9n]

reading about Jeannette's life would definitely inspire high school children to aspire to greatness and overcome terrible hardships with no help from society.

[@MartijnHover]

The idea that one should "overcoime hardships" with "no help from society" is typically American and a strong symptom of American dysfunctionality. Helping people to overcome hardships is what society is for. Or should be, at least.

[@Socrates-b9n]

@@MartijnHover I absolutely agree. However, I was prating the right wing view about what should motivate high schoolers and that includes pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps (which is impossible by the way). It is right wing free market economics, together with the idea that taxation is theft, which has left the US behind other developed countries, which have a reasonable social safety net, good schools, funded healthcare, and higher levels of life satisfaction. The rich get it all, and the rest suffer.

[@clayoreilly4553]

It is impossible to "overcome terrible hardship with no help from society." How does an infant or a toddler or a child grow with no help? It is not possible. Human beings do not have that capability.

[@Socrates-b9n]

@@clayoreilly4553 of course it isn't. I was parroting the right wing pull yourself up by your own boots bootstraps for dramatic effect. They believe in 'the spur of poverty' as the best means of poor people achieving anything - this doesn't seem to encompass the idea of middle class children who are high achievers despite having had a fortunate upbringing. Nor does it address the fact that the so-called 'spur' of poverty actually drags people down into a difficult struggle for existence.

[@Socrates-b9n]

@@MartijnHover I absolutely agree: I was channeling right wing beliefs in a sarcastic manner, but not very well judging by the comments I've been receiving!

[@LillianBell-yy3zi]

and that you grew beyond it with compassion and forgiveness. What an inspiration Ms. Walls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnstiver4564]

I know, I would have probably gotten cynical, mean and depressed AND had several substance abuse issues.

[@jennywhisconier7777]

Jeannette Walls: I"m going out and buying that book -- You're a delight! -- Thanks, Velshi, for the intro!

[@olenkamackey8885]

I don't understand. I am a conservative and I do not share the author's childhood traumas, but I found the book extremely inspiring and compassionate!

[@bereal6590]

Protecting children isn't banning books. If I'd read a book like this as a kid, it could have helped me out of my situation. Alas ignoring and neglect was what we in my area and class received, no matter jow much abuse ✌

[@ShirleyKing-zt1ep]

Saw this interview and realized I had the book! Started reading and could not put it down! I could relate, but not as extreme as her experience! WOW! AWESOME!!

[@bekind5738]

The Glass castle is a brilliant piece of writing. Shame on all these banners. Education is the great equalizers.

[@orchidlilly7518]

The idea that there is such a thing in America is insane. The Glass Castle is an amazing piece of work !! Shame on these book banners ! This should Never of been an issue..........

[@donotRussiamyMerica]

Not only is this one of my favorite books, but I encourage young people to read it.

[@laurieeyebee]

Absolutely excellent, unforgettable piece of work. I just watched the movie and thought it was done well. My parents never abused us but they had their moments, and all is now seen with love.

[@denniswilliamson9136]

I have not read the book. I have lived it. My Parents taught me everything NOT to be. I thank them.

[@susanford2388]

The idea of banning books is grotesque, backward & unlearned. We evolve as humans & are constantly learning. If Ron De Santis no longer wants to learn then he can leave let others flourish. This country is not a dictatorship yet Red Governors are behaving like that.

[@cynthiafabriziopelak7823]

What a gift. Thanks for the show. I love the book. Powerful Read! I hope the sales of the book increases.

[@Socrates-b9n]

children are one thing, high schoolers are young adults who need to know about the world as it really is, not as presented in Hallmark videos.

[@lauracarstiou3505]

Amen. We read The Scarlet Letter in highschool which is about adultery. Is that banned now? Or how about Sister Carrie? I just read that recently and it was not about a Leave it to Beaver type family!!😮

[@lindaSmith6588]

Trump supporters are adults. They need to know Trump for the corrupt, traitorous, liar he is. Not the false hallmark card life he presents.

[@Socrates-b9n]

@@lauracarstiou3505 I know. What this excessive protection does is leave middle class children naive and at risk for being coopted by extremist political and religious groups. Working class children have objective life lessons all around them if they choose to learn from them, but they too need the wisdom contained in young adult fiction.

[@annawolfe2706]

BEST BOOK I EVER READ!!!

[@lauracarstiou3505]

If l were a teenager and there were banned books l would do anything to get hold of those books. Madame Bovary was once banned and I made sure to read it in highschool.

[@susanforrest128]

A brilliant, frightening, hopeful memoir!

[@lauracarstiou3505]

I read it twice. It's powerful and amazing she survived all that. I also saw the movie. I could identify with some of it except the poverty. My parents were functioning alcoholics who cherished reading and classical music. I am an avid reader and an artist thanks to them. I really understood Walls emotional journey

[@nanunana9087]

I love the Book ❤ It is very well knien here in Germany 🇩🇪

[@arxsyn]

that's wonderful. this is the first time i've ever heard about this. i'm sure it's great. book bans however are terrible. Imagine banning Anne Frank!

[@robinhoward8805]

What a beautiful interview about what sounds like a wonderful & inspiring book! Thanks so much ❤

[@c.lyttle3017]

You should read it. It is inspiring to see her succeed in life after such an incredibly chaotic upbringing.

[@vaunniethayer1484]

Ironically the very children who will want to read this book are the children who are themselves suffering from parental abuse. They need to know they are not alone and that surviving and thriving are possible. If parents don’t want their children to read a particular book that’s their choice, however they have no right to make that choice for your children.

[@emmasue4181]

Excellent.

[@leahartlee29]

This book is so important. I read it as an adult and love it SO MUCH! These book banners need to be banned. This is RIDICULOUS! This book can help people prevent AND overcome the worst things! Vote Blue!!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Totally agree with you this book could help children

[@Marty_Wanlass]

Doesn't Mr Velshi look fabulous tonight. Great suit. Understanding that others suffer trauma can make us all more compassionate.

[@jannea4318]

I've read The Glass Castle three times and will read it again.

[@PriscillaRobb]

Now, I am curious why the book was banned. I will check that book in our public library. I just read the book, The Fixer. It was a good book.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Why in the world would this book be banned? Good grief. I read this book years ago and, unfortunately, could relate to a lot of it. My childhood was pretty dysfunctional as well. I don’t remember their being SA in the book so it obviously wasn’t triggering to me. (and I was also SA’d as a child). Why do these parents not want their almost adult age children to read stories of real life and overcoming?

[@johnheigis83]

Good for you, young lady.

[@usainengland]

There’s a reason for “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Humans need self compassion to have complete compassion for others. These book bans are as pernicious as they are deluded.

[@Socrates-b9n]

a house filled with books - not a typical trailer trash experience! Thank god for libraries.

[@Foxeslady]

This book was a mimic of my childhood, it made me feel seen. I hate the cult of personality that thinks because they don’t like it, no one should read it. It’s a wonderful book, and deserves more recognition even today.

[@cheriewolfsen2491]

❤❤❤Jeanette Walls Books!!!

[@thejulesist]

It's a great book!!!!!

[@LoraTeutsch]

My AP Psychology students absolutely loved the book! I used the book to teach so many psychological concepts. Thank you Jeanette Walls for sharing your story.

[@clayoreilly4553]

Brava, Madame! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Greetings from florida, fascism is strong here. Free the books.

[@WarrenHolly]

How are the political maps drawn up in Florida?

[@MicrobyteAlan]

@@WarrenHolly by governor Rhonda Santis.

[@WarrenHolly]

@@MicrobyteAlan I believe that Florida is about to turn blue

[@MicrobyteAlan]

@@WarrenHolly fingers crossed, however we still have desantis for two more years and our state government is ruby red.

[@Fern-z8g]

Are you serious that a mother wants this book banned ? She must be nuts....this book talks about real life...i haven't read it but I've lived with abusif and alcoholic parents...we lived in a really big house that was cold...we had no water, no bathroom, no toilet....but I moved on with this..I learned to live with nothing much yet I had everything...I loved to wake up from my straw mattress bed...it smelled so good when they changed the straw in Autumn.....I tell myself that all throu that, I learned compassion and humbleness....your book sounds like agood one for me to read and lose myself in it...Thank you for showing to so many people that life isnt always living in a castle..❤❤❤

[@kenbredow8727]

Indeed a great story. Thank you Jeanette Walls

[@lauralafauve5520]

Hello! Looking forward to the Velshi podcast!

[@marciawade8813]

One might be so null of mind to demand removal of such inspirational books as "The Glass Castle" from elementary & middle school, but how can they argue to remove such inspirational books from High School Level readers or the public library... Yet, there they are.

[@mistiecantey1]

Great book.

[@mistiecantey1]

Any parent who thinks this book should be banned for high school students is both stupid and naive.

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

@@mistiecantey1 Or guilty.

[@barbaraj6340]

This is banned? That is crazy!

[@antonyreyn]

Just read about Clarice Lispecter who was burnt by fire in her fifties - speaking from her Tomb

[@stregalilith]

I’m with the banned❤️

[@frederickfernandez787]

Violence has no place in our society! It’s the cause of dysfunctional individuals in our society! Traumatic scars will always exhibit as anti social reaction afterwards in the life of those who are subjected to it…

[@jessicatymczak5852]

This is completely ridiculous, enough already. If you don’t want your kid to read this book, then parent up and don’t let them. But you have zero right to ban others from reading it, that is a violation of my right to raise my kids my way. Enough, enough already.

[@angelaholmes8888]

You are totally right 💯

[@franknunez7974]

I love her books they got feelings

[@judithmccrea2601]

This is such a good book. Teenagers love it. You know how salacious teenagers are. 😂😂😂. I love them.

[@dariamorgendorffer7813]

Did this person actually read the book?!? ‘Aspire to greatness’ is the goal of the story!!!!! A school is a place to give tools to students to help them succeed in life! It educates them on general education but helps them overcome sacrifices, traumas, and difficult experiences. How will they understand their predicaments if they can’t even name what is affecting them? Get over yourself! SA is happening to children! It's sucks, but it happens. Books like this are essential, even if it makes you uncomfortable! Geez!!!!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes you are right I wished this book was around when I was I child because It would had helped me

[@mariettaab4477]

Velshi, i I love how you think. I am s true fan i want to see more of you ❤

[@mr.m4853]

There are no banned books

[@GCar35]

You need to look up the definition of, “banned” The GOVERNMENT BANS this Book from high school libraries and curriculum. Get it!? Jees

[@judithwilliams5773]

Even if the book is not available at school kids and their parents can always buy them elsewhere

[@smileyface-hx3gh]

Youre missing the point. Books should not be banned because some people think that they are not apprpriate for children or young adults. Freedom of speech.

[@dagmarfrerking2235]

And what about kids who have parents who can't afford to buy books or don't understand why they should or can't read themselves and therefore wouldn't know what to buy.... Those disadvantaged kids need the books most!

[@lauralafauve5520]

I was selling some children's books at a flea market. I met some kids who wanted a particular book that their teacher had read to them at school. Their mom, at first, refused to buy it until I explained to her that this was a book from their school that their teacher read to them and that's why they wanted it so much. That made sense to her and she bought the book for them.

[@heatherross928]

I agree with removing it from high school. I read the book when it came about. Amazing book. But not for a 15 year old.

[@anamariaguadayol2335]

Oh, I don't know. I read "The Diary of Anne Frank," "The Story of O," and Anna is Nin, "Little Birds," and oodles of other inappropriate books in my parents ' library by the time I was 12. And here I am at 73, twice widowed from two of the most wonderful men who ever lived; have advanced degrees, successful children (grandchildren and great grandchildren), and turned up as a very well adjusted human being despite having had to emigrate twice in my life and start with nothing both times. If a child picks up a book, let him or her read it and then be there to answer all of their questions. I loved my deep conversations with my dad about the books I was reading.

[@anamariaguadayol2335]

@@costidisa I am a teacher with 34 years of experience. Your 25 year old is an uneducated canvas who needs to be civilized so he or she can function in society.

[@a.michelle9289]

😮😮😮😮 Religious Inquisition 2.0 or Plan 2025

[@winstonsmith6607]

Velshi should just come out and say it: He wants the age of consent lowered

[@meghan42]

What does banning such a wonderful book have to do with the fact that some red states allow children to get married?

[@stregalilith]

🤮🤮🤮

[@ecamp6360]

Not a fan. She sold out her parents. They tried to give her a different upbringing. She wanted normal, vanilla, corporate life.