The first story Walls tells of her childhood is that of burning herself severely at age three, and of her father taking her away from the hospital. Why do you think she opens with that story? How does it set the stage for the rest of the memoir?
This story sets the stage for the danger Jeannette and her siblings lived in on a daily basis. They were raising themselves, taking part in activities that should not be performed by children, let alone allowed to do unsupervised. It also speaks to the fact that Rex was more worried about not having doctor bills or being questioned about his neglect as a parent than insuring his child's injuries were cared for properly.
The Glass Castle
