The Silver Star

A Novel

By: Jeannette Walls

Narrated by: Jeannette Walls

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Glass Castle and Hang the Moon, Jeannette Walls’s gripping novel "transports us with her powerful storytelling...contemplates the extraordinary bravery needed to confront real-life demons in a world where the hardest thing to do may be to not run away" (O, The Oprah Magazine).

It is 1970 in a small town in California. “Bean” Holladay is twelve and her sister, Liz, is fifteen when their artistic mother, Charlotte, takes off to find herself, leaving her girls enough money to last a month or two. When Bean returns from school one day and sees a police car outside the house, she and Liz decide to take the bus to Virginia, where their widowed Uncle Tinsley lives in the decaying mansion that’s been in Charlotte’s family for generations.

An impetuous optimist, Bean soon discovers who her father was, and hears stories about why their mother left Virginia in the first place. Money is tight, and the sisters start babysitting and doing office work for Jerry Maddox, foreman of the mill in town, who bullies his workers, his tenants, his children, and his wife. Liz is whip-smart—an inventor of word games, reader of Edgar Allan Poe, nonconformist. But when school starts in the fall, it’s Bean who easily adjusts, and Liz who becomes increasingly withdrawn. And then something happens to Liz in the car with Maddox.

Jeannette Walls has written a deeply moving novel about triumph over adversity and about people who find a way to love each other and the world, despite its flaws and injustices.

Walls beautifully captures complexity of family.

What did you love best about The Silver Star?

Jeannette Walls never shies away from creating parental characters that you both love and hate. I think what I loved best was her focus on the sibling relationship and how protective that can be when you are dealing with parents who, for whatever reason, are unstable.

What aspect of Jeannette Walls’s performance would you have changed?

I found Walls' performance to be boring. In fact, I was shocked that as the writer if this story, there wasn't much inflection or emotion present during her narrating. It was definitely something I noticed within the first half hour but continued throughout the book. It may have seemed especially absent given the subject matter (particularly the alleged sexual abuse) as I felt using more emotion would've helped flesh out that scene. I also would suggest using different voices for the different characters. As a newbie to audiobooks (yet an avid reader) I find this helpful to get lost in the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not sure, but it would highlight the sibling bond and the resilience of the girls. And maybe mention the unique kindness of the uncle.

Any additional comments?

While I'm a huge fan of Walls, II didn't enjoy this as much as "The Glass Castle". I was thrown a bit when the story took a turn and the girls left for their uncle's home. Initially, I expected that the story would be about the journeys and obstacles of living alone while waiting for their mother's return. After completing the book, I see that the journey back to their mother's old home was integral in the direction of the narrative. I would still recommend this to a friend, but it wouldn't be my first recommendation.

The Silver Star

Jeannette Walls is a fabulous story teller. I have read and listened to all of her books. In this book, she writes in first person as the character Jean, called Bean and puts you right there with her in the story. You can almost feel the wind in her hair, the sun on her face and smell of the hay.

Entertaining

I had to give this book 5 stars in every category. It was entertaining and will read. I truly enjoyed the story kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time.

Excellent story and reading!

This story was captivating and entertaining. Her presentation made you feel like you were experiencing it. We enjoyed every minute of it!

very weak plot

the characterizations and dialog were excellent but fie me it lacked a plot. I was surprised when it ended.