I read this book in one day, and I was sad when it was over.
Jeannette and her family bounce around from trailer park to trailer park, from run down apartments to abandoned train stations. Having parents with no money, no sense of responsibility and huge unrealistic dreams (such as building a glass castle), Jeannette has to develop her own plans, and actually achieve them.
The Walls kids learn to take care of themselves, as well as their parents (who are quite interesting characters).

One of the most intriguing parts of this book is that you already know that Jeannette Walls is a successful journalist. You know the ending already, so this is solely about the journey.