But I also hoped that {she} had chosen California because she thought that was her true home, the place where she really belonged, where it was always warm and you could dance in the rain, pick grapes right off the vines, and sleep outside at night under the stars.
In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls reflects on the notion of belonging and home through her hopes for her mother. She yearns for her to have found a true sense of belonging in California, a place symbolizing warmth, freedom, and joy. The imagery of dancing in the rain and sleeping under the stars conveys a deep yearning for a simple yet fulfilling life connected to nature.
This idealized vision of California represents the opportunity for happiness and a fulfilling existence. Walls romanticizes the idea of picking grapes off the vines, suggesting a return to an untainted and harmonious lifestyle. Through this perspective, she emphasizes the intrinsic desire for connection with a place that feels like home.
