In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls shares her unconventional and often tumultuous childhood, shaped by her highly dysfunctional family. Her parents, particularly her father, embody a mix of brilliance and instability, leading to a life full of hardships and emotional challenges. Walls depicts her experiences with a blend of humor and resilience, emphasizing her determination to rise above her circumstances.

Throughout the narrative, a recurring theme is the idea that despite chaos, there is a greater plan at play, encapsulated in the quote "God knows what He's doing." This reflects Walls' journey toward understanding her past and finding strength in the belief that her experiences, however difficult, have contributed to her growth and identity.