What are the differences between the desert and Welch? Be specific.

There is a clear shift in tone and plot when the Walls move from the desert to Welch, Virginia. Life in Welch, West Virginia is completely different than the life the Walls led in the desert on the West coast. Most notably, Welch has a winter season which brings new challenges to the Walls family. From their arrival, the Wells children are itching to leave Welch and return to the desert. But eventually circumstances become so bad that they realize they must move away from their parents in order to achieve stable lives. Lori and Jeannette set their sights on New York and begin saving money to move out of Welch once and for all.

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-glass-castle/study-guide/short-summary/