Jeannette Walls

State: West Virginia

Jeannette Walls was born in 1960 and spent part of her tumultuous childhood in Welch, West Virginia. Raised in extreme poverty and instability, she later moved to New York, becoming a successful journalist. In 2005 she published The Glass Castle, a deeply honest memoir tracing her family's hardship, resilience, and complex love. It spent years on bestseller lists, received critical acclaim, and was adapted into a major film. Walls has since authored compelling biographical novels like Half Broke Horses and emotionally rich fiction including The Silver Star and Hang the Moon. Her work grapples with themes of survival, family bonds, and transformation. With clarity and compassion, she transforms personal trauma into universal stories of strength and redemption.

Genres: Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Memoir

Audiences: Adult, Young Adult