Jeannette's mother insists that, no matter what, "life with your father was never boring" (p. 288). What kind of man was Rex Walls? What were his strengths and weaknesses, his flaws and contradictions?

Rex was very dynamic in the way he lived his life. Actually I'd describe it as rather Schizophrenic but creative. Unfortunately this was no lifestyle for kids. He let them down in every way that stability mattered. Rex was kind like the antithesis of Atticus Finch in To kill a Mockingbird. Rex did love his children but he just couldn't get himself together.

Rex Walls was very kind but not so much supportive for his family or for himself. He drank almost everyday he smoked at least 4 packs of cigarettes a day. Although he cared about his children he couldn't take care of them like a real dad should. They moved all over the USA and was gambling all the time.