The book's title refers to her father's ultimate unfulfilled promise, to build his dream home for the family: a glass castle.

The first part, "A Woman On the Street", documents her conversation with her mother, Rose Mary, who was squatting in an abandoned apartment in New York City, which pushed her to tell the truth and write this memoir.

Part Two, titled "The Desert", covers young Jeannette Walls living with her parents, Rex and Rose Mary, and her siblings Lori and Brian.

She is engulfed in flames when attempting to make hot dogs over the stove, resulting in her going to the hospital and receiving skin grafts on her stomach, ribs, and chest.

Due to fear of the mounting medical bills as well as skepticism of modern medicine, Rex takes Jeannette out of the hospital without permission or paying.

Their parents' nomadic lifestyle imposed by their avoidance of financial responsibilities results in the family frequently moving about to locations in various states including Nevada, Arizona, and California.

Following his relapse, Rose Mary decides that since they have no money it is time to move again, and she takes the family to their paternal grandparents in Welch, West Virginia.

Part Three, titled "Welch", covers approximately a seven-year period and documents Jeannette and her siblings' shifting perspectives on life with their parents from being one of adventure and whimsy to abuse and brokenness.

[14] In The New York Times Book Review, critic and novelist Francine Prose wrote, "The autobiographer is faced with the daunting challenge of ... attempting to understand, forgive and even love the witch ...

[29] In 2012, in Traverse City, Michigan, West Senior High School's 9th grade honors English class removed the book due to its "explicit language and references to child molestation, adolescent sexual exploits, and violence.

[31][32] In 2017, the book was again challenged in Marshfield, Wisconsin, resulting in the National Coalition Against Censorship defending it, stating that discussing its themes including "poverty, hunger, bullying, assault, and alcoholism" will benefit the students.

[33][26][27] Paramount bought the film rights to The Glass Castle,[34] and in October 2015 announced that actress Brie Larson would play Jeannette Walls in the movie adaptation.