11 Banned Books by Women to Read Right Now

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2.) The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls

What it’s about

This memoir describes Jeannette Walls’ experiences as the child of two erratic, difficult, and intermittently loving parents. Rex and Rose Mary Walls raise their four children in poverty, frequently skipping town to escape bills and legal challenges. Despite occasional upswings in fortune, the family finances are unstable, thanks to Rex’s alcoholism and the mental instability of both parents. Jeannette, the second oldest child, eventually escapes by following her older sister Lori to New York City. Despite all of this, Walls contends that her family’s life often seemed like a grand adventure to their younger selves, and maintains close connections with her mother and father.

Why it was banned or challenged

The Glass Castle contains challenging scenes, including some involving sexual abuse, profanity, and criticisms of Christianity. In 2016, officials removed it from Pennsylvania’s Ambridge High School because of “racist and sexually explicit” content.

Why you should read it

Critics have praised Walls’ even-handed account of her childhood, despite the sometimes extreme poverty and adversity depicted within. In an interview with the Dallas News, Walls said that “My book has ugly elements to it, but it’s about hope and resilience, and I don’t know why that wouldn’t be an important message…. Sometimes you have to walk through the muck to get to the message”.