Nearly 500 students from Bellaire High School will fill the auditorium Nov. 4, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. to hear journalist Jeannette Walls share the story of overcoming her difficult childhood, which is the subject of her best-selling memoir “The Glass Castle” and a movie in production by Paramount.
Walls will make an appearance on Nov. 4 as keynote speaker for A Celebration of Story, benefiting Writers in the Schools (WITS), 7 p.m. at the Junior League of Houston.
“It’s not often our students get to meet the authors they’ve been assigned to read,” said Brian Wolf, Head of the English Department at Bellaire High School. “The Glass Castle is not only a story that’s brilliantly written, it teaches young people they don’t have to be ashamed about themselves or their pasts. Our students are thrilled to meet with an author whose work has so captivated them.”
In The Glass Castle, Walls talks about being raised by her alcoholic father, Rex Walls, and eccentric mother Rose Mary, who pushed their four children to excel in learning despite uprooting them from various schools and cities, evading bill collectors and obligations. Her father supported the family through odd jobs, but more often than not, Jeannette and her siblings survived off table scraps, pet food, and at times went to sleep cold and hungry. Despite many struggles, Jeannette held on to the promise of the glass castle Rex would one day build for them until his unrelenting disease forced her to move out and find her own dreams in New York City.
“Jeannette’s story is honest and gripping. In her book, one sees how writing provided her access to a better life.” said Robin Reagler, executive director of WITS. “WITS students get a similar opportunity because they are encouraged to speak from the heart.”
Jeannette will headline the WITS Celebration of Story Nov. 4, honoring Mayor Annise Parker for her advocacy in education.
A book signing will follow the program courtesy of Brazos Bookstore. Proceeds from A Celebration of Story will fund more than 20,000 students in schools, community centers, hospitals, and homeless shelters.
This year’s gathering, which begins at 7 p.m., will include dinner, a silent auction and music by the Texas Medical Center Orchestra.
For ticket and sponsorship information for A Celebration of Story, call 713-523-3877 or visit www.witshouston.org.
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