The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls

I just finished The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls.  It took me about five days to read, which is fast for me considering I only read before bedtime.  I was riveted.  Not so much by extraordinary writing but by the characters.  I read in disbelief that this was truly someone's real childhood.  Someone who actually survived.  It's exasperating at times, because it's unbelievable that the parents could be as....I can't even think of a word to describe them.  Damaged.  Drunk.  Naive.  Immature.  Gifted but stupid all at the same time.  None of them capture it.  I'm not usually one for sad memoirs, but you can't help but be drawn in by this one.  Especially since the kids are so appealing.  You find yourself rooting for them, hoping that they escape.

Here's a review from the NY Times if you're interested in more.  The book has been out for years, so perhaps you've already read it.  If you haven't, add it to the list.